Flying with kids: What to pack, plan, and expect

Flying with kids may feel daunting, but with the right prep and realistic expectations, it can be surprisingly manageable and even fun! Not sure where to start? We’ve got all the tips you need: what to pack, plan, and expect before, during, and after takeoff. Let’s dive in.

What to bring when flying with kids

Start with the basics: passports, boarding passes, and any other important documents kept within easy reach. Beyond that, here are a few essentials to pack in your carry-on:

• Food and drinks: Plenty of mess-free, allergy-friendly snacks and empty water bottles you can fill after security. A spillproof cup can also be handy, but it’s not essential.
• Clothes: Extra underwear, socks, and a t-shirt (or two) because spills are inevitable.
• Entertainment: Books, coloring activities, stickers, small toys, or a tablet with downloaded movies and games. And don’t forget headphones—your fellow passengers will thank you.
• Hygiene: Hand sanitizer, wipes, and tissues to keep messes under control.
• Kid-specific needs: Bottles, formula, diapers, and pacifiers, depending on your kid’s age and routine.

Pro tip: Pack a surprise item! A new toy, book, or snack can be a lifesaver during a mid-flight meltdown.

Planning ahead for a stress-free flight

A little preparation goes a long way when you’re flying with kids and it starts with the flights you choose. Look for family-friendly airlines offering amenities like child meals, entertainment options, and priority boarding for families. Small perks like these make the journey a whole lot smoother.

Also, check airline policies before you travel. You don’t want to arrive at the gate with your stroller only to find out there’s a fee to take it on board. Travel insurance is worth considering too. Peace of mind is priceless.

And don’t forget your destination. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly family trips, European escapes your kids will enjoy, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, there are plenty of family-ready spots to explore.

Choose the right flights

Alright, so you’ve picked the right airline and destination, and are ready to book your tickets. At this point, you might be wondering: direct flight or stopover? Aisle seats or window seats? Are some airports better for family travel than others? Let’s break it down.

• Direct flights vs layovers: Direct flights cut down travel time, but a stopover can give kids a chance to stretch their legs. Think about how many hours you’ll be flying and what works best for your family.
• Seat selection: Aisle seats make bathroom trips easier for parents, while window seats give kids something to look at. Once again, it’s about what’s more practical for you.
• Airport choice: Airports with play areas or kid-friendly amenities can make long waits much more manageable. If yours doesn’t, don’t stress—just come prepared with those entertainment items from earlier.

Once you’ve figured out the flight details, it’s time to book. With PayLater Travel, you can secure the flights that suit your family best and pay for them your way. Simply choose from your favorite airline, opt for weekly or bi-weekly installments for up to 26 weeks, and lock in today’s price with a small down payment.

Preparing for the airport

All booked? Time to prepare the little ones. Flying can be overwhelming, so talk them through what’s going to happen, especially if it’s their first flight or they’re feeling a little nervous. Going through security, waiting at the gate, boarding the plane can all be a lot and very foreign for kids.

In the week or two before the flight, ask them what games, movies, or shows they’d like to download. Airport Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, so a little pre-planning could prevent tantrums mid-travel.

What to expect at the airport

By now, your child should have a pretty good idea of what’s going to happen at the airport, and hopefully that’s eased their minds (and yours!) a little bit. Here are a few tips to make the experience even more manageable:

• Arrive early—but not too early. The sweet spot is usually 2 hours for a domestic flight and 3 hours for international. Enough time to check in and get through security without endless waiting.
• Check for family security lanes—they’ll save you time and stress. Whatever lane you choose, make sure any liquids you’ve packed (like formula, milk, or baby food) are within the allowed limits.
• Keep the kids occupied. This is where that book, toy, or tablet you packed comes in handy. Even a walk around the terminal or some plane-watching can be surprisingly entertaining.
• Keep an ear out for priority boarding announcements. Many airlines let families board first, and those extra minutes to get settled can make all the difference. If you’d rather board later and keep time stuck in seats to a minimum, that works too.

Pro tip: Kid starting to feel restless? Give them a job. Something simple, like holding their boarding pass or choosing snacks at the shop, can keep them distracted and involved.

What to expect during the flight

The whole family has boarded, everyone’s strapped in, and it’s finally time for takeoff. Whether your flight is 3, 7, or 12 hours, here’s how to make it easier:

• Ear popping at takeoff and landing. Changes in air pressure can be uncomfortable for anyone, but especially for little ones not expecting it. For older kids, chewing gum or sipping water helps; if you’ve got a bub, give them a bottle or pacifier.
• Don’t put out all the entertainment at once. Rotation is the secret here. Start with a coloring book. When they’re bored, move on to a toy. Once they’re over that, a snack and some screen time. You’ll keep them engaged for a lot longer this way.
• Stick to routines (as best you can). Airplanes are unfamiliar spaces for kids, and that alone can disrupt routines. But if possible, try to follow their usual nap and snack schedule.
• Expect bathroom runs. Plan them around meal service when the aisles are less busy.
• Be prepared to handle meltdowns. Stay calm and remember that every parent’s been there. Also, cabin crew are often happy to help, so accept the support.

When you’re flying with children, perfection isn’t the goal. Spills happen, routines get disrupted, and meltdowns are part of the deal. So pack smart, plan ahead, and embrace a little chaos. The memories waiting at your destination will be worth every mid-air hiccup.