Key Takeaways
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Flying with kids, especially the little ones, can have its stressful moments—but flight attendants have seen it all, and know how to help
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Their advice includes flying on a weekday, when airports are less crowded, and booking seats in the back of the plane
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Even though some parents still face backlash online for traveling with kids, you have nothing to be embarrassed about if your child is noisy or antsy on a plane—kids have the right to occupy public spaces
Flying with kids can be stressful, no matter their age. Not only do you have all the pre-flight prep to consider, you also likely have a ton of stuff to schlep onto the plane—especially if your child is still in a car seat, needs a stroller, or if they’re still drinking milk. Then, once you’re up in the air, you may be consumed with worry and stress every time they get fussy, can’t sit still, or need to go to the bathroom now, even though the seatbelt sign is still on.
Fortunately, flight attendants say a little planning and forethought can keep some of these stressors at bay. And though you may still hit a little child-induced turbulence, give yourself a little grace. Stressing out or losing your cool isn’t going to help—or make you feel better. Take a few deep breaths and do the best you can. You—and your child—will get through it.
“Flight attendants see firsthand how traveling with children does more than get you from point A to B,” says Felipe Berg, Cabin Crew Supervisor. “It builds resilience, curiosity, and strengthens bonds at 30,000 feet, and it’s rewarding to watch kids learn to navigate a new environment and parents rise to the challenge with grace. The shared moments from airport gates to cloud-gazing create lasting memories that shape confident, open-minded travelers for life.”
Here are the top 13 things flight attendants say you can do to ensure flying with your kids is nothing but clear skies ahead.
Bring Toys, Games, and Surprises
Occupied kids are the happiest, says Sapphire Liu, a flight attendant with Air New Zealand. “Long flights with kids can be challenging, but at Air New Zealand, we have a few tricks up our sleeve to make the journey with little ones as smooth as possible. On the seat-back entertainment screens, select the ‘Kids’ button for access to age-appropriate movies, TV shows, music, and games.”
You also may want to bring small surprises or new toys, adds Berg. But, she suggests doing so strategically. “Children are happiest when their curiosity is engaged. New or rarely seen toys—think small puzzles, stickers, and activity kits—provide mental stimulation and distraction when the plane is taking off, landing, or hitting turbulence.”
Let Them Help You (Within Reason)
Kids love feeling useful and grown-up, says Berg. When they can assist you, like handing you wipes, passing you water, or depending on their age, putting them in charge of a specific item while you’re on the plane, like your water bottle or a book. Giving them what feels like a grown up responsibility makes them feel like a trusted member of the family. And when they are busy getting involved in the mechanics of travel, they might spend less time squirming and whining that they are bored—giving you a small break.
Encourage Movement When the Seatbelt Sign Is Off
According to Berg, sitting still for long periods is hard for little legs, and restless kids may have meltdowns. “As long as the seat belt sign is off, kids may stretch in the aisle or near restrooms when possible to lower tension.” Toddlers and babies especially might especially appreciate a break from their constricting seat, and a change in scenery, by talking a walk up and down the aisles with mom or dad.
Plan for Ear Equalization
Berg says the pressure changes during takeoff and descent can cause discomfort, ear pain, or crying spells. “Snacks or sippy cups can help kids with ear pressure issues, meaning fewer tears, less panic, and smoother landings.”
Some parents even swear by certain hacks for relieving ear pain during air travel.
Pack Their Favorite Snacks
Liu suggests packing your child’s favorite snacks in your carry-on. Some parents like pack multi-compartment snack boxes for kids that they can graze on during flights, both keeping them hungry and their bellies full—because a hungry baby is a cranky baby.
“Kids usually feel relaxed when they have something yummy in front of them,” she says. “We offer in-flight meals and snacks (including our signature lollies!), but it’s always helpful to pack your little one’s favorite familiar snacks as a backup option.”
Learn About Airplanes
Before flying, try to have some basic knowledge of what is happening during the flight, suggests Kristine Eksteine Nizka, a former flight attendant and parent to a 6-year-old. You can an age-appropriate book to read with your little one that is full of easy-to-digest facts and colorful pictures that will get them excited to ride an actual airplane.
“Kids are curious, and I was lucky that my husband is a pilot, so he could answer all the questions, such as: What is that sound? What is moving there on the wing? And how do planes turn?”
Consider Allowing Screens on the Plane
Nizka suggests packing kid-friendly headphones and an old phone (or iPad) full of downloaded kids’ shows. She says that Netflix, YouTube Premium, and Disney+ allow offline viewing for previously downloaded shows. If you’re a family that typically prefers no or low screen-time, you might think of you allow yourself some flexibility.
“Flying is stressful and tiring for everyone, so it’s a good idea to have something that will definitely calm down your child, just in case,” she says. “Or, if you don’t want to allow any screen time, get some audiobooks that will keep [them] happy and calm.”
Determine if Pre-Boarding Is Truly Needed
Boarding is hectic for everyone, says Berg. “Families who board too early risk having their child get bored in the aisle or confined before the flight begins. Boarding later avoids that.”
Alternatively, keeping your children at the gate for as long as you can before boarding ends lets them run around and soak in their freedom to move before they are confined to their seat. Let them burn off that access energy, if possible.
Consider a Layover
When traveling with an infant or toddler, Christian Avaria, an Atlanta-based flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, says you may want to allow a little extra time between flights to rest, let your kids stretch their legs, or take bathroom breaks along the way.
Use the airport maps option in your airline’s app to plan your layovers before you even reach the airport.
Sit in the Back
Sitting in the back of the plane can be a benefit, says Tony Dong, an Atlanta-based flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, although you may end up back there anyway.
“By default, airlines usually put all the families in the rear of the aircraft. People think that the rear of the aircraft is bad. But when I traveled with my young daughter, it was closer to the lavatories, and if I needed anything from the flight attendants, they were right there.”
As another silver lining to sitting in the back of the plane (the flip side of which it takes longer to deboard), if all the families are seated in the same area, you don’t necessarily have to stress about disrupting other passengers if and when your toddler starts to melt down.
Book a Weekday Flight
Dong says if your trip allows, book a flight that departs during the week as opposed to the weekend. There are fewer people at the airport, and most of them are seasoned business travelers—that means less crowds to traverse while you’re trying to keep track of your kids while pushing a stroller.
“[Meanwhile,] you have to pack extra patience when dealing with the traveling public and your little ones,” says Dong. “They are new to the crowded area with little space. They may be a little more flustered than usual.”
Stay Composed and Confident
Your composure—or lack of composure—influences your child’s stress and anxiety levels, says Berg. “Flight attendants see how kids can feed off of their parents’ anxiety. A calm, confident parent helps children feel safer and makes a smoother flight for everyone.”
Remember, you don’t have to feel embarrassed or apologetic for flying with your kids, even if they do become noisy or antsy. You have a right to travel with your family, and you all will get through it unscathed—just ignore anyone we gives you the side-eye.
Remember, Flight Attendants Are There to Help
According to Berg, flight attendants are there to help make the flight smooth for everyone, especially families doing their best in a stressful moment. She suggests communicating kindly and clearly with the crew if your child is experiencing ear pain, motion sickness, or needs accommodations. She says this allows them to better support you and anticipate challenges.
“It’s our job to help make your trip as seamless as possible,” says Liu, “and you never know, we may have additional resources available to make your family’s trip even smoother, whether it’s a coloring kit, an extra pillow, or a sweet treat for your little one.”
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