What Actually Helps My Kids On Flights
Updated: Oct 3
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The travel essentials, comfort items, and simple routines that have helped make flying with kids feel a whole lot easier.
Traveling With Kids Isn't Just About Keeping Them Entertained
Before our first family trip, I spent a lot of time worrying about how I was going to keep the kids occupied on the plane.
What I didn't realize was that boredom was only one small piece of the puzzle.
Travel days are long.
Kids are navigating new environments, unfamiliar routines, crowded spaces, loud noises, long walks, changing schedules, and often very little downtime.
Over the years, I've learned that successful travel days aren't really about having more toys.
They're about helping kids stay comfortable, hydrated, regulated, rested, and engaged throughout the journey.
These are the items that have earned a permanent place in our travel bags because they've genuinely helped make flying easier for our family.
Their Own Backpack Makes A Bigger Difference Than You Might Think
One of the best travel decisions we made was giving each child their own backpack.
Not because they carry a lot of weight.
Not because it makes packing easier.
But because it gives them ownership.
Their headphones are in their backpack.
Their snacks are in their backpack.
Their activities are in their backpack.
Their comfort items are in their backpack.
It helps them feel more involved in the travel experience and reduces the number of times I'm digging through bags looking for something.
Why It Helps
✔ Encourages independence
✔ Keeps important items organized
✔ Gives kids ownership over their belongings
✔ Reduces travel-day stress for parents
Real Travel Note
Once our kids started carrying their own travel backpacks, I spent far less time searching for snacks, headphones, and activities throughout the day.
The Water Bottles We Use Every Single Trip
Hydration doesn't seem like a big deal until everyone is tired, cranky, and dehydrated halfway through a travel day.
One item that comes on every trip with us is an Owala Kids FreeSip water bottle.
I've found that when kids genuinely enjoy using their water bottle, they're much more likely to drink throughout the day without constant reminders.
Why It Helps
✔ Leakproof design helps prevent spills inside backpacks
✔ Built-in straw and spout gives kids two ways to drink
✔ Keeps water cold for hours
✔ Easy for kids to use independently
✔ Helps everyone stay hydrated while travelling
Real Travel Note
One of my favourite things about these bottles is not having to worry about opening a backpack and finding water all over headphones, activities, snacks, and travel documents.
EarPlanes And Lollipops Are Travel Day Heroes
Most adults know to chew gum during takeoff and landing.
Kids don't.
One of the most uncomfortable parts of flying for many children is the pressure change that happens during ascent and descent.
That's why we always travel with EarPlanes and sugar-free lollipops.
The lollipops encourage swallowing naturally, while the EarPlanes help reduce pressure changes in little ears.
Why It Helps
✔ Helps reduce ear discomfort
✔ Makes takeoff and landing easier
✔ Helps kids feel more comfortable while flying
✔ Small and easy to pack
Real Travel Note
The first time one of my kids complained about ear pain during a flight, I realized how much takeoff and landing can affect little ears. Since then, EarPlanes and lollipops have become automatic additions to our packing list.
The Sleep Headband We Never Travel Without
Airports are loud.
Airplanes are loud.
Even exciting vacations can become overwhelming when there's constant stimulation throughout the day.
One of the travel items we've come to rely on most is a Bluetooth sleep headphone headband.
Unlike traditional headphones, it's soft enough to wear while resting and comfortable enough for longer periods of time.
Why It Helps
✔ Provides calming audio without bulky headphones
✔ Helps reduce environmental noise
✔ Comfortable enough for resting and sleeping
✔ Creates a sense of familiarity while travelling
✔ Supports quiet downtime during long travel days
Real Travel Note
One thing I've learned over the years is that not every travel challenge needs more entertainment. Sometimes kids don't need another activity. Sometimes they simply need a quieter environment.
The Activities That Have Saved More Than One Flight
One of the biggest mistakes I made during our first family trips was assuming excitement would keep the kids entertained.
It doesn't.
There is a lot of waiting during travel.
Waiting to board.
Waiting for food.
Waiting for transportation.
Waiting through delays.
Having a few carefully chosen activities can completely change the tone of a travel day.
