As we approach the holiday season, a lot of families will be flying with their kids. Because we have been dealing with a pandemic, a lot of people will be experiencing family air travel for the first time this holiday season!
As someone who has flown with their children multiple times, I figured I’d shed some light on how to manage a flight with kids.
In 2017, after my first ever flight with my 1-year-old, I wrote a post called “Tips for a better flight with your toddler.” This post still has some great gems, but now that toddler is 5 years old and has a 2-year-old sister beside her! Flying with both of them is slightly more complicated but just as doable! Check out that post for specific tips on how to fly with younger children.
Flying with Kids in a pandemic
Traveling with kids is always an ordeal but throwing in the pandemic makes it an Olympic sport. My kids and I flew together once during 2020 pandemic. We were able to do so seamlessly, for the most part, it just takes a few extra steps.
If your child or children are not used to wearing a mask for long periods of time, I would suggest practicing before the flight. Have them wear a mask while playing outside or on long shopping trips to get them into the habit. Any person, 2-years or older, is required by federal law to wear a mask for the duration of their flight. Because of this, you want to make sure that this will not be an issue during your trip.
I would also suggest the following to make sure you are safe a clean while traveling:
Bring antibacterial hand sanitizer wipes
This is especially important for kids. While on the flight, they will want to have snacks. Having wipes prevents you from having to get up to wash their hands on the plane. Hand sanitizer is an option but, in my opinion, hand sanitizer only wipes around the dirt. I prefer using a wipe to remove the dirt I can see as well as kill germs left behind. You can get small, purse-friendly packs at any retailer.
Bring extra masks
Your child will either get their mask dirty, break it, drop it or lose it while traveling. Do yourself a favor and bring extras. Lots of extras. I prefer giving my kids disposable surgical masks so that I am not devastated when they lose them. Pack a box in your checked luggage, because you will need them where you’re going, and throw about 3 extra per child in your backpack. I love these masks, and they come in really fun colors
For babies that cannot wear masks, use a stroller cover while in the airport. I’ve seen a lot of parents do this to protect their young babies from COVID. I like to use my summer infant stroller (this one) while in the airport and this clear plastic cover. My youngest has flown before she was able to wear a mask and did not get sick, so don’t stress about this part. It’ll be fine!
Tips for Airplane Travel with your family
I highly suggest bringing your child’s iPad or tablet along for the journey. If you are like me, and do not have wireless capability on your kid’s devices, make sure you download multiple movies and TV shows for the flight. Disney+, Netflix, and HBO MAx have great options for kid’s movies and TV shows. Test them out before you leave (with your wifi off) to make sure everything is working as it should. If you fly southwest with your kids, there is the option of inflight movies and live TV, so they will be entertained no matter what! Make sure you get kid sizes headphones too.
I also allowed them to bring one toy and packed a coloring book and crayons in case they got bored. On Southwest flights, you are given complimentary juice and crackers during the flight. If you have picky children, you can also bring snacks and juice boxes for them. Both of my girls had their own backpacks during the flight and that is where I stored everything.
Our most recent flights have been pretty smooth. Having two adult helpers, arriving early, and planning ahead as much as possible is crucial to surviving a flight without a meltdown (and I’m referring to you, not the kids, when I mention meltdown). Typically, as long as we use the bathroom before we leave home, when we arrive at the airport, and right before our flight, that cuts down on airplane bathroom trips (which was the worst, especially with kids) and accidents.
If you get lucky, your kids will sleep most of the flight. If you’re taking a night flight, consider giving them melatonin gummies while waiting at the gate. Of course, a good car seat bag, stroller, and being hands-free will help you out the most. Having my boarding pass on my phone, wearing leggings with pockets and using my apple watch to unlock my phone while wearing my mask was a game-changer. But really, you need a full stomach, patience, and prayer to make it through!
Good luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!
