These 19 Things Make Flying With Kids Way Easier

Pros: Tear-free formula made without alcohol, parabens, or phthalates.

Cons: The plastic top may pop off in transit.

For a mid-flight refresh, you can wipe off your kid’s face, hands, and more with Johnson’s Hand and Face Cleansing Wipes. Made without alcohol, parabens, or phthalates, these wipes feature a hypoallergenic, tear-free formula that’s totally safe for kids. Each pack contains 25 wipes with a top that can be opened and closed easily, so it’s perfect to stick in your bag when traveling by plane with kids.

Review: “I love these because they work really well compared to other face wipes. We use them after every meal. Nice and small easy to tucked into a bag.”

Pros: Super soft and fluffy.

Cons: Elastic band is not adjustable and may be too large for kids under 4.

One of the hardest things to do on a long flight with kids is to get them to sleep. With so many distractions, lights, and sounds, it’s a tough task. But a cute and comfortable sleeping mask like these Quadow Unicorn Sleeping Masks can help block light and encourage napping while in flight. Each mask in this pack of two has a fun unicorn design made from soft and fluffy material that will keep your kids cozy while they rest. The plush mask stays put thanks to a soft elastic band that stretches to fit kids ages 4 and up.

Review: “My daughter adores these! We bought them for an overnight drive so she would have a new special gift with a bonus of blocking out the highway lights. We let her keep one of them for everyday use and the other is just for travel. She now counts the mask among her ‘friends’ that she must sleep with every night, and sometimes it’s even the toy she takes with her to daycare. They’ve held up well to being loved so much!”

Pros: Compatible with all standard LEGO pieces.

Cons: Doesn’t stick in place on airplane trays.

For slightly older kids, a LEGO Classic Baseplate is a handy product to have with you on a plane ride. This 10-inch square plate is a blank space where kids can create small scenes out of LEGO bricks to stay occupied while in the air. Just slip the baseplate and a few handfuls of LEGO bricks into a gallon sized baggie and put it in your little one’s carryon for plenty of in-flight entertainment.

Review: “Works with classic size legos. Good for contained play space or to increase play area. Also to add to towers. The kids really enjoyed its multiple applications.”

Pros: Adhesive strips on back keep covers in place.

Cons: Not flushable; must be disposed of in trash bin.

Mighty Clean Baby Toilet Seat Covers are an absolute must-have product to make airplane trips easier (and more sanitary) with kids. With 24 disposable covers included, you’ll have plenty on-hand to use during in-flight potty breaks, in airport bathrooms, and with any other public toilets you might venture to while traveling. Each cover is made to drape fully over most standard-sized toilets with some extra overhang so that you don’t have to worry about your little one’s hands touching anything.

Review: “I love this product!! I got it for traveling with my 3 year old and this was exactly what I needed. I was worried taking her on a plane and having her use all the public bathrooms at the airport and etc.. I will always take these with me moving forward! Quick, easy to use. Stick well so they aren’t sliding all over. Just throw it away once your done. Covers the toilet seat perfect with extra hanging over so she could hold on without touching the seat. Game changer! Highly recommend!”

Pros: Rotating mount swivels 360 degrees to adjust your view.

Cons: Some reviewers note that TSA may remove this item from a bag to inspect it during security checks.

To make your next airplane trip with kids easier, use the Perilogics Universal Phone Mount to attach your phone to the tray table while your kids watch their favorite shows and movies. With multi-angle adjustment, it’s easy to get just the right view of the screen, no matter where your kids are seated. Compatible with most phone sizes, you won’t want to go on another flight without this handy device. The mount’s clamp attaches securely to just about anything with a 1.5-inch-wide grip, so you can also use it on long car rides, at the gym, or on strollers.

Review: “I bought this nifty gadget about 6 months for a multi-leg, ultra long haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers.”

Pros: Carrying case doubles as a lap desk; markers only color on included pages.

Cons: Only includes 4 markers, limiting color choices.

To keep kids occupied on board your flight, the Crayola Color Wonder Stow & Go Set has 30 blank coloring pages and 4 Color Wonder markers all in a convenient carrying case that doubles as a lap desk. Designed for ages 3 and up, the Color Wonder markers won’t get on their skin, clothing, or the airplane, but they absolutely will help kids create beautiful works of art on the included blank pages because they’re invisible unless used on the provided print-outs. Once they’re finished coloring, simply pack up the pages and markers and stow them away inside of the carrying case so they don’t get wrinkled in your carryon.

