Imagine this: You’re about to head off on a seven-day family vacation in Hawaii. How do you feel? Sure, you’re super excited for some fun in the sun, but you might also be dreading the long plane ride with your little ones. If so, you’re not alone. Traveling with a child of any age can be stressful. But with a handy airplane checklist (don’t forget the tickets and passports!), you can be sure that you have everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable flight.
Here’s an airplane checklist for each age group:
Infants (0 to 2 years old)
- Car Seat
A car seat is an important essential when you’re traveling with an infant. It will keep your bundle of joy safe and help her to fall asleep more easily during the flight. Just make sure to check your airline’s size requirements in advance.
- Diapers and Wipes
These are two no-brainers when it comes to flying with a baby. Delays happen, so bring double the amount you think you’ll need.
- Hand Sanitizer
You can never have enough hand sanitizer when you’re changing your infant’s diaper in a tiny airplane bathroom!
- Extra Clothes
Accidents happen, especially when there’s turbulence involved. Be prepared for it all by packing a few extra outfits.
- Food or Milk
For infants, a bottle during take-off and landing will help keep their ears from popping. So don’t forget to pack your formula or breast milk. Just be sure to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for specific regulations. If your little one is transitioning to solids, pack a few jars of baby food or their favorite snacks instead. No matter how long the flight, you can count on your baby getting hungry mid-air! As with diapers, bring extra!
- Blanket
Airplanes can be freezing cold, so a blanket is a true necessity. Though the airline will usually provide blankets, your little one might take comfort in having her own.
- Toys
It’s always a good idea to bring along toys for your baby. If he gets bored or fussy, a variety of toys will keep him occupied.
Preschoolers (2 to 4 years old)
- Snacks
When you’ve got a grumpy toddler on your hands, nothing saves the day quite like his favorite snacks.
- Lots of Extra Clothes
Chances are, your preschooler will spill more than once during the flight. Save yourself some potential stress by packing a few backup outfits.
- Coloring and Activity Books
Does your little one get bored easily? Then be sure to pack some special coloring books, puzzle pages or activity pads.
- Small Toys
If your preschooler is a nervous flier, you might want to treat him to a special surprise. Just hit up your local dollar store for a few small, simple toys. Then bring them out at intervals throughout the flight. If you happen to lose a toy in the hustle and bustle of getting off of the plane, there’s no need to worry. You’ll only be out a dollar or two!
- Noise-Reducing Headphones
Your little one will love to watch an in-flight movie. Pack your own pair of noise-reducing headphones, so that you don’t have to worry about how the earbuds airlines usually provide could potentially harm her ears.
- Sippy Cup
The plastic cups that are provided on a flight are small and open-topped, which are a disaster waiting to happen when you have a toddler. Just ask the flight attendant to fill up your child’s sippy cup with juice or water.
Children in Grade School (5 to 10 years old)
- A Favorite Stuffed Animal
If your child is still apprehensive about flying, he might take comfort in bringing a familiar friend along with him.
- Tablet
If you have a tablet, you can download some age-appropriate games to help make the flight go by more quickly.
- Chapter Books
A plane ride is a great time to practice your child’s reading skills.
Children in Middle School or High School (11 to 18 years old)
- Neck Pillow
The small, complimentary pillows handed out on flights are flimsy and lack support. You can help your child sleep more comfortably by bringing her own personal neck pillow.
- Headphones
Most airlines will provide free headphones on longer flights, but if your teen is picky about his sound quality, he might want to bring along his own personal set.
- Book or Magazine
Your teen is probably glued to her smartphone on most days. Help her take advantage of this opportunity for a technology detox by encouraging her to read a book or magazine instead.
- Face Moisturizer
If your child has dry or sensitive skin, he might need to apply a light moisturizer throughout the flight.
For more information, check out 10 Tips for Traveling with Kids.
Can you think of any other items to add to these airplane checklists? Let us know in the comments!
Natalie Vereen-Davis works as a freelance writer and travel blogger. She often travels with her toddler, who just made her first trans-Atlantic flight.
