The Flight Crew's 13 Best Hacks for Kids on a Plane

Flying with kids ranks somewhere between "mildly chaotic" and "will we survive this?" on the parent stress scale. Fortunately, flight crews have seen it all, and they have your back. These professionals spend their days watching families handle air travel, and they've figured out what actually works.

Let's talk about the tips that will help turn that anxiety-inducing flight into something manageable, maybe even enjoyable.

Connecting flights with kids are just asking for trouble. Direct flights eliminate headaches like rushing to catch connections, delayed layovers, and the risk of lost luggage. Every extra takeoff and landing means more ear popping, more chances for meltdowns, and more time spent wrangling kids through crowded terminals. If the direct flight costs a bit more, think of it as an investment in your sanity.

Airports are calmer from Tuesday through Thursday compared to weekends. Fewer crowds mean less stress while pushing a stroller, going through security, or hunting down a clean bathroom. Plus, your fellow passengers on weekday flights are often business travelers who understand that travel doesn't always go smoothly.

We understand that lap infants under two fly free (or cheap). But having a squirmy child on the lap for hours can be exhausting and brings the challenge of being trapped when the baby falls asleep. If the budget allows, getting them their own seat with their car seat can be a game-changer. They're contained in something familiar, and everyone has a bit more breathing room.

Plane food options often sell out, and there's no guarantee kids will want what's offered. Pack sandwiches, crackers, dry snacks, and fruit like apples or oranges. Skip anything that needs heating, staying cold, or creates a massive mess (goodbye, yogurt cups). Think of snacks as your peace-keeping arsenal and deploy them strategically throughout the flight.

This one's a bit of a balancing act. Seats near the front offer early boarding and deplaning, plus better meal choices since flight attendants serve front to back. But sitting in the back puts families closer to lavatories and flight attendants who can help. Avoid the very last row, as those seats don't recline, there's constant bathroom traffic, and nobody wants to smell airplane bathrooms for three hours.

Don't wait until you're packing to think about screen time. Download new episodes along with old favorites days before the trip. And here's a smart move: don't turn on devices immediately. Wait until you're well into the flight and past the first beverage service. Screens are your trump card, so don't play them too early, or you'll have nothing left when things get really tough.

The most vulnerable time for ear pain is usually during descent, about thirty minutes before landing. Have bottles, sippy cups, or snacks ready for takeoff and especially landing. Chewing and swallowing help equalize ear pressure. If the baby cries during descent, remember that crying actually helps their ears adjust, even if it's stressful to hear.

Flight attendants appreciate when parents appear to be trying, even when kids aren't perfect. Keep Cheerios from being ground into dust on the floor, pick up obvious trash, and gently discourage aisle sprinting. Nobody expects perfection, as kids are kids. But showing you care goes a long way toward getting help when you need it.

If you desperately need a bathroom break, ask a flight attendant for help. While they can’t hold your baby during taxi, takeoff, landing, turbulence, or when the seatbelt sign is on, many are willing to assist or watch your seat when it’s safe to do so.

Consider a travel stroller for children under four and a baby carrier for those under two. Even better, get a compact stroller that fits in the overhead bin. Gate-checking strollers sounds convenient, but it doesn't always work out logistically. Having your hands free while going through airports makes everything easier.

Not just for the kids; for you too. Spills happen. Diaper blowouts happen. Being vomited on when you can't change out of those clothes is miserable. Keep a complete change of clothes easily accessible in the diaper bag.

Sometimes kids just need to move. Try to time walks around the plane between meal and beverage services to avoid getting stuck between carts and working flight attendants. Late-night flights usually have fewer people in the aisles. For toddlers, bring a baby carrier in case pacing takes longer than expected.

Kids have the right to exist and express themselves, and fellow passengers will never see you again. If your child melts down, take a deep breath. Handle it calmly. Flight crews understand that kids are unpredictable, and most passengers have been there too (or will be someday). Do your best, but don't torture yourself with guilt over things you can't control.

Flying with kids won't always be smooth. Some flights will be easier than others, and that's okay. What matters is being prepared with practical strategies that actually work, not theoretical advice that crumbles the moment your toddler spots the beverage cart.