Traveling with kids on an airplane can be exciting but also a little overwhelming. Whether it’s your child’s first flight or a family vacation veteran, being prepared is key to a smooth journey. Packing the right airplane travel essentials for kids helps keep them entertained, comfortable, and well-fed — making the trip easier for everyone.
Here are 10 must-have airplane travel essentials for kids to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.
1. Snacks and Reusable Snack Containers
Airplane food might not always appeal to kids, and sometimes it’s delayed. Pack their favorite snacks like crackers, fruits, granola bars, or cheese sticks in spill-proof, resealable containers. This keeps hunger tantrums at bay and ensures happy tummies mid-air.
🧃 Snacks and Reusable Snack Containers
One of the most important airplane travel essentials for kids is snacks. Kids get hungry frequently, and airline meals aren’t always suitable or timely — especially for picky eaters. Packing your child’s favorite healthy, mess-free snacks helps keep them content and full during the flight.
Think of easy-to-eat options like:
- Cheese cubes or string cheese
- Whole grain crackers
- Apple slices with peanut butter (if no allergies)
- Mini sandwiches
- Dried fruits and trail mix
Make sure to pack these in reusable, spill-proof snack containers or silicone zip pouches to avoid leaks or mess in your carry-on. These containers are not only eco-friendly but also help with portion control and reduce waste. Choose fun, colorful containers to make snack time more enjoyable for little ones!
Tip: Avoid overly sugary treats to prevent sugar highs and keep hydration in check with plenty of water.
2. Headphones Designed for Kids
Noise-canceling or volume-limiting headphones are perfect for in-flight entertainment without disturbing others. Pair them with a tablet or the airline’s entertainment system so your child can watch movies, listen to music, or play games quietly.
🎧 Headphones Designed for Kids
In-flight entertainment is a great way to keep children occupied during a long journey, but not all headphones are suitable for young ears. That’s why kid-friendly headphones are a must-have airplane travel essential.
Look for headphones that feature:
- Volume-limiting technology (usually capped at 85 dB) to protect delicate hearing
- Comfortable padding for extended wear
- Adjustable headbands to fit different age groups
- Tangle-free or wireless options for hassle-free use
Pair these headphones with a tablet, audiobook, or the airline’s entertainment system to help your child enjoy cartoons, games, or music without disturbing nearby passengers.
Bonus Tip: Some kid-specific headphones come with fun themes (like animals, superheroes, or princesses), which can make your child even more excited to use them on the flight.
3. Tablet or Loaded Devices
A pre-loaded tablet with cartoons, educational apps, audiobooks, and games is a lifesaver for long flights. Make sure it’s fully charged and bring a power bank or extra battery just in case.
📱 Tablet or Loaded Devices
When it comes to keeping kids entertained on a flight, a tablet or device loaded with kid-friendly content is a lifesaver. Whether it’s a short hop or a long-haul journey, digital entertainment can make the hours fly by for your child — and give parents a much-needed break.
Before the flight, download movies, TV shows, audiobooks, eBooks, and educational games that your child enjoys. Relying on in-flight Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, so having offline access is essential.
Here are a few parent-approved apps and platforms to consider:
- YouTube Kids
- Netflix Kids (with downloads)
- PBS Kids Games
- Epic! Books for Kids
- Disney+
Don’t forget to pack a protective case for the device, ideally with a built-in stand, and make sure it’s fully charged before you board. A portable power bank is also a good backup to have in your carry-on.
4. Comfort Items (Blanket, Travel Pillow, or Favorite Toy)
Bring items that help your child feel secure and cozy. A soft travel blanket, neck pillow, or their favorite stuffed animal can provide comfort and help them nap during the flight.
🧸 Comfort Items (Blanket, Travel Pillow, or Favorite Toy)
Airplane cabins can be cold, cramped, and unfamiliar — especially for little travelers. Having familiar and cozy comfort items can make a huge difference in helping your child feel safe, relaxed, and ready to nap during the flight.
Here are some comfort essentials to pack:
- Soft travel blanket – Lightweight and compact, perfect for warmth during chilly flights.
- Neck pillow – Provides head and neck support to help kids sleep more comfortably.
- Favorite toy or stuffed animal – A beloved plush toy or security blanket can provide emotional comfort and familiarity, especially on long or overnight flights.
Choose items that are compact and washable, and try to stick with one or two favorites to save space in your carry-on. If it’s your child’s first flight, consider introducing a new travel buddy (like a small plush or cuddle blanket) to make the trip more exciting.
Bonus Tip: Letting your child help choose their comfort items can make them feel involved and more at ease during travel.
5. Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Kids are curious and often touch everything. Disinfecting wipes and child-safe hand sanitizer keep germs at bay and are a must for messy moments — from snack time to toilet trips.
🧴 Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Airplanes are high‑touch environments, and kids love to explore every surface they can reach. Having disinfecting wipes and child‑safe hand sanitizer within arm’s reach is essential for maintaining good hygiene (and your peace of mind) at 35,000 feet.
Why pack them?
- Surface cleanup: Quickly wipe down tray tables, armrests, seat‑back screens, and window sills before your child settles in.
- Sticky situations: Snack crumbs, juice spills, marker smudges, and diaper changes are no match for a stash of soft, fragrance‑free wipes.
- Germ defense: A sanitizer with at least 60 % alcohol helps reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria when soap and water aren’t available.
Smart packing tips
- Choose travel‑size containers (≤ 100 ml / 3.4 oz) to breeze through security checks.
- Opt for clip‑on or pump‑top bottles so kids can sanitize independently without spilling.
- Keep wipes and sanitizer in an outer pocket of your carry‑on for easy access during boarding, meal service, and bathroom trips.
