Tips for Flying With Toddlers

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Travelling with kids can be difficult enough, but if you’re travelling with a toddler, things can get especially interesting. Here are some tips for flying with a toddler.

– Make sure to arrive at the airport with lots of time to spare. Travelling with small children can bring some challenges, so it’s best to leave nothing to chance and make sure you have enough time at the airport for bathroom breaks, snack time, and anything else your little one might need. Having extra time also means you won’t have to rush through check-in or security.
– If your toddler is no longer in a pushchair, you might want to invest in ride-on luggage. Not only can it help if he or she gets tired of walking, it can be a good distraction if you have some time to kill before boarding the airplane. For more on travelling with a pushchair or on flying with a car seat, check out our guide to travelling with babies.
– Dress your toddler comfortably and in clothes that are easy to remove when going to the toilet. Always pack a spare change of clothing in your hand luggage just in case there’s a spill or potty-training accident.
– Pack your hand luggage with your toddler in mind. Make sure that you pack their favourite books, games, or toys to keep them occupied in the airport and on the flight; it’s best to imagine that your toddler will need new stimulation every 15 minutes. It’s best to pack a few snacks as well, especially if they’re picky eaters. Packing a spare change of clothing and a package of wet wipes is also recommended, as you never know when there’s going to be a spill or an accident. Check out our full guide of what you can and can’t bring on an airplane.
– Invest in a tablet or portable DVD player. Many parents and guardians agree that, while they may not let their toddler watch a lot of television at home, it’s one of the best ways to keep children occupied when confined to a seat on the airplane. Similarly, downloading games to your tablet or smartphone can help keep your toddler busy for a while.
– Make a game out of being in the airport and on the airplane; if possible, try to get a window seat to give your toddler something to look at.
– Pack sugar-free snacks for when your toddler gets hungry. Sugar-free lollipops are great for takeoff and landing, when your toddler’s ears might hurt due to the changing air pressure (a sippy cup also works well in this situation).
– At the end of the day, travelling with a toddler can bring some challenges but try to stay as relaxed and as calm as you can, no matter the situation. Keep your eye on the amazing holiday you’re about to have!

You can also check out our hand luggage rules guide for more on what you can bring onboard, or take a look at our articles on flying with babies or flying with kids.

Please note, the information contained in this blog post is based on the best of our knowledge as at the date this post was created and is provided for your information only. It is not to be relied upon as reflecting the policies of all airlines and you should therefore refer to the policies of your airline before booking your flights and travelling.”