Flying With A Toddler (1-3 years old) From a US Airport: Everything You Need To Know

Flying with a toddler can feel overwhelming, right?

I remember being so nervous before our first flight with our toddler, even though I had flown several times with her as a baby, but I had so many wandering thoughts like:

• How will I juggle the stroller, car seat, luggage, and my kid now that she is running?
• What if she’s bored, overtired, or has a meltdown mid-flight?
• What happens if we run out of snacks—or she won’t eat anything I packed?

Oh boy, flying with a toddler? Talk about a whole new ballgame!

Remember when you thought traveling with a baby was tough? Ha! Now you’ve got a little person who can run, talk, and boy, can they scream. And don’t get me started on the opinions. Raise your hand if kid’s favorite word is “no”. ✋

It’s like you’re stuck in this weird limbo – they still need all the baby gear (car seat, stroller, and don’t forget the diapers!), but they’re not quite old enough to reason with. Well, you can try, but good luck predicting how that’ll go! 😅

Our first toddler flight was a 3-hour trip to Dallas when she was 1.5 years old. At 2 years old, we tackled a 10.5-hour flight to London. Then came the ultimate test: flying to Bangkok with both kids—a toddler and a 5-month-old baby—on a 24-hour travel day (includes a delayed layover). (Yes, we’re crazy!)

Now, after surviving 20+ flights with a baby, a toddler, or both, I’m here to share what to expect, tips I swear by, and mistakes I’ll never make again to help you survive flying with a toddler.

Booking Tickets

Time Your Flight Around Nap Times or Bedtimes

When it comes to flying with a toddler, timing is everything! I always recommend booking red-eye flights or flights that coincide with your little one’s nap time. The longer they sleep, the less you have to entertain them (or worry about entertaining them)!

I remember my first international flight to London with my 2-year old toddler, Serena. It was a nerve-wracking 10-hour journey, and I was prepared with toys and distractions, on edge about how I’d keep her occupied. Luckily, we booked a midnight flight, and she fell asleep as soon as we boarded (her bedtime is around 10 PM). Red-eye flights for the win! I didn’t even have to pull out any of the toys I brought for that flight!

Buying Plane Tickets for a Child Under 2 Years Old

If your child is under 2 years old at the time of your flight, you have two options for plane tickets:

Lap Infant

This means your little one sits on your lap and doesn’t have their own seat. It’s free for U.S. domestic flights and only 10% of the adult fare for international flights. Even though they don’t have their own seat, they still get a lap infant boarding pass. Just remember, this option is only available to kids under 2. If your child turns 2 on the day of the flight, you’ll need to buy a separate seat!

Get a Separate Seat

Purchasing a seat for your child means paying the full adult price for U.S. domestic flights. International flights, on the other hand, do offer a small discount for children. This option can be more comfortable for you—no cramped arms from holding your little one for hours!

If you buy a separate seat, you have the option of installing the car seat on the plane seat, which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends as the safest option. (This doesn’t mean you have to. You can also conveniently check-in or gate-check the car seat, and let your child sit in the seat with a seatbelt or CARES harness.)

My Experience: What do I do?

If you’re torn between the 2 options, check out my post on Lap Infant vs. Seat Infant, where I break down the pros and cons of each choice, so you can make the right choice for your family for your upcoming trip.

Budget Tips for Booking Flights

Use Credit Card Points

I love using travel points to save on flights! I earn points through the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred is also a great option with a lower annual fee.

Then I use these points to book flights using one of these 2 methods:

• I transfer the points to the airline partners
• or I book the flight through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal

Sign Up For Airline Rewards

Ensure that everyone with a paid seat (every adult and child except for a lap infant) is registered in the airline’s rewards program. This way, you can accumulate points towards free flights or upgrades!

Which seat should you book for you and your toddler?

Reserve a Window Seat for Your Child

I’ve found that the window seat really gives you the most flexibility when traveling with a toddler.

If you have a lap infant, it’s great because you can lean against the wall to catch a little nap while your little one plays with fidget spinners, suction toys, window clings, or even just enjoys looking out the window at the changing scenery, especially during takeoff and landing.

And if your toddler has their own seat by the window, they can snuggle up against the wall to sleep, use an inflatable footrest or airplane bed, or even relax in their car seat.

