Best tips for flying with a toddler: ultimate survival guide

Traveling with a toddler can feel less like a vacation and more like a high-stakes mission. From the moment you book your flight, a sense of dread might creep in, fueled by visions of mid-air meltdowns and disapproving stares. But here’s the secret: flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

With the right preparation and a few smart strategies, you can make the journey surprisingly smooth. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from packing the perfect carry-on to mastering security and surviving layovers.

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How to Survive a Flight with a Toddler

Choosing the Best Flight Time

Finding the right flight time is crucial for happy travels. So, what is the best time of day to fly with a toddler? For shorter flights (2-4 hours), try to schedule your flight in the morning. These flights are less likely to be delayed, and you won’t be relying on your toddler taking a nap. If they do, that’s a bonus! But if not, you won’t be as stressed since they’ll have had a good night’s sleep before the flight.

For long-haul and international flights, aim for flights that take off an hour or two before bedtime. This gives your toddler the opportunity to check everything out and have dinner or a snack before they’re tired enough to sleep. Expecting your toddler to fall asleep right away will only lead to meltdowns, especially if they’re overtired, and will result in sleep for no one (including your fellow passengers).

In-Flight Entertainment and Seating

A great tip for air travel with a toddler is to always book a window seat. It may seem like a good idea to book the aisle so you can walk up and down with your toddler, but from the drink and meal carts to other passengers walking in the aisles, there are a lot of opportunities for little fingers to get pinched or heads to get bonked.

Plus, watching out the window is easy, screen-free entertainment! A fun way to entertain a toddler on a plane is to bring some fidget spinners to stick to the window for hours (or minutes) of entertainment on a cloudy day!

For a full breakdown of what do I need to bring for a toddler on a plane, from new toys to mess-free snacks, you’ll want to read my Toddler Carry-On Essentials post. It’s the ultimate guide to keeping your little one happy and occupied.

If you’re flying with two adults, have one parent board first and take all the gear. The second parent can play with your toddler until the final boarding call. This will help them burn off some energy and calm down for the flight.

Staying Clean and Healthy

And don’t forget the sanitary wipes! Bring sanitizing wipes for absolutely any surface your toddler can (and will) touch. You know those hands (and germs) are going straight to their mouth. While flight crews do wipe down in between flights, it’s not nearly as thoroughly as you want.

How do I prevent my toddler’s ears from hurting on a plane? This is a common pain point. Encourage your little one to chew or swallow during takeoff and landing. A sippy cup, bottle, or a simple snack like a pouch or lollipop can do wonders to equalize the pressure in their ears and prevent discomfort.

Is a flight not in your immediate future? Don’t worry, we’ve also got you covered with our guide on How to Survive a Road Trip with Toddlers.

Navigating Airport Security with a Toddler

Navigating airport security with a toddler can feel overwhelming, but a few simple strategies make it a breeze.

Can you take a baby carrier through airport security? Yes! Wear your toddler in a metal-free baby carrier through the metal detectors. I like a hands-free way to carry my toddler through the airport and always use a baby carrier instead of a stroller anyways.

In the US, the 3.4-ounce rule for liquids doesn’t apply to baby or toddler liquids like milk, water for formula, or puree pouches. Just make sure you tell the TSA officer before placing them through the scanner!

If you have TSA PreCheck, any child under 18 on your reservation receives the same benefit, making airport travel even faster. You can sign up for TSA PreCheck on TSA’s official website.

If you have Global Entry, all children under 18 can apply, too, for free! Bonus: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck! Find out more information about applying on the US Customs and Border Protection’s official website.

Layovers Made Easy: Tips for Toddler Travel

If you can book a direct flight, do it! But living in a town with a small airport, I know this isn’t always possible. If you do have a layover (or two), plan them accordingly. With a toddler, you’ll want enough time to change their diaper or go potty and to get a meal or snack.

While direct flights are great, remember that the destination is what counts. For more ideas, explore my curated list of the Best Vacations for Toddlers.

If you’re wondering what is the best way to keep a toddler busy on a plane, a layover is the perfect chance to burn off some of that pent-up energy. Find the airport playground so they can get the wiggles out before boarding the next flight. This is also a great time to find your next boarding gate.

Diaper Changes & Potty Training on the Go

Tips for Diapered Toddlers

Diaper bags do not count towards your carry-on limit, so take advantage of it. I recommend wearing a backpack-style diaper bag to keep your hands free throughout the airport.

When boarding your flight, ask your flight attendant which bathroom has the changing table – not all of them have one! Bring a couple of washable changing pads for keeping clean on the go.

My toddler wears overnight diapers on travel days to minimize changes in-flight. Try practicing stand-up diaper changes, as the changing table on the plane might be too small for your tot. To make this easier on both of you, try overnight pull-ups!

Pack a couple of wet bags with everything you’ll need for one diaper change, so you don’t have to bring your entire diaper bag into the tiny airplane bathroom. We love these wet bags because they’re reusable and perfect for containing a dirty outfit or a wet swimsuit, which cuts down on single-use plastic bags.

Advice for Potty-Trained Toddlers

Is your toddler using the potty? Don’t let a flight interrupt your routine! You don’t have to lose all your progress while traveling just because the seats are too big for little butts! This Frida Baby Potty Seat folds up and has an included little travel bag.

You will appreciate having your toddler in Hanes training underwear in flight. These leak-proof undies provide protection from a little leakage when the bathroom isn’t available right away. While they won’t hold an entire bladder-full, they will at least save your toddler’s pants and the plane seat.

For extra peace of mind, especially with a newly potty-trained toddler, consider putting them in a pull-up for the flight. You can call it their “special travel underwear” so it doesn’t feel like a regression. This provides a safety net for takeoffs, landings, and times when the seatbelt sign is on and you can’t get to the restroom.

What do you do when your toddler needs to go, but the seatbelt sign is on? Your first step should be to try and get the attention of a flight attendant. Explain the situation and see if they can make an exception. If not, you’ll need to explain to your toddler that the pilot says it’s not safe to get up yet. Try to distract them with a fun, engaging toy from your carry-on until the sign turns off.

Miscellaneous Tips for Flying with a Toddler

This final section covers a few helpful tips that don’t quite fit into the other categories.

Earning Miles and Rewards

As soon as you start booking your baby or toddler their own seat, set them up with an email address and sign them up for frequent flyer programs! Some airlines, like Delta and United, offer miles that never expire. This means they can be racking up points to use for their own travels when they’re older.

Once you land, if you’re heading for a sandy getaway, be sure to check out our Beach Tips for Toddlers for advice on sunscreen, beach gear, and staying safe by the water. Looking for the perfect spot? Our guide to the Best Beaches in Europe for Toddlers has family-friendly destinations you won’t want to miss.

Wrapping it up

Flying with a toddler is a challenge, but with the right mindset and a few strategic tools, it’s a manageable one. By planning ahead and packing smart, you can set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable travel day. Remember, the journey is just the start of your family’s adventure!

Did you find this guide helpful? Please share this post with other traveling parents who could use these tips!

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