Surviving a Flight With a Toddler: A UK Parent’s Guide

The thought of being trapped in a metal tube at 35,000 feet with an unpredictable toddler is enough to put anyone off flying. But thousands of families do it every day, and with a bit of planning it is far more manageable than the horror stories suggest. Here is how to survive a flight with a toddler, and maybe even enjoy the trip.

Before you even reach the gate: sort your airport parking in advance. Paying at the barrier on the day is almost always the priciest option, and it is one of the easiest holiday costs to cut. We compare UK airport parking prices at our sister site park4travels (owned by the same family as Darling Mellow), usually far cheaper than the drive-up rate, so it is one less thing to juggle with a toddler in tow.

Before you book

Where you can, choose seats thoughtfully. A window seat gives a toddler something to look at and stops them grabbing the aisle traffic, while bulkhead seats often have more floor space. There is endless debate about whether to fly during nap time or when they are wide awake, and honestly it depends on your child, but many parents find a flight that overlaps a nap is the calmest. If your budget stretches to it, booking a separate seat for your toddler rather than having them on your lap makes a long flight much more comfortable.

Pack a brilliant carry-on

• More nappies and wipes than you think you need, plus at least two changes of clothes, including a spare top for you.
• A generous stash of familiar snacks, the single most powerful toddler-management tool ever invented.
• A few small, new toys or activities, wrapped if you have time, doled out one at a time.
• Their comforter, dummy or favourite soft toy, and any essentials in your hand luggage in case bags go astray.
• All your documents together and easy to reach.

Take-off and landing

The change in cabin pressure can hurt little ears. Encourage your toddler to swallow during take-off and landing by offering a drink, a snack, a dummy or a feed, as swallowing helps their ears adjust and prevents a lot of mid-flight crying.

Keeping them happy in the air

Rotate through snacks, surprise toys and quiet activities, and accept that a short walk up and down the aisle, with permission from the crew, can reset a restless toddler. If you choose to allow some screen time on a long flight, this is exactly the moment most parents make peace with it, and that is absolutely fine.

Be kind to yourself

Other passengers are far more understanding than you fear, and the ones who matter have been there themselves. Do your reasonable best, ignore the odd huffy stranger, and remember the flight is temporary. You will land, and the holiday will be worth it.

Common questions

What is the best flight time when travelling with a toddler?

It depends on your child, but many parents find a flight that overlaps their toddler's nap is calmest. Others prefer flying when the child is wide awake and can be kept busy. Go with what suits your toddler.

How do I help my toddler's ears on a plane?

Encourage swallowing during take-off and landing by offering a drink, a snack, a dummy or a feed. Swallowing helps their ears adjust to the change in cabin pressure.

Does a toddler need their own seat on a flight?

Under twos can usually travel on a parent's lap, but booking a separate seat, with an approved car seat where allowed, makes a long flight more comfortable and is worth it if your budget allows.