Traveling with kids looks very different at every stage of childhood.
When my daughter was a baby, my travel systems revolved around diapers and bottles. As she grew into a toddler, activities and snacks became essential. Now that she’s older, our systems continue to evolve, but one thing hasn’t changed:
Preparation makes travel dramatically easier.
After more than 150 flights together, I’ve learned that traveling with kids isn’t about bringing more things — it’s about creating thoughtful systems that make the journey smoother.
Here are a few of the things that have consistently worked for us.
The Airport Hack That Changed Everything
One of the best travel tools we discovered was a scooter carry-on suitcase.
Airports can involve very long walks between gates, security lines, and terminals. When you’re traveling alone with a child, that can quickly become exhausting.
The KiddieTotes scooter suitcase solves two problems at once. It acts as both a carry-on suitcase and a scooter, which means kids can ride through the airport while carrying their own things.
For us, it turned airport walks from something tiring into something fun.
My Carry-On Bag System
When traveling with a child, keeping your hands free is incredibly important.
I love using this lightweight travel backpack because it keeps everything organized while allowing me to move easily through the airport.
What I especially like is that the front pouch can be removed and slid into the seat pocket on the plane. That way I can quickly access wipes, snacks, or activities without digging through the entire bag.
Little systems like this make a huge difference when you’re flying alone with a child.
My Snack System for Longer Flights
Airplane food is unpredictable, and when kids get hungry mid-flight things can go downhill quickly.
For flights five hours or longer, I pack a snack container with multiple compartments so my daughter can eat throughout the flight.
I usually fill it with things like:
• crackers
• fruit
• protein snacks
• small treats
• something crunchy
• something sweet
Having different snack options keeps things interesting and prevents mid-flight meltdowns.
Packing a Full Meal When Needed
Because my daughter has allergies and can be a picky eater, I sometimes pack a full meal from home.
I use this container along with an ice pack to keep food fresh during the trip.
This allows me to bring a hot meal or fresh fruit, so I know she’ll have something safe to eat regardless of what’s available on the plane.
It’s one of those small preparations that can make a big difference during travel.
Activities That Actually Work on Flights
ver the years I’ve learned that the best airplane activities are:
• compact
• quiet
• interactive
• easy to pull out quickly
A few activities that have worked really well for us include:
Magna-Tiles
Great for building small creations right on the tray table.
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Painting on the Go activity sets
Creative and compact without making a mess.
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Scratch pad drawing boards
Kids can draw endlessly without needing markers or paper.
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Mini Boggle
A fun small game we can play together during the flight or while waiting at the gate.
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A Lifesaver for Toddlers: Window Clings
When my daughter was younger and still sitting in my lap, window clings were one of the easiest activities to bring on flights.
Kids can stick them to:
• the airplane window
• the tray table
• the seat in front of them
They’re lightweight, reusable, and simple enough for little hands to use independently.
For toddlers who need something tactile and visual, these can keep them entertained far longer than you’d expect.
A Travel Moment That Reinforced My System
One travel experience really reinforced why preparation matters.
We were once stuck on the tarmac for three hours with no service available. At that moment, the snack pack I had packed became incredibly helpful.
My daughter was able to snack while watching pre-downloaded movies on her iPad, and she also had access to one of her learning apps where she plays games that help build STEM skills.
Because we had snacks, entertainment, and activities ready, what could have been a stressful situation turned into a manageable one.
Moments like that remind me why these systems matter.
Airport Security Gets Easier with Experience
Another thing that has made traveling alone with a child easier is using TSA PreCheck and CLEAR whenever possible.
Shorter security lines and faster screening make a huge difference when you’re juggling bags and a child.
I also make a habit of letting security officers know ahead of time if I’m carrying medications or food before going through the scanner.
Shorter security lines and faster screening make a huge difference when you’re juggling bags and a child.
I also make a habit of letting security officers know ahead of time if I’m carrying medications or food before going through the scanner.
My Simple Rule for Flights With Kids
After hundreds of hours traveling together, I’ve learned to always pack three types of activities:
• something creative
• something interactive
• something quiet
This simple rule has saved many flights.
Traveling With Kids Gets Easier
After more than 150 flights with my daughter, I’ve learned that traveling with kids truly becomes easier with experience.
Each stage requires different systems, but with a little preparation and flexibility, flying with children can become something families genuinely enjoy.
Sometimes the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
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