Tips for Safely Navigating the Airport With a Toddler

Moving through the airport with a toddler can turn into a challenging adventure. Between the endless security lines, crowds of hurried travelers, and your constant concern for your child’s safety and comfort, airport travel can test any parent’s patience. However, with some planning and preparation, navigating the airport with a toddler can be a much smoother experience. Read on to learn tips for safely navigating the airport with a toddler.

Have an Age-Appropriate Conversation

Sit with your child before leaving for the airport to lay out the ground rules. As you go through the airport, they’ll have to stick close; they may also have to hold your hand sometimes. Likewise, they should not talk to strangers unless you are with them.

Having this conversation allows you to set boundaries that keep your little one safe. Additionally, it gives them a sense of responsibility and independence as they navigate the airport with you.

Get to the Airport Early

Sprinting through the airport to get to the gate in time is any traveler’s worst nightmare. When you have kids, there’s more to carry, so each step from check-in to security to boarding takes longer. Get to the airport at least two hours before your departure time. This gives you enough time to check in, go through security, and make it to your gate with plenty of spare time.

Getting to the airport early reduces stress and gives you flexibility when surprises occur. If you get to your gate and have plenty of time to spare, you can walk around with your child to help them burn off any excess energy before boarding the plane.

Keep Them Close

The airport is a busy place, and some can be quite large. Keep your child close to yourself by holding their hand, carrying them, or using a luggage stroller. When using a luggage stroller, position your child where you can always see them and guide them through crowded spaces.

It’s also important to watch for potential hazards such as escalators, moving walkways, and crowded areas. Remind your child to hold the handrail or your hand when navigating these spaces.

Use Identification Bracelets

Even the most attentive parents know that toddlers can vanish in seconds when something catches their eye. Have your child wear a bracelet or necklace with identifying information such as their name and phone number.

In the rare chance that you get separated, an airline or airport employee can easily find you by using this information. Make sure your child knows to show the bracelet or necklace to someone if they get lost.

Keep Them Comfortable

Another tip for safely navigating the airport with a toddler is to keep them comfortable. This may not seem important at a glance, but being comfortable can make all the difference for a child already in an unfamiliar environment. Here’s how you can boost your child’s comfort while traveling.

Offer Entertainment

Waiting in security lines and sitting at the gate gets boring quickly, and everything is interesting when you’re a toddler. Why sit bored at a gate when there’s so much to explore? Pack some of your child’s favorite toys or a tablet into their carry-on bag so they remain by your side and entertained at the airport and on the flight.

Pack Plenty of Snacks

Hunger transforms even the sweetest toddler into a ticking time bomb of emotions. Pack plenty of snacks to keep them satisfied during the flight so you don’t have to risk a hunger-induced tantrum. Choose easy-to-eat and non-messy options such as crackers, fruit cups, granola bars, and string cheese. This will help keep your child happy and save you from purchasing expensive airport snacks.

Do TSA Precheck or Global Entry

Frequent travelers often get Global Entry or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck to skip the long lines at security and customs. This is especially helpful for families with young children who need extra time and attention while going through security.

TSA PreCheck allows you to go through a specialized lane at the airport where you don’t have to remove your shoes, belts, or light jackets and can leave compliant liquids and laptops in your bag. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits and allows expedited entry into the United States when returning from an international trip.

These programs require a background check and interview, but getting approved may be worth the time and effort if you travel frequently with young children. Plus, both programs are valid for five years, so you can use them for several trips!

Pro Tip

If you decide to apply for TSA PreCheck, aim to start the enrollment process six months before your trip. Appointment slots fill quickly at many locations, and you don’t want to stress yourself out by scrambling for a last-minute appointment.

Bonus Travel Tips

Beyond basic safety and comfort, the following smart strategies make navigating the airport and traveling with your toddler much easier.

Pick the Right Flight Time

Choosing the right flight time makes a huge difference when traveling with toddlers, especially if they still take naps! Aim for flights with departure times that revolve around your little one's sleep schedule. A well-rested toddler is less likely to become cranky or irritable, making the experience less stressful for you and your fellow passengers.

Never underestimate the power of familiar comfort objects when traveling with toddlers. Pack their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier in a spot readily accessible during the flight. The more comfortable your child feels, the easier it is for them to fall asleep during the plane ride.

Buy the Extra Seat

While it may be tempting to save money and let your child sit on your lap if they’re young enough, buying the extra seat has tremendous advantages. Your toddler gains their own space, you maintain some personal comfort, and everyone enjoys more flexibility during the flight. The extra seat gives you more storage space for toys, snacks, and activities that would otherwise compete for your limited lap space.

Pro Tip

If you only need two seats, it’s best to get the window and middle seat rather than the aisle and middle one. When you have the aisle seat, other travelers and flight attendants will continuously walk by and may bump your toddler if your kiddo stretches out.

Get the Right Luggage

Quality luggage can make all the difference when traveling with a toddler. Look for lightweight, durable suitcases with wheels that are easy to maneuver. Ride-on suitcases deserve special consideration as they serve dual purposes: reliable luggage and engaging toddler transportation that always keeps your child within sight.

Younglingz sells the cutest luggage for boys and girls, including designs with unicorns, dinosaurs, dogs, firetrucks, and more! Your child can sit comfortably on the seat, strapped in with the seatbelt, as they kick themselves along or you pull the suitcase. Give your child a feeling of independence and fun while keeping them close by as you go through the airport together.