How To Fly With a 2 Year Old: Best Tips & Essential Items

Looking for some guidance on how to fly with a 2 year old? We’ve got you covered with some essential items you’ll need and some top tips that will make your journey smoother.

a mother and daughter in an airport holding — Photo by Gustavo Fring

First Time Flying with Kids

As someone who was a causal flyer before having children, the airport experience was somewhat relaxing: checking in, grabbing a coffee, and then lounging with my laptop until boarding. Flying isn’t always as smooth of a process as that, but for the most part it was pretty simple. Adding toddlers to the mix changes everything especially a “I can do it myself” 2-year old is very challenging.

So what are the main challenges?

How do I keep them entertained?
How do I manage snacks and drinks?
How do I keep them in one spots for hours?
Is a nap even possible and what about a newly potty trained toddler in mid-air?
What about going through airport security? What’s that like with a toddler?

I flew when my child was a 2 month old and it was pretty simple, but the idea of traveling with my toddler sounded horrifying. The idea of being able to fly with a 2 year old overwhelmed me. It is hard enough to keep up with them at home let alone take them to an environment that heightens all of the stresses and worries that come along with mothering a toddler. Lots of unknown strangers, endless germs to touch, and tight spaces with people who want to sit in almost complete silence for hours during a flight. Now, how did we handle it?

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Preparing for the Flight

Preparing to board a flight with a toddler is all about strategizing before you even book your flight or purchase your tickets. There a few important issues to consider.

What time will the flight depart and arrive?
Does this interfere with their sleep schedule?
Where will everyone in the family be sitting?

Make sure everyone in the family is in the same row. Sometimes this means paying an extra fee but to have everyone in your family seated close means you have more help and don’t have to attempt it alone.

The seating arrangements are crucial and I suggest placing your child at the window seat. Not only will they be more contained but they will be mesmerized by the view. Toddlers can talk about something as simple as clouds for hours. When flying with a 2-year old I found that keeping them entertained could be as easy as asking them, “What do you see out the window?”.

BONUS TIP: Call the airline ahead of time and find out exactly what paperwork you may need or what their luggage restrictions might be. One phone call can resolve any potential problems or unexpected fees.

Make a Packing List

How to handle the stress when flying with a toddler starts with making a simple task. When flying with a toddler you will find that your mind will be on overload and remembering even the simplest tasks or items will be difficult. I always make sure to write EVERYTHING that I need for the trip out into lists well-ahead of time.

A detailed list and a good plan will not only give you the piece of mind when you are traveling that you did not forget anything, but it will also ensure you do not overpack. Keep it light, organized and essential. If you have an anxiety-driven mind like myself, it will be reassuring that you have taken all the steps to prevent any last-minute stresses.

Strategically Pack Your Luggage

When packing your carry-on bags decide the items that will be most essential to your flight. Remember, use the resources at the airport and don’t use what you may need during your flight while waiting to board. Keep your carry-on as minimal and light-weight as possible.

If you choose to check your stroller at the gate you will be carrying excess items around the airport. Pack your carry-ons realizing it will not only be a lifeline on the plane but something that will add more stress if it is disorganized, too heavy or bulky.

I also suggest purchasing a carry-on specifically for your child in their favorite characters or coloring. Use that carry-on to bring all of the entertainment they will need during the flight. This will not only get them excited for the trip, but make them feel involved too! Fly with a 2 year old in style.

Toddler Carry-On Packing Hack

USE 3 CARRY-ON BAGS

Snack & Drinks Bag
Entertainment Bag
Essential Bag: Keys, Wallets, Phones, Extra Clothes for Each Family Member, Pull-Ups & Medication

This strategy allows you to keep food and drinks away from the electronics and paperwork.

Time Management

EVERYTHING with a toddler takes more time. There is no way around it. Expect to need at least an extra hour more then you would normally plan. This will save a ton of traveling stress. The last thing you want to do is be anxious because you are running late when you have a flight to catch and a toddler not wanting to put their shoes on.

As a parent, this is just a normal expectation that carries through to every situation. Leave early. You’d rather be waiting in the airport a little longer than panicked in the car because you didn’t account for an unexpected tantrum.

Comfort

Comfort is a must not just for your toddler but for your entire family. Comfortable clothes is huge part of how well they will handle the flight. Let them wear what would make them happy. If it’s pajamas let it be pajamas. The most important thing is that your child isn’t uncomfortable because they are too hot or cold.

Although you might be traveling to a warm destination, you may need to pack a sweater or blanket for the airplane. It is just one of those things you don’t think about until you’re taking off and realize it’s too late.

Airplanes are always a little on the cold side and if your little one is sensitive its best to bring even a thin blanket to keep them warm.

Managing Sleep & Energy Levels

Can a toddler nap on a plane? Yes. Toddlers can lay across the seat on your lap or rest in their car seat if you are using it on the airplane. When using a car seat on the plane you have to ensure it has been approved to be used by the US Government. The Federal Aviation Administration goes into further detail here.

BONUS TIP: Use the time you are waiting to board to walk around the airport. There is usually at least an hour or two that your child can get a ton of energy out by exploring and walking around.

Entertainment

Use the tablet. Technology is a great tool especially when there is limited space therefore the tablet comes out for long car trips and flying. That’s it.

A pair of headphones in their favorite coloring is a great way to respect the space of those around you as well allowing your child to enjoy what they are watching or playing. You know your child best. Coloring books, puzzles, and stickers are all fun options too. Pack a few different options because you never know what will interest them in the moment and you want to try and prevent boredom.

Snacks & Meals

The best part about flying is having the reassurance that if you did not pack enough you always have a ton of different restaurants and quick-service items to purchase before boarding. Pack easy and messy-free snacks. We suggest things like granola bars, homemade trail mix and raisins.

Use a travel spill-proof snack container and a reusable travel mug for less messes. We pack all of the snacks in one carry-on and all of the entertainment in another. In a tight space you don’t want to be digging through backs or having a leak ruin some of your craft supplies.

TSA does have restrictions. TSA does allow babies and toddlers to travel with items larger than the 3.4 ounce liquid restrictions. Make sure you know the exact rules TSA wants you to follow before going through security to handle any potential problems ahead of time.

Bathroom Breaks

At this point, you have a fully-potty trained toddler or you are still in-training. Either way bathroom breaks are going to be fairly normal at the airport. The challenge will be inside the airplane.

If you can 100% trust your toddler to be able to hold their bladder when you are unable to move around the cabin than congratulations you have one less stress to worry about. We suggest this easy to pack portable children’s potty for traveling. It is lightweight and folds tightly making it easy to pack and use on-the-go.

For those that aren’t fully potty trained or cannot hold their bladder for long periods of time the best bet is just having your toddler wear a pull-up. There is no great way to potty-train in mid-air. You honestly can’t. You can only try your best, and expect the same from your toddler. If there is an accident at least they are wearing a pull-up, and all you then have to do is change them instead of having a HUGE mess.

BONUS TIP: Try to limit what they drink prior to ascending and descending. Wait until the cabin is open to move about before you start offering your toddler drinks unless you are having them drink to balance the cabin pressure changes.

Cabin Pressure Changes

When going on a flight with a toddler, it is crucial to remember simple but important issues like cabin pressure changes. The uncomfortable sensation a child might feel can scare them or be even a bit painful. There are some steps you can take to try and relieve the pressure they feel in their ears.

Take Small Bites of a Snack
Suck on Something
Sip Through A Straw

Remember if you feel it, they are feeling it too. Have your child eat a little snack while ascending and descending.