Traveling with kids is a magical experience, but, my dear parents, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences. Although it is filled with cherished memories and new adventures, it comes with rock-hard challenges. So, if you just had a wave of anxiety with the thought of flying with children, take a few handy tips and make your family air travel as smooth as a whistle. We believe that when you are equipped with the knowledge and guidance for easygoing travel, your family vacation can become a delightful adventure.
Are you looking for stress-free travel with kids? Call +1-844-402-8105 and talk to the travel experts. Book a kid-friendly trip with ease. At Tours N Travel Pro, we work to offer customized itineraries for family vacations filled with fun and entertainment.
Prepare For Your Flight: Before You Leave Home
1. Choose Child-Friendly Airlines
- When searching for flights, it is best to put your filter to family packages. The search filter finds the best packages suited for family travels.
- Prioritize family comfort and safety over anything else. Go through a deep seek for airlines that offer best amenities for young travellers.
- Buy direct flights with fewer stops. Reduce travel stress by avoiding connections la, lovers, stopovers, and others.
- When choosing an airline, look for perks like early boarding for families, special meals, and even kid-specific entertainment options.
- You know your child’s daily routine and patterns, so choose an airline that can make your flying with toddlers easier.
2. Know TSA Rules for Kids
- Before heading to the airport, you should look at the TSA rules for kids.
- Read the necessary documents you carry for the flights and what to pack and what not to pack.
- Although children under 18 don’t need an ID when flying domestically, carrying a copy of their birth certificate would help.
- Also, be extra careful about items that need special handling. The TSA approves breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby food in amounts over 3.4 ounces or 100ml. For better screening, you should put these items in clear bottles instead of plastic bags.
**Particularly for Children With Special Needs: Parents must call TSA Cares lines 72 hours before. You can ask the customer representatives to request special assistance through airport security. Children or adults with special needs, like autism spectrum, have special screening processes for early boarding and comfortable seating.
3. Pack Baby Travel Essentials
We are talking about infants and toddlers here, so we are walking into a lot of unpredictable situations. Make sure you pack baby travel essentials to make your journey easy peasy. Think of items that will entertain your little ones and comfort you. Also, do not even think of forgetting the comfort items—your favorite toy, blanket, or whatever. Put all this stuff in your carry-on bag, and be prepared for the unexpected.
Refer to this list of flight essentials when flying with youngsters:
✔ Snacks and meals
✔ Water bottles and juice cans
✔ Headphones
✔ Diapers
✔ New toy or book
✔ Charged electronics, power banks and chargers
✔ Change of clothes for you and your kids
✔ Comfort item
✔ Blanket
✔ Bags for trash
✔ Hand sanitizer and wipes
✔ Travel sickness lollipops
4. Packing tips
Follow up with your airline for baggage policies and stay within your ticket allowance limit. Pack your child’s stuff in their own bags and their frequent items in their carry-ons. Having a stroller will be neat, and not having a stroller can be hectic. Dress up your kid in layers and slipper shoes so that they are easily changeable whenever it gets warm or chilly.
A Tip To Save The Main Day: Feed your Kid Before Take-off and Arrival
When flying in an airplane, some air gets trapped in your ears due to lowered air pressure at high altitudes. In these situations, children often struggle more because their eardrums are comparatively smaller. Especially during takeoff and landing, it is better to feed kids. To relieve ear pressure, you can yawn or sip water. Ensure that kids drink enough fluids and stay hydrated. Chewing gum or snacking would also help. If you have an infant, nursing or bottle-feeding can help.
The Day of the Flight: Making It Work
5. Arrive Early
Make sure you check your airline’s check-in and boarding deadlines. To reduce stress, take at least an hour or two more than the given time. Give yourself plenty of time at the airport so that you and your children have the time to adjust to any unforeseen delays or changes. This helps prevent any last-minute rushing through security or boarding.
6. Keeping Kids Entertained on Flights
When kids are enjoying the journey, so are you. If you want a pleasant travel experience, keep them entertained on flights. Here are the minimal-effort flying with children tips. Make some space in your luggage and pack their favorite books, coloring materials, or other comfortable materials. You can use the in-flight entertainment options for kids. You can check with your airline to see what’s available. However, avoid relying on Wi-Fi and download their favorite shows in advance for their fun on the plane.
