A family holiday abroad is exciting for everyone – but let’s be honest, the flight itself can feel like the most stressful part of the whole trip. Between packing, boarding, ear pressure, wriggly legs and keeping little ones entertained for hours in a confined space, it’s no wonder so many parents dread the journey more than they look forward to the destination.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. With the right mindset and a few tried-and-tested tricks, flying with kids can be smooth, and even genuinely enjoyable, for your whole family and the passengers around you.
Here’s how to make flying with kids easier, from the moment you book to the moment you land.
Before You Fly: Setting Yourselves Up for Success
Preparation starts well before you reach the airport. Talk to your children about what to expect – what security will be like, how long the flight is, and what they can do once they’re on board. Children who know roughly what’s coming tend to cope far better than those taken by surprise.
It also helps to think ahead about the small physical discomforts that catch families out: ear pressure on take-off and landing, mild motion sickness, or simply getting hungry or bored somewhere over the ocean. None of these need to derail your flight if you’ve packed a few simple solutions.
Quick Tips for a Calmer Flight
Below is a handy visual guide with some tried-and-tested tips to help keep everyone comfortable and entertained in the air.
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A Few Extra Things Worth Remembering
- Pack a small “flight kit” for each child with a few surprise items, snacks, and something to keep hands busy during take-off and landing.
- Bring something to help with ear pressure, such as a favourite drink to sip, or something to chew or suck on during ascent and descent.
- Dress in layers – cabin temperatures can vary a lot, and a jumper that can come on or off makes a big difference to comfort.
- Keep a change of clothes and a few essentials in your hand luggage, just in case.
- Build in extra time at the airport so nobody feels rushed through security or boarding.
None of this needs to be complicated. A calm parent with a plan usually makes for a calm(ish) child in the air.
More Travel Tips You Might Find Useful
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age is hardest for flying with kids?
Many parents find the toddler stage (roughly 1–3 years old) the most challenging, simply because toddlers have limited patience for sitting still but aren’t yet old enough to understand why they need to. Babies can often sleep through much of a flight, and older children can usually entertain themselves with books, games or a tablet.
How can I help my child’s ears during take-off and landing?
Swallowing, sucking or chewing can help equalise ear pressure. For babies, feeding or offering a soother during ascent and descent often helps. For older children, a drink with a straw, chewy sweets, or simply yawning on purpose can ease discomfort.
What should I pack in my hand luggage for a flight with kids?
A change of clothes, snacks, a few small surprise toys or activities, any comfort items your child needs, and anything for ear pressure or travel sickness are all worth having close to hand rather than in the hold.
How early should we arrive at the airport with kids?
Building in extra time is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress. Rushing through security and boarding with children in tow is far more tiring than having a bit of spare time to let them stretch their legs before the flight.
Save These Tips for Later
Flying with kids gets easier with a little planning – and a lot of patience. Bookmark this page or save it to your travel folder so you have these tips handy the next time you’re packing for a trip.
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