Let’s guess… You were always that type of person who considered flying your favourite part of any trip, where you got excited about picking a window seat, opening your snacks and settling in with a movie you were saving.

But then you became that parent. One baby juggling snacks, another dropping toys, someone crying and you finally got frustrated from flying with kids.

So to enjoy those flights just like in the old days, this article shares 10 tips on keeping your kids happy and engaged on planes, which has made air trips a lot easier and even funnier for most parents.

1. Pack Entertainment Based on Your Child's Age

Here are the best activities that you can make while flying with kids based on the age groups:

Age Group

Best Activities

Why They Work

2-4 years

Sticker books, board books, small toys

Simple, hands-on, short attention span activities

5-7 years

Coloring books, activity books, small puzzles

Longer focus, creative outlets

8-12 years

Books, travel games, sudoku, crosswords

Independent activities, mental challenges

Pack activities in order of when you'll use them. Put favorite comfort items on top for takeoff, new surprises in the middle for when boredom hits, and familiar activities at the bottom.

New toys or books your child hasn't seen create excitement. Buy a few small items specifically for the flight and don't show them until you're on the plane.

Avoid toys with small pieces that roll away easily. Crayons, tiny figurines, and loose game pieces disappear under seats and cause frustration.

Window clings work well for younger children. They stick to tray tables and windows, can be rearranged repeatedly, and create zero mess.

2. Use Screen Time Strategically

Digital devices are valuable tools that you can use when flying with kids, but this doesn’t mean that you should hand them immediately after take-off.

Instead, here is what you can do:

Screen Time Strategy

When to Use

Purpose

Save for mid-flight

After first hour

Prevents burnout, saves for difficult moments

Rotate content types

Every 30–45 minutes

Maintains interest longer

Mix educational and fun

Throughout flight

Balance entertainment with learning

It’s recommended to download the content before flight, because the WIFI on airplanes not only is expensive and slow… but often unreliable. So don’t depend on streaming.

A few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Bring headphones that fit properly for your child. Adult headphones often slide off kids’ head and can create discomfort
• Power banks and battery packs are necessary for longer flights, because devices die faster when you have downloaded video content.
• When planning screen time, consider the time of day you are flying. Evening flights often work better with calm, quieter content, and morning flights can handle more active or energetic shows.

3. Handle Takeoff and Landing Fears

During the takeoff and landing, children often feel scared and uncomfortable because of the engine noises, movement and sensation which creates anxiety.

So here’s what you can do to help them calm down:

Fear Type

Solution

How It Helps

Loud engine noise

Noise-canceling headphones or music

Reduces overwhelming sound

Physical sensation

Explain what's happening beforehand

Knowledge reduces fear

Ear pressure pain

Gum, lollipops, or drinks during ascent/descent

Relieves physical discomfort

If you are flying with kids who are old enough to understand, it’s a good idea to talk with them before boarding. You can explain that planes are safe, the noises are normal, and the ear pressure will pass quickly.

Distracting them from focusing on their fear is a great thing to do. You can start a game, ask questions, or have them look for specific things outside the window.

When it comes to younger kids such as toddlers, it’s best to hold them on your lap during takeoff, because physical comfort reduces anxiety a lot.

4. Keep Them Moving When Possible

Walk the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off because even five minutes of walking helps release pent-up energy.

Movement Activity

When to Do It

Duration

Aisle walks

Every 60–90 minutes

5–10 minutes

Stretches in seat

Anytime during cruise

2–3 minutes

Bathroom breaks

Regular intervals

As needed

You can teach your kids some simple stretches they can do in their seats, to help their muscles feel more relieved and get rid of that tension of flying.

5. Your Snack Strategy

Hunger makes children irritable and difficult to manage and regular snacks maintain mood and provide activities.

So, here’s your “snack strategy”:

Snack Timing

Type of Snack

Purpose

Every 45–60 minutes

Small portions

Prevents hunger, provides distraction

During difficult moments

Special treats

Redirects focus, improves mood

Takeoff/landing

Gum or chewy snacks

Helps with ear pressure

Make sure to also bring empty water bottles and fill them after security, as staying hydrated prevents headaches and reduces crankiness.

6. Use Books and Audiobooks Effectively

Books provide screen-free entertainment that works well for many children when traveling with children.

Book Type

Best Age

Flight Length

Board books

1-3 years

Any length

Picture books

3-6 years

Short flights (under 3 hours)

Chapter books

7+ years

Long flights (3+ hours)

Audiobooks

5+ years

Any length

7. Manage Sensory Needs

Some children struggle with sensory aspects of flying, as engine noise, tight spaces, and constant stimulation often overwhelms them.

Here’s what you can do to address these challenges:

Sensory Challenge

Solution

Why It Works

Loud cabin noise

Noise-canceling headphones

Reduces auditory overload

Tight space

Aisle seat, frequent breaks

Provides more movement freedom

Visual overstimulation

Eye mask, calming activities

Allows mental breaks

Physical discomfort

Blanket, pillow, comfortable clothes

Increases overall comfort

8. Teach Airplane Etiquette Early

Children who understand expectations behave better. Teach simple airplane etiquette before and during flights.

Basic rules to explain:

• Use quiet voices
• Keep hands to yourself
• Don't kick seats
• Stay in your seat when the seatbelt sign is on
• Ask before standing or moving around

9. Prepare for Sleep on Longer Flights

Some flights require sleep management, especially when traveling across time zones or on evening flights.

Here are some things to prepare for when flying with kids:

• Stick to regular bedtime routines as much as possible. If you normally read a story before bed, read one on the plane.
• Make sure to dress your children in comfortable pajama clothes for evening flights.
• Bring small pillows or neck pillows to improve comfort, because airplane seats are not designed for sleeping.
• Avoid sugar and caffeine before sleep time. Stick to protein and complex carbs if your child needs an evening snack.

10. Build a Pre-Flight Routine

Preparation prevents many problems. Establish routines that work for your family.

One week before:

• Download content to devices
• Buy or gather new activities
• Check weather at destination for packing
• Discuss the flight with children

Night before:

• Charge all devices fully
• Pack snacks in individual portions
• Prep activity bags
• Lay out travel clothes

Day of:

• Feed children a good meal before airport
• Bathroom stop before security
• Let kids burn energy at the gate
• Review airplane behavior expectations

Pre-Flight Task

When to Do It

Why It Matters

Device downloads

2-3 days before

Ensures content is ready

Activity bag prep

Night before

Reduces morning stress

Airport meal

Before security

Prevents hunger during flight

Consistent routines help children know what to expect. Familiar patterns reduce anxiety about flying with kids.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Kids

What's the best way to keep a toddler entertained on a plane?

To keep a toddler entertained on a flight, it’s best to switch between sticker books, small toys, snacks, and short screen time every 20-30 minutes. Especially toddlers, they get bored fast, so change activities often.

How do I handle my child's fear of flying?

The best way to handle your child’s fear of flying, is to tell them what will happen before the flight in simple words. During the flight, hold younger kids, distract them with games, and stay calm yourself.

Should I let my kids use screens the whole flight?

No, mix screen time with other activities to keep kids interested. Save screens for when other options don’t work or for long parts of the flight.