Flying with Toddlers: From Security Lines to Activity Bags
A well-organized carry-on keeps travel essentials—like mess-free snacks, quiet activities, and a favorite plush friend—within easy reach for little hands.
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Flying with toddlers can give any parent anxiety. The looks from passengers as you board the plane, before even the faintest hint of a tantrum can be detected is always stress-inducing. But even more important than what other people think, you want your child to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the flight. A well-prepared carry-on bag made just for your child and a set game plan can make your flight so much easier for everyone! Here are some tips you can use for your next family trip.
The Goal of the Activity Carry-On Bag
The main goal of an activity carry-on is to keep kids comfortable and entertained throughout the flight. Packing items they can use in a small space, activities that don’t make noise or messes, and a variety of toys that beat boredom are key when planning what to bring.
Pick the Kid-Sized Carry-On
A small kid-sized backpack is perfect for flights with toddlers because it fits under the seat, plus your child can carry it themselves. The more pockets it has, the easier it will be to pack little snacks, toys, and surprises for the flight.
When you start shopping for your toddler’s carry-on bag, opt for something with bright colors, whether it’s a favorite cartoon character or a bright print. This will help ensure it doesn’t get mixed up with other kids’ bags in the security line, plus, it just adds some extra fun to the trip.
Pack the Snacks First
Snacks are maybe the most important part of helping a toddler stay comfortable on a flight. A hungry little one is a grumpy little one, so you’ll want to make sure you have a variety of treats your tot can pick from.
Choose snacks that are shelf-stable and don’t leave behind a mess. Kid-friendly favorites like goldfish crackers and fruit snacks are always winners. If you want to bring fresh fruits or veggies, slice and pack them into Lunchable-style snack containers with individual compartments (this is super important for picky eaters who don’t want foods to touch). Other snacks that work great include:
Fruit puree or applesauce pouches
Suckers (these can help with ear discomfort during the flight)
Yogurt melts (technically these are a baby food snack, but toddlers still love them)
Granola bars
Pack a couple of small sandwich bags to place wrappers or uneaten portions of food so you can keep your area clean until the flight attendant comes by to pick up trash during the flight.
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If you’re looking for ways to keep toddlers entertained during downtime at the hotel, check out these helpful tips! They incorporate some of the same items packed in your activity carry-on, and they’re great for little ones!
Choose Plane-Friendly Activities for Toddlers
The best activities for toddlers on a plane are the ones that keep them busy without making noise or a mess. Puzzles, reusable stickers (the kinds without adhesive on the back), and activity books are all great choices.
Dry-erase fun (reusable + compact)
A small dry-erase board lets you transform the tray table into an activity center. Drawing, tic-tac-toe, snowman are all fun and easy distractions, and because the dry-erase board is reusable, this one item can keep kids busy for a long time. Pair it with clickable dry-erase markers so you’re not dealing with lost caps.
Card games (the underrated MVP)
Card games are perfect for flights, and they’re small enough to fit into an already full backpack. A basic deck works for older kids, and classic kid card games (like Uno/Go Fish style) are great for younger ones. Matching games like Memory are good for kids who aren’t quite old enough to handle more complex card game rules. Pro tip: stash decks in a zipper pouch so cards don’t migrate under seats or look for travel-friendly packaging, like this Uno set that comes in a reusable tin.
“Magic Marker” sets for mess-free coloring
These are a win because the marker only works on the book pages, so you don’t end up with ink on clothes or seats. If your child loves a specific character, like Bluey, choosing a themed version makes it feel extra exciting. Melissa + Doug Water Wow and Sticker Wow activity books also work and are a lot of fun!
Reusable stickers that work on multiple flights
Reusable sticker books are excellent for toddlers and preschoolers. They can stick them on a board, the tray table, or a notebook. (And they feel like a brand-new activity every time you hand them over). Pro tip: pack along a small pack of disinfecting wipes to clean any plane surfaces before using the stickers on them.
A magazine or activity book for older kids
For kids who like to read or browse, a magazine feels “grown up” and can hold attention longer than you’d think. You can also download digital versions on a tablet if that’s easier.
Cozy Comforts for Plane Rides
When kids get bored, tired, or overstimulated, comfort can be the fastest fix. A portable travel blanket and travel pillow set make it easier for them to settle in, even if they don’t fully fall sleep. If you bring a tablet along to help them relax, don’t forget headphones. Packing a pair of cozy slippers just for the plane can also help a toddler feel cozy and warm. If you’re looking at a long flight, sleep masks are perfect for naptime on the plane.
Toys to Avoid when Flying with Kids
Some toys and foods are a hard no on planes. Some will frustrate the flight crew, while others will disturb passengers:
anything loud or musical
anything with flashing lights
anything with tiny pieces that can spill everywhere (think no LEGO bricks)
anything messy (slime, kinetic sand, paint, permanent markers)
snacks with strong odors
So, it really all boils down to this: if it can roll, stain, stink, or beep, leave it at home. If you pack a tablet or let your child play games on your phone, be sure to bring headphones too (this is actually the rule for most airlines now).
How to Time Activities During the Flight
If you hand over everything at once to your toddler, the novelty of the activity carry-on wears off quickly. As much as possible, you should make sure all the items in the bag are a surprise. Pass them out at intervals during the flight (timing depends on how long your flight is). Here are some tips you can use if they work for your toddler.
Start with one calm activity during boarding
Pull out snacks after takeoff
Bring out a surprise item when boredom hits
Save one “last resort” activity for the final stretch
This keeps the flight from feeling like one long endurance test.
Don’t Forget the Return Flight
Packing for a trip almost always seems meticiulous; you have all the liquids packed in a checked bag or in a clear TSA-container, clothes are folded neatly, and toys are packed neatly away. Return flights are harder because you don’t have the luxury of extra time, grabbing a few extra toys, or rummaging through the pantry for snacks. To make up for this, make a special stop at a local store during your trip ( such as Target, dollar store, a local pharmacy) to grab a few new snacks and a small surprise toy or two. This keeps the magic of the activity carry-on alive for your return trip home. Stopping before you head to the airport means you’ll avoid paying $10 for a tiny bag of crackers at the newsstand.
Planning the Rest of the Trip
Once you’ve figured out how to survive the flight, the rest of the trip often feels a lot more manageable. Having a plan for where you’re staying and how you’ll get around can make travel with kids feel less stressful and more enjoyable.
If your trip includes a hotel stay, you might like this idea for a simple one-day getaway built around a hotel pool. It’s a great reminder that travel with kids doesn’t have to be packed with activities to feel special.
Choosing the right hotel setup can also make a big difference, especially when everyone needs sleep. This breakdown of adjoining hotel rooms versus a family suite can help you decide what works best for your family and your budget.
And if flying is only part of your journey, you may also want to check out our guide to essential family road trip gear for ideas that keep kids comfortable and entertained once you’re back on the road.
