Air travel can be challenging, even without little ones. To make life easier, try these 5 lazy ways to prepare for flying with kids:
1. Use creative methods to get organized before your flight
The best way to prepare for a flight with kids is to get creative in the days and weeks that lead up to your flight. Here are some examples that can save you time, money and energy when flying with little ones:
- Planning to offer screen time to younger kids on a flight? Have younger travelers try out new kids’ shows, apps, devices, and headphones in the weeks leading up to your flight. Not only will they be prepared for longer than normal periods of viewing (if needed), it will also free up time for you to plan for your trip. Don’t sweat the extra screen time, they are about to travel and take part in exciting and screen-free experiences.
- Instead of buying new activities, put younger kids’ favorite ones aside for a couple of weeks and bring them out for the flight. Save the money for things kids will choose themselves during the trip.
- Skip the toys altogether to save room and avoid the risk of breaking or losing a beloved item.
- Have older kids pack their own carry-on bag with activities of their choice. They will enjoy it more and leave you time to focus on packing more essential items.
2. Reduce your mental load by under-planning for your flight
Does it feel like some parents go all out planning for long-haul flights…wrapping surprise gifts, offering multiple activities, and itemizing snack boxes for their kids?
If that is your jam, great! If not, don’t sweat it. Instead, stick with these basic principles for reducing your pre-flight metal load:
- Consider what you know about your kids. Pack the things they like and hope for the best. Still want to take some engaging items for the flight? Visit Long-Haul Flights with Kids: Ultimate List of Activities for my favorite multi-purpose activities.
- Overpack or under pack; whatever suits your style. Why try and be someone you’re not just because you’re going on vacation? Scroll down for some ideas on how to make hauling all your extra things easier.
- Plan to pack snacks? Just pack your kids’ favorite snacks rather than going down the Instagram rabbit hole of inspirational snack ideas. Add another snack option or two at the airport, hand selected by the kids, and call it a day.
MomTip#1: Consider bringing lollypops on the flight. They are helpful for takeoff, landing, and for a few minutes of quiet time when kids need help shifting focus to something else.
3. Make flying with kids as hands-free as possible
Next, to avoid the overwhelming feeling and exhaustion that’s the result of carrying luggage and kids through the airport, consider at least one of these items:
Kids ride on suitcase scooter
If your kids don’t have a suitcase scooter, it might be worth investing in some for future flights. Having kids carry, push or scoot their luggage through the airport teaches them responsibility and frees your hands to care for younger kids and additional luggage.
Travel stroller
It you’re a frequent traveler, it’s worth investing in travel stroller that’s lightweight and easy to carry. The Zen Yoyo2 travel stroller packs so small, it can even fit in the overhead compartment of your flight. Having a lightweight stroller around for when kids are jet-lagged and tired during the trip is an added bonus.
Wheels for car seat
Planning on bringing your car seat? Use a Britax Car Seat Travel Cart to maneuver it through the airport with or without your child in it.
MomTip#2: Would you rather not bring a car seat at all? Read LAX transportation with a Car Seat? The Complete Guide for a compact and safe alternative to bringing one on your next trip.
Baby carrier. Having a baby carrier when traveling with younger kids makes getting through the airport much easier. It was also a lifesaver when walking around the airplane during the flight trying to get a fussy baby to sleep.
Flight-compatible attire and accessories. Make it easy to do the things you need at the airport and on the flight by being selective with your attire:
- Planning to have the baby with you when you go to the bathroom? Consider wearing a dress for easy maneuvering.
- Bringing a neck pillow or two? Get a reversible clip-on neck pillow that can double as a stuffy for kids to play with.
- Helping multiple kids on the flight? Choose easy-to-remove shoes and clothes that kids can put on and take off themselves or with little assistance.
The best thing about all the items on your list is that you either have them already or will use them for years if you do end up purchasing them.
MomTip#3: Consider using identical bright labels for every single item you or your family is carrying. This will make it easier to identify and keep track of people and luggage at the airport.
4. Make airport time kid-centered to improve everyone’s flight experience
One of the best parts about parenting is discovering that sometimes what looks like lazy parenting is actually premeditated genius. The best example is the airport where letting kids run wild will most likely make the flight more tolerable for both children and adults.
Here are a few examples of airport activities that can make flying with kids easier:
- Lift. Some kids, especially those with sensory processing issues, can feel more grounded and relaxed before a flight if they engage in heavy lifting. Encourage kids to help lift their backpacks, carry bags with snacks and drinks, or push the stroller around the airport. These activities will help get out some wiggles before they are confined to a small space on the flight.
- Run. Kids who run and burn off energy in the airport will be more relaxed and more patient…at least for the first few hours of the flight.
- Eat. Having kids choose the food that they want and snacks for the flight means less fighting over the food served on the flight. Also, if a meal is served on board while the kids are sleeping, you’ll know they ate already and have more snacks on hand for when they wake up.
- Drink. Everyone has the potential to get dehydrated on flights and kids are no exception. Having them drink an hour or more before the flight will increase the chances that they use the restroom before boarding and will prevent them from feeling poorly due to dehydration later on in the flight.
What all these things have in common is that they don’t require any special planning and they fill the time at the airport in ways that will make flying with little ones easier.
5. Actively delegate care during and after the flight
When we find ourselves flying with kids it’s easy to get into survival mode and forget to ask for help. The final and best way to make traveling with kids easier is to remember to delegate their care to others, at least some of the time.
Here are some examples:
- Traveling with a male partner? Task him with diaper changes and handling child-related requests at the airport and on the flight. Some say that flight attendants and passengers are more accommodating to men traveling with young children. Even if this doesn’t turn out to be the case, at least you’ll have one less task to be responsible for until you get to your destination.
- Flying solo with a baby? Ask a flight attendant to hold or watch over them while you use the bathroom or need a few minutes to collect yourself.
- Have family waiting for you when you arrive? Make sure to ask a family member who is especially good with your kids to join the pickup party. That way you’ll have a loving hand to help right after a flight.
- Arriving at a hotel? Book a babysitter in advance so you have support ready for when you need it. Knowing you have support at your destination can make the actual flight seem less daunting.
Remembering to divide labor, asking for help, and planning to have help with post-flight recovery makes traveling with kids just a little more manageable.
Ready to make more time for yourself on the flight and keep kids engaged while you’re at it? Visit Long-Haul Flights with Kids: Ultimate List of Activities for some easy-to-implement ideas.