How We Survive (and Even Enjoy) Long-Haul Flights with Babies & Toddlers
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
There was a time when I thought long-haul flights were exhausting.
Then we had kids.
And we kept flying anyway.
By the time our daughter Gisele turned two, she had already flown across Europe multiple times, to Florida, and on long-haul routes most adults avoid. Now with baby George in the mix, we’ve learned even more.
And here’s the truth:
Long-haul flights with babies and toddlers are not easy.
But they are absolutely doable — when you approach them calmly and strategically.
This is exactly how we do it.
1. Entertainment: Keep It Simple, Reusable & Calm
We don’t overpack toys. The goal is engagement, not clutter.
Restickable Stickers (The Holy Grail)
These are magic between ages 1–3.
Gisele can peel, stick, move, repeat — for 20–30 minutes straight. On tray tables, windows, books.
No Wi-Fi.No batteries.No overstimulation.
Just calm focus.
(Always supervised, of course.)
Water Wow Books (Mess-Free Genius)
The refillable water pen reveals colors.It dries.They start again.
We bring at least two per flight.
Velcro Activity Books
What About Screens?
We are mostly screen-free at home.
But on 10+ hour flights?
We use screens strategically.
Gisele now associates cartoons with flying only — which keeps it special and avoids daily dependence.
Airlines like SAS and Cathay Pacific have great kids’ sections. Sometimes she watches without sound — she refuses headphones 😅
Bonus : ROTATE !!
We never give everything at once.
Instead:
New item every 30–60 minutes
Snacks between activities
Movement break when safe
It stretches the flight mentally.
2. Age-by-Age: What Actually Changes
0-8 Months (Honestly the Easiest)
They sleep more.They’re fascinated by water bottles.They love being close.
Biggest tips:
Hydrate more than usual (planes are dry)
Bring more clothes than you think you need
Bamboo layers are gold
Extra diapers — always
With George, we breastfeed + top up.With Gisele, we’ve done formula, pumping, baby-led weaning. It’s all manageable with prep.
8 - 24 Months: The Movement Phase
This is when it gets interesting.
They crawl, they walk, they want to explore.They don’t sit naturally for long.
Our survival tools:
Stickers
Snacks
Airport movement time
Calm energy
We always arrive early so Gisele can walk, look at airplanes, regulate before boarding.
A regulated toddler sleeps better.
(That’s our Pepper mindset applied to travel 😉)
24 Months –3 Years: Seat + Independence
Now they have their own seat.Which means: staying seated becomes the main task.
We use:
Special takeoff candy
Apple juice ritual in the air
“Airplane-only” shows
It’s not perfect.
But it works.
3. Timing Is Everything
If possible:
Choose overnight flights
Align with normal sleep rhythm
Recreate bedtime routine onboard
We change into pajamas. We read a book. We dim the lights.
Is it always smooth?
No.
But white noise + dark cabin helps more than you’d think.
4. Takeoff & Landing: Protect Those Tiny Ears
Pressure changes hurt little ears.
For babies:
Breastfeed
Bottle
Pacifier
For toddlers:
Drink
Chew
Special treat
Swallowing regulates pressure.
It makes a big difference.
5. Layover or Direct?
After dozens of long-haul trips with kids:
We choose direct whenever possible.
Delayed connections + overtired toddlers = chaos.
Some families love breaking it up.
We prefer finishing the travel day in one go.
6. Business Class with Miles (Game Changer)
Before kids, we thought business class was unnecessary.
Now?
Lie-flat seats feel like recovery tools.
We use a mix of cash + miles.
Space matters when someone tiny is kicking you at 2am.
More room = calmer parents = calmer kids.
7. Ask for the Bassinet (Under 1 Year — Even on Day Flights)
This is a BIG one.
If your baby is under 1 year:
Always request the bassinet seat.
Even on daytime flights.
Why?
Because:
You can put them down safely
You can eat with two hands
You can rest your arms
You reduce overstimulation
Even if they don’t sleep long stretches, having that option is priceless.
We’ve used bassinets on European and intercontinental flights and it makes a real difference in nervous system regulation — for baby and parents.
Tip:Call the airline after booking to confirm the bassinet assignment. Don’t assume it’s automatic.
8. What We Don’t Recommend
Inflatable flyaway beds.
Many airlines don’t allow them.They’re bulky.Setup mid-flight is stressful.
We focus on:
Simple
Compact
Flexible
Final Thoughts from Our Family
Are long-haul flights with babies and toddlers relaxing?
No.
Are they worth it?
Absolutely.
Our children are growing up seeing the world — beaches in Florida, Christmas markets in Europe, soon Thailand and Kenya.
They’re adaptable.They’re curious.They’re resilient.
And honestly?
So are we.
Travel with little ones isn’t about perfection.
It’s about preparation, flexibility, and staying calm when things don’t go as planned.
And if all else fails?
More snacks.
Always more snacks. 🤍
Need support in traveling with a baby or a toddler or want us to book your trip? Just contact us!
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