Flying with Kids 0-10 years old, Without Losing Your Mind

A survival guide from a mom of 4 & family travel planner who's lived it.

Hi there!
I’m a mom of 4. Yes, FOUR. And I travel with them. On purpose. Repeatedly.

If you’re already sweating just thinking about flying with your kids — especially if they’re still in the snack-flinging, nap-refusing, tantrum-on-a-plane stage — I get it. I’ve been there. I still go there. But guess what? It can be done. And dare I say... it might even be fun. (Really.)

So here’s my no-fluff, real-life-tested guide to help you get through that flight — from boarding to baggage claim — with your sanity (mostly) intact.

Pick Your Flight Like a Parent, Not a Travel Blogge

Yes, that 6am flight was cheaper. But is saving $40 worth dragging your baby through security at 4:30am in the dark with no coffee?
(Answer: no.)

Parent-tested tips:

Choose direct flights when you can (connections = more chaos).
Go for mid-morning or early afternoon when kids are happiest.
Avoid flying during nap time unless you know your kid can sleep anywhere.
Night flights? Great for sleep… or horrible if your kid fights it the whole way. Know your child. In the latest case, the longer the better, that way there is less pressure to make sleep happen by a certain type If the night flight in long, kids will end up sleeping. Best departure time for night flight: 7/8pm. It gives kids time to settle down and enjoy entertainment in the plane before bedtime

✨ Pro tip: Book your seats early so your family can sit together. Otherwise, you’ll be that family begging strangers to swap seats at boarding time.

The Carry-On = Your Lifeline

Your diaper bag or carry-on isn’t just a bag. It’s a mobile crisis management unit.

Here’s what I always pack:

Kids headphones
Sugar free candies or gum
A foot hammock for toddlers
Suction and magnetic toys
Drawing tablets
Busy boards Montessori inspired
Downloaded kids podcasts / stories
Downloaded cartoon / movie on your phone.

💡 If your kid is old enough (+5 years old), let them have their own little backpack. They feel proud, and you carry less.

Managing In-Flight Entertainment (aka: Preventing Meltdowns)

Kids don’t sit still for 2 hours at the dinner table. So why expect them to sit still for a 3-hour flight?

My go-to in-flight rhythm:

Small toy or game (sticker books, Water Wow, pop-its)
Snack
Book or story
Screen time
Repeat
Panic snack
Emergency surprise toy
Hope for nap 🙏
Set realistic expectations. If your toddler watches 4 episodes of Bluey in a row? Fine. That’s what screens were made for.

When (Not If) Things Go Wrong

There will be a diaper blowout. Or someone will spill apple juice in your lap. Or your toddler will scream “I POOPED!” at top volume right after takeoff.

Stay calm. Smile at the horrified business traveler next to you.
You’re doing your best — and honestly? Most people are kinder than we fear.

Key mindset:
- Breathe.
- Laugh when you can.
- Don’t try to control every moment.
- Focus on connection, not perfection.

✨ Bonus: If you bring a few extra snacks or lollipops, offering one to your row neighbor can go a long way.

The Elusive In-Flight Sleep

Is it possible? Yes. Guaranteed? Never.

How to increase your chances:

Stick to your nap routine: books, bottle, music, cuddles — even in row 22C
Dim the lights (a scarf over the window works wonders), at night wait until the nights are off to save your energy, putitng a child to bed when the lights are sill on, is very challenging.
Use white noise (from your phone or a mini machine), or a story time, or soft music taht you downloaded before the flights.
Baby carrier = magic for pacing the aisle until they pass out
Blanket + sleepy kid = nap time miracle
foot hammock or a airplane kids bed (such as the bedbox from jetkids) to make a little bed for your child.

Just don’t get too attached to the idea. If it happens: amazing. If not? You’ll survive.

And for YOU, dear parent...

Hydrate (yes, even if it means a bathroom trip)

Eat something (no, leftover puffs don’t count)
Let go of guilt (you are not ruining anyone’s flight — promise)
Celebrate the small wins (only 2 tantrums? Success!)
And please, PLEASE don’t try to be perfect

You’re not just flying. You’re making memories, building resilience, and showing your kids the world. And that? That’s worth every crumb under the seat.