Taking trips with my kids is hands down one of the best parts of being a parent. Watching their excitement as they explore new places, try new foods, and experience different cultures is pure magic. But let’s be real—traveling with little ones isn’t always easy. And flying with a toddler is definitely something you’ll want to plan for. Between keeping them entertained, packing all the essentials, and dealing with mid-flight meltdowns, it can feel overwhelming fast real fast.
If you’re thinking you need to put travel plans on hold just because you have a toddler, I promise—you don’t. With the right preparation, traveling with young kids is not only possible but actually enjoyable.
And I’m not just saying this. By my daughter’s first birthday, she had already taken 26 flights. Now, as a mom of two toddlers, my family of four has been on 75+ trips—from quick weekend getaways to much longer trips that included international flights. Through all these flights, I’ve learned a lot—some things the hard way, but I now have plenty of genius hacks that have made flying with a toddler so much easier. So, whether you’re gearing up for your baby’s first flight or looking for ways to make the process smoother, these tips will help you and your toddler—from packing to boarding to landing—all without the stress.
Packing tips for flying with a toddler
Before you even get to the airport, a little planning goes a long way. The right essentials, bags, and gear can make flying with a toddler a lot smoother. Here’s what to consider before takeoff.
Choose your bag wisely
I’ve walked the walk and traveled the planes with my toddlers. And I’ve learned that the right travel gear makes all the difference. Trying to get by on a plane with a regular diaper bag? Total disaster. Picture this: you're mid-flight, frantically digging for a favorite lovey while clothes spill out, Cheerios have gone astray, and your toddler teeters on the edge of a meltdown. Been there, done that. Never again.
The No Reception Club Getaway Bag is the travel bag of *my dreams*—it’s designed specifically for parents on the move and fits perfectly under the seat. You can find my full review here (I had to write a blog post on it). But here are a few reasons why I love it:
- It’s organized – Three compartments + a side pocket for easy access
- Instant side access – Grab what you need without digging through everything
- Surprisingly spacious – We’re talking all the essentials plus a travel potty
- Mess-proof – Waterproof, odor-controlling compartment for accidents
- Parent-friendly – Dedicated pockets for your phone, wallet & AirPods
- Comfortable to carry – Lightweight with air-mesh padded straps
- Keeps snacks fresh – Includes an insulated lunch bag for milk and any perishable snacks
- Works with luggage – Wide pass-through fits securely over suitcase handles
And you bet I've got a code for all the modern moms out there.
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Travel stroller and foldable scooter
If you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll need a stroller. Trust me, you’ll need one when your child doesn’t want to walk anymore and you’ll need one when they want to run wild. Yes, you can check strollers at the gate, but I prefer not to, since luggage handlers aren’t known for being particularly gentle. A lightweight, compact travel stroller that fits in the overhead bin saves the hassle (and potential damage).
Opt for a travel stroller that's lightweight, easy to navigate, and simple to fold. I have and love the MINU V2 Stroller from UPPAbaby.
Recently, we decided to bring Caden's scooter with us on our flight, and it turned out to be a brilliant idea. With his scooter in tow, he zipped around as we strolled through the airport, letting off some steam and keeping himself entertained along the way.
Toddler travel essentials
When you’re flying with a toddler, the right essentials can be the difference between a smooth trip and total chaos. Being ready with must-have snacks and some travel-friendly toys will honestly save your sanity.
Some of my absolute go-to items? A stash of shelf stable milk (most airlines don’t have milk as an option, surprisingly), an iPad with kid-friendly headphones, and a travel potty if you’ve already started the potty training process.My blog has you covered with 20+ toddler essentials for traveling, including my favorite product recommendations. (And if you’re traveling with a baby, I’ve got you covered with the essentials here, too.)
Before you board
Okay, once you’re at the airport, there’s really no turning back. But you’ve got this. Remember, and repeat after me: a little prep goes a long way. These hacks will make the next couple of hours smoother—for both you and your toddler.
Prepare your toddler for the flight
Actually, let’s back up for one minute. Before you arrive at the airport, do a little preparing. Especially if it’s your toddler's first time flying (or they’re still getting used to it), talk about what to expect in the days leading up to your trip.