⚠️ Just a heads-up, though—make sure to check with your airline before taking car seats or inflatable footrests. Most airlines have strict rules on which seats they can be used in, and not all airlines will allow inflatable footrests or airplane beds. It would really suck to buy an airplane bed or travel car seat and not be allowed to use it on the plane. Usually, they’re approved for window seats that are not in exit rows to avoid blocking any passengers, but this varies from airline to airline, so ask your airline to be sure! If you aren’t able to reserve or get one of these approved seats, they will most likely make you gate-check your car seat or not let you use your airplane bed.

Oh, and looking out the window can really help with motion sickness!

Plus, keeping your child away from the aisle is a good idea to minimize the risk of bumping into things or getting too close to hot food and drinks being passed around. It just makes the whole journey a bit smoother!

Alternatively, if there are 2 adults traveling with 1 toddler, then the middle seat can be a good choice too, so both adults can easily assist your toddler, but window seat is still my favorite for little kids.

What To Carry On For A Flight With A Toddler

We always use a backpack as a carry-on to stay hands free for juggling documents, our toddler, and our luggage. I usually bring two backpacks: one for the diaper bag and snacks, and another for my personal items like a laptop and jackets. I store the backpacks under the seats on the plane (instead of the overhead bins) to be able to access them easily.

Make sure to carry on these to the plane:

• Identification Documents:
  • US Domestic Travel: Bring a birth certificate (paper copy or phone image) or passport for minors and a REAL ID or passport for adults.
  • International Travel: Ensure all passports are valid (not within 6 months of expiration) and visas if required for all adults and children, babies included.
• If not potty-trained:
  • Diapers: Pack at least 6 diapers—basically more than you think you’ll need to cover the entire flight plus any delays (if you miss a connecting flight and can’t reach your baggage) or unexpected messes.
  • Wipes: Bring at least half a pack.
  • Changing mat: Prevents direct contact with the public changing tables to keep baby clean (as clean as they can be).
• If potty-trained:
  • Foldable Travel Seat: This makes it easier for small toddlers to use the bigger toilets, and they don’t have to touch the public toilets.
  • Pull-up Diapers: Pack 2 if your child still wears a diaper at night when sleeping.
  • Wipes: Bring at least half a pack.
• Antibacterial Wipes: Great for cleaning hands and surfaces before your toddler touches anything (because we know they touch everything).
• 1 Extra Change of Clothes for Everyone: You never know when a spill or blowout might occur. My kids have never thrown up on the plane (yet, knock on wood), but I have seen other kids throw up on flights. There is usually a paper bag in front of each seat for this reason. Two of my mommy friends also said their child threw up on them, and they ended up smelling the whole flight. Don’t let that be you! Bring an extra outfit for you and your child.
• Jackets: Airplanes often have air conditioning on blast, so I pack 1 jacket for each person.
• Items to keep your toddler engaged
  • 2-3 Lightweight Toys: Select lightweight, reusable toys that have few detachable pieces and are not their absolute favorites, so you won’t stress if they get lost. Opt for “new-ish” toys (toys they haven’t seen before or haven’t seen in a long time) to capture their interest. (Check out my toddler’s favorite airplane toys).
  • Snacks: like pureed fruit pouches, dissolvable puffs, cereal, or cut-up fruits.
• Items to feed your toddler on the airplane
  • For Breastfeeding: Nursing cover, nursing bra, and nursing pads.
  • For Bottle Feeding: Milk bottles (or sippy cups), milk, and a cooler with ice pack.
  • For Pumping: Breast pump, hands-free pumping bra, milk storage bags, and a cooler with ice pack
  • For Hydration: Empty water bottle (fill after security).
  • For Feeding: Snacks and waterproof bibs to prevent messes.
• Electronics: I bring all my important electronics like laptops, tablets/iPads, phones and chargers onboard because I just don’t trust that it won’t be thrashed or damaged in the check-in luggage.

What about the rest of my stuff?

Toss it in your check-in bag! Then “drop it like it’s hot” at the ticket counter.

Make sure to put any large liquid/gel toiletries over 3.4oz (100ml) (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, makeup remover, etc.) in your check-in bag, so they won’t be thrown out during security check.

Flying With Car Seats and Strollers

Navigating the airport with a toddler can feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re trying to figure out what to do with your car seat and stroller. Let’s be real: the logistics of flying with these essentials can make it way more complicated than just driving to your destination!

