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If you are flying with a toddler in 2026 you have come to the right place. We are a full-time travel family. We’ve done many long and short flights with a toddler. We are super excited to share some of our top tips and ideas with you to help you have a smooth flight with your toddler.
Flying with a toddler is an extremely challenging undertaking. However, it is likely to be well worth it especially if you are planning to fly to an exciting destination. Having a few tricks under your belt can change the whole experience.
In this article we will take you through everything you need to know about flying with a toddler. What do you need to prepare before your trip? How do you make sure you book the best seats on the best flight? And how do you get through a long-haul flight with a toddler? How do you deal with jet lag? And much more.
Need more advice about flying with kids?
We have loads of article about flying with kids because this is one of the most challenging parts of family travel. In our experience kids needs change at every age and stage. If you’re flying with a baby don’t miss our TOP TIPS for flying with a baby and if you are brave enough to fly solo with a baby – we have a special survival guide to flying solo with a baby. ALSO you may also be interested in our TOP TIPS for booking cheap flights with kids.
Summary – TIPS for flying with a toddler
Here is a brief summary of our TOP TOPS for flying with a toddler. Read on for more details.
- Get your toddler excited beforehand
- Get your toddler involved
- Have a plan
- Introduce plenty of tactile play
- Dealing with ear pain
- Let them have their own secret carry on bag
- Use the space under the seats
- Use the table for games and activities
- Bring plenty of snacks & drinks
- Find good flight times
- Don’t rush
- Bring lots of ziplock bags
- Have a change of clothes
- Pack out your bag with nappies
- Bring a travel changing matt
- Talk to people sitting near you
- Bring you pram all the way through the airport
- Take regular walks
- Be consistent
- Bring a toddler car seat
- Bring some home comforts
- Keep a few routines
- Reducing jet lag
- Work as a team
- Keep your eyes on the prize
Flying with a toddler – What do you need to prepare before the flight?
If you are flying with a toddler, prior preparation and planning is essential. We recommend that you try to get organized as early as possible to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
- Make sure you have passports & travel documents (this can take a while if its a new first time passport application)
- Check entry requirements for your destination (vaccination requirements, testing and immigration requirements, visa etc…)
- Update travel vaccinations and routine jabs (try to do this several months before your trip)
- Book flights (included bassinet if possible)
- Book some baby friendly accommodation (Agoda and booking.com have good free cancellation policies)
- Plan your transport around your destination
- Plan trips, tours and activities
- Buy travel insurance for yourself and your family
- Plan how you will stay connected abroad (local sim cards can be very good and cheap)
- Get some foreign currency (always worth having some local currency before you travel)
- Get a card for foreign ATM transactions
- Book transport to and from the airport (if you’re on a budget look for public transport)
- Sort out a sling, carrier or travel friendly pram
- Buy supplies (nappies, milk, medication, snacks etc…)
- Make sure you have good bags for your trip
- Packing (carry on and check in luggage)
- Make sure your home is safe, secure and looked after
- Check in online and check bassinet
What are the challenges of flying with a toddler?
Flying with a toddler is probably more challenging than flying with a baby or any other age. We are not trying to put you off, we just want to frame some of the challenges to help you be better prepared.
The lack of movement on the flight is likely to make a toddler feel groggy and this can lead to tantrums. Toddlers will also require a lot more stimulation and entertainment than a baby. A toddler is unlikely to grasp why they are on the flight, and therefore they don’t have the same motivation to push through. Toddlers can also get over stimulated and over excited about the experience of flying. Another challenge is the airline food. Toddlers may also struggle to adjust to the airline food (don’t we all!). If they don’t eat well your toddler will also probably end up hangry and tired. So we have boredom, lack of movement, unfamiliar food and overstimulation to deal with. Our tried and tested tips for flying with a toddler are designed to address some of these challenges.
Flying with a toddler – tips in detail
1 Get your toddler excited beforehand
Find fun and creative ways to get excited about your journey. Books, toys and games are a great way to get a toddler excited about flying. Creating a positive mindset and excitement will help your toddler to connect with the experience. This can have a great longer term impact on their enjoyment of travel. Positive associations will go a long way.
2 Get your toddler involved
Another way to get your little tinker engaged with the experience is to find ways for them to help. We all know that toddler help is often more for them than you. And that’s the way we love it! Getting your toddler to help is a great way to give your tot a sense of responsibility and involvement. Small things like handing tickets over or carry a small bag can make the experience feel very special if your flying with a toddler.
3 Have a plan
Some days just getting out of the house with a toddler can be too much. Anxiety is natural. Knowing you have done everything you can to prepare is a great way to reduce anxiety. If you’re reading this you’re already the kind of parent who wants to know you are doing your best for your child. Plan activities, snack times, nap times, and bed times.
