Insider insights: Friendly reminders from an airport mom

Traveling with young kids isn’t just a journey—it’s an adventure, a test of patience, and sometimes a comedy of errors, all rolled into one. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few tricks up your sleeve and a little prep, flying with little ones is pretty enjoyable—and occasionally, even hilarious. I was reminded of that on a recent solo flight to West Palm Beach with my son and wanted to take the opportunity to share some of those truly not-so-secret tips for other traveling parents. 

Let’s start with the airport. The key here is to plan for time. Give yourself more than you think you need. Young kids operate on their own clocks, and somehow every task—bathroom breaks, snack requests, last-minute trips to the water fountain—takes twice as long. I always pack a small “go bag” separate from my carry-on: wipes, a couple of snacks, one favorite toy or book, and a change of clothes (for them and maybe a shirt for you—because you never know). Security lines go much smoother when you’re not digging for Goldfish at the bottom of your bag.

Once on the plane, my goal is simple: keep my son content and contained. He's one of those toddlers that considers the seatbelt sign to be a personal challenge, and I’m sure he's not alone. Luckily for us snacks or his camera are the great equalizers. You just need to find yours. Whether that’s a new toy, an old favorite, a coloring book, or giving yourself the grace to not stress about screen time on travel days, go with what works. Additionally, I can say from multiple experiences that our flight attendants have always been kind when I’m flying solo with my kiddo, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept it when it’s offered.  

Now, the real magic happens once you land. New places are full of things for kids to explore—the key is to remember to be flexible. Skip the packed itinerary and build in time for wandering, curiosity stops, and naps (for everyone!). Parks are lifesavers in larger cities, and so are places with water—fountains, pools, or lakes in the warmer months. Kids don’t need big-ticket attractions to be amazed, and I’ve always found that we make better memories away from bigger crowds. Plus, running around during the day wears them out, which means they sleep better—and you just might get a moment to yourself. 

The last trick I’ve learned the more I travel with my son? Let him have some control. If I give him the chance to pick a treat at the airport newsstand or choose between two activities during the trip, it not only cuts down on meltdowns – it more importantly helps him feel like part of the adventure. 

Traveling with kids isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making memories, even if they come wrapped in sticky fingers or happen on the flipside of a tantrum. Someday, you’ll look back on the chaos and laugh. Maybe not right away, but definitely later. 

So, pack the snacks, take the trip, and don’t forget to breathe. It’s worth it. 

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