Flying with kids can be a challenge, but also really fun! We have traveled with our kids since they were infants. We took countless road trips when they were small, and when they were a little older, we started flying with them. This post is geared towards traveling with children aged 7-10. We have flown with them over ten times, including overseas. These are my most crucial tips! I always make a mental checklist of these five things.
Tips for Flying with kids:
Avoid messy spills
Spill proof travel cups are worth it no matter what. I have tried a lot of different travel cups and have read reviews on many more. I swear by Contigo spill proof cups for the kids. They seal automatically, so you don’t have to worry about the kids forgetting to put the cap on and having a huge mess! They almost never leak- I have had wonderful success with them. I find these the most crucial when we are flying with kids- the airplane is just the absolute worst place to have a spill, and it is a lot more bumpy. There is nothing worse than a soggy backpack or wet lap when you can’t do anything about it.
Pack a ton of snacks
Pack more snacks than you think you will need. Do you think you know what your dear child will eat? Multiply that by at least 3 and you will probably end up being ok. My kids turn into ravenous beasts when we travel and they always eat much more than I would expect. If you are traveling by car, that isn’t so bad, but if you are flying with kids, this can save your sanity and your bank account. Honestly, this goes for my husband as well. It can feel a bit overwhelming trying to come up with ideas that the TSA will allow through security screening, and what won’t spoil quickly. Full honesty: I usually get the kids both healthy and unhealthy snacks that they do not usually get to keep morale high at the airport and during the flight. Note: be super careful with bananas. I have had the WORST time with them getting mushed in a backpack. NOT. Worth. It.
Make them carry their own packs:
Make them carry their own stuff in a backpack. I have made my kids carry their own backpacks with water and snacks since they were three. Since they grew up doing it, they expect to carry their own things. Even if you didn’t raise your kids to be pack mules, you can still enjoy this perk by making it a new habit. It it just so much easier if everyone carries their own snacks and drinks.
Provide entertainment
Provide plenty of entertainment. I won’t hide the fact that my kids play with tablets when we are in transit on long trips. I mean, I want to use my phone on a plane, why couldn’t they enjoy using a screen as well? I try to download some new apps ahead of time so that they are extra exciting. If you don’t want your kids to waste so much time, you can download educational apps or get books on the iPad. If you are really, really against screen time, my other suggestion is getting them a travel art set. We just use notebooks and a container of colored pencils with a sharpener. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it entertains them quite a lot. Puzzle books and adult coloring books are other great things to pack. I don’t like the kids using tablets after we arrive, because I want them to really take in the new environment. Still, it is a real lifesaver at airports and for long road trips.
Some other necessary items:
- Bring a small blanket that they can fit in their packs. The blankets on airplanes are notoriously gross.
- I also have them bring travel pillows, though they are almost always too excited to actually sleep on a flight (more reason for adequate entertainment).
- Spare portable battery if they are using an electronic device
- Headphones to go with the device you are using. The airline’s headphones are pretty awful and don’t fit in kid’s ears very well.
- Hand sanitizer
When traveling with kids, the most important thing is you!
Prepare yourself for crankiness, especially if you travel to a new time zone. I thought I would lose my mind when we brought our kids to Disney World and they started whining and complaining. Like. What. The. Heck. But the fact is that kids are still kids and they are still greatly affected by the temperature, hunger and tiredness. If I expect them to be endlessly grateful angels, I am just going to be annoyed because they will be tired. They will get hungry while I want to keep sightseeing. They might be hot or cold and not think to put on a sweater or get a drink to cool down. If my mentality is ready for that, I can handle it a lot better. This is really for the whole trip, not just the flight.
Tips for Traveling with kids: Conclusion
Traveling with kids is very rewarding. We’ve had quite a few flights and have taken countless road trips to visit family and friends. It is definitely hard at times, but it creates amazing memories. I will never, ever regret taking my kids on trips. It is so good for children to travel and see new things.
If you like this, check out my post about saving money at Disney World.
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