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In this article we will share our pro tips, expert hacks and secrets for taking a long haul flight with a toddler in 2026.
We are full time family travelers and we have taken numerous haul flights with our toddlers. It is still one of the hardest things we do. We have had some real highs and lows and made our share of mistakes. What’s more our kids are super active and don’t do well being physically restricted. So we have had to really think through THE BEST ways to get through a long haul flight with a toddler.
We have broken it down into 4 sections
- The preparation
- The airport
- The flight
- The recovery
Some days just getting out the door can be over ambitions with a toddler. So anxiety is perfectly natural. Knowing you have done everything you can to prepare can BOTH reduce your anxiety and prevent any guilt if your toddler is struggling. If you’re reading this you’re already the kind of parent who wants to know you are doing your best for your child. Having a good plan can help your anxiety and make for a smoother experience.
ALSO don’t miss our TOP TIPS and SECRETS for booking cheap flights with kids
1 The Preparation
1.1 Get your toddler excited about the flight
Around a week or two before you fly, get your toddler excited about the flight. Kids are great at reflecting our emotions. Try introducing toy airplanes or reading books with planes in. Let them watch airplane videos and play games with them. Getting your toddler excited about being on a plane could be the first step in making the experience memorable and positive. And of course that’s good news for everyone.
1.2 Pick a good flight time (if possible)
If possible, try to book a flight at a time that works for your little ones. A nap a few hours into the flight can be an invaluable break for everyone- BUT only if your toddler is good at napping in different environments. If you have a night flight it is good to be on board a few hours before your toddler’s bedtime – this allows time to settle in and get familiar with their environment. Of course, we often don’t get to choose flight times, but it’s worth thinking about if you do have some choices.
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1.3 Consider a car seat
If your toddler is below 2 they will generally not be assigned their own seat. Rather, they will have a lower price and will be seated on an adult’s lap with an infant lap belt. If your toddler is above 2 they will generally be assigned their own seat. A car seat can make all the difference – especially if your two year old is a little riggle bum. If you bring your own car seat on the plane, you can use it in taxis or rental cars at your destination. On the other hand, if you are planning to do lots of backpacking, a car seat can be awkward to carry.
TOP TIP: However you can also bring along a car seat for your 2 year old as long as it is approved by the relevant authorities (e.g. the FFA in the USA or the EASA). Always check with your airline children’s policy.
1.4 Pack a carry on
You should have additional carry on allowance for your toddler. This may be an additional infant carry on for an adult or it may be that the toddler is entitled to their own carry on. Make the most of your allowance.
This toddler carry on packing list may help:
- Pack small compact games, toys, books and sensory objects. It’s amazing what toddlers take a shine to
- Make sure you pack plenty of zip lock bags. Toddlers have a way of attracting dirt and grub! It is only a matter of time before clothes will be covered in muck and bodily fluids. So you will need somewhere to store dirty clothes.
- Bring a change of clothes for your toddler – something light and comfortable. Oh yeah, you might appreciate a change of clothes for yourself too.
- Pack snacks. Try to include some complex carbs to make them more sleepy. For example, low sugar oat bars or wholegrain crackers.
- Pack a drink or two – most airport security checkpoints allow you to take drinks through for infants.
- Make sure you have a few treats in stock too. Whatever your 2 year old likes – especially if it is SLOW to eat! Oh yeah, don’t forget a treat for yourself – you will need it.
TOP TIP: Your toddler may appreciate having their own special bag with some toys. Keep the contents of the bag a secret until you’re on the flight.
2 The Airport
2.1 Make the most of assistance
Many airports have a surprising amount of assistance for families. Watch out for special assistance lanes at immigration and security. Some airports also have nice touches like small indoor parks and play areas for kids. This can also be great for layovers too.
2.2 Bring your pram through with you
You can actually bring a pram through the airport with you and staff will take it at the gate. It can be super useful having a pram when you go through security and immigration. So if you’re traveling with a pram – then take it all the way through the airport with you.
2.3 Team up at security (if possible)
The most challenging part of an airport with toddlers is probably security. Nothing screams stress like having toddlers darting off or throwing a tantrum whilst your carry bags are being emptied and you are picked out for a full body search. TAKE YOUR TIME. Don’t be flustered by the experience and don’t let other passengers or staff rush you. You need time to make sure you’ve got everything back including your kids. If you have a partner, have a plan. We tend to split – one looks after the kids whilst the other looks after the bags.