Check-In Your Car Seat or Stroller

How It Works

You can check both your car seat and stroller at the ticket counter alongside your luggage. Car seats and strollers are considered “assisted medical devices,” so you can check in one free item per child. Just double-check with your airline about their specific policy, as some may only allow you to check in one or the other, but not both for free. These items will be picked up in the baggage claim area, sometimes in a separate “oversized baggage” section.

Pros:

• You don’t have to carry it through the airport, which can be a huge relief when managing other bags and your toddler.

Cons:

• There’s a risk of damage due to rough handling during transit (prevent damage by collapsing car seats and strollers to the smallest configuration and use a padded waterproof travel bag).
• You’ll have to wait at baggage claim, like any other checked bag.
• There’s potential for your items to get lost, just like any checked bag. (You can use Apple AirTags or Tile Bluetooth Trackers to keep track of where it is).

Gate-Check Your Car Seat or Stroller

How It Works

Gate-checking means you hand over your car seat or stroller right before boarding the plane and get them back at the plane door when you exit.

Pros:

• Stroller: You can use your stroller to push your child through the airport.
• Car Seat:
  • You can use your dolly with a car seat as a makeshift stroller to push your child through the airport.
  • Tip To Get A Free Seat (maybe): If you didn’t pay for a separate ticket for your toddler (lap infant ticket for a child under 2 years old) but want to test your luck, then don’t check-in your car seat. Instead, bring your car seat to the gate and ask the gate agent if the flight is full. If it isn’t full, ask if you can bring it on and install it in an empty window seat in your row. If not (if the flight is full), you can gate-check the car seat right there.

Cons:

• There’s a risk of damage due to rough handling during transit.
• Sometimes you have to wait at the gate for someone to bring it back to you.

Carry-On Your Car Seat or Stroller

Rules and Size Limitations:

• Car Seat Requires a Separate Seat For Your Child: If you choose to bring your car seat on board, you must have purchased a separate seat for your child to install it. The car seat must also be 16 inches wide or less (slim fit) to fit on the airplane seat (ask your airline for specific dimensions).
• Collapsible Stroller: A small, collapsible stroller can be carried on if it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Pros:

• The FAA states that installing a car seat on the plane is the safest way for your toddler to fly, especially during turbulence.
• If you bring either a car seat or stroller on the plane with you, you won’t have to wait for them to arrive.

Cons:

• If you need to install a car seat, you’ll have to purchase a separate seat for your child, which is much more expensive compared to a lap infant ticket.
• It can be heavy to haul a car seat through the airport, in addition to your toddler and your luggage.

Don’t Bring the Car Seat or Stroller

If you want to lighten your load, you can choose not to bring the car seat or stroller, and consider alternatives.

• You can use a CARES harness on a plane instead of a car seat or a baby carrier or wagon instead of a stroller.
• You can rent or borrow a car seat or stroller at your destination from BabyQuip or a car rental company or a family or friend.
• If you’re traveling to a place where you can rely on only public transportation, you might not need a car seat at all. When we went to London in the UK, Paris in France, and Tokyo in Japan, we only used public transportation.

My Experience: What Do I Do?

Personally, I prefer checking in my car seat and gate-checking my stroller.

Since I usually have my baby as a lap infant, I check in my car seat to avoid lugging it around the airport. While some parents worry about potential damage to check-in luggage, my car seat has always been fine.

💡 Tip: If you choose this option, I recommend placing your car seat in a padded travel bag for extra protection and adding a luggage tag with your name, address, and phone number in case it gets lost (like any check-in luggage).

Gate-checking the stroller allows me to use the stroller up until I board the plane, and I can grab it right at the door when I exit. I’ve always gotten my stroller right away. However, I’ve heard stories of moms having to wait for their stroller and even missing connecting flights, so I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you have a short layover (under 1 hour).

Tips For Traveling With a Toddler at the Airport

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but with a few handy tips, you can make the airport experience much smoother. Here are some of my favorite strategies for navigating the airport with little ones!

Baby-Wearing (Use a Baby Carrier) or Use a Stroller Through The Airport

Your toddler sometimes wants to walk and sometimes wants to be carried and sometimes just wants to run away from you. You’ll need a way to get them through the airport while managing your luggage. I always bring a baby carrier on every flight to keep my hands free for handling bags and documents. It’s essential for juggling everything while keeping your little one close.

I’ve traveled to many places without a stroller, relying solely on carriers like the Omni 360 Mesh Ergobaby Carrier.

