Guide to flying with kids: stress-free family travel

Traveling with toddlers or young kids often feels overwhelming, but when you prepare well, your family adventure becomes smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Whether you’re flying short distances or tackling a long-haul journey, these practical travel tips will help you navigate airports, planes, and destinations with confidence. From smart packing to calming meltdowns, here’s your essential guide to flying with kids.

1. Tire Out Toddlers Before the Flight

Let your kids burn off energy at the airport before boarding. Visit a children’s play area or soft play zone near your gate if your airport has one. Encourage running, climbing, and moving around to help them settle once you board. If play areas aren’t available, take brisk walks through the terminal or let them climb stairs to stay active.

2. Choose the Best Seats for Comfort and Convenience

Book the right seats to improve everyone’s comfort. On long-haul flights, grab seats in the middle section of the emergency exit row for extra space and easy bathroom access. Choose window seats to entertain kids with views during takeoff and landing.

3. Take Advantage of Early Boarding

Use early boarding to get your family settled without the crowd. Most airlines offer pre-boarding for families with young children. Use this time to stash carry-ons, set up car seats, and get kids comfortable before the aisles fill up. Ask staff politely for help with strollers or expedited security if needed.

4. Pack Smart and Light Without Skipping Essentials

Streamline your packing without sacrificing toddler must-haves. Borrow or rent bulky items like strollers and car seats at your destination to reduce your load. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and essentials in your carry-on. Use a multi-compartment “snackle box” filled with your child’s favorite treats to keep them busy and satisfied during the flight.

5. Manage Ear Pressure with Easy Solutions

Prevent ear pain during takeoff and landing. Offer your baby a pacifier or bottle. Give older toddlers something to chew—like a dissolvable lollipop or gum. Teach them to yawn or blow gently while pinching their nose. Use saline sprays if they have a stuffy nose to avoid added discomfort.

6. Bring Comfort Items and Entertainment

Create a travel “goodie bag” to keep kids entertained and comforted. Include familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, along with quiet toys, coloring books, child-friendly headphones, and a tablet loaded with shows or games. Bring an inflatable footrest or cushion to help them stretch out and rest comfortably.

7. Plan Flights and Stopovers Around Your Toddler’s Routine

Book night flights to align with your child’s sleep schedule and reduce jet lag. Plan stopovers carefully—choose longer layovers if they offer a chance to nap, eat, or play. When possible, adjust your toddler’s sleep routine a few days before travel to ease the transition.

8. Stay Flexible and Embrace the Chaos

Build flexibility into your travel plans. Avoid overloading your itinerary and allow time for snacks, bathroom breaks, or detours. Stay calm during tantrums and respond with patience. When you embrace the unpredictable moments, you create better experiences and lower everyone’s stress levels.

9. Use Family-Friendly Accommodations and Airlines

Book hotels or vacation rentals that cater to families. Look for places with high chairs, cribs, separate sleeping spaces, or kid-friendly amenities like pools and play areas. Fly with airlines known for family service—many offer toddler meals, in-flight entertainment packs, and helpful staff. Confirm stroller policies and bring travel accessories like seat extenders or portable beds to enhance comfort on board.

10. Travel with Extra Support

Bring friends, family, or a partner whenever possible. Shared childcare lightens your load and allows everyone a break. If you’re flying solo, ask airline or airport staff for help and plan to meet local support at your destination. A little assistance goes a long way.

Make Your Next Family Flight a Breeze

Flying with toddlers doesn’t have to feel like a mission. When you plan smart, pack efficiently, and stay adaptable, you make family travel easier and more fun. Whether it’s your child’s first flight or one of many, each journey creates lasting memories. Use these travel tips to keep your toddler happy and your stress levels low. You’ve got this—happy travels!

Check out these 8 family-friendly retreats in the Maldives for a summer holiday!

Feature Image: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

The Maldives shines as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, with tourism numbers steadily climbing in 2025. As of mid-May, over 900,000 visitors have arrived, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. This steady growth clearly shows the country’s sustained appeal and effective tourism strategies.

A closer look at recent data reveals that tourists arrive at a daily average of around 5,000, which is a sign that demand remains robust even outside the traditional peak seasons. About 71% of travelers choose to stay in resorts, thereby highlighting the Maldives’ reputation for luxury and exclusive island experiences. However, guesthouses also grow in popularity, hosting nearly a quarter of all tourists, which indicates a diversification of accommodation options and a widening of appeal beyond traditional luxury stays.

Furthermore, diverse source markets feed this tourism boom. China leads with the highest number of visitors, followed closely by Russia and the United Kingdom. In addition, European markets such as Italy and Germany continue to contribute strongly, while arrivals from India and the United States also show steady presence. This broad geographic mix not only helps balance visitor flows but also reduces overreliance on any single market.

Looking ahead, the Maldivian government plans to reach 2.5 million arrivals by the end of the year. Meanwhile, ongoing infrastructure projects, including airport expansions, aim to improve accessibility and accommodate increasing visitor numbers. Alongside these efforts, the government is addressing envirThe Maldives shines as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, with tourism numbers steadily climbing in 2025. As of mid-May, over 900,000 visitors have arrived, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. This steady growth clearly shows the country’s sustained appeal and effective tourism strategies.

Strong Demand Throughout the Year

Diverse Source Markets Drive Growth

Infrastructure and Sustainability Plans

Looking ahead, the Maldivian government plans to reach 2.5 million arrivals by the end of the year. Meanwhile, ongoing infrastructure projects, including airport expansions, aim to improve accessibility and accommodate increasing visitor numbers. Alongside these efforts, the government is addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable tourism, which together prepare the Maldives for a future of continued growth and resilience.

In addition, the Maldives is boosting its visibility through strategic partnerships with major sports franchises. Collaborations with India’s Mumbai Indians cricket team and Liverpool Football Club aim to attract affluent travelers by leveraging these global brands to showcase the Maldives as a premier luxury destination.

Overall, the island nation builds on a solid foundation from record-breaking 2024, maintains momentum as it enhances its offerings, and continues to welcome travelers from across the globe. Consequently, the outlook for the island nation’s tourism sector remains bright as it balances expansion with sustainability.

*Article is based on insights from the Maldives Tourism Update Issue – 16

Feature Image: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Best Travel Tips for Flying with Toddlers and Young Kids