Travel Guide: Surviving a flight with kids

The (actually) useful guide from a mom of 4 for surviving a flight with kids

Let's be honest: flying with kids is an extreme sport. Whether you're boarding with a baby who won't sit still, a toddler in full "no" phase, a 6-year-old bouncing on their seat, or a teen sulking under their hood — the challenge is real.

I've taken dozens of flights with my 4 kids. Solo, with two parents, short-haul, long-haul overnight. I've gathered into this guide everything that actually works — and everything that would have saved me hours of stress.

What you'll find inside:

Choosing the right flight (day or night), smart booking, prepping your child in advance
The strategic carry-on + the must-have medical kit
A strategy by age range: 0–2 / 3–5 / 6–8 / 9–12 / 13+ years
Handling tears, ears, in-flight sleep, jet lag
Bonus: my printable checklist + my Amazon shop of tested flying essentials

34 pages, PDF, instant delivery by email.

You're flying in 3 days or in 3 months — doesn't matter. Open it before every flight, you'll keep coming back to it.

Buy the guide

The Elusive In-Flight Sleep

Is it possible? Yes. Guaranteed? Never.

How to increase your chances:

Stick to your nap routine: books, bottle, music, cuddles — even in row 22C
Dim the lights (a scarf over the window works wonders), at night wait until the nights are off to save your energy, putitng a child to bed when the lights are sill on, is very challenging.
Use white noise (from your phone or a mini machine), or a story time, or soft music taht you downloaded before the flights.
Baby carrier = magic for pacing the aisle until they pass out
Blanket + sleepy kid = nap time miracle
foot hammock or a airplane kids bed (such as the bedbox from jetkids) to make a little bed for your child.

Just don’t get too attached to the idea. If it happens: amazing. If not? You’ll survive.

And for YOU, dear parent...

Hydrate (yes, even if it means a bathroom trip)

Eat something (no, leftover puffs don’t count)
Let go of guilt (you are not ruining anyone’s flight — promise)
Celebrate the small wins (only 2 tantrums? Success!)
And please, PLEASE don’t try to be perfect

You’re not just flying. You’re making memories, building resilience, and showing your kids the world. And that? That’s worth every crumb under the seat.