How To Prepare for Your Child’s First Plane Ride

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Believe me, traveling can be stressful at the best of times, but add a small child into the mix, and it can feel downright overwhelming. For kids, the chaos of a busy airport, the unfamiliar sounds of an airplane, and being surrounded by new faces can easily lead to overstimulation. Add in the disruption to their daily routine, and it’s no wonder little ones might struggle with this big adventure. We’ve put together a few tips for preparing for your child’s first plane ride to help parents reduce that stress.

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Explain the Process

Sit down with your child a few days before vacation so you can have an age-appropriate conversation about what to expect during check-in, security, boarding, and the flight itself. Explain each stage in simple terms so they feel ready and less anxious.

For example, describe how their bag gets checked, what the security lines look like, and why everyone sits close together on the plane. Reassuring your child and making it an adventure can reduce fear and make them more cooperative during the process.

If your kiddo seems nervous at the airport, acknowledge their feelings and remind them it’s okay to be curious or ask questions. By validating their emotions, you can help them feel more comfortable and in control.

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Pick the Right Flight Time

I recommend booking flights that align with your child’s natural nap or bedtime whenever possible to create less disruption in their routine. Early morning or evening flights often work best, allowing them to relax or sleep during the trip. You should also weigh the length of the flight and connection times. Look for direct flights or those with short layovers to minimize disruptions.

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Keep Them Close

Airports are bustling with activity—crowds moving in every direction, announcements echoing overhead, and the constant shuffle of luggage wheels. Generally, keeping small children close means putting them in a stroller; however, trying to juggle that, your luggage, and theirs is a lot to manage. You can avoid clutter with stroller-free travel alternatives such as ride-on luggage or baby wearing if your child is young enough.

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Pack the Essentials

Another tip for preparing for your child’s first plane ride is to ensure you have everything you’ll need. If your child isn’t potty trained, place several diapers or pull-ups into a personal bag along with snacks, wipes, a spare set of clothes, and their favorite comfort item. Organize everything in the bag so it’s easy to access as you move through the airport.

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Have Entertainment Accessible

While packing entertainment, decide whether a screen-free trip is right for your family. While ditching tablets encourages your kids to engage with their surroundings, it can also be harder to keep them busy in the airport. You could compromise by allowing screen time during the travel portion, but not once you reach the destination.

If you do not want to bring a tablet for your child, you could get a coloring book, a deck of cards, or a travel board game for them to play with during the journey. This not only keeps them entertained but also encourages bonding time and creativity. With proper planning, every flight can be an opportunity to grow closer as a family, allowing you to cherish moments as you connect.

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