Bonus Tip: Teach younger children a fun “rub‑until‑dry” hand‑sanitizing song—turning hygiene into a game encourages consistent use throughout the journey.
6. Change of Clothes
Accidents happen — from spilled juice to motion sickness. Always pack at least one extra set of clothes in your carry-on for each child. Include socks and underwear for complete peace of mind.
👕 Change of Clothes
When flying with kids, expect the unexpected. From spilled drinks and snack mishaps to bathroom accidents and motion sickness, having a change of clothes for your child (and even for yourself!) is an absolute must.
What to pack:
- 1 full set of clothes: t-shirt, pants/shorts, and underwear
- Extra socks (airplane floors can get chilly or messy)
- A lightweight sweater or hoodie for layering
- A resealable plastic or wet bag to store soiled clothes
Pack the spare outfit in a separate zip pouch or packing cube in your carry-on for easy access. You don’t want to be digging through your suitcase mid-flight while juggling wipes and a cranky toddler.
Pro Tip: For infants and toddlers, consider bringing two sets of backup clothes—because one outfit change might not be enough on longer flights.
Being prepared with a clean outfit can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and help avoid unnecessary stress during travel.
7. Activity Books and Crayons
When screen time needs a break, lightweight coloring books, activity pads, and crayons offer screen-free fun. Choose washable crayons or markers to avoid messes.
🎨 Activity Books and Crayons
When screen time runs its course or you’re waiting for takeoff and landing (when devices must be stowed), activity books and crayons come to the rescue. They’re compact, lightweight, and offer hours of screen-free entertainment for kids of all ages.
Great options to pack:
- Coloring books with fun themes (animals, cartoons, travel)
- Sticker activity books
- Maze, puzzle, or dot-to-dot books
- Reusable water-reveal books (mess-free coloring!)
- Blank drawing pads for free creativity
Pair these with washable crayons or triangular colored pencils, which are less likely to roll off the tray table. Avoid markers or gel pens that can smudge or leak in-flight.
Pro Tip: Let your child pick a new coloring or sticker book just before the trip — the novelty will keep them engaged for longer.
Activity books not only entertain but also help improve focus, fine motor skills, and creativity — all while keeping your child quietly busy in a confined space.
8. Refillable Water Bottle
Bring an empty, child-friendly water bottle to fill after security. Staying hydrated during flights is essential, and having their own bottle helps kids drink water more frequently.
🚰 Refillable Water Bottle
Air travel can be dehydrating, especially for kids. Airplane cabins have low humidity levels, which can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and general discomfort. That’s why a refillable water bottle is one of the smartest and most practical airplane travel essentials for kids.
Why it’s a must-have:
- Keeps kids hydrated throughout the flight
- Reduces reliance on small, infrequent in-flight drink service
- Eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bottles
What to look for:
- Leak-proof lid to prevent spills in your bag
- Easy-sip spout or straw for younger kids
- Lightweight and BPA-free material
- Fun designs or character-themed bottles to encourage more drinking
Travel Tip: Bring the water bottle empty through airport security and fill it at a water fountain or café before boarding. Some airports even have water bottle refill stations.
Having a personal water bottle also gives kids a sense of independence — they can drink when they want without having to wait for a flight attendant.
9. Kid-Friendly Medications and Motion Sickness Remedies
Always carry basic medications — fever reducers, band-aids, or motion sickness chews approved for children. Talk to your pediatrician before flying if your child has any health concerns.
💊 Kid-Friendly Medications and Motion Sickness Remedies
When traveling with kids, it’s always best to prepare for minor health issues before they happen. Whether it’s an unexpected fever, a mild headache, or motion sickness mid-flight, having a small travel kit with child-safe medications can save the day.
What to include in your in-flight medicine kit:
- Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for pain or fever)
- Motion sickness remedies (like chewable dimenhydrinate or ginger drops — pediatrician approved)
- Antihistamines (for allergies or sudden reactions)
- Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and ointment
- Nasal spray or saline drops (helpful for dry cabin air or stuffy noses)
- Thermometer strips for quick temperature checks
Tips for a safe travel pharmacy:
- Keep medications in their original packaging for easy identification
- Store liquids under 100 ml (3.4 oz) to meet TSA guidelines
- Consult your pediatrician before travel, especially for international trips
- If your child has a specific medical condition, pack any prescriptions and a doctor’s note
Pro Tip: If your child is prone to motion sickness, avoid heavy meals before the flight and consider seating them near the wing, where there’s less turbulence
🧾 Important Documents & Identification
While snacks and toys may keep your child happy, travel documents and identification are what get you all onboard. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, having the right paperwork organized and accessible is crucial when traveling with kids.
Documents to carry:
- Child’s passport (required for international travel)
- Birth certificate (sometimes needed for domestic flights, especially for lap infants)
- Photo ID (if applicable — for older children or certain airlines)
- Printed flight tickets or boarding passes
- Visa documents, if required for international destinations
- Parental consent letters (if one parent is traveling alone or if traveling with a guardian)
Additional helpful items:
- Travel insurance documents covering all family members
- Emergency contact list and copies of medical history or prescriptions
- Airline frequent flyer numbers or loyalty cards
Travel Tip: Store all essential documents in a dedicated travel wallet or folder — preferably waterproof and organized by person. Keep both digital and printed copies, especially when flying internationally.
Bonus Tip: Attach an ID tag or contact card to your child’s backpack or carry-on in case of separation.
Having all necessary documents in order ensures a smoother airport experience and prevents last-minute stress or delays.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Flying with children doesn’t have to be stressful. By packing these 10 airplane travel essentials for kids, you’ll be prepared to handle most in-flight situations like a pro. Preparation is key to turning a potentially hectic experience into a calm and enjoyable one.
So buckle up, relax, and enjoy the journey — adventure awaits!
