Family travel doesn’t need to be stressful, even during the busy summer holiday season. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or carer, a little preparation goes a long way to make air travel with kids easier. Here are essential travel tips to help you survive a flight with little ones and keep kids happy throughout the journey.
Be Prepared: Stress-Free Family Travel Starts at Home
Kids pick up on your stress, so aim to be calm and organised before your travel day. Pack your hand luggage the night before with all the essentials you might need — think toys and books, crayon sets, pyjamas, snacks, and a change of clothes. Always leave plenty of time for getting to the airport, allowing for delays, queues, and bathroom stops. Expect it to take twice as long to get through security when traveling with children.
Tip: Book an extra seat if your toddler is active or you’re travelling with a baby in your lap — this can make a huge difference in having a stress-free family travel experience.
For more advice, check the UK government’s family travel guidance here: GOV.UK – Travelling with children
Give a Pre-Flight Pep Talk to Keep Kids Calm
Airports and planes can feel overwhelming for little ones. A simple chat about what to expect — check-in, queues, going through security, boarding your flight, and air pressure changes during takeoff and landing — can help ease their worries. Let them know about wearing seatbelts, keeping electronics muted or using earplugs, and how to listen to the flight attendant’s instructions.
If you can, watch a short, child-friendly video about flying with kids in advance to help your child feel more confident.
Choose the Right Toys and Snacks to Keep Little Ones Entertained
On-board does not have to mean “I’m bored.” Pack plenty of travel-friendly activities in your hand luggage: magnetic games, sticker books, soft toys, or small puzzles. Consider wrapping a few surprises in layers of paper to keep them distracted and entertained for longer.
When it comes to snacks, remember that plenty of snacks are essential. Avoid high-sugar treats, as they can make kids hyperactive, which is not ideal for plane travel. Instead, pack healthy options and save a lollipop or chewy sweet for take-off and landing — the swallowing helps equalise air pressure and protect their ears.
If you want more inspiration on travel-friendly food ideas, check out the NHS’s healthy snack suggestions: NHS – Healthier Snacks for Kids
Make Family Travel Time Quality Time
It can be tempting to zone out during your flight and catch up on episodes of your favourite shows, but family travel is a great opportunity for quality time with the kids. Play guessing games, invent stories, or talk about their holiday dreams.
Research shows children value their parents’ time and attention — in a study shared by the Parenting Science website, shared activities build strong bonds and positive feelings. Flying with kids might feel long, but with a little planning, you can turn the entire flight into a memorable part of your summer holiday.
Help Children Prepare for Air Pressure Changes
One of the biggest discomforts for kids on a plane is air pressure changes during takeoff and landing. Give them milk in a bottle or sippy cup, or let them chew a sugar-free gum or lollipop to ease the ear pressure. Encourage older children to sip water or yawn frequently.
If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, feeding during take-off and landing can help keep them calm and prevent pain from pressure changes.
Disembark Calmly and Stress-Free
After the plane has been on for hours, there’s no need to join the mad rush to get off. Let other passengers leave first, then calmly gather up all your toys, crayon packs, and other essentials before stepping off. It’s less stressful and means you’ll leave nothing behind.
Final Travel Tips for Your Next Flight with Kids
- Pack plenty of snacks in your hand luggage
- Keep toys, books, and activities handy to keep them entertained
- Book an extra seat if budget allows
- Talk through what to expect at check-in, security, and on the plane
- Prepare your kids for pressure changes
- Use family travel as a chance for quality time
By planning ahead, you can transform a potentially stressful family holiday flight into a positive and even fun travel experience. Wherever your next adventure takes you, these travel tips can help you create a stress-free family memory that lasts long after you land.