Travel Hacks for Long Flights with Kids (From a Mum Who’s Been There)
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how to survive a long flight with kids” late at night while packing snacks and wondering what you’ve signed yourself up for… you’re not alone.
I remember sitting on the floor the night before our first long-haul flight, surrounded by half-packed bags, thinking: how does everyone else make this look easy? Because the reality is, travelling with kids isn’t just about getting on a plane - it’s about managing boredom, hunger, emotions, and your own mental load… all at 30,000 feet.
And right now, more than ever, mums are searching for ways to make it easier. Not perfect. Just easier. The biggest shift I’ve learned? It’s not about packing more. It’s about packing smarter.
On one of our early flights, I made the classic mistake of bringing too much. Toys everywhere, snacks buried in different bags, wipes nowhere to be found when I needed them most. It felt chaotic before we’d even taken off. Now, I do things completely differently. I pack with a system. Everything has a place, and more importantly, everything has a purpose.
Instead of loading up on toys, I focus on novelty. A couple of small, inexpensive items such as things from the $2 shop, a new sticker book, even something as simple as painter’s tape have bought me more peace than a bag full of familiar toys ever did. There’s something about “new” that holds their attention just a little bit longer. And on a long flight, those minutes matter.
I’ve also learned (sometimes the hard way) that snacks are not just snacks- they are strategy.
There was one flight where we hit turbulence, meal service was delayed, and suddenly I had a very hungry, very unhappy child on my hands. Ever since then, I pack snacks like I’m preparing for a small apocalypse. Not just healthy options, but fun ones too. Things they don’t usually get. Because on a plane, rules relax a little. Snacks become entertainment, distraction, and sometimes, your best bargaining tool.
Sleep is another thing that gets talked about a lot and for good reason. When kids sleep, everything feels manageable. When they don’t… it’s a very long flight. I used to overthink this part, trying to recreate perfect sleep conditions. Now I keep it simple. Something familiar from home, a favourite blanket or soft toy goes a long way. Comfortable clothes, layers, and a little bit of routine can help signal that it’s time to rest. We’ve also used a Kooshy Kids footrest before, and while it’s not essential, it did make a noticeable difference in helping my child stretch out and settle. However, these are not allowed on all airlines so be sure to check! Some must-haves to help with sleep include a small pillow, a blanket, their comforter (teddy), pacifier/dummie if little, and a window seat.
Somewhere along the way, I let go of the idea that the flight had to go smoothly. Because the more I tried to control every moment, the more stressful it felt. Now, I go in with a different mindset. Screens are a tool, not a failure. Extra snacks are a win, not over-preparing. And if things go a bit sideways? That’s just part of travelling with kids. My most important concern on any flight is the comfort, safety and wellbeing of my children and my family. Not any-one else on that plane, especially that entitled Gen Z 19-something male giving me death stares when my child’s ears hurt on take off. He can go get ducked, if you know what I mean. Don’t let it bother you. Your only concern are your kids and if they are happy, safe and well-fed, the flight will go as well as it can be.
Stretching their legs and your own with a quick walk down the aisle, a stretch, even just letting them kneel and look out the window does wonders. It resets everything. Kids aren’t made to sit still for hours, and expecting that (from them or yourself) just adds pressure you don’t need.
If you’re trying to keep costs down and let’s be honest, most of us are, you really don’t need to spend a fortune to make this work. Some of the best things I’ve used have been free or cheap: downloaded shows, homemade snacks, a favourite toy from home, a few surprise items tucked into the bag. The expensive extras can be helpful, but they’re not what makes the biggest difference. What makes the difference is feeling prepared. Feeling like you’ve thought ahead just enough that you’re not constantly reacting in the moment.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about the flight. It’s about how you start your holiday. And when you step off that plane feeling like you handled it, even if it wasn’t perfect, you’ve already won.
Extra Travel Tips for Long Flights with Kids
If you want a few more simple ways to make your flight feel easier, these are the little things that make a big difference:
Download shows and movies on apps like Netflix or Disney+ before you leave (airport WiFi is unreliable at best)
Pack a spare outfit for each child and one for yourself (speaking from experience)
Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security
Use ziplock bags to organise snacks, outfits, and “surprise toys”
Let kids carry their own small backpack—it gives them independence and lightens your load
Take a photo of important documents (passports, boarding passes) just in case
Board last if you can - less time sitting in a confined space
Don’t skip the airport play area if there is one - burning energy beforehand helps so much
Keep a small “easy access pouch” with wipes, snacks, and essentials so you’re not digging mid-flight
Use a lightweight blanket or scarf as a multi-purpose item (warmth, pillow, privacy)
Set expectations with your kids before the flight in a simple, positive way
Accept help when it’s offered - people are often kinder than we expect when travelling with kids
Book a flight that works with your children’s sleep schedule - if they nap at 2PM, book a 2PM flight
Night time flights are great for long haul as they’ll sleep most of the flight