Forget snakes, how about toddlers on a plane? Nearly as terrifying, right?
So, your wonderful family is on the move, and it’s time to prepare for airport travel.
In the parenting world, the experience of eating out with young children can often become a battlefield – so how the heck can you be expected to board an airline and keep the ship afloat for a multi-hour, long-distance flight?
I mean, this isn’t fifteen minutes while we wait for our chicken nuggets – we’re talking about an all day travel bonanza.
My family’s lived it, and although it’s no cakewalk, it can be done. Here are my tips on how not just to survive but thrive while flying with your little ones.
6 Tips for Flying with Toddlers
Tip 1: Over prepare
I can still hear my dad saying, “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
If I’m honest, I sometimes fly by the seat of my pants while parenting. Our family’s taken impromptu trips to the local playground, only to realize neither of the kids have shoes.
“Oops, we forgot them at home — looks like you’re playing barefoot today.”
The airport however is not as forgiving, and this is one trip where prep matters.
When traveling with toddlers on a plane, my advice would be to over-prepare – diapers, tissues, and wipes at an arm’s reach.
Snacks, toys, stuffies, blankets, snacks, fidgets, devices, downloaded TV shows, and of course more snacks. We need all of them in our parenting arsenal.
How to pack it all? Wear clothing with tons of pockets – or sport a fanny pack (yes, stop staring, I love fanny packs). There are actually a few super stylish ones – I never go anywhere without my Kibou, (where function meets fashion) – but more on all the travel gear we love is discussed in a separate article.
Enlist your kiddo to help. Each child should be allowed to bring a carry-on with them, so I make sure they have little backpacks stuffed to the brim. I pack their bag with lighter items – enough to be a help but not so much they’re wobbling over on the tram.
Now they can assist in hauling everything while getting the full airline experience.
Bottom line, bring more than you need, rather than running out of steam.
Secret Presents (Shh)
I like to buy lots of different cheap trinket toys to wrap like birthday gifts. Or better yet, find something kid ‘ish’ they’ve never seen before, and wrap it up like new.
Is that a paperweight – or a present for the airplane? You may find the strangest things grab their attention and keep them occupied.
My youngest boy was delighted when he unwrapped a clementine, both refreshing to eat and somehow entertaining – it kept him busy for what seemed like an hour.
During those difficult times, which inevitably occur, perhaps opening a new gift will change the vibe! It typically redirects my child and can often help us avoid a meltdown mid-flight.
And don’t forget to pack some plastic garbage bags for the wrapping paper and packaging. You don’t want to always call flight attendants with every gift or leave your seat a mess.
Tip 2: Loosen the Necktie
Maybe the kids go overboard on the snacks and refuse to eat dinner.
Perhaps they consume more screen time on one flight than they normally do in an entire week.
For parents, some things are non-negotiable. I’m not saying just because the family takes a trip we should abandon all standards for our children. Parenting is hard work, and we all have certain behavior expectations for our kids (I get it).
Truth be told, sticking to your guns and being firm out in public can set a lasting example.
What I am saying however is that when you can allow it, consider going lax on the rules and going with the flow a bit. It’s not every day you venture onto a plane with the kids.
Tip 3: Burn That Energy
Encourage your kids to run around as much as possible in the airport before getting onto the flight.
I like to arrive early, and once checked in our family is all over that airport.
“Let’s go see the planes at the other terminal!”
“Why don’t we all race to the bathroom!”
My husband will take a turn running around with the children while I watch our bags, and then we’ll make a switch.
What time can we check into the hotel? How far is the AirBnB from the Airport? What are we going to eat for dinner? Is it just me or is this stuff constantly running through your brain as a parent mid trip?
Taking turns dashing around the airport with the kids gives the other parent the ability to plot out (or at least attempt to plan) your next move once the plane lands.
Burning energy and getting worn out before a flight is a great way to promote a nice long nap once you’ve boarded the plane.
Is it a guarantee – no. But all the excitement and wonder that comes along with traveling – new experiences, new environments – combined with some good old-fashioned horsing around can certainly move the needle in that direction.
Tip 4: Whachu Lookin At Willis!
Plan on getting a few stares from other passengers.
That tense feeling may occur – you know, the feeling like your family is attracting a lot of negative attention and ruining the ride for the couple sitting in aisle five – it’s more of a probability than a possibility.
Remember to have thick skin.
People may look. People may comment. But breathe easy and remember you will make it to your destination.
There are inevitably going to be moments of difficulty, so try not to feel judged. Don’t let fellow travelers affect how you handle tantrums or other tough parenting scenarios that might come up.
Prepare to get some gawks. Remain the course until trays are in the upright position and wheels touch pavement.
To be honest, I’ve found the flight attendants and other passengers often surprise me with their kindness and understanding when things go awry in the air.
Tip 5: Nap Departure Time
This one is a bonus, and not always in your power to control (I wish I could request a plane just like an Uber). If at all possible, try to get a flight that is scheduled during a time period when kiddos naturally nap.
Perhaps you need the earliest flight possible.
Maybe the mid-day flight is completely booked. Or it’s three times more expensive than some other option. I understand, nap departure times aren’t always possible.
As a parent, the airline schedules and pricing might not line up with what’s most convenient for our family – but when the stars do align – both your travel plans and flight departure – book it Dan-O.
It really is a dream come true to get a few moments of relaxation while the kids sleep on the plane.
I bring those same stuffies and perhaps a few other choice pieces of baby gear that help signal nap time to my little ones, and try to promote a good snooze mid flight.
Tip 6: The Gear
Speaking of gear, be sure to check out my article dedicated to everything baby travel related — all the knick-knacks and patty wacks that will help you and your family get from point A to point B.
Some items can make a huge difference without breaking the bank. Others are expensive but might be worth every penny depending on needs.
I’m completely obsessed with this stuff and there was just too much awesome gear to fit into one article!
That’s a Wrap Jack
Traveling is about adventure. Regardless of what happens, remember you’re making memories that you and your family will talk about for years to come.
If you’re on the fence about whether your family is ready for airline travel or not, trust me, you ARE! Don’t get anxious and don’t worry if things get weird in the air. Flight attendants and even complete strangers can often surprise you with their intuitiveness and helpfulness.
Try your best to prepare, but also plan on it not going exactly as planned.
My hope is that these tips combined with the right box of tricks help your family ride the skies with ease!
