Flying Alone with Toddlers - Tips & Tricks

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I survived flying down to Florida with two toddlers in tow. I feel like anything is possible now, ha! Dare I say, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Thank goodness for stickers and a Starbucks coffee that got me through both solo flights. I’d been anxiously anticipating the chaos of flying with two toddlers for so long and almost didn’t want to take the chance but I’m so happy I did. It gave me the confidence I needed along with knowing that anything is possible with proper preparation. If you’re ever thinking about flying solo with your kids or taking that extra-long flight, do it! I promise it may seem hard and tortuous in the moment, but you’ll look back and be happy you did along with creating memories with your kiddos. In a world where we read horror stories of toddlers having big feelings in public places and what feels like inconveniencing the world, I wanted to share a glimmer of hope. Here are some tips & tricks I’ve found to be helpful when flying solo or just flying with toddlers in general.

Pack lightly, trust me!

Packing lightly is not something that comes naturally to me, but I’ve realized it’s the way to go. You don’t need as much as you think and if you have access to a washer and dryer keep that in mind. When I’m traveling, I will always either buy wipes, diapers, sunscreen (aka things that can lighten your suitcase load) at a local store or ship them via Amazon.

Give yourself extra time at the airport.

Unexpected obstacles (diaper blowout, anyone?) are even more difficult to manage on your own with two little ones, so give yourself extra time to deal with them. For some reason my son always needs to use the bathroom multiple times before boarding, and it can be ALOT. On the flip side, I will say it saves me that extra bathroom break mid-flight so I would recommend all the bathroom breaks prior to boarding.

Choose a toddler friendly tote bag or backpack.

This has been a game changer for me. Look for a large & spacious model with lots of pockets, so there’s a designated spot for every item. The last thing you need is to spend time digging through your bag for that emergency diaper with no way to find it. I also recommend a backpack with a ton of pockets, if you don’t like carrying a bag on your shoulder. Here are my favorite traveling essentials.

Have A Plan for Your Gear.

Besides luggage, I always bring our double stroller. I think traveling with a stroller is a game changer, especially when your littles need a break or when you need some extra storage space. We love our Zoe double stroller and would highly recommend! It’s super easy to collapse and I always utilize it right up to the airplane gate. Just make sure you get a "gate check" tag from the gate agent upon arrival. I’ve also ditched traveling with the kid’s car seats and rent them when we travel. Most rental car companies have the option where you can pay extra for car seats, and it’s 100% worth it. One less thing you have to carry but always check with your rental company ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate!

Stickers, Snacks & Yes, Screen Time.

When it comes to keeping your kids entertained in the air, I would highly recommend bringing any toys, gadgets or stickers that they’ve never seen before. The “new” stickers and notepads that I purchased for our recent trip were a hit. It kept them occupied and entertained for most of our flight with very little screen time which I couldn’t believe. Make sure you bring every child their own set of toys, stickers, you name it, so there are no fights about which child gets what- trust me I learned the hard way! The 3D stickers were “so cool” according to Blake, which felt like a mom-win in my book :) When you feel like you’ve run out of options mid-flight or they are getting restless, snacks and screen time are always the way to go. Snacks are one of the best tools for keeping toddlers happy and just like their “new” stickers I would bring “special treats” as snacks and only give them on the plane, so that way they don’t fill up on all their snacks prior. We also have the Disney+ app, which has allowed me to download multiple movies along with Bluey episodes on both kid’s tablets. I always download a few on my phone as backup as well, just in case there is a problem with one of their devices. Thankfully Jet Blue and most airlines have charging stations, but I always carry a portable charger in case I really run into trouble.

Pack a kid-friendly water bottle.

I’ve learned from experience that when the beverage cart comes by on the plane, both my kids always want something to drink. You can expect that the plane won’t be equipped with kids’ cups, so be sure to bring a bottle with a flip straw to pour your kiddos water into for the flight.

Talk to your toddlers about expectations.

Don’t underestimate your son or daughter’s ability to mentally prepare for travel day. Although explaining to a two-year-old that you need them to walk through security and sit quietly on the plane may not be effective, older toddlers might appreciate a heads up about what to expect. Like most kids, Blake thrives off of a routine because it creates predictability while allowing him to feel in control, even when a little bribery is involved (what kid doesn’t love a McDonald’s breakfast?!) I’ve also noticed they’re better equipped to listen and stay close to me when I explain the importance of sticking together.

Board early to give yourself enough time to get situated.

Most airlines have some form of preboarding or early boarding for families, so take advantage of it! This gives you time to get situated and not feel like you have a million people behind you waiting to get to their seats. It also gives you the option to utilize the overhead storage bins without them being overcrowded. Most importantly, I feel like I have more space and time to get the kids situated without feeling rushed since we usually sit towards the back of the plane which is boarded last.

Flying with two toddlers is definitely a challenge even when they’re on their best behavior. If the judgment of other people feels stressful, remember that your toddlers are allowed to take up space in the world too. Never feel ashamed if they have outbursts and most importantly, give yourself grace - easier said than done but a great reminder, especially when a delay occurs. Don’t freak out but treat it as a flight in it of itself and head to a convenience store in the airport to stock up on more snacks for your actual flight (when in doubt stick to the three S’s - snacks, stickers, and screen time). Flying with toddlers in general can of course be stressful but it’s worth it to adventure with your family. It also makes for great stories and memories for years to come so don’t let flight anxiety get the best of you! You’ll do great and make it, I promise!