Easy Tips for Flying Alone with Toddlers

Are you flying alone with a one year old? Perhaps you’re traveling alone with two toddlers (or more)? Here are some easy tips for flying alone with toddlers.

Easy Tips for Flying Alone with Toddlers

Flying alone with toddlers can be scary. I wrote this post after flying alone with only one child. Now that I’m traveling alone with two toddlers in tow, I have a system in place for success. The days leading up to a trip are hectic, especially if you’re traveling alone with your children. List making is helpful, but you have to be prepared for a sudden delayed flight or toddlers gone wild. From vomiting during takeoff to full blown sister fights, I’ve seen it all. If you’re traveling with kids alone, write down these tips to save your sanity.

NOTE: This post was written in 2019. My daughters are now 10, 7, and 2 – and I still use these easy tips for flying alone with my toddler!

BE FLEXIBLE

The worst thing you can do when traveling alone with children is set high expectations for the trip. More often then not you will experience the unexpected, like your three year old projectile vomiting as soon as the plane takes off. The airplane has motion sickness bags in the back of the seats in front of you – but these disposable vomit bags are great to have on hand. I also carry travel size antibacterial wipes in each of our backpacks to wipe down our seating area or clean messy hands while in flight.

I’ve learned to roll with the punches and to anticipate anything when I’m traveling alone with kids.

Sometimes my daughters sleep, sometimes their ears hurt and they scream, once in awhile my toddler will have a blowout diaper while we are boarding. Other times when I travel alone with my children: they are pleasant and enjoyable. Just remember to be flexible, not rigid. Toddlers are going to live their best lives no matter what you plan.

Pack Extra Everything, but Pack Wisely

Only pack the necessary items for the flight in your carry-on bag: toys, sanitizer, snacks, extra clothes, bandaids, etc. Then check everything else in a suitcase! There is no reason to bring the maximum number of carry-on bags with you when you’re traveling alone with toddlers or you risk overwhelming yourself. A backpack is the easiest bag to carry when you’re traveling because it gives you two free arms to push a stroller/carry a toddler.

Extra clothes are one of my most used items when flying alone with kids. Vomit, poop, spilled drinks – you name it, my daughters have had it on their clothing. I always pack an extra outfit for each child, as well as myself, in a Ziploc bag (doubles as a place to store soiled clothing). These diaper disposal bags are a must have as well, not just for disposing diapers, but also containing soiled clothes too.

My toddlers love to do two things on a plane – eat and watch an iPad or tablet. The Amazon Fire Tablet is the best tablet for toddlers to navigate and very sturdy. We use toddler headphones with a cord (bluetooth headphones are convenient, but do not always connect). If we are on a long flight, the iPad can get boring, so I pack a few other activities. Any kind of workbook or coloring book is entertaining for toddlers, like mess-free Magic Ink books or Puffy Sticker books. Window clings are a lot of fun and mess free, as well as Wikistix.

Arrive Early, but Not TOO Early

Everyone knows airlines require passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure time, but I rarely follow that rule. My daughters aren’t easily entertained in an airport for two hours. Depending on the departure airport and security wait times, I schedule to arrive at a maximum of 1.5 hours before our flight. Did you know can check the security wait-time for airports online? There is no reason anyone traveling alone with kids should sit at the airport for longer than they have to!

When Flying Alone with Toddlers – Always Pack Surprises 

I always pack surprises in my backpack that I keep hidden until disaster strikes. Sister quarrel? It happens – Ailey pulls Annabelle’s hair because she can’t see out the window and both girls start screaming. Quarters are tight on an airplane, so timeout doesn’t really work. When all else fails, a distraction comes to the rescue. I pull out my secret weapon: a new activity book or toy.

Some flights I don’t have to pull out a new item, but it’s calming to know a new on-the-go activity for toddlers is there as a distraction.

Should I use a Stroller when Traveling with Toddlers?

If your kids are small enough to ride in a stroller, bring it on your trip. It’s easier to push a crabby toddler in a stroller than to have to carry her. If I am traveling with multiple children, I will wear one in a toddler carrier and push the other. If possible, you can use a compact foldable double stroller for toddlers too.

How do you pick the best stroller for traveling alone with kids? I read this pricy stroller is top rated for flying with toddlers because it folds in half with the push of a button. However, this compact stroller is one third of the price, has ample storage, and folds to fit in an overhead bin! This foldable stroller also has ample storage and a protective storage case. Note: Inexpensive umbrella strollers are convenient – but designed for older children and do not have storage.

Don’t forget to check your stroller at the gate before boarding. The flight attendant will give you a ticket to keep track of your stroller. Most airlines have an attendant waiting by the door of the plane to collect strollers – but if there’s not one there, just leave it by the door.

BYO Water Bottle and Snacks for Toddlers

Airports charge an arm and a leg for drinks and snacks, so I bring as many provisions as my bag will carry. Before traveling with toddlers, take a trip to the store to pick out their favorite foods together. Applesauce pouches, fruit strips, and individual snacks in reusable storage bags are the best. Snackle boxes are convenient for toddlers on a plane, but take up a lot of space in a backpack. We pack our own reusable water bottles with a self lock lid to fill at sanitary water stations around the airport.

Overall, flying alone with toddlers isn’t THAT difficult. Sure – there have been tantrums and dirty looks from fellow passengers. But if I remain calm and confident, the storm always passes quickly. Never worry about what others are thinking and just focus on your little ones! They are all that matters. And when in doubt… order yourself some bubbly if you’re on a long flight.