Table of Contents
Planning on flying with a 2 year old? You’ve got our respect already. And if you’re feeling anxious we get it. You’re definitely not alone! In this article we will share some top tips and secrets for flying with a 2 year old.
We are full time family travellers and we have taken lots of flights with both our kids at the precious age of 2. We have had some real highs and lows. Long haul flights are probably one of the most challenging things we do as a family. Oh yeah, our kids are super active and don’t do well with confinement. So we have had to think creatively about ways to help make flying a positive experience for them. AND we are excited to share these with you.
Oh yeah. Flying with kids brings up a whole load of questions about bags, seats, tickets and other logistics.
Don’t miss our expert guide on booking cheap flights with kids
Watch out for great deals on flights
What are the challenges of flying with a 2 year old?
Before we share some top tips and secrets we just wanted to name the challenges. Then we know where to start. Ok, not trying to scare you off. Just frame the problem. The biggest challenges are tiredness, hunger, boredom and lack of space to move freely. These things can lead to tantrums and flights between siblings.
Loads of exciting cognitive development is going on at 2 years old. But typically social skills, impulse control, and deeper concepts are missing. So 2 year olds kind of exist “in the present moment”. And if the moment isn’t working for them – then everyone is going to know about it.
So how do you get through a flight with a 2 year old? Before you read on. We are going to deal with the worst case here. What if you’re on a long haul flight, on a cheap no-frills budget airline? What things can you do to get through?
Of course any tips we share for the worst case scenario could be applied to a shorter and nicer flight.
1 Prepare your toddler to connect with the experience
If you are flying with a 2 year old soon help them understand what is going to happen. Start early. Around a week before you fly, try introducing a toy plane or reading your 2 year old a book with airplanes in. Let them watch airplane videos and play games with them. If your 2 year old is anything like ours they will probably love becoming an airplane and buzzing around. Getting them excited about being on a plane could be the first step in making the experience memorable and positive for them. And of course that’s good news for everyone.
2 Have an action plan for flying with a 2 year old
Some days just getting out the door can be over ambitions with a 2 year old. So anxiety is natural. Knowing you have done everything you can to prepare can BOTH reduce your anxiety and prevent any guilt if your little one 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 a smoother experience.
3 Pack a special carry on
Consider what toys, games and snacks you will bring in your carry on (remember you should have extra carry on allowance with your 2 year old but always check the airline policies for this). Variety is key. Consider getting hold of small compact games, toys, books and sensory objects. It’s amazing what 2 years take a shine to. Have a variety of snacks and entertainment.
TOP TIP: Your 2 year old may appreciate having their own special bag with some toys. Keep the contents of the bag a secret until you’re on the flight.
4 Have a snacktion plan (sorry for the bad mum joke!)
No parent survives the terrible twos without copious quantities of snacks. Don’t rely on the aeroplane snacks. Just see these as a bonus – and make sure you have plenty of snacks. If you’re flying with a 2 year old – try to include some complex carbs to make them more sleepy. For example, low sugar oat bars or wholegrain crackers (you know what they are likely to eat). And of course make sure you have a few treats in stock too. Whatever your 2 year old likes – especially if it is SLOW to eat!
5 Think through drinks
If you are flying with a 2 year old, many airports around the world will allow you to bring a child’s drink through security. So think of a good drink for your tot on the plane. Having a sippy cup or a bottle with a teat can be very soothing at take off and landing if your 2 year old is struggling with the pressure. Also, a drink can be the perfect way to sooth your 2 year old when they are struggling.
6 Have a treat for yourself
Remember to bring a treat for yourself too – if you’re brave enough to fly with a 2 year old you deserve it! Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. You are doing something very challenging – and a good snack may be the best way to elevate your mood and keep you going.
7 Pace yourself and your kids
Strategy is key here. When you first get on the plane, take some time to settle in. Don’t bring out any snacks or entertainment straight away. Let the novelty and the new environment engage your kids. As long as you’re not on the ground too long – take off may also engage them. Keep reading their signals. 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. They will need it later.
8 Stagger activities
Try to stagger activities. Gently lead your toddler. 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. 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. Oh yeah – always have a hidden treasure that you can pull out. Consider a toy, game or activity that is a massive win.
9 Bring lots of ziplock bags
Make sure you stuff some zip lock bags into your survival kit. If your 2 year old is anything like ours, they seem to attract muck and grub! It is only a matter of time before clothes will be covered in juice, snacks and bodily fluids. So you will need somewhere to store the poopy clothes.
10 Have a change of clothes
Oh yeah and of course, you and your toddler will probably need a change of clothes. Consider bringing some light loose and comfy clothing – even if you’re on a short flight – you are likely to appreciate it.
11 Talk to people around you
OK, a massive anxiety for any parent flying with young kids is the other passengers. Everyone wants a nice relaxing journey – and sometimes simply seeing someone else’s kids on a plane is enough to upset people. Even if other passengers are not upset it’s almost impossible not to over-think what other people think. So one of our PRO TIPS: Have a little chat with the people around you. Most of the time you will realize that they are just lovely people on a journey and they are not offended by your very existence. 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.
12 Bring the stroller to the departure gate
If you are traveling with a stroller you can actually take it all the way through the airport to the departure gate. This allows for a smoother and nicer journey for everyone. One of our favorite parent travel hacks was seeing some parents use their stroller to transport their backpacks in Japan. Strollers are multipurpose.