2.4 Try to get your toddler to help
Getting your toddler to help is a great way to foster responsibility and a love for flying. Even if it is just small things like passing a passport to a member of staff, or helping carry a small bag. If they feel responsible they will engage better with the experience.
3 The flight
3.1 Break the ice
Any parent on a long haul flight with a toddler is likely to be anxious about other passengers. Everyone wants a nice relaxing journey. When you get on the flight have a little chat with the people sitting close. By starting a conversation you humanize yourself and your family to them. If you show awareness of not making their journey unpleasant it will go a long way. People are surprisingly gracious when they realize that you are considerate.
3.2 Don’t rush
Take your time – a long haul flight with a toddler is a marathon not a sprint. When you first get on the plane take some time to settle in. Let the novelty and the new environment engage your toddler. If they’re doing ok don’t bring out any snacks or entertainment straight away. Introduce the more familiar and less exciting entertainment or snacks first. If you have crackers, raisins and a chocolate bar in your bag, don’t start with the chocolate.
3.3 Dealing with ear pain
Ear pain can be a big problem for a toddler on a long haul flight. Bring something for them to chew or suck at take off and landing. It could be a dummy, sucky toys, a drink with straw, a feeding bottle with a teat or even try breastfeeding them. Keeping them engaged with the excitement of take off and landing can be a really effective distraction too.
3.4 Mix it up
Try to alternate activities with your toddler. If something is working well, stick with it. Consider things like small tactile games, sticker books, coloring in, and imaginative toys. Remember too much screen time can lead to groggy kids. Also if there is no on board entertainment you may be limited by battery life too.
3.5 Keep moving
The best way to stop your toddler getting groggy is to get them moving around. Take a little walk every hour or two. Whether it’s a toilet trip or going to say hello to the air crew, make an excuse and go. A little walk will get the blood flowing and help break up the flight.
3.6 Be consistent in how you deal with tantrums
Parenting on a plane has additional challenges. You have an audience – this can make you self conscious. Your audience is also tired, disgruntled and may be judging you. Don’t change what you do out of guilt or panic – although this would be very understandable. Don’t feel like you need to change your techniques just because you are on a flight. Being consistent really is best for you and your kids.
3.7 Make the experience feel special
Consider little things that will make your toddler feel special and loved. It could be having their own little bag. It could be having a few new toys or books for the trip. Perhaps it could be a reward part way through the flight. Really just try and find anything you can to build a love of flying.
3.8 Work as a team
If you are also flying with a partner, friend or relative, work as a team. Tag team every so often to give each other a break. If you’re taking a long haul flight with a toddler on your own, for any reason, big respect to you. Don’t be afraid to accept offers of help.
3.9 Be kind to yourself
Go easy on yourself and don’t hold yourself to unattainable standards. Bring a treat for yourself too – if you’re brave enough to take a long haul flight with a toddler you deserve it! If you are traveling with a partner, be kind to each other.
3.10 Keep your eyes on the prize
A long haul flight with a toddler may be one of the hardest things you do with them and yet it may lead to some of the best times you share as a family. When it gets tough, remember why you are doing it.
4 The recovery period
4.1 Plan rest time
You can’t get this sorted too soon. If you RESERVE a hotel on Agoda or Booking.com you can normally find awesome FREE cancellation policies.
For your first night or two find a place to stay that is good for rest. Consider separate rooms, comfortable beds, in hot countries clock somewhere with good air conditioning. Look for a quiet location – not too close to main roads, tourist attractions or mosques. Watch out for somewhere with good blinds. The first night or two are the most important.
4.2 Be aware of jet lag
Jet lag is a challenge for anyone taking a long haul flight. Try to line bedtimes up with the sunset or soon after to utilize your child’s natural circadian rhythm. If this isn’t possible, find a room with good black out blinds. Just like adults, it is important for a toddler to get straight on to the new time zone.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on helping a toddler recover from jet lag
4.3 Have a few home comforts
One way to help children adapt to new environments is to have a few familiar comforts. It may be a special teddy, a blanket or a special cup. If possible, bringing along a comfort or two can help toddlers adjust and settle in. AND remember to keep your eye open for familiar treats from home too.
4.4 Keep some familiar routines
Try to keep a few routines. It is a mistake to assume that routines can only happen in the same home and the same environment. 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!) Being intentional about these routines goes a long way to helping young children adapt and flourish in exciting new places.
