Long Flight with a Toddler? 10 Survival Tips

A long flight with a toddler is one of parenting's great tests of nerve — but it's almost always more manageable than you fear. A little planning goes a very long way. Here are ten survival tips, learned the hard way, for flying long-haul (or just long-feeling) with a little one.

Before you fly

1. Choose your seats with care

A bulkhead seat gives extra floor space and, on long-haul, the option of a bassinet for babies. For toddlers, an aisle seat makes toilet trips and little walks far easier. Book early to get them.

2. Time the flight around sleep

If you have a choice, a flight that overlaps with nap time or bedtime can turn hours of entertaining into hours of (fingers crossed) sleeping.

3. Build excitement in advance

A toddler who understands and looks forward to the trip is calmer on the day. Talk about the destination, look at pictures, and read a book about where you're going in the week before you fly.

Packing the carry-on

4. Pack a ‘busy bag' of novelty

Fill a bag with small, inexpensive activities your toddler hasn't seen recently — sticker books, water colouring, a wrapped surprise toy — and reveal them one at a time. (See our 12 screen-free travel activities for ideas.)

5. Bring more snacks than you think you need

Slow snacks — raisins, rice cakes, fruit pouches — double as entertainment and comfort. Pack twice what you'd expect; a hungry toddler at altitude is no fun for anyone.

6. Pack a full change of clothes (for you too)

Spills, accidents and travel sickness happen. A spare outfit for your toddler — and a spare top for you — is worth its weight in gold.

On board

7. Protect little ears

Offer something to suck or chew during take-off and landing — a snack, a drink from a cup or bottle, or a dummy. The swallowing eases the pressure that causes ear pain and tears.

8. Move when you can

A supervised walk to the toilet and back resets a fractious mood and burns a little energy. A change of scene works wonders for both of you.

9. Save the screen for the last stretch

There's no shame in a bit of telly — the trick is to hold it in reserve for the final, hardest half hour, when the busy bag is empty and patience is thin.

10. Keep yourself calm

Toddlers read our stress and mirror it. Lower your expectations, accept that some grizzling is normal, and stay unhurried. A relaxed grown-up is the single best in-flight tool you have.

Frequently asked questions

How do you survive a long-haul flight with a toddler?

Choose good seats, time the flight around sleep, pack a busy bag of novelty and plenty of slow snacks, protect little ears on take-off and landing, and stay calm. Reveal activities one at a time and keep a screen in reserve for the end.

What should I pack in a toddler's carry-on for a long flight?

A busy bag of small novel activities, plenty of slow snacks, a full change of clothes, a favourite book or comforter, wipes, and a drink or dummy for the ears.

How do I stop my toddler's ears hurting on the plane?

Offer something to suck or chew during take-off and landing — a snack, a drink or a dummy — so the swallowing action equalises the pressure.

Off somewhere sunny? Create a personalised book about your child's real holiday, or read our screen-free plane guide.