Flying with Kids: The Ultimate Mom-Tested Guide
Nervous About Flying with Kids? You’re Not Alone
If the thought of wrangling toddlers through TSA or surviving a cross-country flight with a baby and preschooler makes you sweat, you are so not alone. I’ve been there (many times). And I’ll let you in on a secret:
You can do this.
And it doesn’t have to be miserable.
As a mom of six, I’ve flown with kids of all ages—from newborns to toddlers to teens—and learned the hard way what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid total meltdowns (theirs and mine 🙃).
🧳 Getting Through the Airport When Flying with Kids
Before you even think about boarding the plane, there’s the adventure of the airport. Here’s how to make it as smooth as possible:
✅ TSA PreCheck Is 100% Worth It
If you’re flying even once a year, get TSA PreCheck.
- No removing shoes
- No pulling out liquids or electronics
- Shorter security lines
- And YES—your kids can go with you even if they aren’t individually enrolled (as long as they’re on your itinerary)
It’s a total game-changer when you’ve got a baby in a carrier and a toddler asking 47 questions while holding a half-eaten granola bar. Think, not having kids take shoes off, or trying to dig out everyone’s tablets, all while the security line piles up behind you.
🛞 Strollers: Gate Check Them!
You can bring your stroller all the way to the gate, and gate-check it for free.
When you land, it’ll be waiting for you right there at the gate—no need to wait at baggage claim with a tired toddler hanging off your leg.
The stroller is the best thing for making it through the airport with kids. You can pile up kid activity bags, or kids on it. It just keeps everything and everyone together.
Bonus tip: pack any stroller clips or stroller caddies in your luggage so they don’t get lost on the plane.
🚨 Heads-up for Disney travelers:
Wagons are not allowed at Disney parks unless they are medically necessary and pre-approved. Make sure your stroller meets Disney’s requirements before packing it.
🧷 Car Seats on Planes: To Bring or Not to Bring?
If you’ll need a car seat at your destination (like if you’re renting a car or using one at Disney for airport transport), you’ve got a few options:
- Gate-check it for free
- Bring it on the plane if it’s FAA-approved (this is what we often do)
Our littles actually do better when they’re in a familiar seat. It helps them stay put, feel safe, and even nap easier. Total win.
✈️ In-Flight Survival Kit: What to Pack When Flying With Kids
When it comes to flying with kids, your carry-on bag is your lifeline. I always pack:
- Activities like stickers, crayons, puffy reusable sticker books, Water Wow books, and mess-free coloring
- Toddler headphones (soft and volume-limited)
- A tablet with pre-downloaded shows or games
- Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
- A blanket for snuggling or napping
- A spill-proof toddler cup for drinks
📦 Our favorite airplane must-haves:
(**Some of these are affiliate links, but only for products we truly use and love!)
- Toddler Headphones
- Reusable Sticker Books
- Collapsible Snack Containers
- Foldable Travel Blanket
- LCD Writing Tablet
- Toddler Cup with Lid
💡 Pro Tip: Let each kid carry a small backpack with their own goodies—it gives them independence and lightens your load just a little.
😅 Real Talk: Even If It’s Rough, You’ll Get Through Flying with Kids
Let me be real for a sec: I once flew home from Disney with 3 of my 6 kids throwing up from norovirus. Mid. Flight.
There was barf in bags, in laps, on backpacks. It was something.
But you know what? We made it. I even laugh about it now. (Sort of.)
You’ll survive this.
Your flight might be loud. It might be sticky. Someone might cry. But you are strong, prepared, and doing something amazing for your family.
💼 Bonus Flying with Kids Tip: Prep for the Return Trip, Too
It’s easy to forget that the return flight might be more exhausting than the first one—especially after several days of Disney magic (and walking). Keep a few fresh toys or snacks hidden for the way home. You’ll thank yourself later.
🛫 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mom
Flying with kids is never easy, but it is absolutely doable. With the right mindset, a few strategic tools, and a little grace (for your kids and yourself), you can actually enjoy the journey and the destination.
One day, you’ll look back and remember your toddler’s face pressed against the plane window, wide-eyed with wonder—and not the fruit snacks stuck to your shirt.
