Flying with children takes more planning than traveling solo, but with the right preparation it can be smooth, enjoyable, and even fun. Here’s everything you need to know from booking through landing.
Before You Book
Smart Booking Strategies for Families
The decisions you make at booking time have a bigger impact on a family trip than almost anything else.
Choose flight times strategically
For young children, book flights that align with their natural sleep schedule — overnight flights or flights during nap time can mean a sleeping child for much of the journey. For older children, early morning flights have the lowest delay rates and kids are often calmer before they get hungry and tired. Avoid late afternoon and early evening flights when children (and airports) tend to be at their most chaotic.
Select seats carefully
Book seats together as early as possible — family seating is not guaranteed unless you select it at booking. Bulkhead seats (the front row of a cabin section) offer extra floor space for infants and toddlers. Aisle seats give you easier access for bathroom trips and walking a restless child. Window seats keep younger children entertained with the view. Avoid the last row — seats don’t recline and you’re near the bathrooms.
Children under 2 can fly free as lap infants on domestic flights
On U.S. domestic flights, children under 2 years old can fly free as lap infants — they sit on your lap rather than in their own seat. For international flights, lap infants typically pay 10% of the adult fare. However, the FAA recommends that all children use an approved car seat in their own seat for safety. If you choose a separate seat for an infant, their FAA-approved car seat can be used on the aircraft.
Use miles and points for family travel
Family travel is one of the best use cases for travel rewards points. Four economy tickets can cost thousands of dollars — redeeming points for the same flights dramatically reduces the out-of-pocket cost. Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards both transfer to airline partners where family award bookings are possible. See our travel credit card guide for the best cards for earning family travel rewards.
At the Airport
Getting Through the Airport with Kids
Arrive earlier than you think you need to
Add at least 30–45 minutes to your normal arrival time when traveling with children. Unexpected bathroom stops, slow security lines, and the general unpredictability of children add time to every airport step. For international flights with young children, 3.5–4 hours before departure is not excessive. Being rushed with kids is one of the most stressful travel experiences — build in buffer.
TSA family lanes and PreCheck for kids
TSA has dedicated family security lanes at many airports — look for signs or ask a TSA agent. Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck — no separate enrollment needed. This alone is a strong argument for adults to get PreCheck before any family trip. Strollers must go through the X-ray machine; infants can be carried through the body scanner.
Use a carrier or compact stroller
A baby carrier (Ergobaby, Baby Bjorn) keeps hands free through the airport and doesn’t need to be checked or collapsed. If you bring a stroller, gate-check it at the door of the plane — it will be waiting for you at the jet bridge upon arrival at no charge on most airlines. Compact umbrella strollers are easier to manage than full-size strollers in airports.
Family boarding — use it
Most airlines offer family boarding for passengers with young children, typically between the first and second boarding groups. This gives you time to settle in, install car seats, and get organized before the main boarding rush. Ask the gate agent about family boarding if it isn’t announced — it’s almost always available even if not explicitly advertised.
On the Plane
Keeping Children Happy In-Flight
Pack more entertainment than you think you need
Download movies, shows, and games to a tablet or phone before the flight — don’t rely on in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment systems, which may not work or may not have age-appropriate content. For toddlers: sticker books, small figurines, Play-Doh (mess-contained), and new small toys revealed one at a time. For school-age children: tablets loaded with favorites, activity books, card games. For older kids: their own devices with downloaded content plus headphones.
Snacks are everything
Pack significantly more snacks than you expect to need, and make them better than what you’d normally allow — this is a trip, not a Tuesday. Familiar comfort snacks are particularly valuable for toddlers. Avoid messy or strong-smelling foods out of courtesy to fellow passengers. Good options: goldfish crackers, fruit pouches, granola bars, dried fruit, pretzels, and small sandwiches. Don’t forget a sippy cup or water bottle for young children.
Help young children with ear pressure
Ear pain from pressure changes during takeoff and descent is the most common cause of infant and toddler crying on planes. For infants, nursing or bottle feeding during takeoff and landing helps equalize pressure. For toddlers and older children, swallowing, chewing gum, or drinking through a straw works. Yawning and the Valsalva maneuver (gently holding the nose and blowing) helps older children. Carry infant pain reliever for young children and use it before a flight if your child is prone to ear discomfort.
Accept that some chaos is normal — and manageable
Children are unpredictable. Even perfectly prepared parents have difficult flights. If your child is upset, do what you need to do to help them — walk the aisle, offer comfort, change tactics. Most fellow passengers are more understanding than you might fear, especially parents themselves. Bring apology candy for neighbors if you want to be proactive about goodwill — it genuinely works and most people find it charming.
Packing for Kids
What to Pack When Traveling with Children
The diaper bag as carry-on
Your diaper bag counts as your personal item. Pack it for the flight: diapers plus several extras (delays happen), wipes, a change of clothes for the baby AND one for you (blowouts are unpredictable), plastic bags for soiled items, formula or pumped milk (exempt from TSA liquid limits — declare at security), pacifiers, and a small comfort toy or blanket. Airlines typically allow you to bring a diaper bag in addition to your standard carry-on allowance — ask when booking.
Pack a change of clothes for every child in your carry-on
Regardless of whether you’re checking bags, every child should have a complete change of clothes in the carry-on or personal item. Spills, accidents, and unexpected messes happen. If your checked bag is delayed, you don’t want to land in a vacation destination with children in dirty clothes and no immediate options.
Car seats on planes
If your child has their own seat, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat on the plane at no extra charge and use it during the flight. The car seat must be FAA-approved (look for the sticker) and must fit in the aircraft seat — 16″ wide or less fits most economy seats. CARES harness (Children’s Aviation Restraint System) is a FAA-approved alternative that weighs just one pound and fits in a small bag — ideal for older toddlers who have outgrown rear-facing seats.
Disclaimer
Airline policies for children, lap infant rules, car seat regulations, and family boarding procedures vary by airline and change frequently. Always verify current policies with your specific airline before travel. TSA screening procedures for families are subject to change — check tsa.gov for the latest guidance. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute safety or medical advice.