Complete Guide to Flying with Toddlers: Essential Tips from a Mom Who’s Been There (Ages 1-3)

From lap infant to their own seat – real strategies and packing lists that actually work

Let me start by saying something we all know but need to hear: flying with toddlers is an adventure, to put it mildly. I’ve navigated airports both with a lap infant and with a toddler who had her own seat. And you know what? While it wasn’t always smooth sailing (or should I say smooth flying?), we made it work – and I learned a lot along the way.

I’m sharing everything I discovered from two very different flying experiences with my older daughter Hazel: from being a lap infant on our way to Disney World before her second birthday, to as a three-year-old with her own seat, flying to San Antonio to see her beloved uncle “Coco Kev” graduate from basic training. These trips taught me exactly what worked, what didn’t, and most importantly, how to prepare both myself and my toddler for successful flights.

Whether you’re debating booking that flight with your lap infant, wondering how to handle a cross-country trip with a toddler who doesn’t sit still, or just looking to make your next flight easier, I’m breaking down everything you need to know. From packing lists to entertainment strategies (and yes, we’ll talk about when to break out the screens), consider this your complete guide to flying with little ones.

Here’s the thing – every family (and every toddler!) is different, and what works brilliantly for one might be a total flop for another. So take what I’m sharing as friendly suggestions from one mom to another, not hard rules. I’m just here to share what I’ve learned through trial and error (and yes, some tears – both hers and mine!) to hopefully make your journey a little easier.

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Before You Fly: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Let’s start with some key decisions that can make or break your flying experience. Trust me, a little strategic planning goes a long way!

Choosing Your Flight Time

While it might feel painful to wake your toddler early (and we all know how that can go!), booking an earlier flight often works in your favor. Here’s why:

• There’s a chance – and I stress chance – that your sleepy toddler might nap on the plane
• You’ll reach your destination earlier in the day, giving everyone time to adjust and maybe even enjoy some vacation activities
• Earlier flights tend to have fewer delays, meaning less time stuck in the airport with an antsy toddler
• Morning flights often mean calmer airports and shorter security lines

Preparing Your Toddler

One of the best things we did was talk to our toddler about the flight well before it happened. We:

• Made it an exciting adventure rather than something to fear
• Explained each step of the process (security, finding our gate, takeoff)
• Pointed out airplanes and flying whenever they came up naturally in movies (like during our family movie nights watching Boss Baby)
• Talked about different types of vehicles and how they help us travel
• Kept the actual plane activities a surprise (trust me, the novelty of new things is your best friend on flight day!)

The goal wasn’t to over-prepare her, but just to help her understand what was going to happen. A little familiarity with the concept of flying made the actual experience less overwhelming.

Burning Off Energy at the Airport

Don’t skip this step! A toddler who’s burned off some energy is more likely to settle down on the plane. We got lucky with a play area at our departure airport a few times, but even when there isn’t one, you can:

• Take walks around the terminal
• Play “I Spy” with airplanes and airport sights
• Do simple exercises like toe touches or jumping jacks in a quiet corner
• Practice walking like different animals between gates (bonus: this usually gets some giggles!)

Lap Infant or Own Seat? Breaking Down Your Options

When it comes to flying with toddlers under 2, you’ve got a choice to make: lap infant or their own seat. I’ve done both. Here’s what I learned from both experiences:

Flying with a Lap Infant (Under 2)

• The Cost Factor: Let’s be real – the main appeal is saving on an extra ticket. For shorter flights like our Disney trip, this can make a lot of sense.
• What Actually Worked:
  • Letting her decide which parent she wanted to sit with (and sometimes that changed mid-flight) 
  • We embraced screentime and kept her entertained with her Kindle (though she wasn’t into headphones at that age so it was essentially watching a silent movie)
  • BUT, before the tech, we pulled out the other activities – having completely new toys she’d never seen before was key
  • The novelty factor of flying itself also kept her interested for a while

Flying with Their Own Seat (2+)

By the time Hazel was old enough to need her own seat, we had an interesting decision to make. Since we were renting a car at our destination, bringing a TSA-friendly car seat on the plane seemed appealing – we could use it both on the flight and in our rental car. But car seats added cost to the trip, and we weren’t sure about making that investment just for travel.

