Flying with Children: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Less Stressful Flight

Traveling with children can be a stressful experience, especially when it involves taking a long flight. It’s important to plan and prepare for the journey so that you and your children can have an enjoyable and stress-free trip. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your flight with children a less stressful experience. 

From packing the right supplies to tips on how to handle tantrums, you will be fully prepared to take on the skies with your little ones!

✅ Make sure you’ll see the entire collection in Framey App, including addresses, opening hours, and contact information!

1. Planning ahead – Flying with Children

Before you even think about boarding your plane, there are a few steps you can take to make the whole process easier and less stressful. Here are some planning tips:

1. Choose flights that best fit your family’s needs. This means selecting flights with shorter durations and connections that are close together. Look for airline deals and discounts to save money on airfare. 
2. Invest in good headphones for your child so they can watch movies or listen to music without disturbing other passengers. 
3. Pack snacks and meals for your child. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you have something on hand when your child gets hungry during the flight. Pack plenty of juice boxes and water bottles to keep them hydrated. 
4. Make sure your child is well-rested before your flight and plan so that you have enough time to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. 
5. Bring activities or toys that your child can play with during the flight. Coloring books, stickers, and small handheld games are great options. 
6. Get your child used to airport security procedures in advance by talking them through what they will experience at the airport. 

These simple tips can help you plan and make your flying experience with children much less stressful. With a little preparation and planning, you can minimize any potential issues and maximize the fun.

2. Packing light

Traveling with children can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways to make flying with your little ones a bit easier is to pack light. Packing light not only helps to reduce your stress levels but also ensures that you won’t have to worry about lugging too much baggage around with you. 

When it comes to packing for a flight with your children, there are some key items that you will want to bring along. First and foremost, be sure to bring an adequate supply of diapers, wipes, and other essentials such as a change of clothes, snacks, and toys. You may also want to bring along a pillow and blanket for each child in case they need a nap during the flight.

It’s also important to think carefully about what type of luggage you will use. Consider bringing a small, lightweight bag that is just big enough for all the essential items mentioned above. This will help to minimize the amount of extra weight you’ll have to carry around.

Finally, don’t forget to check with the airline regarding any restrictions on baggage size and weight before you travel. Airlines often have very strict regulations on how much luggage passengers can bring onboard, so it’s important to make sure that you are aware of these rules before your flight. 

By packing light and following these tips, you can help make your next family trip a much less stressful experience.

3. Checking in early – Flying with Children

When flying with children, it’s important to arrive at the airport ahead of schedule. This will give you enough time to check in, go through security, and get to your gate without any stress. The earlier you arrive, the less likely you’ll be to encounter long lines or crowds. It also gives you plenty of time to prepare for the flight and make sure all the necessary documents are in order.

Checking in early also allows you to make any special requests that you may have. For example, if your child has allergies or needs extra space on the plane, you can ask the airline staff ahead of time. This ensures that you’re taken care of during the flight and your child is as comfortable as possible.

Be sure to double-check all your travel documents, such as passports and visas, before checking in. Have your boarding passes printed ahead of time or download them on your phone. Make sure to read any special instructions for families traveling with young children so that you’re prepared for whatever might come up. 

Checking in early will save you a lot of time and hassle when traveling with children. Plus, it will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of before the flight takes off.

3. Prepping your child

One of the most important steps to ensure a successful and stress-free flight with children is to properly prepare them before the day of travel. Here are some tips to help you prep your child for the flight:

1. Talk to your child about the flight. Explain to your child in simple terms what to expect while flying: things like having to stay in their seat, wearing a seatbelt, airplane noises, and other passengers.
2. Involve your child in packing for the flight. Ask your child which items they would like to bring with them and let them help you pack their carry-on bag. This can help them feel more prepared and excited about the flight.
3. Prepare activities and snacks. Packing toys, books, and other activities that your child can do during the flight can help make it more enjoyable for them. Be sure to also pack enough snacks and water for your child so that they don’t get too hungry or thirsty during the flight.
4. Dress your child appropriately. Comfort is key when it comes to dressing your child for the flight. Make sure they’re wearing clothing that is comfortable and not too tight or restrictive. Bring along a light sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly onboard.
5. Prepare for emergencies. Make sure that your child knows what to do in an emergency and that they understand the safety instructions given by the flight crew. It can also be helpful to have a plan in place in case you become separated from your child during the flight.

