Flying with kids can sometimes feel like a high-stakes trap: tight quarters, unpredictable schedules, and the very real possibility of a midair meltdown. But family air travel doesn’t have to be feared or avoided. It just requires a little extra advance preparation and the right mindset. And when done right, it can lead to incredible rewards, from bringing your family closer together to giving your children a love of exploration that will last a lifetime.
With the right expectations and a few practical strategies, flying with children becomes less about survival mode and more about accessing adventure, sharing experiences, discovering new places, and creating memories that start at the airport.
When flying with kids, consider this your calm, clear companion on how to have a great trip, from booking to landing.
How to Book and Prepare for Flights
When it comes to booking flights, consider the following to limit emotional turbulence: Choose flights that match your family’s rhythm. Direct flights reduce complexity, plain and simple. Fewer takeoffs means fewer chances for delays and fewer transitions to manage. That said, for longer routes, a strategic layover can give kids a chance to reset. If you do connect, look for airports with family-friendly amenities like play areas or quiet/sensory rooms. Singapore’s Changi Airport, for instance, has everything from a butterfly garden to plush sleeping pods. In Germany, Frankfurt Airport has multiple indoor playgrounds throughout.
Even if you’re being mindful of your budget, it’s often worth shelling out a few extra bucks for better-timed flights, which will allow you to have an easier time on the ground. Red-eyes can align with sleep schedules — especially helpful for babies and toddlers. For school-age kids and teens, consider flights that avoid peak crankiness. However, bear in mind that if you’re worried about avoiding delays, the safest option is always to book earlier-morning flights. Because each flight that takes off has a cascading effect on the next one, evening flights are more likely to take off late, particularly in inclement weather.
No matter what time you take off, be sure to prepare your kids before you leave home. If it’s their first flight — or a long one — walk them through what to expect. Talk about security lines, boarding, and what it feels like to take off. Tell them not to be alarmed if their ears pop during takeoff and offer them gum as age appropriate. Explain the journey step by step in kid-friendly terms and they’ll love you for it. If it is your first time flying or your child struggles with unfamiliar environments, consider developing a social story for them to explain all of the steps involved in air travel. Many YouTube creators also offer in-depth guides to flying with kids that can be particularly helpful for children on the autism spectrum. United Airlines offers social stories on their website and in the app, which can help you think through all of the steps of traveling.
Finally, make loyalty programs a family habit. Signing kids up for frequent-flyer programs early helps families earn rewards together over time. It’s a small step that can pay off in future trips, seat selections, or upgrades — and it gets kids invested in the process. Even better, make sure to link your Marriott Bonvoy account with our airline partners with additional benefits.
What to Bring on the Plane
Packing for a family flight is a balancing act. Bring too little and you’ll regret it. Bring too much and you’ll feel it. Think about everything you will be bringing aboard and who will physically manage all of those items. Older children will be excited to have their own backpack, but make sure they are responsible and the backpack is age appropriate. Here’s what to keep in mind when packing your carry-ons:
Start with the nonnegotiables:
- IDs, passports, boarding passes
- Medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Travel documents (printed and digital backups)
Then think in categories:
- Food and hydration: Hungry kids unravel fast. Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need, plus empty water bottles to fill after security. Familiar foods can go a long way in unfamiliar environments. This is one instance where it’s okay to treat your kids a little bit. Go ahead and throw their favorite snacks and candies in your bag.
- Clothing (for everyone): Consider packing at least one full change of clothes per young child, and maybe even one for you. Spills, accidents, and delays don’t discriminate by age.
- Entertainment beforehand: Download shows ahead of time. Bring kid-sized headphones. Especially if it’s one of their first long-haul flights, consider a little harmless bribery and offer to get them a small toy, book, or game for the voyage. It’ll help them get excited for the journey and buy a lot of goodwill before you take off. Bring those chargers with you for those long flights.
- Care essentials: Diapers, wipes, changing pads, creams, extra underwear, plastic bags (or grab free ones from seatback pockets for the plane and ground transportation) for messes. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.
- Comfort support: Think neck pillows, favorite blankets, or noise-reducing headphones. For small kids sensitive to sound or crowds, these sensory tools can make a big difference.
Remember, the goal isn’t to pack everything. Since you may be hauling a stroller along with your luggage, it pays to stick to the basics and travel as light as possible.
Navigating Airport Security as a Family
Security can feel like the most intimidating, if not most stressful, part of flying with kids. But it’s totally manageable with a little prep. Explain to your kids that security is part of the process and that it might feel busy, intense, or loud. When kids know what’s coming, they’re more likely to cooperate.
Make sure you’re prepared by double-checking what’s allowed on the plane. Liquids for babies — like formula and breast milk — are permitted in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed standard limits. Snacks are allowed, too, though they may need to be screened separately.
Note that you’ll need to remove children (and all items) from strollers and carry them through screening while your stuff is scanned. Baby carriers are often allowed, but you may be asked to take the carrier off for security. A tote bag for your carrier or stroller items might come in handy in this case.
Thankfully, more advanced scanners mean that travelers don’t always need to remove their shoes in the security line. Nevertheless, at least for the time being, it’s a likely possibility for older kids in most airports.