Luckily, Hazel met the height and weight requirements for a booster seat. So we decided to sacrifice some precious suitcase space and pack an affordable booster seat for the rental car, letting her sit in the regular airplane seat during the flight. This worked well for us, but it’s really all about what works for your family. Some kids actually feel more comfortable in a car seat on the plane because it’s familiar to them – they’re used to sitting buckled in during car rides, so it can make the flight feel more normal.

Keeping Your Toddler Entertained (Without Losing Your Mind)

Longer flights with toddlers require a solid entertainment strategy. After experiencing both shorter and longer flights with Hazel, I’ve learned exactly what works – and more importantly, what order to try things in!

Before the Flight

Remember that airport play area I mentioned? It was a game-changer for burning energy before boarding. If your airport doesn’t have one, don’t worry – just walking around the terminal, watching planes take off, and exploring the airport can tire them out just as well.

Our Entertainment Game Plan

Here’s the key: we made peace with the fact that there would probably be plenty of screen time, but we didn’t start with it. Why? Because once you pull out that screen, it’s hard to go back to anything else. Instead, we layered our entertainment like this:

1. Start with Screen-Free Activities:
   • Small coloring packs (new ones she hadn’t seen before)
   • Her LCD drawing tablet (perfect for mess-free creativity)
   • Travel Magnatiles (these are always a hit at restaurants, so we knew they’d work)
2. Screen Time as Backup:
   • Downloaded movies and educational games on her Kids Kindle – bonus excitement for letting them choose what they’re watching 
   • Kid-friendly headphones (a must for fellow passengers’ sanity!)
   • Saved this for when the other activities lost their appeal

Snacks: Your Secret Weapon

Since Hazel entered her picky eating phase (hello, living on Annie’s bunnies and fruit pouches!), we made sure to pack plenty of her favorite snacks. Because let’s be honest – sometimes a well-timed snack can prevent a meltdown better than any toy.

Comfort Items

Don’t forget their favorite stuffy! Having a familiar comfort item from home can make a big difference, especially during takeoff or if they get tired.

What to Pack: Your Flight Day Survival Kit

Having a well-thought-out packing strategy is half the battle when flying with toddlers. One of our best decisions? Getting Hazel her own Disney princess suitcase. Not only did she feel like a “big girl” with her own luggage – she was so proud to pull it herself!

Carry-On Essentials

Entertainment:

• Kid-friendly headphones
• Tablet/Kindle with downloaded movies and games
• Screen-free activities:
  • LCD drawing tablet
  • Travel Magnatiles
  • Small coloring packs
  • Small, novel toys they haven’t seen before

Snacks and Drinks:

• Empty water bottle (fill after security)
• Kids Electrolyte Mix for extra hydration plus they make water more fun
• Favorite snacks (we pack extra – Annie’s bunnies and fruit pouches are our go-to’s)
• A few special treats saved just for the flight

Comfort Items:

• Favorite stuffy or comfort item
• Light jacket or sweater (planes can get chilly!)
• Small blanket if there’s room

Must-Haves:

• Change of clothes (trust me on this one)
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Basic first aid items
• Any necessary medications
• Diapers/pull-ups if needed
• Zip-top bags (for countless possible situations!)

Checked Baggage (or in your carry on if you’re like me and go out of your way to avoid checking a bag) 

• Booster seat/TSA-friendly car seat if needed
• Regular clothing and accessories
• Extra supplies of any essential items
• Bulkier comfort items

The “Just in Case” Bag

I always pack a small bag within easy reach containing:

• Extra set of clothes
• Additional snacks
• Basic toiletries
• Any important documents

Navigating the Airport: From Security to Boarding

Let’s be real: getting through security and to your gate with a toddler can feel like an Olympic sport. Here’s how to make it smoother:

