Illustration of a mom and child with a lollipop on a long flight

Long Flight With a Toddler? 12 Ways to Keep Them Comfy and Busy

Quick answer: Give your toddler their own seat if you can, pack more snacks and small activities than you think you need, rotate them often, walk the aisle when it's safe, keep naps as close to normal as possible, and plan for landing well before the plane starts down.1,2,3

Before you fly

  1. Book a seat for your toddler. An FAA-approved car seat gives them a familiar, safe spot for the whole flight.1,2
  2. Time it around naps. Night or nap-time flights can work well for some kids, but plan for the flight not going to plan.
  3. Talk it through. Read a picture book about airplanes so the sights and sounds feel familiar.

In the air

  1. Snack in small portions. Low-mess favorites, spread out over the flight.
  2. Use a "surprise bag." Wrap a few small, new toys to open one at a time.
  3. Go screen-free first. Crayons, stickers, mess-free markers and books hold attention well, and the AAP notes very young children often don't engage with screens.2
  4. Rotate every 15 to 20 minutes. Short bursts beat one long activity.
  5. Walk the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off and there's no turbulence.2
  6. Keep drinks coming. Water throughout the flight helps keep kids comfortable.3

Naps and comfort

  1. Bring sleep cues from home: a lovey, a small blanket and the same bedtime words you use at home.
  2. Skip the "sleepy" medicine. The AAP advises against giving diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to make a child sleepy, since some kids become hyperactive instead.2

Landing

  1. Plan for descent. Wake sleeping kids gently and offer a drink or something to suck on as soon as descent begins, since kids swallow less when they're asleep.3 Here's why landing is often the hardest part.

More planning help: TSA-friendly airplane snacks and the toddler flight checklist.

Sources

  1. FAA: Flying with Children
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics: Tips for traveling with young ones this holiday season
  3. Nemours KidsHealth. Flying and Your Child's Ears

General information, not medical advice. Talk to your child's doctor about your child's specific needs. Airline and TSA rules can change, so check before you fly.

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