10 tips for flying with toddlers

The thought of flying with toddlers can make even the calmest of us feel nervous and uneasy. However, luckily there are some tips for flying with toddlers that you can try that will make travelling with toddlers less daunting.

Travelling with toddlers is something I’ve done many times, with the flights being short ones, as well as long haul flights due to moving to the UK.

Here are some tips for travelling with toddlers that I used when travelling with my own toddlers, that I hope make your toddler travel adventures more enjoyable and less hectic.

Departure times and stopovers

If you can, book an early departure, as early departure flights are less likely to be impacted by delays and cancelations, plus it may tie in with your toddler’s nap, so you can get the majority of your flight done while your toddler sleeps.

Another thing to consider when booking flights, is to book one with minimal to no stopovers, so you don’t have to rush to your next flight, or deal with lost luggage, delayed take offs, or a multitude of other things that can make flying with toddlers difficult.

Bassinet seats

A travel tip with toddlers that I love, is to ask for a bassinet seat when booking a flight.

Bassinet seats are the seats at the front of the plane that have a bassinet folded up against the wall, and have a large amount of legroom.

Getting one of these seats allows your toddler to play on the floor, giving them space to spread out without disrupting other passengers, which makes the flight more enjoyable for everyone.

Another benefit of bassinet seats is that you can store snacks, toys, spare clothes, nappies, or anything else your toddler may need in the bassinet.

Airport family areas

Another tip for travelling with toddlers that’s really helpful is to find out if the airport you’re in has family zone.

This is a zone that contains activities for kids, and is usually quieter compared to other airport zones.

Airport family security areas

Similar to family areas, some airports have family security areas, which is a security section just for families that have shorter lines, and everyone is more patient waiting for you to put all of your items on the conveyor belt.

Using strollers in an airport

If you have yet to stop using a stroller and would like to take a stroller with you to your destination, at check in ask for your stroller to be checked to the gate.

This means you can use your stroller up until boarding time, and once you’re about to board, all you need to do is fold your stroller up, and give it to the airport staff who will place it in the airplane’s hold.

If you would like to do this, make sure you ask the airport staff at check in where the stroller pick up location is at your destination airport.

Avoid boarding early

One of the advantages of travelling with toddlers is the ability to board your plane early.

However, doing so means that you could be on the plane for up to an hour extra before it takes off, which can make your toddler irritable before the flight has even started.

If you’re travelling with someone else, ask the airport staff at the gate if you can board early with your luggage, and if your travelling companion can board last minute with your toddler, this will enable you to still get the overhead storage space above your seat.

Easing ear pain

Bring some lollipops, something to chew, or a bottle filled with liquid that your toddler can suck or chew during take off and landing, to avoid any ear pain they may feel during these times.

If their ears do feel painful even though they’re sucking or chewing something, encourage them to yawn.

Airplane snack ideas

Having toddler snacks on hand is something we’re all used to doing, and just like packing road trip snacks for kids, you need to pack airplane snacks for your toddler when flying with them.

Having airplane snacks for your toddler will help to minimise any boredom, as well as help you to deal with toddler tantrums that may arise due to your toddler having to sit in one place for a long period of time.

Some toddler airplane snack ideas are:

• Breadsticks
• Carrot sticks
• Crackers
• Dried fruit
• Flap jacks
• Fruit bars
• Popcorn
• Raisons
• Sandwiches
• Sliced apple
• String cheese
• Sweet or savoury muffins

If there will be a meal on your flight, make sure you pre-order your toddler’s meal when you’re booking your flight.

Failure to pre-order your toddler’s meal means they will likely miss out, and they’ll have nothing to eat but the toddler snacks you bring.

Entertaining a toddler on a plane

Keeping toddlers entertained on planes is a top tip for travelling with toddlers, as it makes flights possible.

Consider packing as many new toys as you can, as these will keep your toddler entertained for longer due to their novelty, and avoid taking toys with small pieces, otherwise you’ll spend your entire flight picking things up.

Some great things to entertain toddlers during a flight include:

• A device with your toddler’s favourite shows pre-downloaded on it
• Colouring books
• Kid’s magazines
• Play-Doh
• Puzzles
• Sticker books
• Toddler books
• Water paint books
• Whiteboard and dry erase markers

When giving your toddler items to play with during the flight, you could give them one activity at a time, or you could make them a travel activity pack so they have everything at once.

Changing a toddler on a plane

Changing toddlers on a plane can be tricky, especially if your toddler isn’t potty trained yet, and you have to change their nappy in the small airplane toilet.

If you need to change your toddler’s nappy on a plane, or change their clothing, don’t take a large bag in the toilet with you.

Instead put everything you need for one nappy change, or one clothing change into a zip lock bag, and have as many pre made zip lock bags as you think you’ll need.

For example, a pre made zip lock bag for a nappy change will contain one nappy, a small pack of wipes, and a nappy bag.

The number of pre made nappy zip lock bags you bring with you will depend on how many nappy changes you think you’ll do during your flight.

When it’s time to do a nappy or clothing change, all you need to take with you to the airplane toilet is your toddler, and the pre made zip lock bag with the nappy items, or the change of clothes.

If your toddler is potty trained, you can bring a portable potty with you on the plane to make toilet visits easier.

When I flew with my toddlers I took a My Carry Potty, and when they were older a Potette Plus.

Tips for flying with toddlers – a recap

Flying with toddlers can feel stressful, but some tips for flying with toddlers that will make a flight feel much more achievable include:

• Booking an early departure to avoid flight delays and cancellations
• Minimising or avoiding stopovers
• Asking for a bassinet seat so your toddler can play on the floor, and so you have extra storage
• Using family areas and family security areas at airports
• Checking your stroller to the gate so you can use it throughout the airport
• Boarding early on your own with your luggage, and having your travel partner board with your toddler nearer to take off
• Packing things your toddler can suck or chew during take off and landing, to ease ear pain
• Packing plenty of snacks and entertainment to keep your toddler happy during the flight
• Having zip lock bags with one set of nappy changes or clothing changes that you can take into the airplane’s small toilet

I hope you’ve found some tips for flying with toddlers here that will make your next family holiday one to remember.

What are your top tips for flying with toddlers?