Travelling With Children: What to Prepare
Seats, snacks, entertainment, and the timing decisions that determine whether the flight is calm or chaotic.
Kids fly better than most adults expect if the practical parts are managed. What matters is timing, seat choice, and having the right things reachable at the right moment.
Book flights around sleep
For long haul, an overnight flight aligned with the child's normal sleep window is usually easiest. Short haul is best in the morning when children are fresh.
Avoid connections when possible. A direct 8 hour flight is easier than a 5 plus 3 with a layover.
Seats and equipment
Bulkhead seats offer bassinets for infants under about 10 kg. Book them at ticketing - they release quickly.
Car seats are allowed on most carriers if FAA or EU approved. Strollers can typically be gate-checked at no cost.
Pack for the plane, not the destination
The under-seat bag needs snacks, wipes, spare clothes for the child (and one for you - vomiting happens), a fully charged tablet with pre-downloaded shows, and headphones sized for children.
Sippy cups and small water bottles are exempt from the 100 ml rule when travelling with young children.
Frequently asked questions
Do infants need their own seat?
Not required under 2 - lap infants pay 10 percent of the adult fare on international routes. A separate seat is safer.
Are strollers free?
Most airlines allow one gate-checked stroller per child at no charge.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
Keep reading
Family Travel Documents
Consent letters, minor passports, and the paperwork that stops families at the border.
Read guide →
Carry-on Packing Guide
Ten days in one bag. The rules, the tricks, and the specific items that make it possible.
Read guide →
Jet Lag Recovery That Actually Works
Light, food, sleep, and melatonin. What the science says and how to apply it on your next long haul.
Read guide →Newsletter
The weekly travel briefing
One short email each Sunday. Practical guides, rule changes, and answers to the questions travellers are asking this week. No spam, unsubscribe any time.