What We Pack LCD Doodle Boards
This was one of those travel purchases I almost didn't buy because it seemed too simple.
It turns out simple was exactly what made it so useful.
The doodle board has become one of our favourite travel activities because it keeps little hands busy without creating extra mess, noise, or clutter.
Unlike colouring books, there are no crayons rolling under seats.
Unlike tablets, there are no chargers, downloads, or battery worries.
The kids can draw, play games, practice letters, write silly messages, and then erase everything with the push of a button.
Why It Helps
✔ Lightweight and easy to pack
✔ No mess to clean up
✔ No charging required
✔ Reusable over and over again
✔ Great for airports, airplanes, restaurants, and hotel downtime
Real Travel Note
One thing I've learned about travelling with kids is that there are a lot of small waiting periods throughout the day.
Waiting at the gate.
Waiting to board.
Waiting for food.
Waiting for transportation.
The doodle board is one of those simple activities that fills those gaps surprisingly well and often keeps the kids occupied longer than some of the bigger toys we pack.
Magnetic Building Blocks & Magnetic Tiles
These are one of our favourite travel activities because they can be used in so many different ways and keep kids engaged for surprisingly long periods of time.
Magnetic Travel Games
The magnetic pieces stay attached much better than traditional travel games, making them ideal for tray tables and airport waiting areas.
Push-Peel Sensory Toys
These are perfect for busy hands during long waits and are one of my favourite quiet sensory activities for travel days.
Airplane Travel Tray
This was one of those purchases I wasn't sure we'd use very much. Now it comes on every flight because it gives the kids a stable place to colour, eat snacks, and play games.
Real Travel Note
What I love most about these activities is that they work in airports, restaurants, hotel rooms, transfer buses, and airplanes. They're not just flight activities—they're travel-day activities.
The Travel Blanket That Comes On Every Trip
Travel blankets aren't just about staying warm.
For many children, they're about familiarity.
When everything else feels different, a familiar blanket can create a sense of comfort and security.
Why It Helps
✔ Provides comfort in unfamiliar environments
✔ Helpful for sleeping during travel
✔ Creates a sense of familiarity
✔ Helps support emotional regulation
Real Travel Note
We've used our travel blanket on airplanes, in airports, during transfers, and at the resort. It's one of those items that consistently gets used more than I expect.
Comfortable Shoes Matter More Than Most Parents Realize
One thing I didn't fully appreciate before travelling with kids was just how much walking happens on travel days.
Airports are huge.
Resorts are huge.
Excursions often involve far more walking than expected.
That's why comfortable, breathable shoes with plenty of room for growing feet have become a travel essential for our family.
Why It Helps
✔ Comfortable for long walking days
✔ Breathable for warm destinations
✔ Lightweight and easy to pack
✔ Easy on and off for airport security
Real Travel Note
Some travel days involve thousands of steps before you even reach your destination. Comfortable shoes can make a much bigger difference than most parents realize.
Final Thoughts
The products in this guide won't make travel perfect.
Kids will still get tired.
Flights will still get delayed.
Someone will still forget something important.
But over the years, I've found that a few thoughtfully chosen travel essentials can make a meaningful difference.
These are the products I personally pack for our family because they've helped make travel days feel calmer, more comfortable, and far less stressful.
Sometimes the smallest comforts end up making the biggest difference.
A Gentle Reminder For Parents
You don't need to be perfectly organized.
You don't need a suitcase full of gadgets.
You don't need a flawless itinerary.
Family travel is rarely perfect.
Children will get tired.
Plans may change.
Someone will forget something.
What matters most is creating enough comfort, flexibility, and support to navigate those moments when they happen.
Sometimes the most successful family vacations aren't the ones that go perfectly.
They're the ones where everyone feels supported enough to enjoy the experience together.
Related Resources
The travel essentials, comfort items, and simple systems that have helped make family vacations feel more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
What I've learned about overstimulation, waiting, hunger, exhaustion, and helping kids navigate airports with fewer tears and less stress.
The comfort items, routines, and travel essentials that help support emotional regulation on flights, road trips, and family vacations.