Try reading books about airplanes, visiting the airport to watch planes take off and land, or role-playing a bit about what to expect in the security line and how to eat a snack on your lap in your seat. Even letting them help you pack a small bag with their favorite toy or snack can make them feel more involved.
Burn off energy at the airport
The best way to avoid a mid-flight meltdown? Let your toddler get their energy out before you board. If you’re traveling with a partner, try a divide and conquer method where one of you can handle last-minute tasks (like grabbing food or checking bags) while the other keeps your toddler moving.
Here are a few ways to let your toddler burn that energy off before boarding the plane:
- Find a play area – Some airports have kid-friendly zones for climbing and running.
- Walk laps – Let them explore the terminal while you keep an eye on the departure board.
- Bring a scooter – If your toddler loves their scooter, let them ride it around the gate area.
- Do a scavenger hunt – Look for airplanes, luggage carts, or people wearing backpacks.
- Let them climb & explore – Empty rows of chairs? A moving walkway? Anything safe is fair game!
- Stretch it out – Simple stretches or toddler yoga can help them wind down before sitting for hours.
A little movement now = a calmer toddler on the plane. Let them get those wiggles out while they can!
Choosing the right flight and seat options
Booking early gives you the best options, but here’s what to consider before you lock in your seats:
- Book flights strategically – Think about what’s best for your toddler. Consider choosing flights during nap time or early morning when your toddler is more likely to be well-rested. It can be best to avoid late-night flights unless your child is a great sleeper on the go.
- Consider bulkhead seats – These coveted seats give you some extra legroom so your toddler has space to stretch out, play, or sleep all without kicking the seat in front of them. To secure bulkhead seats try booking flights as far in advance as you can, call the airline and check for priority family seating, or see if you have perks if using a travel credit card.
- Think about window vs. aisle – A window seat keeps your toddler contained and entertained, while an aisle seat makes bathroom trips and walks down the aisle easier. If you have multiple kids, a whole row is ideal for extra space.
- If possible, buy them their own seat – While lap infants under 2 can fly free, having their own seat = more comfort for everyone. Bonus: If you bring a FAA-approved car seat, your toddler may sleep better in their familiar setup.
- Check airline policies – Some airlines block middle seats for families booking together, while others allow free seat selection for young kids. Know the rules before booking!
Last minute bathroom stops and diaper changes
Pretty self-explanatory, but bathroom checks before you board are definitely worth it. The last thing you want is a toddler who suddenly needs to go while you're stuck in a long boarding line or waiting for the seatbelt sign to turn off.
- For diapered toddlers, do a fresh change—even if they don’t seem to need it yet.
- Have a travel potty handy if your toddler is newly potty trained (some airports don’t have kid-friendly bathrooms).
The plane ride
You’ve made it through the airport—now it’s time for the plane ride. Keeping a toddler happy in a confined space isn’t always (ever?) easy, but even if I sound like a broken record here, I promise a little strategy can go a long way.
Board the plane last
Boarding the airplane last might seem counterintuitive, but when you're flying with kids, it can make all the difference. This hack reduces the time your child has to sit and wait before the plane takes off. Your toddler will probably be super excited and eager to get going, which can lead to one cranky kid when they're being asked to wait patiently and follow directions. Boarding last gives your family extra time to burn off any last-minute energy in the airport, or take those last-minute bathroom stops before settling into your seat.
Settling into your seats
One of the things I did when we were starting to take trips with our young family was to visualize our game plan. Once on the plane, what was our strategy? I pictured who was going to sit where, what we were keeping near us and storing away, as much as I could think of ahead of time so I wasn't scrambling to make a bunch of decisions all at once. Here are my top tips:
- Ask a flight attendant for extras – Many airlines provide extra pillows, blankets, or seat belt extenders if needed.
- Keep must-haves within reach – Store snacks, toys, diapers, wipes, and headphones in the seatback pocket or under the seat.
- Use the overhead bins wisely – Stash extra clothes, backup snacks, and anything you might now need to free up space.
- Secure the travel car seat early – If you’re using a FAA-approved travel car seat, install it as soon as you board to avoid delays.