7. Snack Smartly
Bringing along a variety of healthy snacks will help you during the flight. Kids may get restless or hungry when flying, so having a stash of their favorite snacks can keep them calm and satisfied. You may add some fruits, nuts, or granola bars to sustain their levels on the way.
During the Flight: Keeping It Calm
8. Manage Expectations
You must mentally be prepared for all odds. Understand that you and your child have expectations you need to manage. Kids may become restless or bored. So, talk it out and prepare them for the duration of the flight. Having a friendly and comforting chat will make things work. Maintain a relaxing atmosphere during the flight, even if things don’t go as planned. Take a deep breath and approach calmly.
9. Utilize Diaper Bags Wisely
Flying with toddlers? A well-organized diaper bag can be a lifesaver on flights. It should contain diapers, wipes, talc, and a change of clothes. You can also use color-coded packing cubes or resealable pouches to organize your travel bags. This way, you can easily find what you need without unpacking the whole bag.
10. Keep Your Cool
There’s no need to panic if your child becomes fussy or upset. Remember that other passengers likely understand. Strategically, divert your kid’s mind to shift their focus from irritability to playing a game, reading a book, looking out of the window, or taking a short walk (if allowed). Thus, enjoy a stress-free travel with kids.
Post-Flight: Arrival and Beyond
11. Plan Transportation Ahead of Time
When traveling with kids, you must plan everything to reduce stress. After you land, your transportation must be figured out. You may consider pre-booking a transport option from the airport to your accommodation. There are plenty of family-friendly options, some of which even provide car seats. This will make it easier to transition to your destination.
12. Create a Family Plan at Your Destination
After your flight, it is a good idea to take some time to relax and go into the vacation mode. Sit down as a family and talk about the plans and activities for the trip. Involve kids in planning and assigning roles to each, like devising a game for the day. This will maintain their excitement and keep them engaged. It will also give them a sense of ownership over the vacation.
13. Prioritize Flexibility
The key to a seamless trip is adaptability. Even with a packed schedule, allow for downtime and relaxation. Taking breaks helps everyone have a better trip. Instead of sticking rigidly to a plan, welcome spontaneous fun activities.
Book Family Air Travel & Get Set Go ➔
If you think of relaxing a bit, we suggest dropping the idea. A getaway with kids is not going to be a relaxing trip. You are going to make great memories and have fun, and all is good, but the hassle will exist. With a little preparation and the right mindset, your family vacation can be as fruitful as you want it to be. Remember these life-saving tips when flying with kids, and embrace the joy of traveling together.
Pick up your phone and dial +1-844-402-8105. Tours N Travel Pro experts are dedicated to helping families make memorable travel experiences. Use some amazing expert tips and tricks for an easygoing trip with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, children under 18 do not have to show any identification to travel domestically in the U.S. Airlines accept ID from adults who accompany children on their behalf. On international flights, minors under 18 need to present the same documents as adults.
No, children under 18 don’t need an ID to travel within the U.S. You must contact your corresponding airline for required documents or IDs for travelers under 18.
Anyone traveling onboard, including infants and toddlers, must show some sort of proof. If new-born kids do not have any IDs, parents can alternatively present their kid’s birth certificate as proof. Almost all air carriers accept it.
Top U.S. carrier lines like Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue offer families the opportunity to sit together on their flights for free. Children under 13 or 14 are seated next to at least one adult in the family group.
Make reservations for a flight with a schedule matching your child’s daily nap times. Pack lightly but carry the most essential items, like snacks and entertainment. Also, reach the airport early to allow the kids to settle in the new atmosphere.
As a parent, you are familiar with your child’s needs and wants better than anyone. You know that your child will have a meltdown mid- or end-of-flight segment. Whether they prefer a window seat or not, it would be better to book a seat in the back compartment of the plane, behind the wings.
On short routes, seats in the back rows can be noisy, which is a drawback of back seats. You would have to bear the constant flushing, concerning noises, and foul smells if seated on the last row of a domestic flight.