A practical guide for adults who find airports, crowds, noise, and long travel days completely exhausting.
If there's one thing you'll learn about me, it's that I love finding things that make life feel a little easier.
Whether that's a travel essential, a parenting hack, a cozy self-care find, or something that simply makes me think, "Why didn't I know about this sooner?"
I'm grateful you're here and I hope you found something helpful.
Wishing you comfort, calm, and a little less overwhelm wherever life takes you.
Ashley
Want this whole list in one place?
Grab the free printable version — one page, ready to check off by hand, perfect for taping inside your suitcase lid or sticking on the fridge while you pack.
Footwear
♡ Walking Shoes
♡ Dress Shoes
♡ Sandals
♡ Flip Flops
♡ Sneakers
Clothing
♡ T-Shirts
♡ Casual Shirts
♡ Tank Tops
♡ Rompers
♡ Belt
♡ Dresses
♡ Skirts
♡ Shorts
♡ Pants
♡ Bras/Undershirts
♡ Underwear
♡ Socks
♡ Work Out Clothes
♡ Shawl/Pashmina
♡ Jewelry
♡ Comfy Travel Outfit (Click Here to get 15% Off)
♡ Sweater(ClickHere to get 15% Off!)
Toiletries & Personal Care
♡ Toothbrush
♡ Toothpaste
♡ Floss
♡ Deoderant
♡ Face Wash/Cleanser
♡ Cotton Pads
♡ Moisturizer
♡ Make-Up
♡ Razor
♡ Shaving Cream
♡ Shampoo
♡ Conditioner
♡ Body Wash
♡ Soap
♡ Hair Products
♡ Perfume/Cologne
♡ Bobbi Pins
♡ Q-Tips
♡ Shower Puff
♡ Hair Clip
♡ Period Care
♡ Kids Shampoo
♡ Kids Body Wash
♡ Contact Lenses
Health/Safety & First Aid
♡ Cold/Flu Meds
♡ Antacid
♡ Allergy Meds
♡ Prescriptions
♡ Dish Soap
♡ Kids Magnesium (Click here to get 15% off)
Hydration/Snacks & Wellness
♡ Trail Mix
♡ Snacks
Beach & Swim Gear
Tech/Charging & Entertainment
♡ Air Tags
♡ Go Pro
♡ E-Reader
Sleep/Comfort/Packing & Laundry
♡ Eye Mask
♡ Umbrella
Documents/Money & Pre-Trip Prep
♡ Passports
♡ Boarding Passes
♡ Hotel Reservations
♡ Rental Car Info
♡ Itinerary
♡ Emegency Contacts
♡ Cash/Credit
♡ Talk to Pharmacist about Travel Vaccinations
♡ Exchange Currency Before Trip
♡ House Light Automations
♡ Travel Insurance Documents
♡ Health Insurance Documents
♡ Download Customs App (if applicable)
♡ Copy of Imp Documents
♡ Copy of Documents Left with Trusted Person
♡ Pet/Plant/House Sitter Information
♡ Mail Hold/Stop Delivery
♡ Final Home Check - Doors Locked
Made it through the whole list?
Grab the printable version so you're not scrolling back through this post every time you pack. One page, free, ready to check off by hand.
At the end of the day, none of this is really about the list. It's about getting out the door with a little less stress, so the trip itself can actually feel like a trip and not just a logistics project.
Because the part that actually matters is everything that happens after the packing is done — sandy toes, sunburned noses, someone begging for five more minutes in the water, the photo you didn't plan to take that ends up being your favorite one.
However much of this list you actually use, and however this trip goes, I hope it gives your family exactly what you're hoping for.
Before you go...
Don't forget your free printable copy of this checklist — perfect for taping inside your suitcase lid so you've always got it on hand.
If there's one thing you'll learn about me, it's that I love finding things that make life feel a little easier. Whether that's a travel essential, a parenting hack, a cozy self-care find, or something that simply makes me think, "Why didn't I know about this sooner?"
I'm grateful you're here and I hope you found something helpful. Wishing you comfort, calm, and a little less overwhelm wherever life takes you.
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