Review: “Bought for my three year old for our flight cross country. My son loves these so worked great. I love that I was able to fit an extra coloring book and pack of crayons inside too.”

Pros: Warm without being too thick, non-slip grips on bottom for stability.

Cons: Can shrink when washed in hot water or put in dryer.

It’s highly unlikely that your child will want to wear their shoes for the duration of your flight, so when you’re planning an airplane trip with kids, it’s smart to pack an extra pair of cozy socks. These Grip Joy Lil Grippers Socks will not only keep little ones warm and comfortable, but the anti-slip design will also keep them safe should they decide to stretch their legs and walk up and down the aisles. Made from cotton, these socks are machine washable and easy to care for. They’re available in a variety of colors for toddlers in sizes 2T to 5T.

Review: “These are awesome. The grips are thick and flexible and cover the bottom well enough that my toddler won't slip. These are cotton socks so they WILL SHRINK if you put them in warm or hot water or throw them in the dryer. If you plan to do that, size up. They are literally like any other cotton clothing so I don't know why people feel the need to leave a bad review over their own mistake. My kid is in 5t shoes and I ordered him 2-4years and they are a little big. A little big as in, for socks, they don't stretch when I put his feet in them because they are the exact size as his foot. They are worth every penny and I'll be ordering them throughout his life because hardwood floors and running children don't mix well. We love the Hanna Andersson ones, but I grabbed a couple back when they were on sale and I can't justify spending 15 bucks on a single pair of socks. These don't have the solid rubber sole like the Hanna Andersson ones, but they do just as good of a job.”

Pros: Keeps liquid cool for up to 15 hours.

Cons: Does not come with handles.

A spilled drink in the middle of a flight is not fun for anyone, so even older kids who are past the sippy cup stage can benefit from having a cup with a lid while flying. The Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel 360 Sippy Cup has an open 360-degree drinking edge so it doesn’t actually look like a sippy cup, but can help prevent spills jus the same. The cup automatically seals when your child isn’t drinking and comes complete with a lid to top it off when not in use. The insulated stainless steel design will keep drinks cool for 15 hours, so it’s perfect for little ones who might want a cold cup of milk on a long flight. The cup is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.

Review: “Truly an amazing cup! At our birthing class we had a dentist recommend this sippy cup and it the only brand we have use. Love the stainless steel cup for travel, hot summer days, and for keeping milk cool. Durable, leak proof, easy to clean, perfect for a toddler. Absolutely obsessed!”

Pros: Supportive design prevents neck discomfort while sleeping.

Cons: May not pair well with certain car seats.

The INFANZIA Kids Travel Neck Pillow is specifically designed to keep children comfortable while traveling. If your little one’s head tends to dip forward when they fall asleep, this cushy pillow gives them the perfect spot to rest their head without hurting their neck. Made from breathable cloth fabric, this neck pillow is 100% washable, so it’s easy to clean after your trip. It’s available in multiple colors and comes complete with a convenient loop to hang up when not and use.

Review: “This is perfect for a toddler riding an airplane. We had a 8+ hour flight and our son was able to stay comfortable while sleeping. It doesn’t work well with the type of carseat we have for the car because our carseat has side cushions, but if you have a carseat that doesn’t then it will work great in the car as well.”

Pros: Easy to open, leak-proof, dishwasher-safe.

Cons: Doesn’t hold an entire meal’s worth of food.

When the last thing you want mid-flight is a dripping mess or hungry kids, this Bentgo Kids Snack Box is an ideal solution. It has 2 separate compartments to store a variety of snacks and a leak-proof design so you can store pretty much anything inside (like hummus or ranch for dipping) without making a mess. The larger compartment has a 1-cup capacity and the smaller compartment holds a half cup of snacks. The easy-open latch means your kids can open this snack box up independently while on board your flight, which can make an airplane ride with young kids much smoother. The tray compartment is removable and the entire box can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Review: “I use this for my sons snack time for preschool. Good size just for that. Leak proof and easy to open. I love that the contents stay and don't spill over to the other compartment.”

