Flying with kids isn’t just a trip—it’s an endurance event. Whether it’s a two-hour hop or a cross-country trek to Disney, packing smart can make the difference between chaos and control.
Here’s what to bring (and what to leave behind) when flying with kids in 2025—especially if you want to survive the airport, the flight, and the meltdown window between landing and hotel check-in.
🎒 Carry-On Essentials for Parents
- Passports or IDs
- Boarding passes (digital + printed)
- One big folder for all travel documents
- Power bank + cords
- Hand sanitizer + wipes
- Noise-canceling headphones (yes, for you too)
Pro Tip: Keep meds, valuables, and anything that could ruin your day if lost in your carry-on.
🧸 What to Pack for Kids (By Age)
Babies + Toddlers
- Diapers (1 per hour of travel + extras)
- Wipes
- Pacifiers (clip-on = life-saving)
- Formula, milk, or water in TSA-approved bottles
- 2 changes of clothes
- Small toys or teethers
- Lightweight blanket
Preschool + Elementary
- iPad or tablet with downloaded shows
- Coloring book or travel activity pack
- Refillable water bottle (fill after security)
- 1–2 favorite snacks from home
- Neck pillow or travel blanket
Tweens & Teens
- Tablet or phone with movies/games
- Book or magazine
- Snacks they actually like
- Headphones + charger
- Gum or mints for pressure changes
🛫 Flight-Day Hacks
- Pack a go-bag with everything easily accessible—don’t rely on the overhead bin
- Dress in layers: Planes swing from freezing to sauna mode
- Bring a reusable bag: It’ll collect trash, clothes, snacks, and random airport finds
- Gate-check strollers if needed (don’t assume they’ll be available at the plane door)
❌ What to Skip
- Bulky toys (they end up on the floor or under the seat)
- Multiple bags (keep it consolidated)
- Too many snacks (1–2 faves = enough)
- Books with loose parts or too many pages
- Cheap headphones that won’t stay on your kid’s head
✅ Bonus Tip: Pre-Arrange Your Airport Pickup
No parent wants to wrangle luggage, sleepy kids, and a rideshare app in a crowded terminal.
➡️ Book your private airport transfer ahead of time with We Drive You Fly—we’ll meet you at baggage claim, help with your bags, and provide complimentary car seats.
Final Word:
Flying with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Pack smart, stay flexible, and leave room for mess-ups (they’re coming). With the right gear and a little prep, you’ll hit the ground running.