If you are not used to baby-wearing and find it uncomfortable or hot, a stroller is also a great option for wheeling both your toddler and storing your carry-on items through the airport. Just make sure that if you intend to carry it onto the plane, it must collapse small enough to fit in the overhead bin.

Otherwise, you can gate-check the stroller, so you can use it throughout the airport before boarding. If you do this, you can expect to get your stroller when you deboard the plane at your destination (though I have heard some parents complain of delays, so I wouldn’t do this if you had a tight layover under 1 hour).

Change Diapers Before the Flight

Let’s face it: airplane bathrooms are tiny, and changing tables can feel cramped. It is a fold-over table on top of the toilet with no space to take any extra steps. I always aim to change diapers within half an hour before boarding time to minimize in-flight changes.

Tire Your Toddler Out At the Airport

One of the best ways to ensure a smoother flight is to let your toddler burn off some energy before boarding. Many airports now offer kid-friendly spaces designed for this very purpose. Look for dedicated play areas or children’s zones where your little one can safely run, climb, and explore. If your airport doesn’t have these facilities, don’t worry! You can create your own mini-adventure:

• Play “I Spy” while walking through the terminal
• Have a “race” to the next gate (balance between getting them to run but not run so fast that they will fall)
• Do some simple exercises together like jumping jacks or stretches
• Walk up and down the stairs (while holding hands of course)
• Dance to airport music or songs on your phone

Remember, a tired toddler is more likely to nap on the plane, giving you a well-deserved break. Just be sure to leave enough time before boarding to use the restroom and change diapers. With a bit of creative energy-burning at the airport, you’re setting yourself up for a more relaxed flight experience.

Explore Family-Friendly Spots At the Airport

Airports can actually be pretty family-friendly if you know where to look! I love using nursing rooms—they’re clean, private, and perfect for feeding or changing a toddler. We also use family rooms a lot since they let all of us stick together (and keep an eye on our luggage!).

Oh, and lounges are a lifesaver if you have a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve—free snacks, Wi-Fi, and a comfy space for the kids make such a difference.

I’m still on the hunt for a good airport playground, though—I hear LAX airport has one, but I’ve never managed to be in the right terminal to find it!

Going Through TSA Security with a Toddler

Navigating TSA screening with a toddler can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make the process smoother. Here’s a friendly guide to help you through it!

What to expect

• Remove Shoes and Laptops and Tablets From Your Bag: If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you’ll need to remove your shoes and take out laptops and tablets from your carry-on to place in a separate bin.
• Identification: For international flights, all adults and children will need passports. For domestic flights, adults need either a REAL ID or a passport and kids need a birth certificate.
• Kids Under 12: Great news—children under 12 don’t need to remove their shoes!
• Pureed Pouches and Milk: Be prepared for additional screening for pureed pouches, breast milk, whole milk, premixed formula, and premixed formula, which are exceptions to TSA’s 3.4 oz liquid rule.
• Car Seats and Strollers: These will either go through the x-ray machine or be inspected manually.
• Stay Together: You will never be separated from your child during the screening process, which is a huge relief!

Bringing Milk and Liquids Through TSA

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has specific rules about liquids, but luckily, there are exceptions for parents traveling with little ones. Here’s what you need to know:

• Liquid Restrictions: Normally, you need to pack liquids in a quart-sized bag, with each container being 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Anything larger must go in your checked luggage.
• Special Exceptions for Kids: You can bring more than 3.4 oz of certain liquids because they’re considered “medically necessary.”
  This includes:
  • Formula (premixed liquid formula or water will be additionally screened)
  • Breast milk (liquid will be additionally screened, whereas frozen will not)
  • Toddler drinks
  • Baby food and toddler food
  • Pureed pouches
  • Ice packs to keep these items cool
  • Liquid/gel medications and creams

Pro Tip: Always let the TSA officer know if you have more than 3.4 oz of liquid, and place it in a separate bin for screening. A simple, “I have milk” or “I have puree pouches” works wonders!

Baby-Wearing Through TSA Screening

Most of the time, you can keep your child in a baby carrier as you walk through the screening, as long as your carrier doesn’t have any metal parts. I’ve done this many times without issue!

However, sometimes you may be asked to remove your baby from the carrier, and hold them while the carrier goes through the x-ray machine (this has happened to me too). It can vary by airport and TSA agent, so just roll with it! But if any type of screening makes you uncomfortable, you can ask if there is an alternative screening method.