The best way to avoid the hassle is to do everything you can to streamline the security line for the entire family. For U.S. travelers, that means enrolling everyone in TSA Pre-Check. Not only will you not need to remove shoes and electronics, but you’ll also breeze through the line faster. International travelers with valid passports from more than three dozen countries can apply for CLEAR+, a paid membership that also helps cut down time in security lines.
If you must go through the regular security line, make sure everyone in your family dresses in layers that are easy to take on and off. Tell your kids to stash any laptops or tablets in easy-to-find spots in their backpacks.
Use available programs if helpful. Programs designed for families or travelers who need extra support can make the security process smoother. If you’re traveling with a child who has accessibility or sensory needs, understanding what’s available at the airport can significantly reduce stress. Many of these programs require advanced reservations; research what is available at your point of departure.
Above all, don’t rush. Security isn’t about speed — it’s about getting through with everyone (and everything) intact. Get to the airport early to minimize anxiety for everyone. Remember that your kids will react to how you’re feeling; if you’re stressed, they’re likely to be stressed, too.
Preboarding and Boarding with Kids
Boarding is where strategy really comes in handy. Most airlines invite families with children ages two and under to board early. This can give you extra time to install car seats, organize bags, and settle in.
That said, early isn’t always better, and every child is different. If your kids have energy to burn, consider boarding later. Less time seated can mean less restlessness once onboard. Anxious flyers might want to be seated early so they can feel settled. If you are traveling with two adults, consider having one run around with a more active child and the other stay with the more anxious one.
With that in mind, get those wiggles out at the gate. Let kids walk, stretch, and explore (within reason) before boarding. A few minutes of movement can translate into longer stretches of calm on the plane.
Strollers can usually be gate-checked, while car seats can be brought onboard if you’ve purchased a seat for your child. Knowing your setup before you arrive can reduce last-minute stress. Stroller or car seat bags can help protect these valuable items in transit.
Finally, if your child needs additional time or specific accommodations, speak with the gate agent at check-in. Airlines are generally willing to help, but it is beneficial to ask in advance or indicate at the time of booking.
Flight Tips for Kids of All Ages
Regardless of the size of your child, here are some general tips that go a long way when flying the (fingers crossed) friendly skies.
Babies and Infants: Feeding during takeoff and landing can help ease ear pressure. When possible, plan around sleep schedules, but stay flexible. Planes have a way of rewriting routines. If you’re traveling with a lap infant, understand that space will be limited. So a small, organized diaper kit is more useful than a fully stocked bag at your feet. Baby wearing can be very helpful even on the plane and can help infants sleep if they are struggling.
Toddlers and Preschoolers: This is the “movement matters” phase. Toddlers don’t love sitting still. That’s normal. Aim to keep them from getting too fidgety with snacks, shows, toys, and short walks down the aisle when safe. Along the way, familiar routines (a favorite book, a usual snack) can anchor them through an unfamiliar environment.
School-Age Kids: This is where independence starts to shine. Let them carry their own small backpack with personal goodies and entertainment. Then set expectations early: how long the flight is, what appropriate behavior looks like, and what they can look forward to. Kids this age respond well to structure, plus a little autonomy.
Teens: Teens value comfort and control. Make sure that they have access to charging ports, downloaded content, and space to relax. Respect goes a long way here. Treat them like travel partners, not passengers, and they’ll often rise to the occasion.
In-Flight Strategies That Actually Help
That said, even the best-laid plans can get bumpy sometimes. Consider these when in the air:
- Manage expectations — yours included. Not every moment will be smooth. That doesn’t mean the trip is failing.
- Delays happen. Keep essentials within reach, not in overhead bins. A delayed flight is easier to handle when snacks, entertainment, and patience are accessible.
- Kindness counts. To your kids, to fellow passengers, and to yourself. Most people understand that kids are learning how to exist in shared spaces. Try not to get frustrated if a fellow passenger gets visibly annoyed with your crying child. Flying is stressful for everyone, and a little bit of empathy goes a long way.
- Reset when needed. A tough moment doesn’t define the flight. Take a breath, change the activity, and move forward. This too shall pass, and the destination will likely be worth a sometimes difficult journey.
Once You’ve Landed
You made it! Now what?
Have a plan for ground transportation. Whether it’s a rental car, ride share, taxi, or shuttle, know how you’re getting from the airport to your destination before you land. Your kids are likely to have questions at the airport about where you’re going and how long it’ll take; having the answers in advance helps start things on the right foot.
If you need a car seat, decide in advance whether you’re bringing one or arranging it at your destination. As always, availability can vary.
Keep transitions simple. After a flight, everyone is a little tired. Minimize extra stops and get to your hotel or lodging as soon as possible.
Give everyone a moment. Even a short reset — snack, stretch, fresh air — can help the whole family shift from travel mode to vacation mode. Note that if you’re trying to adjust to a significant time difference, it’s best to avoid a nap or stick to a short one. Try to convince your kids to hold out until evening and opt for an early bedtime.
Flying with kids isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation, flexibility, and a willingness to accept what the airport and flight gives you. Some trips will feel easy. Others will test your patience. Both are part of the process.
But here’s the payoff: The more you do it, the more confident you become — and the more your kids do, too. Not only does this benefit your next vacation, it actually makes for better children. If you’re hoping to nurture humans who are patient, open-minded, and able to roll with the punches, this is a great way to start. When flying with kids, you’re not just traveling as a family. You’re sneakily flexing your parenting muscles while preparing the next generation of awesome adults.
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