The Best Tips for Flying Internationally with Little Kids: A Parent’s Guide
Flying internationally with little kids can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a manageable experience (I won't say easy, because things with kids are never easy, but they can definitely be doable). Traveling abroad opens up a world of new opportunities for adventure, learning, and family bonding, and it's possible to make your journey as smooth as possible with the right planning and gear.
Below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your international flight with kids stress-free, including essential documents, helpful gear, flight tips, and how to manage sleep during long flights.
1. Essential Travel Documents
Before you start packing, make sure all your travel documents are in order. International travel often comes with a range of requirements that vary depending on your destination. Here’s a checklist of what to bring:
Passport:
Each family member, including your little ones, will need a valid passport to fly internationally. For children under 16, passports are typically valid for 5 years, so ensure that your child’s passport is up-to-date well in advance. It’s important to check your destination country’s specific requirements regarding passport validity; some countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your planned departure date.
Pro tip- put a sticker on the outside of each person's passport. It makes it much quicker to find who's is who's instead of having to flip through pages.
Visas:
Some countries require visas for entry, even for children. Check the visa requirements for your destination and apply in advance to avoid any delays or issues at the airport. The rules for countries change every year, so it's best practice to check every time before you fly.
Consent Letters (if applicable):
If you are traveling without the child’s other parent or legal guardian, some countries may require a notarized consent letter giving permission for the child to travel internationally. This is especially important if you are divorced or separated, and one parent is not accompanying the child.
Health and Immunization Records:
Ensure that you bring any necessary health documentation, especially vaccination records. Some countries require proof of vaccinations like yellow fever, polio, or COVID-19, depending on where you are traveling. Make copies of these documents in case of emergency.
These are also helpful to have in case you need to visit a hospital or doctor in another country. Sometimes there's poor cell service, you can't pull up medical records. It's nice to have it printed, just in case.
Travel Insurance:
While not strictly a document, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers health, flight cancellations, and any issues that might arise during your trip. For peace of mind, ensure the policy covers both you and your kids.
I recommend travelinsrance.com or Faye.
2. Must-Have Gear for Flying with Kids
When flying internationally with little kids, the right gear can make all the difference. Below are some of my top recommendations that we have personally used on long-haul flights and in the airport that can make your journey more comfortable:
You can see ALL of my flight gear recommendations here.
Car Seats and Travel Strollers:
-
Car Seats: If your child is still in a car seat, you can bring it along on the flight. Many airlines allow you to use an approved car seat on the plane (as long as it has an FAA sticker, usually on the bottom) which can provide a safer and more comfortable experience for both you and your child. Some seats are designed specifically for travel, being lightweight and compact enough for air travel.
For infants, this is the seat we use and love.
For toddlers, I would use the Cosca Scenera Next (it's so lightweight) for a budget-friendly option. If you want to invest in a great, compact travel car seat, I highly recommend the WayB Pico. I can fit TWO of them in one car seat bag and it saves so much space when you're trying to juggle lots of bulky luggage. -
Travel Stroller: A lightweight, foldable stroller can be a lifesaver, especially in large airports or during layovers. Many airlines allow you to gate-check your stroller, meaning you can use it until you board the plane and have it waiting for you when you disembark. This is our favorite single stroller that folds super thin and is lightweight, but has full recline for naps on the go at your destination.
Diaper Bag and Changing Supplies:
For parents with toddlers or infants, pack a well-stocked diaper bag with diapers (I pack one per hour of the flight. You likely won't need that many, but better to be safe than sorry), wipes, extra clothing, and plastic bags for soiled items.
The backpack I use and love for travel is from No Reception Club. It keeps everything organized in a compact frame. Get $20 off with discount code MINIVOYAGER20.
Ensure you have enough formula, breast pump, or snacks for the duration of the flight. Pro tip: pack enough for double the length of your actual flight in case of delays. If you're pumping or needing to keep milk cold for bottles, I love using this breastmilk chiller from Ceres Chill. Use discount code MINIVOYAGER for 15% off.
Keep all essentials within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stress. I like to keep a little pack of "quick grab" items in the top of my bag.
Snacks and Drinks:
Flying with kids often means frequent requests for snacks. Pack a variety of non-perishable snacks like granola bars, crackers, fruit, and dried snacks. Airlines may provide meals on longer flights, but having familiar snacks on hand can help calm an anxious or hungry child. Be mindful of liquid regulations and pack any drinks you need for the journey. Bottles and sippy cups are typically allowed over the typical 3.4 oz size if you have a child with you.
Entertainment:
Our top recommendation is obviously one of our Travel Activity Kits. It saves you so much time with trip prep, is reusable, and is packed with toys kids will actually play with and keep them occupied for longer. Another bonus: they're priced so when you bundle toys in an Activity Kit, they're even more discounted than items you could buy from Target or Amazon.