Pros: Compatible with most headphone jacks.

Cons: The earpieces can move around inside of the headband.

If your kids don’t love earbuds that go inside of their ear or the bulk of over-the-ear headphones, this is a top-notch solution for your next flight. Compatible with most devices, CozyPhones Kids Headphones are a soft, stretchable headband with removable and adjustable speakers inside. The headphones come complete with volume protection that limits the speaker sound to 90 decibels to help protect your child’s ears. Perfect for long flights, these headphones will keep your kids comfortable while they listen to music, watch a movie, or play games. The cute unicorn design is available in four color choices, but you can also order CozyPhones in other character motifs like superheroes, animals, Sesame Street characters and more.

Review: “Wow I cannot say enough how awesome these are! I purchased the unicorn ones for my 4 year old and 1 year old as we travel quite a bit. They are not only super cute but super comfortable. Both were so excited to open them as they were a surprise. My 4 year old loves to wear them at home too. They are easily adjustable and they are loud enough for an airplane yet quiet enough to where I cannot hear them when they have them on. One thing I will say is that every time you put them on you most likely will have to adjust them but it’s not a big deal and takes no time at all. Often times I can just move them without having to fully that them off of their heads.”

Pros: 15 activities in one easy-to-carry case.

Cons: Some of the buckles may be difficult for toddlers to master without help.

With 15 activities in one easy-to-carry case, the Esjay Toddler Busy Board is a fun way to keep your kid entertained on your next flight. Different types of buckles, belt loops, zippers, snaps, buttons, and laces will hold their attention and provide a screen-free alternative to keep them busy and learning. Hook and loop letters attach to the back of the board and can be stored in the zipper pocket when not in use. Each sensory board is made from soft fabric and is lightweight, so it’s easy for toddlers to manage in their lap. When closed, the case measures approximately 11 inches by 8 inches.

Review: “Absolutely love this busy board! We bought this to keep our 1 y.o. Distracted on a 3.5 hour airplane ride. She absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop playing with it. We tied it to the seat tray so it didn’t slide all over. It is easy to carry, fits into a backpack no issue, and I love it is all one piece, no tiny pieces to misplace!”

Pros: Can soothe and calm anxious kids.

Cons: May easily shift and slip off of a sleeping child.

To keep your kids comfortable while flying, a Sivio Weighted Lap Blanket can make them feel snug and secure if they need some comfort in the air. Perfectly sized for travel, each lap blanket measures 20 inches by 30 inches and is filled with 3 pounds of glass beads, evenly distributed throughout small 4-inch square compartments to create a soothing sensory-friendly feel. Made from 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton and reinforced for breathability, these lap blankets are available with fun, kid-friendly designs including unicorns, dinosaurs, cats, and superheroes.

Review: “My 16-month-old took his best nap in AGES the first time I used this. And unlike other sleep aids that he doesn’t like (resents them because they mean nap time), he actively seeks this one out for play and cuddles. I already had a weighted plush toy but that never worked as well as this.”

Pros: Books and stickers are reusable.

Cons: Stickers are small and can get lost easily or lose their stickiness with time.

This set of Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books comes with 3 books, each with a distinct theme — safari, on the farm, and chipmunk house — and a variety of stickers to match that theme. The books each have a plethora of double-sided, glossy pages with fun scenes to stick the included puffy stickers onto. The stickers are reusable, so your kids can place them in different spots in the books over and over again. Intended for ages 4 and up, each book has a convenient carrying handle at the top so that they’re easy to transport while traveling.

Review: “My 4-year-old daughter loves these sticker sets. She plays as if they're little doll play-sets, so they're great for travel when she can't bring many toys. She gets occupied all the time. They're small and get dirty easily, so I get rid of them at the end of the trip, and get new ones each vacation.”

Pros: Easy to inflate, comes with carrying case for easy storage.

Cons: May be too large for some coach seats.

For your next long-haul flight with kids, the Maliton Inflatable Travel Foot Rest Pillow can transform most airline seats into a comfy sleeping surface for little ones. This inflatable cushion fills the gap between seats to extend the seat length so that your child’s (or your) feet don’t dangle. Toddlers and preschoolers can easily lay flat and stretch out for a nap as well. The easy-to-inflate design features three separate air chambers to fill so that you can adjust it as needed without an air pump. When not in use, it deflates fast and can be stored in a 9 inch by 10 inch drawstring bag in your carryon.

