Exploring the world with kids is a priceless experience: the added quality family time, the opportunities to learn outside the classroom, the chance to see the look of awe and amazement on your young child’s face.
But there’s no getting around the fact that sometimes flying with babies and young kids is just a big, fat, hassle. Here’s 9 ways to make sure your family flying experience goes as smoothly as possible so that you can arrive at your destination ready to make the most of this family time together!
- The Dollar Store is your best friend
At some point your child’s iPad will die or they’ll get bored of the movie they’re watching, so it’s always good to be prepared for things they can do that don’t involve the screen.
Before your trip, head to the dollar store for some cheap surprises — new coloring books, stickers, toy cars, etc. Then, if you want to go the extra mile, wrap the surprises in tissue paper. Stagger the surprises throughout the airplane ride. Kids love unwrapping things and new toys often capture their attention for longer periods of time.
- Book an early morning flight
Early morning flights are way less likely to be delayed, so booking a morning flight means that’s one less thing to worry about!
Plus, morning flights are typically less crowded and the people who are there are usually reading quietly or taking naps.That means there’s less distractions for your baby, so they may be calmer and more likely to nap, too.
And it should go without saying — book a direct flight, if possible. Even if it’s more expensive, it’ll be worth it for your sanity.
- Avoid the back row and the aisle seats
The seats in the back row usually don’t recline, so it’s less comfortable for your little one. Plus the back row is a high traffic area: flight attendants are usually wheeling their equipment in-and-out of the main cabin area and there’s usually a bathroom in the rear of the plane — so unless you want people constantly interrupting your baby’s nap, stick to the middle of the plane.
The aisle seat isn’t great for a child: there’s lots of distractions as people and carts wheel by. Plus, aisle seats aren’t protected from luggage falling over head.
- Consider using a smaller stroller or baby carrier to get you through the airport
Strollers are probably the most painless way to get through an airport with a toddler. You may not want your regular, bulky stroller though, especially when you’re going through security. So consider using a smaller umbrella stroller instead. Also, make sure you check the stroller at the gate for free!
Baby wearing through the airport also saves a ton of time! This way you’re more hands free and don’t have an extra piece of equipment, the stroller, to worry about. While you’ll have to go through a special security process — usually that just means they’ll use the wand metal detector, as you can’t use the walk-through with a baby on you— it’s usually a fast and painless process.
- Get a carseat and stroller bag…and use the extra space for diapers
You probably know that you can check your carseat and stroller bag at the counter for free, but here’s the thing: the ticket counter attendants never check to see if there’s only a car seat or stroller in there. So whatever extra room you may have in the bags, use it for light items that you won’t need on the plane…like extra diapers!
- Avoid lace-up shoes and dress in layers
Avoiding lace-up shoes is good advice for anyone, but especially parents of toddlers who may want to “do it themselves” when it’s time to re-dress after the security checkpoint. Save precious time by just having them wear slip ons!
Also, be prepared for changes in the temperature and dress in layers — usually it’s cold in the airport and warm on the airplane!
- Unless your baby needs breast milk, try not to bring liquids through security
Liquids (including breast milk and juice) for your babies are exempt from the TSA’s limit of 3.4 ounces. Of course, if you need it, bring it! But here’s the thing: it’ll have to go through an extra security screening. So if you’re in a hurry, you may want to consider skipping it and just buying the juice after the security check.
If your baby is on formula, consider bringing powdered formula instead of liquid. TSA has to open up the liquid bottles (which will spoil the formula if you don’t use it within 2 hours).
- Snack squeeze pouches and extra plastic bags FTW
If you’ve got an infant that’s just starting to eat regular food, skip the containers of pureed food for the plane. It’s just too messy. Instead pack plenty of squeeze pouches — toddlers and young kids love these too! If your infant is too young to squeeze the pouch herself, just carry an extra spoon and feed her that way.
Another thing to keep in mind: you can never have too many trash bags when traveling with kids. Whether it’s a plastic bag or ziplock bag, stuff a couple into your carry-on and you’ll be glad you did!
- Consider using your car seat on the plane
This won’t work for every family — after all, you will need to lug the car seat through the airport so you may decide it’s not worth the hassle! But for longer flights, it certainly could be. Not only is it safer for kids to fly in their car seat but it’s also more comfortable for them. That means, they’re more likely to play and nap in the car seat instead of on your lap!
Of course, this may only make financial sense if your child is over 2 because you will need to purchase a seat for them.