10 Tips For Flying With Kids

There is no better way to create family memories than by traveling together. Unfortunately, the thought of flying with young children can be daunting, and often times deters families from even trying. Luckily, we have some tips to make sure your family flight is a success. So, go ahead and book that dream vacation… The flight is going to be a breeze.

• Show up early
  • Keep yourself, and the kids, calm by avoiding the stress that can occur by rushing through the airport. Getting through the airport as a family takes a lot more time than traveling solo, so be sure to budget plenty of time. For an international trip, we recommend arriving three hours early, and for a domestic flight we recommend arriving two hours early.
• Dress Comfortably
  • Be sure your children are in comfortable, breathable clothing with minimal layers or accessories that can easily be lost while getting through an airport. This will keep them from fussing with their clothing, and it will allow you to have less to keep track of!
• Book a Window Seat
  • Kids are often fascinated with watching the airplane take off and land. Buy yourself an extra 30 minutes of entertainment by placing your kid next to the window so he/she can enjoy the view!
• Pack a Light Blanket
  • As we all know, airplanes can get chilly. Pack a blanket or sweater for your child to keep them from getting fussy over the temperature.
• Come Prepared with Games
  • Be prepared with a few airplane friendly games for when your child starts getting restless. Coloring books, etch-a-sketch, mazes, mad-libs, and games with magnetic pieces are all great for airplanes!
• Be Fully Charged & Downloaded
  • If you’d like to give your child a phone, iPad, or tablet for them to watch shows and play games on while traveling, be sure your device is fully charged and that any show they want to watch is fully downloaded.
• Pack Headphones
  • The one thing worse than having a dead iPad? Having a fully charged one with no way to listen to the sound!
• Pack the Necessities
  • Consider packing a few snacks, baby formula, medications, extra diapers, pacifiers, and a change of clothes.
• Don’t Forget Teddy
  • Does your child have a favorite teddy or security blanket? Be sure these items are in your carry on to avoid a meltdown mid-flight!
• Avoid Ear Discomfort
  • Children’s ears are extra sensitive to in-flight pressure. Consider giving your little one children’s Tylenol 30 minutes before your flight and having hard candy, gum, or a pacifier on hand to help alleviate pressure and keep your child comfortable and happy. *As always, consult with a doctor before administering any over-the-counter medicine to your child.

Pura Vida, Tulemar