TL;DR: If you’re flying with kids, you need more than a boarding pass and a backpack of goldfish crackers. This is your real-world, brutally honest, probably-a-bit-too-cynical-but-extremely-helpful checklist to help you make it from driveway to destination without losing your damn mind.
Everyone loves a good checklist. Until they realize most checklists are written by people who apparently travel with children that were raised by monks and powered by kale.
So here’s our take: a no-fluff, no-fantasy pre-flight checklist built by people who’ve actually flown with real-life, meltdown-prone, snack-devouring little chaos goblins. Print it. Bookmark it. Tattoo it on your forearm. Whatever it takes.
Before you even open your suitcase, check out our post on why flying with kids isn’t actually a nightmare. It’ll give you the right mindset before you get tactical.
1. Pack Like the Apocalypse Is Coming
You know that minimalist Instagram mom who travels with one backpack for three kids? She’s either a unicorn or she’s full of it.
Bring:
- A change of clothes for everyone (yes, even you — because guess who the juice box always explodes on?)
- Wipes (a truly unreasonable amount)
- Diapers/pull-ups/easy-access undies
- Double the snacks you planned — then add one more (here’s why that matters)
- Refillable water bottles
- Cheap surprise toys (dollar store = goldmine)
- Something comforting from home, because they WILL suddenly need the bunny they haven’t touched in 4 months
And pack it all in a bag you can open one-handed while intercepting a mid-air Goldfish spill and yelling “do NOT touch that” without breaking stride.
2. Charge EVERYTHING
Tablets. Phones. Backup battery packs. The backup’s backup. That sad old Kindle you forgot you even had.
Pre-download shows, games, music, and apps like your sanity depends on it — because it does. Airplane Wi-Fi is a scam wrapped in disappointment.
And if you need ideas for what actually works at 30,000 feet, we’ve got you covered in our airport survival guide.
3. Dress for Battle
Forget cute. This is war.
Layers. Dark colors. Nothing with buttons or buckles or anything that can snag while wrestling a car seat through the jet bridge.
Wear clothes that can handle spit-up, cracker dust, and the indignity of crawling under the seat for a rogue crayon while a stranger watches silently in judgment
4. Know Your Airport Moves
- Check in online. Seriously, you’re already behind if you haven’t.
- Screenshot your boarding passes like they’re state secrets.
- Learn where the family security lane is and beeline it like your life depends on it.
- Curbside check-in? Yes, please. It’s not cheating. It’s smart.
If your airport has a family lounge and you don’t use it, I don’t even know what to tell you. Just read our post on how to handle the airport with a toddler and thank us later.
5. Create a Distraction ArsenalThis is not a drill. You are going to war with boredom.
- Headphones that actually fit tiny heads
- Coloring stuff (washable. Always washable.)
- Toys with zero pieces
- Surprise snack attack (the weirder the snack, the longer the distraction)
- A silent game you can fake enthusiasm for
- One new book or toy you haven’t shown them yet — it’s a bribe, embrace it
Basically, your job is to stay two meltdowns ahead. Think psychological warfare but with fruit snacks and a smile that says “I dare you.”
Need a full-blown meltdown plan? Head over to our meltdown manual.
6. Prep for Worst-Case Scenarios
- Flight delay? Have backup meals and emergency gummy stash.
- Diaper blowout? Extra outfit and a giant Ziplock bag. Yes, gallon size.
- Screaming mid-boarding? Deep breath. You’re not the first. You won’t be the last. Power through.
- Lost toy? That’s why you packed the decoy. Always pack the decoy.
Also, don’t forget to plan for in-flight meals that may or may not exist. Spoiler: bring your own.
7. Mentally Prepare to Be the Villain
Some people see kids on planes and immediately become amateur sociologists. Ignore them.
They’re mad because you have kids and they have noise-canceling headphones. Don’t waste one calorie of energy worrying about them.
Your job is not to make the plane peaceful for Mr. Seat 11C and his podcast. Your job is to get from A to B without crying in the lavatory. (You still might, but that’s beside the point.)
In Summary: This Is Your Parenting Super Bowl
Flying with kids isn’t about looking put-together or being some zen travel guru. It’s about keeping the wheels from falling off long enough to get through security, survive the flight, and find your damn luggage.
Show up prepared. Lower your expectations. Bring enough snacks to feed a small army. And remember: you’re doing better than the people who just “wing it.”
You got this.
Need help packing the right travel toys or gear for your next flight with a baby or toddler? We’ve got you covered (but we won’t shove it in your face — check the shop if you want to, or don’t, we’re not your mom).
