Flying with children doesn’t have to be complicated. It mostly helps to know what you want close to hand. That’s why we put together this packing list for flying with kids: by category and by age, so you don’t forget anything and don’t carry more than you need. Tick off what you’ve got and skip what you don’t need.
Rules vary between airlines and airports. If in doubt, always check with your airline.
Documents and money
- Passport or ID card for every family member (babies need their own travel document too)
- Check documents are valid for long enough for your destination
- Boarding passes (printed or in the app)
- Consent letter if you’re travelling without the other parent with parental responsibility
- Visa or travel authorisation if your destination requires one
- Travel insurance card and policy number
- EHIC or GHIC card if you’re travelling within Europe
- Booking confirmations for flights, accommodation and transfers
- Debit card, credit card and some cash
- Important phone numbers on paper, in case your phone runs out of battery
Hand luggage by age
Baby (0-1)
- Nappies: allow one per hour of travel, plus a generous spare supply for delays
- Baby wipes and a foldable changing mat
- Nappy bags for dirty nappies and clothes
- Two spare sets of clothes for your baby
- A clean top for yourself (spit-up and leaks happen)
- Muslin cloths or burp cloths
- Dummy plus a spare, and a dummy clip
- Formula, breast milk or baby food pouches for the journey, plus extra
- Bottles, and perhaps a flask of hot water
- Baby carrier or sling, handy at the airport and when boarding
- Light blanket or muslin
- Favourite cuddly toy or comforter
Toddler (1-4)
- Nappies or, if your child is newly potty trained, extra pants and spare trousers
- Wipes, also handy for sticky hands
- A complete set of spare clothes
- Sippy cup or water bottle (empty through security)
- Plenty of snacks (see below)
- Favourite cuddly toy and dummy, if used
- A few small, new toys to hand out one at a time
- Foldable toilet seat or disposable potty bags
- A small backpack your toddler can carry themselves
Older kids (4+)
- Their own backpack with their own things
- Tablet or e-reader, charged, with downloaded films and games
- Children’s headphones (volume-limited)
- A book, colouring book or puzzle book
- Empty water bottle to fill after security
- Jumper or hoodie, as planes are often chilly
- Spare clothes in hand luggage (a top and bottoms is enough)
Snacks and drinks
Hunger makes everything harder. Pack more than you think you’ll need.
- Dry snacks: crackers, rice cakes, breadsticks, oat bars
- Fruit that doesn’t squash easily, such as apples or satsumas (note: some destinations restrict bringing in fresh fruit)
- Pouches and small pots of snacks
- Empty water bottles to fill after security
- Something to suck or chew during take-off and landing
Liquids and baby food
For ordinary liquids in hand luggage, the familiar rule usually applies: containers of up to 100 ml, together in one clear bag. At EU airports, baby food, breast milk and formula are exempt from this in reasonable quantities for the journey. Special dietary food is often covered too.
- Keep baby food and milk separate so you can show it easily at security
- Expect an extra check; sometimes it’s tested
- Only bring what you need for the journey (plus delays)
- Pre-measured formula powder in a dispenser is handy and light
- Rules vary by airport and country, especially outside the EU. Check with your airport or airline before you go
Ear pressure on take-off and landing
Lots of children struggle with ear pressure. Swallowing helps ease it.
- Breastfeed, give a bottle or a dummy to your baby during take-off and descent
- Let toddlers and older children drink, chew or suck on something
- Encourage older kids to yawn, or pinch their nose and swallow gently
- Try to keep your child awake during descent, so they swallow more often
- If your child has a cold or is prone to ear trouble, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice beforehand
Entertainment
Small things often work better than big ones. Hand them out one at a time.
- Sticker books and reusable stickers
- Colouring book with chunky crayons (they roll away less)
- Magnetic drawing board or travel game
- A few small surprises wrapped in paper (unwrapping is an activity in itself)
- Picture books or audiobooks
- Tablet with offline films, shows and games
- Headphones, and maybe a splitter so two children can watch together
- Power bank and charging cables (power banks go in hand luggage, not in the hold)
Clothing and comfort
- Easy, comfortable clothes in layers
- Shoes that slip on and off quickly for security
- Warm socks or slipper socks
- Cardigan or hoodie for the plane
- Neck pillow for older children
- Pyjamas for a night flight
- Sunglasses and a sun hat for arriving somewhere sunny
- Spare clothes for yourself
Medicine and first aid kit
Always keep medicines in your hand luggage, in their original packaging. Ask your pharmacist or GP what’s sensible for your child and your destination, and how to use it.
- Your child’s own medicines, with the leaflet
- A doctor’s letter or prescription if your child takes regular medication
- Thermometer
- Children’s pain relief or fever medicine (check with your pharmacist)
- Plasters, including fun children’s ones
- Hand gel or antibacterial wipes
- Sun cream (under 100 ml in hand luggage)
- Travel sickness remedy if your child is prone to it (ask your pharmacist)
- Saline drops or children’s nasal spray (check with your pharmacist)
- Sick bags
Pushchair and car seat
Most airlines let you bring a pushchair free of charge, and you can often use it right up to the gate. It’s loaded there and returned on arrival, sometimes at the aircraft door, sometimes at baggage reclaim. Rules vary per airline, so check before you fly.
- Check with your airline how pushchairs and car seats are handled
- A light, foldable buggy is easiest
- Protective cover or bag for the pushchair
- Label with your name and phone number
- Remove loose parts (cup holder, rain cover) and take them with you
- Need a car seat at your destination? Bring your own or arrange one with your hire car
- Want to use the car seat on board? Check that it’s approved for use on aircraft
Hold luggage
- Clothes for each child, sorted per day (or one packing cube per child)
- Swimwear, swim nappies and a UV top
- Enough nappies for the first few days
- Wash bag with kids’ things: toothbrush, shampoo, cream
- Larger bottles of sun cream and after-sun
- Insect repellent suitable for children (ask your pharmacist)
- Sleeping bag, blackout blind or night light for familiar nights
- Travel cot, if your accommodation doesn’t provide one
- A small bag of washing detergent for a quick wash
- An empty bag for dirty laundry or souvenirs
- One set of clothes per family member in each other’s suitcase, in case a bag goes missing
Tips for the day of travel
- Check in online and, if possible, choose seats together
- Get to the airport in good time
- Ask at security whether there’s a family lane
- Let children burn off energy at the airport before boarding
- Do a last toilet trip or nappy change right before boarding
- Keep passports and boarding passes together in one pocket
- Put your name and phone number on a wristband or note for young children
- Plan in quiet moments, and don’t expect too much of yourself
- Stay calm. Other passengers are often more understanding than you think
Ready for take-off
With this packing list, you’re well prepared. Would you also like a place to stay that’s already set up for your family, with a cot, room to play and everything close by? We’d be happy to help. Family travel, made easy.