13 Look for flights at the right time
You may not have much choice in this one. But it is worth mentioning. If possible, try to book a flight at a time that works for your little ones. If your little one is good at napping in different environments it is good to get a flight with a nap due after around 2-3 hours on the plane. By this stage the new environment will have lost its novelty, everyone will be a little tired, and you will have probably got through lots of your entertainment and some snacks too. So, a nap 2-3 hours into the flight will be a welcome break for everyone. This can also break up a long flight nicely. Just remember – early starts and the novelty of a flight may throw nap timings off a little.
14 Take walks
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 and excuse and go.
15 Be consistent
If you are trying to deal with a two year old tantrum at 40,000 feet above sea level and an audience of 106 tired passengers resenting you and your toddler, you may feel like you have hit rock bottom. Don’t feel like you need to change your techniques just because you are on a flight. A plane is not a time to make fundamental changes. Don’t give up or change out of guilt or panic – although this would be very understandable. Being consistent really is best for you and your kids.
16 Make the experience feel special
As long term family travelers we want to help our kids enjoy the magic of flying. Consider little things that will make them feel special and loved. It could be having their own little monkey bag. Buy them a few new toys or books for the trip. Be creative and try getting them a new treat they haven’t had before. Perhaps it could be a reward part way through the flight. Get your 2 year old to help where possible so they connect with the experience and feel engaged. Really just try and find anything you can to build a love of flying.
17 Make the most of your seats
Flying with a 2 year old – they will be assigned their own seat. If you are traveling as a family, get a row of seats together. This is normally easy and if you don’t select seats most airlines put families together automatically (although we have come across a few budget airlines that actually try to separate families to make you pay for seat selection). Mix up the seating. A two year old will probably enjoy a window seat for take off and landing. A change of seats is a change of environment and can help.
18 Consider a car seat
Flying with a 2 year old you will need to purchase a seat for them (normally at a reduced price). A car seat can make all the difference – especially if your two year old is a little riggle bum. AND if you bring your own car seat on the plane, you can use it in taxis or rental cars at your destination.
What are the rules for seating a toddler over 2 years old?
Airlines will generally not allow a 2 year old to sit on your lap with an infant belt. Many airlines around the world allow 2 year olds to sit in their own seat without a car seat. 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.
19 Have a few home comforts
One way to help children adapt to new environments is to have just enough familiarity. We already talked about the new exciting things. But remember to bring a few familiar comforts too. 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 2 year old.
20 Bring some routines along
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 (2 year olds 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.
21 Jet lag
Dealing with dreaded jet lag is a challenge for anyone flying across time zones. And so much more so if you are traveling with a toddler. Even a small time difference of a few hours can cause jet lag. There are no magic solutions to make it go away. But there are a few things you can do to help. 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 normal routines.
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. Try to be as firm and loving as possible. For example, if they are struggling to get to sleep aim to keep them in bed. Or if they are up super early (which is common at this age without jet lag!) try to get them back into bed. Screens. Everyone has their own opinions here. We would recommend avoiding screens before bed (but if you normally use a screen then it may be better to stick with the routine).
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on helping a toddler recover from jet lag
FIND amazing family friendly hotels on Agoda OR Booking.com
22 Dealing with ear pain
You may be concerned about your 2 year old’s ears at take off and landing. Our kids struggled with ear pain a lot more from 0 – 1 year old. But it can still be a problem for a 2 year old – especially if they are bunged up. The risk zone is take off and Landing – so bring something for them to chew or suck. It could be a dummy, sucky toys, a drink with straw, a feeding bottle with a teat or even breastfeeding them. Keeping them engaged with the excitement of take off and landing can be a really effective distraction too.
23 Teamwork is dreamwork
If you are also flying with a partner, friend or relative, work as a team. Chat to them before the flight about your anxieties and your plans. Switch out every so often to give each other a break and to give your child a change of scenery. If you are flying with a 2 year old on your own for any reason- big respect to you. Don’t be afraid to accept offers of help. I have flown solo with a baby and it was an endurance. We have also flown with our 2 year old together – it’s still challenging but at least you can tap out from time to time and take a break. Everyone will have their own dynamics – but if you are able to share the
24 Keep your eyes on the prize
Flying with a 2 year is a paradox. It may be one of the hardest things you do with your child and yet it may lead to some of the best times you share as a family. Remember at 2 years old, they won’t grasp the goal. So when the flight is tough, that is all there is for them. As adults we have the advantage of knowledge and long term anticipation. So when it gets tough, remember why you are doing it. 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 two year old, without good reason. Trust us, it will be worth it.
Want to keep flying with a 2 year old?
Hopefully the advice above could be put in place as little as one week before you fly. Pack right, prep right and nail your flight. BUT if you’re travel addicts like us – and you want to fly with your kids in the future, then there are some long term things you can do to help make your kids more adaptable to flying.
Make sure you give your 2 year old plenty of time sitting on your lap. Of course your free time to have your kid on your lap will depend massively on your personal circumstances. But, if your kids aren’t good with lap time then this can make flying much more challenging. So find little chances to give them lap time. Whether it’s reading a book, singing songs or watching a movie.
Give your 2 year old lots of practice napping in different environments and in different positions. Try not to have a nap routine that relies too strongly on being in the same bed and same house. If you have only ever done naps at home, the best way to start is to find an alternative calm environment like a friend’s house or a grandparents house. And then gradually try more ambitious places like coffee shops, cafes or even the park.
Try to get them into kinesthetic games. When they are playing, encourage your 2 year old to play with small kinesthetic toys. Around this age they may start taking an interest in creative toys like lego or even drawing. Any activity that they can “get into” independently for 20 minutes is a win on a flight.
