Must-Haves & Tips for Flying with Kids

Last week I flew to Colorado with the boys, by myself. I can’t tell you how many people looked at me, laughed, and said “You’re brave!” Or  how many looks I got that said, “She’s crazy!”  To be honest, I thought it was a little crazy myself and I was slightly terrified to fly solo with them. I’ve been that mom with that baby that screamed the entire flight before. It stills haunts me. But we were long overdue for a trip to visit my parents in southern colorado, so I bucked up and we did it. 

And we survived to tell about it! So here are some of my tips and tricks for flying/traveling solo with kids! 

It’s all about keeping my hands free….and comfort. 

I always like to fly comfortably, but especially when I’m with the kids. Just in case we have to walk quickly/sprint to our gate, or just to chase after one of the kids, comfy shoes are a must. These nikes are my go to. I tend to get a little chilly on the planes too so I like to have cute, comfy pullover 🙂 

If possible I keep my hands completely free! Free of luggage, free of pushing a stroller, and free from carrying any extra bags. I carried Graham (all 30lbs of him) in the Ergo from the minute we were dropped off curbside until we were on the plane. He prefers that to being strapped in a stroller and doesn’t fight it, so it worked for us. Speaking of, always check luggage, carseats, strollers curbside! And don’t even try squeezing everything into carry on bags–it’s just too much work getting it and your hooligans to the plane! 

Carry everything you’ll need on the plane in a backpack– I made the mistake of bringing a hand bag and instantly regretted it. 

 This is now on my wish list. Other than that, don’t forget to pack a few snacks for yourself (like chocolate chip cookie dough quest bars!)

Let the Kids Carry Everything They’ll Need

Owen and Miles each carried their own backpack full of everything they would need on the flight! We loaded several of their favorite movies and games on their Kindle Fires since we wouldn’t have wifi on the plane (and didn’t want to pay for it!) I’d recommend getting your kiddos their own Head Phones too! Have them wear a light jacket or sweater too! 

Magnetic books and games saved me this trip!  I ordered Tic-Tac-Toe , Hangman , and this Magnetic Fun Cars Planes and Trains just for the trip and they kept all three boys entertained. I stuck one in each of the older boys bags as a little surprise to find once we were on the plane! {Side note- these are awesome for church too!} 

I always keep these Stroller Cards in my bag and they kept Graham entertained for a solid 20 minutes before he fell asleep on our flight out! I also keep a stash of gum, dum-dums, and fruit snacks to pull out when I get desperate! Suckers always do the trick. 

Stay Clean & Healthy

I almost always feel sick after I fly. Like the icky germs in the airport and airplane attack me immediately. We try to drink lots of water {with a few diet cokes for me for sanity 😉 }, wash our hands and sanitize lots and drink some Emergen-C  before/after flying too….they’ve even got it for kids!  

Other Helpful Tips:

If you’re flying with a baby/toddler, try to book the flight when he/she should nap so you can have a sleeping baby during the flight. This is a sweet, slice of heaven. Graham slept both flights and I got to read a book!!!! #happydance 

I know early boarding with kids can be nice, but it also means you have to sit for a really long time before takeoff. So don’t be the first ones on the plane, you might run out of all your tricks before it even takes off. If you have assigned seats, wait as long as you can to board 🙂

Now be brave and go fly somewhere!! Did I mention our tickets to Denver were only $29 on Frontier. I don’t go flying with these crazies by myself that often, nor would I have if it weren’t a good deal!