4. During the flight – Flying with Children

Flying with children can be challenging, but there are a few simple steps you can take to make it more enjoyable for everyone. First and foremost, plan! Make sure you have snacks, toys, and activities that will help keep your children occupied throughout the flight. Bring headphones or noise-canceling earbuds so they can listen to their favorite music or shows. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to bring some small books, coloring books, crayons, or even a portable video game console. 

Also, make sure to dress your child in comfortable clothing that won’t restrict movement. If you are traveling with an infant, bring along a lightweight blanket or wrap and a bottle for when the baby needs to feed. Be prepared for any unexpected delays by bringing extra diapers and wipes.

It’s also important to encourage your child to move around periodically and get some exercise during the flight. For older children, encourage them to walk down the aisle every hour or two. For younger children, bring along small toys or balls so they can stretch their legs and play in their seats.

Above all else, remain patient and try to keep your child calm during the flight. If your child becomes overwhelmed, try to focus their attention on something else – like looking out the window or engaging in conversation. Above all else, be understanding of other passengers who might not appreciate the added noise and disruption that comes with having young children on board.

5. Dealing with tantrums – Flying with Children

When traveling with children, tantrums are inevitable. Whether it is due to boredom, hunger, or fatigue, it is important to be prepared when they happen. The most important thing is to remain calm and try not to react in an overly emotional way.

Here are some tips for dealing with tantrums:

1. Acknowledge your child’s feelings: Allow your child to express their feelings and validate them. Showing empathy will help them feel understood.
2. Distract: Find ways to distract your child from whatever is causing the tantrum. This could include offering a new activity, a snack, or a game.
3. Change of scenery: If possible, move to a quieter part of the airplane or take a short walk. Sometimes a change of scenery can help your child to relax and take their mind off of whatever is causing the tantrum.
4. Ignore the behavior: In some cases, ignoring the behavior can help to diffuse the situation. By not giving it attention, you are showing your child that the behavior is not acceptable and that it won’t get them what they want.
5. Time out: If all else fails, put your child in a “time out” until they have calmed down and can appropriately talk about their feelings. 

Dealing with tantrums can be stressful, but with patience and understanding, you can get through it. Remember that these moments will pass and you will be able to enjoy the rest of your journey with your child!

6. Arriving at your destination

Once you have arrived at your destination, it is important to keep your children engaged and happy. Be sure to have activities planned for them such as visits to local attractions or a short walk to explore the area. If they are still feeling overwhelmed, try some breathing exercises or a game of I Spy. 

Be sure to get plenty of rest before embarking on any new activities. After all, you will have just been through a potentially stressful flight experience and it is important for everyone in the family to be well-rested and refreshed for whatever awaits. 

If you need to take public transportation from the airport to your lodging, be sure to plan. Research the routes in advance and carry any necessary passes or tickets with you. You may also want to consider investing in an airport transfer service so that you can rest easy knowing you will get to your final destination without any problems. 

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your time at your destination! Flying with children may not always be the easiest, but when done right, it can be a great way to create memories and build relationships with your little ones.

Traveling with children can be a rewarding and fun experience if you are well-prepared. Following the tips mentioned in this blog post can help make your journey much less stressful and provide you with more enjoyable moments. 

We hope you have enjoyed reading this post and have found it useful when traveling with your children. 

Check out Framey

To get inspired for your next family trip, why not download the Framey App to see your friends’ holiday photos? 

Framey is the perfect way to discover and share amazing trips, inspiring you to plan your own and give yourself the experience of a lifetime!

Read more about:

Top 15 Best Places to Eat with Kids in Budapest, Hungary

Top 15 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Porto, Portugal (2023): A Parents’ and Kids’ Guide