Why Preparation Makes Flying With Kids So Much Easier
- Lifestyle
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- UPDATED July 30, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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Flying with children can be daunting, because, even if you’re looking forward to your trip in general, what seems straightforward in theory – boarding a plane, keeping them occupied, arriving at your destination – quickly becomes a series of moving parts that all need managing and that can become incredibly stressful very quickly. The fact is that early mornings, long queues, restless little ones, and the occasional tantrum are enough to make any trip feel overwhelming for everyone involved.
But the good news is that some preparation changes everything, and with a good plan in place, the journey doesn’t have to feel chaotic, and although it won’t ever be perfect, it can be far smoother and far less stressful. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Start Before The Day Of Travel
The key to a calmer journey is starting early because if you try to leave everything until the night before, you’re just setting yourself up for stress. Instead, begin preparing well in advance and that stress can definitely be minimised as much as possible.
To start with, make a packing list a week before you travel and add to it whenever something comes to mind. Non‑essential items can go into bags early so you’re not cramming them in at the last minute, and if your children are old enough, let them take some responsibility too – a small backpack with their own books, toys, or comfort items gives them a sense of involvement and keeps them occupied during the journey.
Keep passports, tickets, and any other documents together in one place that’s easy to reach. Remember, although the idea sounds simple, the truth is that nothing slows you down at security like digging through bags to find the right paperwork, and having it to hand keeps everyone’s stress levels low.
Allow More Time Than You Think You’ll Need
Children have their own pace, which rarely matches the pace of air travel, and things like getting through security, buying food, or even walking to the gate take longer when little legs are involved. Build in more time than you think you’ll need, and then add a bit more.
If you can, choose flights that work with your child’s natural routine; a flight that falls during a regular nap or avoids an unreasonably early wake‑up can make a massive difference.
Reduce The Amount You Carry
Carrying heavy luggage while also managing children through a busy airport is a recipe for stress, so reduce what you take with you and make use of services that lighten the load.
For example, if you want to explore before checking in or simply want fewer bags to manage, services like luggage storage Heathrow airport can make things easier, and dropping off bulky items for a few hours frees you up to focus on the essentials, keeping everyone calm and on schedule.
Pack Smart Entertainment
A bored child on a plane is no one’s idea of a good time, so make sure you bring a variety of activities to keep them busy. Those activities could include anything, and some examples are small toys or puzzles they actually enjoy, books or magazines for quiet time, tablets or other devices loaded with games, audiobooks, or shows (plus headphones), and so on.
Don’t expect one thing to keep their attention for the entire flight, especially if it’s a long one. Switch activities regularly to break up the time and keep things manageable, and the time will go by a lot quicker.
Dress In Layers
Planes are unpredictable – cold one moment, stuffy the next – so dress everyone in layers because it makes it much easier to adapt to changing temperatures without fuss.
Another useful tip is slip‑on shoes because they’re going to make security easier and are one less battle to fight during boarding. Comfort should be the priority here; travel days aren’t the time for stiff clothes or complicated outfits.
Bring More Snacks Than You Think
Snacks deserve their own mention because they’re absolutely required. They solve hunger, boredom, and sometimes even prevent a meltdown, so always bring more than you expect to need – pack familiar favourites as well as a few special treat options to keep things interesting.
And of course, drinks are just as important. Airports and planes are dehydrating, so refillable bottles that can be topped up after security are worth bringing along.
Learn The Rules Before You Fly
Airlines often have different policies for families; some provide bassinets for babies, others allow strollers or buggies to be taken to the gate, and many offer priority boarding for passengers with young children.
Check the rules in advance so you know what to expect because having this information ready avoids last‑minute confusion or awkward conversations when your patience (and your child’s) is already wearing thin.
Slow Down Where You Can
Airports can feel like a race, but it doesn’t have to be that way – family‑friendly lanes at security, early boarding, and even deliberately choosing quieter airport areas can make the experience more manageable.
Taking things slowly won’t get you to your destination any faster, but it does make the journey feel calmer.
Expect Imperfection
Perhaps the most important part of preparation is adjusting your expectations. Flying with children won’t ever be the same as flying alone and there will be small delays, a little noise, and moments where you wonder why you booked the trip at all.
When you expect these things, they’re far less frustrating, and it’s wise to bear in mind that the goal isn’t a perfect trip; it’s one that everyone gets through without too much stress.
Give Yourself Recovery Time
Once you land, resist the temptation to pack your schedule with activities – you’ll want to give your family time to rest. Whether that means heading straight to your accommodation, having a quiet meal, or simply taking a walk to stretch your legs, some recovery time makes the transition easier for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Flying with kids isn’t easy, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t need to feel impossible. And when you manage the stress well, you make room for the best part: enjoying the trip together.