- Plan your seating arrangement – Consider putting your toddler by the window when you board (less temptation to escape) and sitting next to them for easy access to the seat belt and entertainment.
Entertaining your toddler on the plane
When it comes to keeping a young child happy mid-flight, lean into screen time. It’s likely a life saver, so download a few favorite shows onto an iPad or device ahead of time. And to avoid last-minute struggles, have them practice using a pair of headphones before the trip so they’re comfortable with them.
For a great distraction, pack a mix of new toys (hello, novelty factor!) and a few of their favorites. Sticker books, Color Wonder coloring pages, and magnetic toys are all solid options since they’re mess-free and keep little hands busy. The key is variety—switching things up throughout the flight helps keep boredom at bay. You can find some of my favorite toys for flying with a toddler here.
All the snacks
There’s only one way to sure way to survive a long flight with a toddler—airplane snacks, and lots of them. Hunger can turn into crankiness fast, so packing some items like shelf-stable milk, granola bars, and protein-packed options will help keep your little one happy.
And make snack time more fun by using a creative container or a pill organizer to portion out bite-sized treats like chocolate chips, raisins, or puffs. Keeping snacks easily accessible on the tray table or in a spill-proof container means fewer messes and fewer meltdowns. And don’t forget things like their favorite sippy cup or water bottle.
Toddler sleep on the plane
The good news? If your toddler naps on the plane, great! If not, it’s okay. Airplane rides aren’t exactly designed for restful sleep, so don’t stress if the nap is shorter than usual or skipped entirely. Just do your best to offer the nap and see what happens.
It's worth bringing a few familiar comforts—a cozy blanket, their favorite stuffed animal, or a travel pillow—and dimming distractions as much as possible. But if it doesn’t happen, no worries! You’ll have time to regroup and reset sleep routines once you arrive at your destination, especially if you’re adjusting to a time change anyway.
A smooth landing
I find that a lot of people stop giving advice for traveling with a toddler once you’re on the plane—and I get it. There's definitely a big exhale once you've landed and realized you did it. But there are still a few things to keep in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible and these final steps can set you up for an easier start at your destination.
Collecting luggage
You've done it! Flying with a toddler? Check. One of your last steps will be collecting your luggage. And while baggage claim with a toddler in tow can be chaotic, thinking ahead will help:
- Use a stroller or divide and conquer– A stroller lets you keep your hands free while waiting for bags. And if you're traveling with a partner, consider some dividing and conquering for one to collect the bags while the other lets your toddler get some movement.
- Head straight to baggage claim – Get there ASAP so you’re ready when bags start coming out.
- Look for family-friendly services – Some airports have priority baggage for families—ask at check-in!
- Use an AirTag or luggage tracker – A lifesaver if your bags are delayed or lost.
- Grab a cart if needed
Post-flight toddler energy and needs
What comes next—a long car ride, a quick hotel check-in, or arriving late at night—will shape how you handle your toddler’s post-flight needs. Here are a few things you can keep in mind to help with this next step:
- let them move around before buckling into a car seat
- offer a snack or meal if mealtime was thrown off
- freshen up with a diaper change or bathroom stop
- adjust naps based on arrival time to help with sleep later
- set up a cozy sleep space right away if it’s bedtime
- get outside for fresh air if you're arriving during the day
Adjusting your toddler to new time zones
It’s doable, and you’ll all adjust! Just keep in mind that settling into a new time zone will take some time—both when you arrive and when you return home. A few small tweaks can make the transition smoother, and I’ve got some great hacks to help you with this.
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Traveling was such a big part of my life before kids, and I’m so glad we’ve prioritized it since I became a mom. Yes, it’s more chaotic. Yes, there’s more planning and less spontaneity. But the memories we’re making together make it completely worth it.
And when I find a product that truly makes mom life easier, I love sharing it with my modern moms. The No Reception Club Getaway Bag has completely changed the way we travel with little ones, and I’ve got a code for you to try it, too. It's 100% worth the investment IMO. Trust me, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without it.
Get $20 off your purchase of The Getaway Bag with code: NEWMODERNMOM20
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