Items That Make Flying Alone with Kids Less Stressful

Flying alone with kids can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling boarding passes, snacks, and entertainment while trying to keep your little ones happy and calm. However, with the right preparation and a few key items in your carry-on, you can make the experience much less stressful. Whether you’re taking a short flight or a long-haul journey, packing thoughtfully will help ensure a smoother trip for both you and your children.

Here’s a list of essential items that can make flying alone with kids a lot more manageable:

1. Lightweight Stroller or Baby Carrier

Navigating airports with kids can be physically exhausting, especially when you’re flying solo. A compact, lightweight stroller or baby carrier can be a lifesaver, keeping your child contained while freeing up your hands for luggage, tickets, or passports.

• Why it helps: A travel stroller that’s easy to fold and store in the overhead compartment allows for quick transitions. A baby carrier keeps your infant or toddler close and secure while you handle airport check-ins, security, and boarding.
• Pro tip: Many airlines allow gate-checking strollers for free, so you can use it all the way to the plane and have it waiting for you at your destination.

2. Tablet or Portable Entertainment Device

A tablet loaded with kids’ movies, shows, or educational games can be your best friend during a flight. Most children will be entertained for hours by watching their favorite videos or playing games, giving you some peace and quiet.

• Why it helps: It provides a source of entertainment that doesn’t take up much space, keeping your child engaged during the flight, particularly when they get restless or bored.
• Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring child-sized headphones with volume control, so you don’t disturb other passengers.

3. Portable Charger

With kids relying on tablets, phones, or other electronic devices to stay entertained, a portable charger is essential to ensure that their devices don’t run out of power mid-flight.

• Why it helps: Having a fully charged tablet or phone can keep the entertainment going, especially on long flights or when delays happen.
• Pro tip: Bring a charger with multiple ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once if needed.

4. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

Pack a variety of snacks your child loves and can eat easily. Airplane food may not always be kid-friendly, and hunger can make kids cranky. Having their favorite snacks handy can prevent meltdowns and keep them content.

• Why it helps: Familiar, favorite snacks provide comfort and distraction, especially during takeoff, landing, or when meals aren’t served at convenient times.
• Pro tip: Choose non-messy, portable snacks like crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, or cheese sticks. Avoid items that could easily spill or cause a mess.

5. Reusable Water Bottle

Most airlines won’t provide enough fluids to keep kids hydrated throughout the flight. Bring an empty, reusable water bottle and fill it up after passing through airport security.

• Why it helps: Keeping kids hydrated is important, especially on long flights when the air inside the plane is dry. Having a water bottle also reduces the need for frequent requests to flight attendants.
• Pro tip: Bring a spill-proof, child-friendly water bottle to prevent leaks or accidental spills.

6. Travel Pillow and Blanket

Kids often get sleepy on planes, and a travel pillow or blanket can help them get comfortable and nap, making the journey more peaceful for both of you.

• Why it helps: A small pillow and cozy blanket give your child a familiar, soft place to rest, helping them feel more at ease and making sleep easier.
• Pro tip: Some airlines provide blankets, but bringing your own guarantees comfort, especially during colder flights.

7. Compact Toys and Activity Kits

Pack a few small, lightweight toys or activities to keep your child engaged during the flight. Options like coloring books, stickers, puzzles, or small action figures can provide hours of entertainment without taking up much space.

• Why it helps: It gives your child something tactile to do, which can help break up the monotony of the flight and prevent boredom.
• Pro tip: Rotate activities throughout the flight to keep things fresh and exciting. Pack new toys or surprise items that they haven’t seen before to create more interest.

8. Wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Traveling means exposure to lots of germs, especially when handling shared surfaces on airplanes and in airports. Wipes and hand sanitizer can help you keep things clean and your kids healthy during your trip.

• Why it helps: Easy-to-use wipes are great for cleaning hands, tray tables, and even spills. Hand sanitizer ensures germ-free hands after bathroom visits or before eating.
• Pro tip: change for fragrance-free wipes and hand sanitizers that are gentle on kids’ skin.

9. Change of Clothes (for Both You and Your Child)

Accidents happen, especially when flying with kids. Whether it’s spilled juice, a bathroom accident, or unexpected turbulence, having a change of clothes for both you and your child can save the day.

• Why it helps: A clean outfit can quickly turn a messy situation around and keep everyone comfortable for the rest of the flight.
• Pro tip: Pack the extra clothes in a zip-lock or wet bag, so you have somewhere to store dirty or wet clothes afterward.

Flying alone with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By packing smartly and bringing a few essential items, you can make the trip more enjoyable and less chaotic. From entertainment devices to snacks and extra clothes, having these key items on hand can help keep your kids happy and calm, ensuring a smoother journey for both of you. With a little preparation, you can tackle the challenges of flying solo with kids and even enjoy the experience!