Review: “One of the best travel investments I have ever made! Great valve design for inflating by mouth (one way valve that pops out for deflation) this fit well in economy and economy plus seats. My very big (90th percentile) 19mo was able to sleep comfortably on the international flights. I honestly can't imagine dealing with the flights without this product, it was such a game changer!”

Pros: Keeps baby toys from falling out of reach.

Cons: Suction cups may not adhere well to textured surfaces.

To make flying with babies easier, add the Busy Baby Silicone Placemat to your diaper bag. This 8.5 by 11-inch silicone placemat has baby-safe tethers to keep toys attached and within your baby’s reach while in-flight. The back of the mat features four suction cups that will keep in in place on your seat’s tray table to give baby a safe place to eat and play. Made from food-grade silicone that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe, it’s also super easy to sanitize after your trip.

Review: “I originally bought this because we were going on a plane ride and wanted it to suction and have a clean space on the airplane tray, but now I never leave the house without it! I will say the suction is hit or miss, but that has to do with surface, not the product. Works amazing to save my 7 month olds toys from hitting the floor and can put little snacks on there for her too. Would definitely recommend!”

Pros: Specially designed band eliminates pressure on the skull.

Cons: Headband may slip down on especially young or small babies.

Alpine Muffy Ear Protection is designed specifically for babies and toddlers to protect their ears in the safest way possible. Unlike other earmuffs or noise-cancelling headphones, this seat is made with a flexible band that eliminates pressure on your baby’s head, which is especially important for young babies. They’re easy to adjust and contain no metal parts, so they’re safe for babies to wear. The headband can be easily detached and washed if needed. These earmuffs help muffle loud sounds during takeoff, cancel out in-flight noise, and help discourage overstimulation. Each set comes complete with a storage bag.

Review: “We took our 7 month old on her first flight. She did great and wore the ear muffs the whole time. She did not pull them off or tug at them. That let me know she was comfortable. She also napped to our destination and back home while wearing them. Not only did they help with ear popping but they also canceled noise off other passages allowing her to nap. We would definitely recommend this earmuffs.”

Pros: Machine-washable, won’t make noise.

Cons: Some of the activities may require adult assistance.

The pages inside of the deMoca Quiet Book are not only great for keeping a toddler occupied on a flight, but they can help them learn essential life skills at the same time. Each page has an activity for your toddler to try — move the hands on a clock, zip a zipper on a dress, tie a shoe, or undo a button — with 9 activities in all. The book is approximately 10 by 8 inches, so it’s small enough to carry onto an airplane, but large enough for toddlers to easily practice the activities inside. Made of fabric, it won’t make noise while you’re flying, but it’s machine-washable, so it’s also easy to clean. It’s available in red, green, blue, and yellow.

Review: “I bought this for my son for his first airplane ride. It was GREAT! Kept him entertained with all the different things inside the book. quality is great, and it comes with a little bag to put it in to wash. Highly recommend.”

Pros: FAA-approved.

Cons: Installation learning-curve, can be tough to clean.

For wiggly toddlers and preschoolers, the CARES Kids Travel Harness is the only safety harness that’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a car seat alternative. Instead of lugging around a heavy seat, make your airplane trip with kids easier with this harness that fits inside of a 6-inch tall drawstring bag. Intended for use with kids from 22 to 44 pounds, this 5-point harness is easy and quick to install, and fits most standard airplane seats.

Review: “This has been a lifesaver for us. We’ve flown with our now 2 year old with this for the past 6 months and it’s been amazing. For short or long haul flights it worked perfect. Even in countries like Thailand and China the stewardesses knew this was approved to be used on their flights (United, American Airlines, China Eastern, British Airways, Air Asia, Nok, Southwest Airlines have all been fine with it). This saved us from having to put him on our lap while taking off, landing and during turbulence (if your baby is asleep you know any disturbance is to be avoided). As for how well it holds your kid in place I’d say it’s a huge upgrade from just the seatbelt across the lap. I also found that my toddler will chill out more with it if he has it on (kinda like a car seat effect). However, they can slip under, but I put a small pillow under his legs to keep him from sliding. All in all I’d 100% recommend it.”