How to Plan for Air Travel with a Toddler

Toddlers on planes are probably everyone’s worst travel nightmare – especially for the parents themselves. But if you follow these tips before you fly, airplane travel with a toddler can go smoothly and without too much stress.

Book nonstop, overnight flights when possible. Nothing adds stress to a journey like a short or overly long layover, so try and find a direct flight to your destination. A red-eye may sound uncomfortable, but it could make the process easier for you both. Once in the air, go through the usual nighttime routine – pajamas, teeth brushing, story time. By the time the cabin lights dim your little one may be ready to sleep, allowing you some shut-eye, too.

Make sure to have all documents in order before traveling. Sort out passports, visas, and vaccinations well before travel time, and carefully read the requirements of the destination country. Note that if you are traveling alone with your child, borders may require custody papers. Carry extra copies of all documents before traveling, including passports, visas, and travel insurance.

Invest in travel insurance. Traveling is always a risky business, but a toddler adds an extra level of uncertainty. Lost luggage or getting stranded because of a missed connection is bad enough, but doing so with a kid in tow is nightmarish. Trip protection can provide piece of mind. Children are also notoriously prone to sickness; add in stale airplane air, strange foods, and foreign germs, and it is a recipe for disaster. Travel insurance can help to make sure you are covered for the unexcpected, so you can focus on surviving the flight.

Choose an aisle seat. A window view may be a nice distraction, but having an aisle seat will allow little legs to stretch or make trips to the bathroom as often as needed. It’s always prudent to ask politely before boarding if there is anyone else in the row with you, and if they could be moved.

Fill your carry ons with supplies. Pack as much as you can get away with in your carry on bag. Include toys and activities, snacks (but no drinks through security!) and changes of clothes. Pack enough supplies for the flight and one extra day, because you never know where your luggage might end up or what delays you may face. It’s a good idea to pack lollipops or chewy candy to prevent ears from popping during takeoff and landing.