Security Line Success

• Have Documents Ready: Keep boarding passes and IDs easily accessible
• Wear Slip-on Shoes: Trust me, you don’t want to be untying laces while holding a toddler
• Talk Through the Process: We made it a game for our little one, explaining each step before it happened
• Be Clear About Staying Together: This became especially important now that she has her own suitcase to manage

Before Security

• Empty Water Bottles: A lesson I learned the hard way!
• Pack Electronics Together: Makes them easier to pull out for screening
• Have Comfort Items Handy: Especially important if your little one needs their stuffy for the security walk-through

Making it to Your Gate

• Check Your Gate Number: Even if you checked at check-in, gates can change
• Locate the Nearest Bathroom: Because toddlers always need to go right when boarding starts
• Find Your Energy-Burning Spot: Whether it’s a play area or just a less crowded space to walk around
• Stay Near Your Gate: Once you find it, stick close nearby. (While walking around the airport can burn off some energy, don’t wander too far. Trying to get back to your gate with a toddler who refuses is not fun for anyone.)

Boarding Strategy

Here’s something I’ve learned: even though families often get to board early, sometimes it’s better to wait a bit. Why? Because that’s extra time confined to a small space with an energetic toddler. Instead, we:

• Let our daughter watch the planes through the window
• Do one last bathroom trip
• Make sure all our entertainment is easily accessible
• Board when we’re really ready

During the Flight: Takeoff to Landing

Takeoff and Landing

• Ear Pressure Help:
  • Pack small snacks or a drink for takeoff and landing
  • The swallowing motion helps with ear pressure
  • A pacifier or bottle works well for younger toddlers
• Keep Comfort Items Close: Having their favorite stuffy during takeoff can help with any anxiety

Managing Your Space

• Organize Your Seat Area:
  • Keep essential items within easy reach
  • Store your entertainment “surprises” where little hands can’t find them too early
  • Have snacks and drinks easily accessible
• Bathroom Breaks:
  • Try to time them before the drink cart comes
  • Remember: airplane bathrooms can be scary for toddlers – talk them through it

Entertainment Strategy Timeline

Remember our layered approach:

1. Start with the excitement of takeoff
2. Move to simple activities like coloring or Travel Magnatiles
3. Save screen time for when you really need it
4. Keep a few surprise activities for tough moments

When Things Get Tough

• Take a Walk: If the seatbelt sign is off and your toddler is restless, a short walk up and down the aisle can help
• Change Activities Often: Don’t wait until they’re completely done with something to introduce the next activity
• Stay Calm: Your toddler will pick up on your energy, so take deep breaths and remember – the flight will end!

Landing Prep

• Start Packing Up Early: Gather belongings before the descent begins
• Save One Special Activity: Having something new for landing can help with ear pressure and any landing anxiety
• Give Warnings: Let them know the plane is going to land soon and what to expect

Final Tips and Tricks for Flying Success

Every flight with a toddler is different, but here’s what I’ve learned that might help make your journey smoother:

• Set Realistic Expectations: Some moments will be challenging, and that’s okay. Remember, you’re not aiming for perfection – just getting from point A to point B
• Pack More Than You Think: Especially snacks and backup activities
• Plan Rest Time After: Even an exciting, successful flight can be draining for little ones
• Remember Your “Why”: When things get tough, focus on the adventure ahead that made the flight worth it

A Note About Flying with Babies

While my youngest (3 months) hasn’t taken her first flight yet, we’re planning a Disney trip later this year. I’ll be updating this post with all our experiences and lessons learned about flying with a baby under one. Stay tuned!

Your Turn

Have you flown with your toddler? I’d love to hear what worked for you! Drop a comment below to share your tips and tricks, or let me know if you have any questions about our experiences.

TSA-friendly car seat
Booster Seat for Bigger Kids
Kids’ Kindle
Small coloring packs
LCD drawing tablet
Travel Magnatiles
Kid-friendly headphones
Popper Toy
Water bottle
Kids Electrolyte Mix

Looking for more travel tips? Check out my Disney Packing Essentials Guide for a complete list of what to bring on your Disney adventure!