4 Introduce plenty of tactile play
Keep the fidgets at bay with plenty of tactile play. It’s amazing how much toys like lego, magnetic blocks and physical puzzles can help an active toddler chill out – engaging their minds and relaxing their bodies. Prior to your flight watch them with different toys. Try introducing some new things and playing with them to help warm them into the new toys. Our boys can genuinely play for hours with lego now allowing us to chat and chill out – and they are super active. This is partly from building habits over time.
5 Dealing with ear pain
If you’re flying with a toddler you may have wondered about ear pain. When the plane is taking off and landing the change in pressure can lead to ear pain or discomfort. The good news is, this is not so bad with toddlers compared to babies. Get something for your toddler to suck or chew to avoid ear pain. Also, if your little one is bunged up, consider giving them some decongestant before the flight.
6 Let them have their own secret carry on bag
Try the summer holiday santa. OK we admit. This may be a little bit eccentric but it is worth a try. Before the flight, buy your toddler their own cute little carry on bag. A small bag is very unlikely to be considered “additional luggage”. Keep their bag secret from them. Pack the bag with lots of exciting new games, toys, books and maybe even a treat or two. Introduce them to the new bag on the plane. This will give them a positive experience and build positive associations with flying. It is also worth having a few additional toys and treats in your own bag to bring out when your toddler needs some extra supplies.
7 Use the space under the seats
If you are flying with a toddler in economy we would encourage you to use the space as well as possible. It can be very tricky accessing the overhead luggage storage during the flight. Therefore we recommend packing a small additional carry-on bag that will fit underneath your seat or the seat in front of you. Airlines are normally fine with passengers storing small bags underneath the seat (as long as you are not on an emergency exit row). See this bag as your toddler flight survival kit. This bag is for things like snacks, drinks, wet wipes, toys, books and a change of clothes. Anything that you will need to access quickly or often on the flight. If you are flying with a toddler, you will probably also be allowed an additional larger carry on bag which can contain your valuables and can be placed in the overhead storage.
8 Use the table for games and activities
Use the tray table for games and activities. The tray table provides a nice amount of space for games like Lego, puzzles, problem-solving games, stick up books, coloring in, dot to dots and more. We particularly recommend small compact toys and magnetic toys if you are on a flight with a toddler. We have also found Lego to be an excellent travel toy. The only downside is its potential to get spilled all over the place. Consider bringing a small case or tray that can be used for lego.
9 Bring plenty of snacks & drinks
Make sure you pack copious quantities of snacks. Don’t rely on aeroplane snacks which can be sporadic and unusual. Bring along snacks that you know your toddler will enjoy. Try to include some complex carbs to make them more sleepy.Low sugar oat bars or wholegrain crackers a great. And of course make sure you have a few treats in stock too. Don’t forget a treat for yourself. If you’re flying with a toddler you deserve it!
10 Find good flight times
Try to find a flight at a good time if possible. Ideally we recommend avoiding flights that leave really early in the morning. It can be good if you can find a flight that departs a couple of hours before your toddler is due to nap. Their nap can be a nice way to break up the flight. Another good time to fly is a few hours before your toddler’s normal bedtime. Also check layover times and locations. 1-2 hours is ideal so you have time to get to your connecting flight. Alternatively, with a 12 hour layover you may be able to leave the airport and check in to some accommodation to get some rest. You may also have time to see some attractions in your layover country. Flights with a long layover tend to be cheaper than flights with shorter layovers.
Find deals and compare flights on Skyscanner
11 Don’t rush
Take time to settle in when you first get on the plane. Don’t bring out any snacks or entertainment too quickly. Let the novelty and the new environment engage your kids. Keep reading their signals. Introduce the more familiar and less exciting entertainment or snacks first.
Pace yourself and your toddler. You will need the more interesting and engaging toys / activities later. If something is working well, stick with it – they don’t need to “get through” all of the activities. This is a marathon not a sprint. Think about screen time too. If you plan to let your toddler watch a movie for example, save it till a little later in the flight.
12 Bring lots of ziplock bags
Make sure you pack some zip lock bags. It is amazing how grubby a toddler can get – even in a relatively clean environment like an airplane. It is only a matter of time before clothes will be covered in juice, snacks and bodily fluids. Ziplock bags are a great place to store dirty clothes and half chewed snacks.
13 Have a change of clothes
Speaking of soiled clothing – bring along a change of clothes for you and your toddler. Consider bringing some light loose and comfy clothing, even if you’re on a short flight you are likely to appreciate something nice and clean to wear. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to bring a warm layer for you and your toddler. Airports and airplanes can be surprisingly cold.