A portable tablet with pre-loaded games, movies, and educational apps can keep your child entertained during the flight. Don’t forget kid-friendly headphones, as the sound of the plane can be overwhelming for young ears.
3. Tips for Long Flights with Kids
Long-haul flights with kids present unique challenges, but there are strategies that can help:
Plan for Layovers:
Long flights often include layovers, which can feel like a blessing and a curse. A layover provides an opportunity for your child to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. I always recommend to look up airport amenities to find play areas, quiet rooms, or family lounges where you can relax before your next flight.
Flexible Boarding:
Many airlines offer early boarding for families with young children. Take advantage of this to get settled in before the crowds and to ensure your child is comfortable during the flight. Boarding early also gives you a chance to store all your gear in the overhead compartments before everyone else boards.
Another option is to have one parent board early and get the row of seats prepped, while the other parent hangs out and lets the kids get a little extra energy out. The goal is to keep the kids out of the tiny airplane as long as possible.
Involve Your Child in the Journey:
Explain the flight process to your child before you travel. Give them a sense of excitement about the trip and make them feel involved by letting them help with packing their backpack or choosing a few favorite snacks to bring.
My kids always love putting their passports up to get stamped, or handing the gate agent the boarding passes and passports for scanning. Older kids can be given the job of finding the flight number on the board and helping navigate to the gate.
Take Breaks:
When on long international flights, encourage your child to take breaks by walking around the cabin. This helps burn off energy and prevents them from getting too restless.
4. Managing Sleep on the Airplane on long or International flights
One of the biggest concerns for parents flying internationally with little kids is how to handle sleep, especially when crossing multiple time zones. Here are a few tips for getting some shut-eye:
Travel Pillow and Blanket:
Comfort is key during long international flights. At minimum, bring a travel pillow and a lightweight blanket to make it easier for your child to rest, especially if your flight spans several hours or crosses multiple time zones.
If your airline allows it, I recommend bringing something to help convert your child's airline seat into a bed. We have used multiple different beds for international flights and what you choose will depend mainly on your child's age and height.
For littler toddlers and babies, I love this bed. It covers the full length of the seat, so it's also great for creating a flat play space and stopping toys from dropping.
For older kids, this bed is a great option. It takes up hardly any room in a carry on bag. It fills in the foot area under your seat to create a flat space.
If you want an airplane bed that doubles as a ride-on suitcase they can ride through the airport, I highly recommend this bed from Stokke. My kids love it and I love that they can keep up with me walking through the airport.
Adjust Sleep Schedules Before the Flight:
If possible, begin adjusting your child’s sleep schedule a few days before your flight to help them adapt to the new time zone. Gradually shift their bedtime by 30 minutes each night to align with the destination’s time zone. This makes the transition easier when you arrive.
My husband and I both used these jet lag pills on multiple international flight and have thought they helped.
We have used the app Timeshifter to help adjust sleep schedules and that helped a ton! It's free for the first trip you use it for, so it's worth a try!
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment:
Make your child’s seat as comfortable as possible for sleep. Bring along their favorite blanket or stuffed animal for familiarity. If your child struggles to sleep in a plane seat, consider bringing a travel pillow or asking for an extra blanket.
We have used this neck pillow for the kids and they liked it. I love that it has a snap on it so it doesn't fall off their neck.
If they're able to lay down to sleep, check if your airline provides pillows. If not, we have used these small inflatable pillows and they were great.
For comfortable sleep for the adults, I've tried so many travel pillows, from the most expensive to more budget-friendly options, and this is the one I've found the most comfortable. And the price is unbeatable.
Block Out the Light and Noise:
When you're flying without kids, I use a sleep mask and noise-canceling headphones to block out any light and reduce the noise of the plane’s engine or chatter. Many long-haul flights also offer eye masks and earplugs, so don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendants for these if needed.
With kids, I tend to sleep very lightly because I keep waking up to check on the kids. But you can still use a comfortable travel pillow to catch a little bit of sleep without blocking out all noise and light.
Be Strategic with Timing:
If you're flying overnight, try to sync your child’s nap with the flight schedule. It’s easier for younger children to sleep through flights when it coincides with their usual naptime or bedtime. However, if you're traveling during the day, you may need to entertain your child for longer periods.
Don’t Stress Over Perfect Sleep:
Finally, remember that flying with little kids is never perfect, and sleep may be interrupted. It’s natural for kids to be a bit disoriented in such an unusual environment, and some crying or fussing may happen. As long as you stay calm and flexible, it will all work out in the end.
Conclusion
Flying internationally with little kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation—ensuring you have the right documents, gear, and strategies for sleep and entertainment—you can make the experience much easier and even more enjoyable. Stay patient, and remember that the journey is just one part of the adventure. By planning ahead and staying calm, you'll be able to make your international flight an opportunity for fun, bonding, and learning. Safe travels!
And if you want to check out all my travel gear recommendations, see ALL of my recommendations here.