The Foolproof 5-Step Plan to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) Flying with Kids

The thought of being trapped in a metal tube hurtling through the sky with cranky kids is enough to make any parent break out in hives. But here’s the thing – it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. 

With a little prep and the right mindset, you can turn that dreaded flight into quality family time. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, and got the “World’s Okayest Mom” t-shirt to prove it.

Step 1: Pack Like a Pro

Alright, let’s talk about luggage. The key here is to channel your inner Mary Poppins – you want to be prepared for anything without lugging around your entire house. First up, snacks. Lots of snacks.

I’m talking about a variety pack that would make a convenience store jealous. Goldfish crackers, fruit leather, granola bars – whatever keeps your little ones happy and quiet. 

Next, entertainment. This is where you want to get creative. Sure, tablets loaded with games and movies are great, but don’t stop there. Comfort is key, so pack a small blanket or their favorite stuffed animal. A familiar item from home can work wonders in an unfamiliar environment. 

And speaking of comfort, always pack a change of clothes for everyone in your carry-on. Trust me on this one – spills happen, and there’s nothing worse than sitting in sticky clothes for hours.

Step 2: Timing is Everything

Okay, here’s where it gets a bit strategic. When booking your flight, think about your kids’ schedules. If you have younger ones who still nap, try to time the flight during their usual sleep window. A sleeping child is a quiet child, and you might even get to enjoy that in-flight movie.

For older kids, early morning flights can work wonders. They’re usually less crowded, and kids tend to be in better moods before the midday slump hits. Plus, you’ll have the whole day ahead of you when you land – perfect for adjusting to new time zones.

Whatever time you choose, make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of buffer time. Nothing adds stress like rushing through security with kids in tow. Use that extra time to let them burn off energy in the terminal. Many airports now have play areas – seek them out and let your little ones go wild before boarding.

Step 3: The Boarding Game Plan

Alright, you’ve made it to the gate without (major) incident. Now, it’s time to board. Here’s where opinions differ, but I’m a firm believer in boarding last when traveling with kids. 

Yes, you heard me right. While everyone else is jostling for overhead space, let your kids run around the gate area for as long as possible. Less time confined to a seat is always a win.

When it’s finally time to board, make it an adventure. We play “airplane explorers” – each kid gets a special job, like finding our row or counting how many people are wearing hats. It keeps them focused and excited, rather than dreading the confinement.

Once you’re seated, establish your area quickly. Get those entertainment options out and ready to go. I like to surprise my kids with a new small toy or activity at this point – it’s amazing how long a new set of window clings can keep them occupied.

Step 4: In-Flight Survival Tactics

You’re airborne! This is where the real fun begins. The key here is to have a variety of activities ready to go, and to switch things up frequently. I break our flight time into 15-30 minute chunks, depending on my kids’ ages and attention spans.

Start with something calming, like coloring or reading a story together. As they get restless, move on to more interactive games. The classic “I Spy” never fails, especially when you’re thousands of feet in the air with a bird’s eye view of the world below.

Don’t forget about movement. Yes, you’re confined to a small space, but there are still ways to get the wiggles out. Teach them simple stretches they can do in their seats, or challenge them to a quiet “dance-off” using just their hands and arms. 

For younger kids, walking up and down the aisle (when the seatbelt sign is off, of course) can be a great way to break up the monotony.

And let’s talk about those dreaded ear pops during takeoff and landing. For babies, nursing or bottle-feeding works wonders. 

For older kids, have them drink water, yawn widely, or chew gum if they’re old enough. Make it fun – we play the “fish face” game, where you have to hold water in your cheeks without laughing.

Step 5: The Landing Strategy

As you begin your descent, it’s time to start winding things down. This is when I bring out the big guns – usually a new episode of their favorite show or a game they’ve been dying to play. The goal is to keep them calm and seated as the plane gets bumpier and the seat belt sign stays on.

Use this time to start getting organized. Put away all the toys and activities you’ve strewn about during the flight. Trust me, in the future you will thank past you for not having to wrangle a mountain of crayons while also keeping track of passports and tired kids.

As you land, build excitement about your destination. Talk about what you’re going to do first, or the yummy local food you’re going to try. This helps shift their focus from the end of the flight to the beginning of your adventure.

The Cherry on Top: Attitude is Everything

Here’s the real secret sauce – your attitude sets the tone for the entire experience. Kids are intuitive; they pick up on our stress and anxiety. So even when things go sideways (and let’s be real, with kids, something always does), try to keep a sense of humor and adventure.

Remember, this flight is just the beginning of your family’s journey. Every meltdown, every spilled drink, every “are we there yet?” is part of the story you’ll laugh about later. And who knows? You might even find yourself enjoying the ride.

So there you have it, my foolproof plan for not just surviving, but actually enjoying flying with kids. Give it a try on your next family adventure. 

And hey, if you see a slightly frazzled mom wrangling two kids and a mountain of snacks through the airport, give her a knowing smile. It might just be me, on my way to our next culinary expedition. Happy travels, parents!