Flying with a Toddler: Tips for Solo Travel with a Little One ... or Multiples!
- Allison Hass
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
Traveling with a toddler (or multiple little ones) can feel daunting and even terrifying at times. However, everyday activities like keeping them home, taking them to the grocery store, or flying with them all come with their own challenges–it’s all about choosing your hard. But once you reach your destination, the effort becomes worth it, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a peacefully sleeping kiddo on the plane.
After countless solo flights with a child between 7 months and 2.5 years old–plus experiences traveling with spouses and children–we’ve put together key tips and tricks to help manage the chaos of flying with little ones on flights ranging from one to five hours.
Booking Your Flight
Before booking your flight, consider the following:
When does my child travel best–morning, afternoon, or evening?
Is my child likely to sleep on the flight if it’s early morning or late evening?
Is seating assigned or open? Will my toddler sit on my lap or in their own seat?
If using a car seat, is it approved for airline use?
What are the extra costs for checked bags, carry-ons, strollers, and car seats?
Will I have help, or will I be traveling completely alone?
Do I want to take a stroller through the airport or check it with my bags?
Have I checked the airline’s toddler policies? – Some airlines offer amenities or services like child meals, bassinets, or priority boarding. Be sure to check ahead!
Checking In & Security
Navigating the airport with a toddler and luggage can be overwhelming. Here’s how to make it smoother:
Tag luggage and oversized items (car seats, strollers) in advance. Most airlines allow one free checked car seat and stroller per child–confirm with your airline ahead of time.
Options for flying with a stroller:
Check it at oversized baggage during check-in.
Gate-check it before boarding.
If compact, store it in the overhead bin.
Security screening tips:
Utilize the wheelchair lane if traveling with a stroller.
Prepare in advance: remove large electronics before reaching security.
Keep your boarding pass(es) accessible and traveling documents.
Empty water bottles and wear easy slip-on shoes.
If alone, stack security bins on the stroller to make loading the conveyor belt easier.
Have an action plan for the time of taking the kids out of the stroller as you will have to wait for this to be checked while waiting on your things on the conveyor belt.
If alone, do not be afraid to ask for help. There will be other parents around and airport workers who are happy to help gather your things, place them in the bins, etc.
Companion Passes: Some airlines allow a helper to assist you up to the gate, but policies vary based on airline and airport–check ahead of time so it’s no surprise if you’re going through security alone.
The Dreaded Wait to Board
Waiting to board can be a challenging period for mobile little humans. Here are ways to make it easier:
Let them walk around and burn energy before the flight.
Take potty breaks and rearrange bags for easier access to essentials.
Find a companion bathroom–a great space for last-minute diaper changes or letting your little one move around (or have their tantrum) without worrying about other travelers.
If using a stroller, take a coffee break and explore the airport to reset mentally before boarding.
Find an open window, grab a snack and let your littles watch the planes take off.
Gate-checking a stroller? Stop by the gate agent to confirm and tag before boarding begins.
Boarding
Boarding strategies vary dependent on your airline:
Some airlines offer family or stroller/wheelchair boarding–be prepared to line up early and take advantage of this boarding window.
If no family boarding, check in as soon as possible for a better boarding position, or consider purchasing early boarding.
Southwest Airlines Hack: Since seating is open, I go straight to the back during family boarding. This allows extra time to settle in before the row fills up–a trick many traveling parents use.
Entertainment and Essentials for Your Flight
Keeping your toddler entertained is key to a smooth flight. A snack box is a must! Other useful distractions include:
For ear pressure relief during takeoff and landing:
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Sipping water - Ensure your little’s cup does not have a straw; these tend to shoot out water like a fountain due to the pressure at the higher altitude.
Chewing gummies or crackers
Activities to pass the time:
Busy Boards
Coloring Sheets
Window Stickers & Spinners
Drawing Pads
Teething Toys
Favorite Stuffed Animal / Toy
Water Wow!
Travel Tray for Kids
Snack Spinner
iPad or TonieBox with Headphones [predownload those movies or shows!]
Every child is different–some flights, we don’t use screens at all, while on late-night flights, the iPad becomes a lifesaver for sleeping passengers around us.
Potty Training in Flight
Flying with a potty-training toddler adds another challenge. My biggest tip? Be flexible.
Take as many potty breaks as possible before the flight.
Keep a potty kit in your bag with:
2 extra pairs of underwear
Change of clothes
Ziplock bags
Wipes
Foldable toilet seat (game changer!)
Consider using a pull-up for long flights (even if they’re fully trained) as a backup.
Lesson learned: On a night flight, my toddler leaked through her pull-up during boarding, and I had no spare outfits. She ended up in my sweatshirt for the flight–always pack spares!
Traveling with Multiple Toddlers!
Traveling solo with little ones can feel overwhelming. When you’re used to having a spouse, family member, or friend to help out, the idea of managing a flight solo with multiple kids might seem downright impossible. But with some careful preparation, it’s absolutely doable.
After a recent flight alone with two toddlers, my biggest piece of advice is: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll likely hear, “You have your hands full!” more times than you can count—a phrase many of us cringe at because, well, we know we do. And sometimes, stubbornness or pride might hold us back from accepting a helping hand. But when you’re dealing with two unpredictable littles at 30,000 feet, an extra set of hands can be a lifesaver.
Just like the tips we’ve shared before, make sure you’re well-prepared: pack double the snacks, bring plenty of entertainment suited to both ages, and most importantly, arm yourself with patience. Checking the stroller at the gate will be your best friend to give you some rest and relaxation during pre-boarding, heading to your next flight or baggage claim. It won’t be perfect, but with the right mindset and a little help when you need it, you can absolutely handle it.
It’s Well-Worth It.
Despite the challenges, flying with toddlers is worth it. Some things might go wrong–missed companion passes, unexpected accidents, or a restless child refusing to buckle in. But remember, as a flight attendant told me one: you and your children have just as much right to be on that plane as any other paying passenger.
Once you reach your destination, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment–you did it! Whether you’re traveling alone with one or multiple children, you’re a super parent, and now it’s time to enjoy your well-earned trip.
At the end of the day, pick your hard–stay home with the toddler(s) or explore the world with them. Either way, you’re doing amazing!
Although things can go wrong, like inability to get a companion pass, accidents while boarding the plane, or inability to keep your toddler buckled in on the flight–realize it is public transportation, you and your children have every right to be there like every other paying customer on that flight. You will have uncontrollable moments, but once you reach your destination, you can check off that you accomplished a flight with a kiddo or multiple kiddos and you’re a super mom and it’s time to enjoy that much deserved vacation! Pick your hard–being at home with a toddler or toddlers or travel and experience the world with them!
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