Flying can be an incredible way to kickstart your next great adventure, but there’s no denying it can come with some serious stress. From long security lines to packing dilemmas, air travel demands a certain level of patience and preparation. Throw kids into the mix, and those challenges can multiply. Whether you’ve got a toddler scribbling on your boarding pass or a teen grumbling about the Wi-Fi, managing air travel as a family can feel like a full-blown operation.
But here’s the good news: with just a bit of planning and a few savvy tricks, traveling by air doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming. Whether you're headed on a much-needed couples’ getaway or a family vacation, these 10 tips are designed to help you sail through your travel day without losing your cool.
1. Get a Head Start with Early Packing
Packing at the last minute is a recipe for stress, especially when you’re managing multiple suitcases (and multiple opinions!). Start packing a few days before your flight. Make a checklist for each family member, so you don’t forget essentials like chargers, passports, and kid-approved snacks.
For families, consider packing outfits in zip-top bags to keep things organized. This way, kids can grab what they need without upending the entire suitcase. And always pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on for little mess-makers.
Pro Tip: Keep all your travel documents, including boarding passes and IDs, in one easily reachable folder. This saves you from fumbling through your bag at security or check-in.
2. Choose Your Flights Wisely
If possible, book flights that fit your family’s routines. Early morning flights tend to have fewer delays, while midday flights might work better if you’ve got kids who need their sleep.
Layovers can be tricky but might be worth it if they break up a long-haul trip for younger kids. Just make sure there’s enough time between connections. Rushing through a terminal with a stroller and a preschooler who refuses to walk is the opposite of stress-free.
Pro Tip: Avoid booking seats apart by checking your seating chart as soon as you book. Many airlines now charge extra for family-friendly seating together.
3. Prep for Smooth Airport Navigation
The airport can be chaotic, but you can minimize some of the madness with preparation. Aim to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones. This gives you a time buffer for check-in lines, security, and finding that one bathroom your kid insists on using.
Some airports also offer family security lines—which are faster and designed for travelers with young children. Research your departure airport to see if this is an option.
Pro Tip: Download your airport’s map ahead of time, so you can scope out restrooms, food options, and your departure gate without wandering.
4. Pack Smart with Your Carry-On
Your carry-on is your in-flight survival kit, so pack it wisely. Keep essentials like medications, travel documents, snacks, and a spare outfit within reach. If you’re traveling with kids, add a small bag of toys, books, or their favorite gadgets to keep them entertained.
For parents of babies and toddlers, don’t forget items like diapers, wipes, bottles, and snacks that go beyond pretzels. Overpack on these items because delays can happen.
Pro Tip: Use a backpack as your carry-on to keep your hands free for wrangling kids (and their stuffed animals).
5. Breeze Through Security Like a Pro
Security can be one of the most stressful parts of air travel, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure everyone wears shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and avoid packing liquids over 3.4 ounces in your carry-on unless they’re baby items (which are typically allowed).
Explain the security process to kids ahead of time. Helping them understand that they need to walk through the scanner or put their teddy bear through the X-ray can make the experience less intimidating.
Pro Tip: If airports stress you out, consider TSA PreCheck. This program lets you skip the longest lines and keep your shoes and jacket on at security.
6. Keep Kids Entertained
Bored kids are stressed-out kids—which leads to stressed-out parents. Keeping them entertained is key to a peaceful flight. For younger children, bring coloring books, small puzzle toys, or download kid-friendly shows or movies onto an iPad before leaving home. Older kids might love travel journals, simple card games, or audiobooks.
Avoid noisy or complicated toys that might disrupt your seat neighbors. Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for everyone (and not just to block out crying babies).
Pro Tip: Save a surprise toy or snack for mid-flight meltdowns. It’s amazing what a new sticker book or favorite candy can do to turn things around.
7. Pack Snacks Like a Pro
Airport food is overpriced, and in-flight options can be hit or miss. Pack snacks that work for the whole family, like granola bars, fruit pouches, crackers, or trail mix. This keeps hangry moments to a minimum and saves you time waiting in line for food.
For long flights, single-serve portions make managing meal times easier and less messy. And don’t forget gum or chewy candy for takeoff and landing to help kids’ ears adjust to pressure changes.
Pro Tip: Keep snacks in resealable bags or containers to avoid spills mid-air.
8. Be Flexible with Delays
Flight delays happen, and stressing about them only makes things harder. Keep your cool by packing extra items to manage downtime, like books, portable chargers, and entertainment for kids.
Use delay time as an opportunity for an adventure. Many modern airports have kid-friendly activity areas or family lounges where your little ones can burn some energy while you recharge.
Pro Tip: Download your airline’s app to stay on top of real-time updates, gate changes, and delay announcements.
9. Dress Comfortably
Airplanes tend to range from uncomfortably hot to freezing cold, so dressing in layers is always a good idea. Opt for comfy clothes like leggings, T-shirts, and hoodies that allow for easy movement.
Slip-on shoes make security checks easier and give tired feet a break during long-haul flights. And don’t forget cozy socks to keep everyone warm once you're in the air!
Pro Tip: Pack an extra blanket or portable travel pillow for kids, especially for nighttime or red-eye flights.
10. Stay Positive and Flexible
The truth is, air travel won’t always go perfectly. Bags might get lost, tantrums might happen, and coffee might spill. But staying calm and having a backup plan can make all the difference.
Think of each hiccup as part of the adventure. Sometimes, the funniest travel stories come from moments that didn’t go as planned. Keep your sense of humor, give yourself plenty of grace, and remember that you’re creating memories with your loved ones—even if they’re not Insta-perfect.
Pro Tip: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques during those stressful moments. The calmer you stay, the easier it will be for your kids to follow suit.
