When you fly with kids, sometimes it can feel like preparing for a marathon. There are so many things to consider, from planning for the trip to touching down at your destination. With the right tips and strategies, you can turn a potentially stressful experience into a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Considerations when planning a trip with kids
There are a few things to consider while you’re planning a trip with your kids that might make your life a little easier.
- Sort out documentation for your little ones: If your destination is local, you might not need a passport. But if you are traveling overseas, make sure that your kids have a valid passport.
- Pick the proper airline: Look specifically for family-friendly amenities, such as preboarding for families, child-friendly meals, and entertainment options.
- Pack the necessities: You’ll probably want to pack extras to keep your kids fed and entertained, but pay attention to luggage weight limits to avoid paying additional fees.
- Streamline security checks: Consider getting Global Entry or TSA PreCheck for you and your kids to make the security process a little more manageable. [1]
Before you board the plane
When preparing to fly with babies and toddlers, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips to consider before flying:
- Choose direct flights whenever possible.
- Reserve seats in advance so your family can sit together. Make sure car seats and strollers are airline-approved and research any fees in advance.
- Recharge and load up electronic devices with games, movies, and educational apps the day before traveling. Bring familiar and new toys to keep little ones entertained.
- Pack a variety of their favorite snacks.
- Carry an extra set of clothes for your kids and yourself in case of accidents or spills.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get through security without rushing.
- If possible, let your kids burn off any extra energy with some active play before heading to the airport. [2]
When you are on the plane
Once your family boards the plane, here are some tips on how to make the trip as painless and fun as possible:
- Choose proper seating arrangements: If possible, give your child the window seat so that they have something interesting to look at.
- Bring comfort items: Blankets, stuffed animals, or pacifiers can help comfort your child and make their flight a little easier.
- Manage the ear pressure: During takeoff and landing, make sure your child has either a bottle or a safe snack to chew to help manage the ear pressure.
- Plan regular bathroom breaks: Plan for diaper changes or trips to the bathroom with your little one.
- Safety first: Make sure to stress to your child the importance of staying buckled in their seat during the whole trip. [1]
Travel essentials for kids
Whether you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, we’ve got tips to make your trip efficient and even fun!
Flying with a baby
The right essentials can make all the difference when traveling with a baby. Here are some items to consider:
- Compact pouch for diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit
- Packing cubes to organize your carry-on
- Travel-friendly stroller
- Milk that can easily travel and be stored at any temperature
- Snacks that are mess-free
- Small, high-entertainment toys
- Baby carrier or sling [3]
Flying with a toddler
Consider packing these game-changing essentials when traveling with your toddler:
- Stroller cover
- Inflatable travel bed
- Inflatable bathtub
- Battery-operated stroller fan
- Car seat travel bag
- Portable white noise machine
- Portable power bank charger
- Car baby monitor
- Touchless forehead thermometer
- Leak-proof cup [4]
Tips to prepare for the TSA screening with kids
Navigating the TSA screening can be a bit daunting, especially when you’re traveling with children. Knowing what to expect and discussing it with your kids can make the process smoother for everyone. Here are our best tips to help you prepare:
- Pack efficiently: Organize your bag so that the items that you need to remove are easily accessible.
- Check TSA guidelines: Read the rules regarding liquids, foods and other restricted items to avoid surprises.
- Use strollers wisely: If your stroller is collapsible, it’ll need to go through the X-ray machine.
- Dress appropriately: Dress yourself and your child in easy-to-remove layers, and try to avoid wearing any metal.
- Stay calm and patient: Security can be stressful, but if you stay calm this can reassure your children to as well. [5]
Navigating the TSA PreCheck for kids
If you’re considering getting TSA PreCheck prior to your trip with children, here are some benefits:
- Automatic inclusion: Children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck without needing their own membership.
- Streamlined process: With TSA PreCheck, you and your kids won’t have to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or jackets during the screening process.
- Special lanes: TSA PreCheck lanes are typically shorter and move faster than other lanes. [6]
Flying with kids FAQs
Do kids need an ID to fly?
The answer to this question depends on whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. For domestic flights within the United States, children under 18 years old do not need an official form of identification. However, it’s always a good idea to bring some sort of identification, such as a birth certificate or school ID, just in case the airline requests it. When flying internationally, every passenger must have a valid passport. [2]
Can you take a stroller on a plane?
Traveling with children can be challenging, and having a stroller can make navigating the airport much easier. If you are traveling with a compact stroller, most airlines let you check these at the gate. This means you can use the stroller right up until you board the plane. However, if you travel with a full-sized stroller, you might need to check this as luggage due to its size and bulkiness. [2]
Plan your next family trip with travel insurance coverage
When you’re planning a trip, travel insurance can be your safety net. It helps ensure that you’re protected against unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or travel delays. For more details on how a travel insurance plan can safeguard your adventures, check out our travel insurance plans.
Sources:
[1] “Your guide to flying with kids of every age,” Jordi Lippe-McGraw, https://nationwide.com/lc/resources/home/articles/family-travel-tips (accessed May 2024).
[2] “Tips for flying with kids: What you need to know,” greenlight.com/learning-center/parenting-and-family/tips-for-flying (accessed May 2024).
[3] “7 carry on essentials to pack when flying with a baby or toddler,” Lauren Burvill, cntraveller.com/article/pack-when-flying-with-a-baby (accessed May 2024).
[4] “If You’re Traveling With A Toddler, Here Are 32 Things To Buy ASAP,” Yasmine Singh, buzzfeed.com/yasminesingh1/products-if-youre-traveling-with-a-toddler (accessed May 2024).
[5] “Traveling with Children,” tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children (accessed May 2024).
[6] “TSA PreCheck®,” tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/tsa-precheck (accessed May 2024).
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