14 Pack out your bag with nappies
If your toddler is still in nappies then pad out your bags with plenty of nappies. We recommend bringing nappies in your carry-on and also stuffing your check-in bag full of nappies as well. This is a great way to protect your belongings. You will also probably appreciate having a familiar brand of nappies in your destination country. As you use the nappies throughout your trip this will give you more bag space for things that you buy along the way.
15 Bring a travel changing mat
If you are flying with a toddler who is still in nappies we definitely recommend that you bring a travel changing mat on the airplane with you. This can be placed on top of baby changing tables for hygiene and comfort. A good travel changing mat should be pretty compact and not add a lot your baggage. Aeroplane’s should have baby changing facilities. However, the baby changing tables in the toilet can be surprisingly small. They may not be appropriate for a larger toddler.
16 Talk to people sitting near you
When you get on the plane try to have a chat with the people around you. Most of the time you will realize that they are just lovely people on a journey. By starting a conversation you humanize yourself and your family to them. People are also a lot more understanding once they have had a conversation with you.
17 Bring you pram all the way through the airport
If you are planning to travel with a pram it is possible to bring the pram all of the way through the airport with you. You can take your pram all of the way to the boarding gate where the airline staff will help you by taking and storing the pram. This can be super useful when you have to queue and when you need hands free (check in, security, immigration). If you are not traveling with a pram, some airports may be able to lend you a pram. If you are not traveling with a pram we strongly recommend that you consider bringing a baby carrier or sling.
18 Take regular walks
If your toddler is anything like ours they will need to move regularly. This can be a big challenge on a claustrophobic long-haul flight. We recommend taking a little walk every hour or two. Sometimes kids will tantrum just because they feel groggy. A little walk will get the blood flowing and help break up the flight. So whether it’s just popping to the loo or going to say hello to the air crew, make your excuse and go.
19 Be consistent
Dealing with toddler tantrums is emotionally and physically draining anywhere. Every parent has their own unique way of responding to and handling a tantrum. Taking a flight with a toddler is not a good time to change your approach. So our best advice on a flight is just to be consistent. Being watched by other people can make you feel self-conscious. An audience can make you want to change your method. However, this is not a good time to change your method. Consistency is better for you and your toddler.
20 Bring a toddler car seat
If your toddler is under 2 years old they will probably be charged a reduced airfare and be expected to sit on your lap during the flight with an infant lap belt. A very small toddler may be entitled to a bassinet. A bassinet is an aeroplane cot and is super useful if you are able to get one. The weight limit for a bassinet is normally around 10 – 15kg (check with your airline).
If your tinker is very small contact the airline early to request a bassinet. Alternatively, you can purchase an additional seat for an infant under 2, and you can use an approved car seat. If your toddler is over 2 years old you will need to pay for a seat (generally around full price). You are allowed to bring a car seat for a toddler over 2. Although this may be bulky and awkward to travel with – it may prove useful in your destination country.
21 Bring some home comforts
One way to help your toddler adapt to new environments is to have some familiarity. It may be a special teddy, a blanket or a special cup. This is particularly helpful if you have a night flight and need to settle your toddler to sleep on the plane. It is also good to have a few familiar comforts in your destination country.
22 Keep a few routines
Routines can also be a comfort. It is a mistake to assume that routines can only happen in the same home and the same environment. So consider how some of your home routines could be transferred to the plane and the rest of your trip. There are certain patterns in the way we do things that kids expect. This makes the world feel safe and predictable (toddlers are great at spotting patterns) Maintaining some routines goes a long way to helping young children adapt and flourish in exciting new places.
23 Reducing jet lag
Dealing with jet lag is an inevitable challenge for anyone flying across time zones. And so much more so if you are traveling with a toddler. Even a few hours time difference can cause jet lag. Just like adults, it is important for kids to get straight on to the new time zone. So stick as close as possible to your toddler’s normal routines. Find a room with good black out blinds for your first night or two. If they are up super early (which is common at this age without jet lag!) try to get them back into bed.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on helping a toddler recover from jet lag
24 Work as a team
If you are also flying with another adult then try to work as a team. At pressure points (e.g. security) one adult can look after the toddler whilst the other focuses on bags. Take it in turns to look after the toddler so you get rest and switch off time. Be kind to each other. Flying with a toddler is hard! If you are flying with a toddler on your own for any reason- big respect to you. Don’t be afraid to accept offers of help.
25 Keep your eyes in the prize
When it gets tough, remember why you are flying with a toddler. Plan on ways to help you and your family rest and recover on the other side. No one would climb into a confined space for hours with their toddler without good reason. Trust us, it will be worth it.
Still looking for somewhere to stay?
We strongly recommend that you use a booking platform to reserve your accommodation. Firstly, this gives you more accountability and an easy way to contact your hotel. Also platforms like Agoda and booking.com may offer additional benefits such as free cancellations policies.
