Flying with kids is a little like packing for a tiny expedition. There are snacks to remember, favorite stuffed animals to track down, and at least one child insisting that they can absolutely carry their own backpack before immediately abandoning it near security.
But smoother travel days usually have less to do with perfection and more to do with preparation, pacing, and the right gear.
Whether you’re navigating your baby’s first flight or chasing toddlers through Terminal B with coffee in one hand and boarding passes in the other, a few small strategies can make flying with kids feel a whole lot easier.
✅ Do: Plan for the Airport, Not Just the Flight
A lot of families prepare for the hours spent on the plane but forget how much energy airports actually require.
There are security lines, bathroom stops, gate changes, delayed boarding, and long stretches of waiting around before anyone even buckles a seatbelt.
One of the easiest ways to reduce family travel-day stress is simplifying how you move through the airport in the first place.
Start a packing list early and add to it whenever something pops into your head:
-
diaper bag
-
this week’s favorite stuffed animal
-
backup clothes
-
back up clothes for the backup clothes
-
snacks you definitely do not want crushed at the bottom of a tote bag
The less scrambling you do at the gate, the smoother the whole day tends to feel.
❌ Don’t: Overpack Activities
The advice to not overpack surprises a lot of parents. Speaking from experience, you usually need far fewer toys than you think.
Instead of packing an entire activity closet into your carry-on, try rotating a few smaller items throughout the trip:
Novelty tends to last longer than quantity at 30,000 feet. And honestly? Sometimes the moving walkway is all the entertainment kids need.
✅ Do: Bring Gear That Helps You Move More Easily
When you’re traveling with kids, airport flow matters. That’s where the right travel gear can make a huge difference.
Traveling with a stroller wagon gives little travelers a comfortable place to sit, snack, color, or play while you wait for boarding. Instead of looking for a clean patch of airport floor, kids have their own dedicated space to relax between flights.
The Radio Flyer Voya™ 2.0 Stroller Wagon is designed with travel in mind, with a custom padded travel bag accessory for worry-free checking. The two-seat face-to-face design encourages kids to play together, entertaining one another.
For families traveling with younger riders who want stroller-like versatility, the Coast™ Luxe Folding Stroller Trike with Travel Bag folds for easier transport between terminals, security lines, and gate check. Unlike a traditional travel stroller, the trike gives toddlers a ride they’ll actually be excited to hop into—which can mean fewer “I want to walk!” negotiations during long travel days.
❌ Don’t: Wait Until Boarding to Burn Energy
One of the biggest mistakes families make when flying with kids is trying to keep them perfectly calm before the flight.
Airports are basically giant indoor obstacle courses disguised as transportation hubs. Kids need movement before sitting still for hours.
Walk the terminal.
Watch the planes.
Find a window seat near the gate.
Take one more lap around the moving walkway.
A little movement before boarding can go a long way once everyone is finally seated for takeoff.
Very few kids board a plane thinking:
“You know what I’d love right now? More sitting.”
If possible, try booking at least one window seat for your group. For many kids, watching planes take off, clouds drift by, and tiny cars disappear below is half the excitement of flying in the first place. Having a guaranteed window view can also help avoid mid-flight seat negotiations that nobody has the energy for at 30,000 feet.
✅ Do: Keep the Essentials Within Reach
When you are flying with children, the items you need most should never be buried at the bottom of your bag.
Think:
-
wipes
-
hand sanitizer
-
headphones
-
chargers
-
medications
-
snacks
-
extra clothes
-
comfort items
-
boarding documents
The goal is fewer frantic searches while balancing a toddler on one hip near Gate C14.
Bonus points if every adult traveling knows exactly where the snacks are located at all times.
❌ Don’t: Assume Every Airport Works the Same Way
Airports all operate a little differently.
Some airlines allow travel stroller wagons to be gate-checked just like traditional strollers, while others may have different size or handling requirements depending on the aircraft and destination.
Checking airline policies ahead of time can help avoid last-minute surprises at security or boarding.
It’s also helpful to:
-
label travel gear clearly
-
remove loose accessories before gate check
-
keep valuables out of storage pockets
-
add a travel cover with handles to make carrying easy for staff
-
allow extra time for security screenings when traveling with children
A little extra preparation upfront can make family travel days feel dramatically less rushed.
What Actually Makes a Good Travel Stroller?
Not every stroller works great in an airport. When you’re navigating crowded terminals, security lines, gate checks, and long travel days, a few features tend to matter more than you’d expect.
Many parents look for travel strollers or stroller wagons that are:
- able to fold quickly
- easy to maneuver through crowded terminals
- comfortable for longer waits and layovers
- lightweight enough to lift when needed
- simple to store during gate check or boarding
Storage matters too. Between snacks, backpacks, blankets, water bottles, and the mysterious collection of tiny items kids insist on carrying through the airport, extra space can make a huge difference during travel days.
For many families, the best travel stroller is also one that’s useful long after the flight lands. A stroller wagon isn’t just helpful at the airport—it becomes your go-to ride for boardwalks, zoos, parks, festivals, sightseeing, and long vacation days once you reach your destination. Instead of packing gear that’s only useful on travel day, you’re bringing something you’ll use throughout the entire trip.
For families traveling frequently, gear that helps simplify movement through the airport often ends up being just as important as the flight itself.
Best Travel Strollers & Wagons for Families
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Kids
Can you gate-check a travel stroller for free?
Many airlines allow families to gate-check travel strollers and wagons at no additional cost, though policies can vary depending on the airline and aircraft size. It’s always best to confirm requirements with the airline before flying.
What’s easier for airport travel: a stroller or stroller wagon?
That often depends on your family’s travel style, the number of kids traveling, the age of your kids, and how much gear you’re bringing. Many families prefer stroller wagons because they can carry both kids and gear while still giving children a comfortable place to sit, snack, or play during long waits. They’re also useful throughout the vacation—not just at the airport—making them a great option for families planning sightseeing, parks, beaches, or other outings after they arrive.
Do stroller wagons fit through airport security?
Many collapsible stroller wagons can go through airport security, though TSA procedures may vary depending on the airport layout and wagon size. Removing loose items before screening can help speed things up.
What should families avoid packing in checked luggage?
Important items like medications, comfort items, chargers, diapers, and extra clothes are usually best kept in carry-ons in case of delays or lost luggage.
How do you make layovers easier with kids?
Movement helps. Walking terminals, finding open spaces near gates, rotating snacks and activities, and giving kids opportunities to get energy out before boarding can help long travel days feel more manageable.
A travel stroller wagon can become a home-base for kids to run back to after they are done spotting airplanes out the window or climbing all over your luggage.
Is a stroller trike good for airport travel?
For toddlers, a folding stroller trike can be a great alternative to a traditional travel stroller. The Coast™ Luxe Folding Stroller Trike folds compactly for travel while giving little riders a more engaging ride they’ll actually enjoy. Many parents find that when kids are excited to ride, getting through busy airports becomes just a little easier.
Flying With Kids Gets Easier the More You Do It
No family flight goes perfectly.
Someone spills something. Somebody gets overtired but won’t admit that’s why they’re upset. A snack explodes inside a backpack with the force of a thousand suns.
And yet, thousands of families do this every day.
Not because traveling with kids is always easy, but because the memories waiting on the other side are usually worth it.
At Radio Flyer, we believe getting out into the world together matters. Sometimes that looks like neighborhood rides. Sometimes it looks like sprinting through an airport while holding a stuffed giraffe and an overpriced smoothie.
Either way, the adventure counts.
Add comment