Bringing Car Seats and Strollers Through TSA Screening

• Screening Doesn’t Apply to Check-In Items: Only car seats and strollers that are gate-checked or carried onto the plane need to go through TSA. Items that are checked in at the check-in counter will skip this process.
• Screening Process:
  • Car seats and smaller strollers will typically go through the x-ray machine
  • Bigger strollers may go through a metal detector and be inspected manually.
• You will most likely have to remove your baby from the stroller.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for TSA screening with your little one. Remember, you’ve got this, and soon you’ll be breezing through the airport like a pro!

Family Boarding: Boarding Earlier with Young Kids

Most airlines allow families with young kids to board early, ahead of the zone or ticket class they paid for. If we qualify, we always take advantage of family boarding to get on the plane early, and so should you!

Some airlines pre-board for families with kids aged 2 or 3 and under, while others do so if you’re carrying a car seat or stroller. Be sure to check your airline’s policy ahead of time or ask at the check-in counter.

Benefits of Family Boarding (Pre-boarding)

• Choose Seats Together: You can select seats that are close together if you haven’t already done so.
• Easier Stowing: Stow your carry-ons above or below your seat, keeping them close by. You’re already wrangling kids—do you really want to walk far down the aisle to get your stuff?
• Calm Settling: Settle the kids in without the pressure of other passengers waiting behind you
• Use the Time Wisely: If you’re carrying a car seat or stroller, you can install the car seat or collapse the stroller and place it in the overhead bin nearby.

Taking Care of Your Toddler on the Plane

Offer Your Toddler Water or a Lollipop During Takeoff and Landing

We’ve all experienced that uncomfortable “airplane ear” feeling—the pressure in our ears that builds up when the plane’s altitude changes rapidly during takeoff and landing. For toddlers, this sensation can be even more distressing as they might not understand what’s happening.

Offer them water to drink during these takeoff or landing, or if they’re old enough, a lollipop or piece of candy to suck on. The act of swallowing or sucking helps equalize the pressure in their ears, making the experience much more comfortable. Remember, a happy, comfortable toddler means a smoother flight for everyone!

However, if your toddler is already sleeping, let them be. In my experience, they usually handle it just fine. Out of the 14 flights I’ve taken with my kids, only once did my daughter Serena complain “owieee ear” and then cried for about 10 minutes before she fell asleep for the rest of the flight. So don’t stress too much—most kids adapt!

Fun In-Flight Activities for Your Toddler

Long flights with toddlers can be challenging, but with the right activities, they can become enjoyable adventures. After numerous flights with my own little ones, I’ve compiled a list of engaging activities that actually work.

Some of my top picks include:

• sing-along sessions with classic nursery rhymes
• drawing and guessing games
• mess-free coloring with Water Wow books
• Make-a-face sticker sets
• Fidget sensory toys

Don’t forget to pack a variety of snacks and consider some screen time for those moments when you need a break.

Remember, the key is to have a mix of activities and introduce them gradually throughout the flight.

Diaper Changes On The Plane

When it comes to diaper changes on the airplane, be prepared for a cramped bathroom. Most planes have a changing table that folds down from the wall right above the toilet, which can be a bit tricky to maneuver in tight quarters.

It’s a good idea to have everything you need within reach before you go in—diapers, wipes, changing pad, and diaper trash bags—so you can get in and out quickly.

Also, I noticed that not all bathrooms have changing tables, so you can look for the baby icon on the outside of the bathroom.

Another mom told me that on the plane, she would put on a pull-up diaper over the dirty diaper while her child was standing and then pull the dirty diaper through the clean one and out. If I ever got into a situation where bathrooms were occupied for a long time, I would try this method. Luckily, I have always been able to get into an airplane bathroom in a reasonable amount of time.

FAQ About Flying With a Toddler

Final Thoughts: Flying With a Toddler

While flying with a toddler can feel a bit overwhelming, it’s also a fantastic chance for some family adventure and bonding. With a little planning—like booking the right tickets, packing your carry-on just right, and knowing what to expect at the airport—you can make the whole experience much smoother for both you and your little one. Trust me, the more you know about what to expect, the less stressful it becomes!

I’d love to hear from you! What tips or tricks have you figured out that made flying with your toddler a breeze? Share your stories in the comments below! Or if you still have questions, ask our friendly community of parents or ask your question below.

And if you know other parents gearing up for a flight, feel free to pass this post along. Let’s help each other navigate this journey together! Safe travels, and enjoy every moment with your little one!