As a father of 4, I know how daunting flying with a large family can be. We’ve lived all over the U.S. and in 2 countries in East Africa. That has led to dozens of flights and countless travel adventures.
With multiple children in tow, navigating airports, security lines, and planes can feel like a Herculean task. With the right preparation, however, flying with your family can be a memorable, and even enjoyable, experience.
Here are some practical tips to help you manage the challenges:
Navigating Air Travel with Kids in Diapers
If your kids aren’t yet potty trained, you may be worried about how to handle diaper changes on the plane. Thankfully, most airplanes have changing tables in at least one of their bathrooms.
If the seat next to you is open, you can also change your child’s diaper there. That way, you won’t have to worry about dirty changing tables or maneuvering inside an itty-bitty bathroom.
This goes without saying, but be sure to bring a changing pad and several extra diapers, wipes, and plastic bags in your carry-on bag as well.
Streamlining Baggage Check and Security
When it comes to luggage, I recommend packing light and checking as many bags as possible.
If you’re traveling with young children, it’s likely you’ll need to bring a lot of gear with you, from strollers to car seats to portable cribs. Check with your airline beforehand to see what you can bring for free and what you’ll need to pay extra for.
Make a list of priority items, and pack strategically. Put anything you’ll need during the flight, such as snacks, toys, and extra diapers, in a small bag that you can keep under the seat in front of you.
Airport security can be a stressful experience, but there are ways to make it go more smoothly. Remember to pack liquids in 3.4-ounce containers or smaller, and put them in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag. You’ll need to take this bag out of your carry-on and place it in a bin for screening.
If you’re traveling with a stroller, you’ll need to take your child out of it and collapse it before going through security. Make sure to wear slip-on shoes and easy-to-remove layers, as you’ll need to go through the metal detector or full-body scanner.
Seating Arrangements and In-Flight Comfort
Seating arrangements on planes can be tricky when you’re traveling with multiple children. Try to book seats that are all together, but if that’s not possible, consider sitting in two rows across from each other. That way, you can pass items back and forth between seats and keep an eye on your children without having to twist your neck around.
If you have an infant or toddler who will be sitting on your lap, bring a few small toys and snacks to keep him or her entertained. You may also want to consider bringing a nursing pillow or other support to help make the flight more comfortable for both of you.
Layovers and Keeping Kids Entertained
Layovers can be a great opportunity to let your children stretch their legs and burn off some energy. Look for play areas or family lounges in the airport where your children can play and run around.
You and your kids will likely be exhausted and hungry. It’ll tempting to sit down at a restaurant, but I’ve found it more advantageous—and affordable—to pick someplace faster.
That’s because you’ve already been sitting for several hours. The more time you can spend moving around during the layover, the better. It’ll also make it much easier to handle sitting for another few hours (or more) on your next flight.
For international flights, if you have an extra-long layover, consider renting a hotel room near the airport to get some rest and regroup before your next flight.
Also, remember to keep yourself and your children hydrated by bringing reusable water bottles and filling them up at water fountains or restaurants. It’s very easy to get dehydrated while traveling.
One of my sons is especially prone to this, and it leads to migraines. That often results in vomiting as well. If you have a kid like this, setting alarms to remind him or her to drink can save both of you a lot of pain and stress.
Keeping Track of Kids in Busy Airports
Keeping track of your children in busy airports, especially if it’s international travel, can be overwhelming and downright scary. Here are a few things you can do to make it easier:
- Write your phone number on your kids’ arms or a bracelet in case they get lost.
- Teach your children what your family’s “safe spot” is, such as a certain gate or restaurant, in case they get separated from you.
- Consider using child locator devices, such as GPS trackers or Bluetooth bracelets, to keep tabs on your children’s whereabouts.
- Make it a team effort with older siblings (more on that below).
Enlist the help of older kids
Older siblings can be a massive help. They can load/unload luggage, pass out food, watch younger children, and keep them entertained. This is especially helpful during baggage check, customs, and other procedures that require parents to answer questions from airport employees and government officials.
Consider bringing games or books that older kids can play with their younger siblings. This not only helps pass the time on the flight, but it also strengthens sibling bonds and develops responsibility.
Encouraging Family Unity and Patience
Finally, remember that you’re all in this together.
Before heading to the airport, especially when our kids were really young and we were traveling internationally, my wife and I would smile at each other and say, “We’re on the same team.”
That was our way of reminding ourselves to show extra grace and patience to one another.
No matter how much you prepare, something will not go according to plan. The resulting stress combined with travel exhaustion might cause you to snap at each other or come across harshly. In those moments, try to pull an Elsa from the movie Frozen: “Let it go, let it go!”
I’m not saying this to give you an an excuse to be rude to your spouse or vice versa. I simply mean that the stress of flying with a large family can overwhelm you. Try to remember that you’re on the same team with the same goal.
If your spouse uncharacteristically snaps at you, it’s likely not personal. It’s just the stress coming out. The two of you can discuss it later if you’re really bothered by it. But first, do whatever you can to let it go and just focus on the task at hand: getting your family safely to your destination.
Showing extra patience and giving each other the benefit of the doubt has helped my wife and me navigate many, many travel disasters with our kids. It can be hard in the moment, but it’s best to let it slide if your spouse gets a little snappy. Chances are you’ve that you did the same thing during the journey but didn’t realize it.
If my wife and I realize it later, we’ll apologize for any snappy moments. Usually, however, we’re so happy to get to our destination that we’ve forgotten all about it. Flying with a large family is hard enough. Don’t complicate things by unnecessarily bickering.
Challenging, but also an Opportunity
I know how stressful flying with a large family can be, but it’s also an opportunity for adventure, bonding, and making memories that will last a lifetime. I hope these tips will help make your next trip a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Remember to be patient with yourself, your kids, and your spouse, and to keep a sense of humor when things don’t go as planned. Safe travels, and have fun!
Additional Resources When Flying with a Large Family
- TSA’s Traveling with Children: helpful information on navigating security screenings with young children, including what to expect and what items you can bring through security.
- SeatGuru: detailed seat maps and reviews of different airline seats, which can help you choose the best seats for your family’s needs.
- Family Travel Association (FTA): a nonprofit organization that provides resources and information for families who are planning travel. Their website includes a wealth of information on family-friendly destinations, travel tips, and more.
- TSA PreCheck: save time and hassle when going through security at the airport.
- Child Locator Devices: there are a variety of child locator devices on the market that can help you keep track of your children in busy airports.