For some, holidays are filled with travel. From visiting family and friends to exploring a new city, the airports will be packed with excited families ready to get to their destination this holiday season.
Kids who travel with their family can learn new skills, discover history, and become more curious and creative.1 Visiting family also allows children to learn more about their heritage and traditions.
First, let’s review common questions about kids and air travel:
When is it safe for my child to fly?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until your baby is at least 2-3 months old to fly and no younger than a week due to increased risk of catching an infectious disease.2 Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has chronic heart or lung problems, cold symptoms, or recent ear infection or ear surgery within the last 2 weeks!
If you’re traveling internationally, talk to your pediatrician about additional vaccines your child may need. The CDC provides a detailed guide to international travel.
Does my child need their own ticket or their own seat?
Children under 2 years old do not technically need their own ticket, per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).2,3 However, we recommend that children always have their own seat because holding them on your lap can be dangerous during turbulence and also uncomfortable for both of you. The AAP and FAA provide weight-based guidelines:
- Under 20 lbs: Rear-facing car seat.
- 20 lbs to 40 lbs: Front-facing car seat or Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES), which is a harness that buckles into the airplane seatbelt and does not involve a car seat. CARES is approved for children 22 to 44 lbs.
- Above 40 lbs: Child can sit in normal seat with seatbelt fastened
Booster seats are not allowed on planes. All car seats should have a tag stating they are FAA-approved.
Source: Federal Aviation Administration.
This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standars.
This Restrait is Certified for Use in Motor Vechicle and Aircraft.
Where can my child sit on the plane?
Window seats are best for children. This helps seclude them from others and reduces the risk of hot drinks or luggage falling on them. Try to sit with your children even if they are older in case they need something or there is an emergency.
Families should not sit in exit rows for safety reasons.
Traveling with children can be fun but might be a little stressful. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep your air travel as smooth as possible this holiday season2-4:
1. Preventing Kids from Getting Lost
Airports can be large and confusing. Adults must keep track of their kids and luggage while navigating an unfamiliar setting.
- Go over some “airport rules” before leaving your house. Explain that the family needs to stay close and hold hands when moving. If you have a big family, you can also create a buddy system with pairs so everyone stays together.
- Give your children ID bracelets or necklaces. Include your name, phone number, and flight information on the tag in case you are separated.
- Practice with your kids what to do if you are separated.
- Point out an employee wearing a uniform, such as a gate agent, so they know who is safe to talk to who can help them.
- Wear bright, recognizable clothing to help them find you in a large crowd. Matching with your child helps too!
2. Easing Flying Anxiety
Flying can be scary for people of all ages. Here’s how to keep your kids calm and prepared before they take flight.
- Talk your kids through the flight and what they can expect to hear, see, or feel when the plane is taking off.
- Model calm behavior. Kids often mirror behavior that they see. By staying calm and collected, your children can follow your example.
- Practice deep breathing exercises with children older than 2 years old. The child can breathe in deeply, and then pinch the top of their nose. Then, breathe out through the nose while keeping the mouth closed.
- If your child has a favorite stuffed animal that brings them comfort, consider bringing it onto the flight too!
3. Protecting your children’s ears
When a plane flies up or down, air pressures change. Children’s ears may have a harder time adjusting because they are still growing or because they have extra mucus from a recent infection.2,5 This can cause increased pain and popping noises. Here are some ways to help your children’s ear pain.
- Bring small ear plugs, cotton balls, or headphones to help block loud noise.
- Drinking fluids may help relieve ear pressure. Babies can drink from the breast or bottle, or use a pacifier. Older children can try chewing gum or drinking liquids through a straw.4,5
4. Keeping your child occupied and comfortable
- Engage your child with toys, coloring books, stress balls, and games to keep your child busy!
- Bring pillows, blankets, or eye masks if your flight is overnight or around their naptime.
- Don’t forget food! Formula, expressed breastmilk, and water for mixing formula are exempt from the TSA’s limit on 3.4 ounces. Going through the X-ray with food is safe, but let your TSA agent know if you would like to skip it.
If your child gets upset or cries, try your best to remain calm. It can be stressful feeling like other people are looking at you, but remember you are doing your best and many people have experienced the same with their own children!
For more information, you can check out the websites below for additional tips and guidelines for air travel with kids:
Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs.
Tips for Safe and Stress-free Family Travel.
TSA Guide for Traveling with Children.
CDC International Travel Guide.
Additional Information
You can also call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami Funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- Casey, B. (2018). 4 ways travel benefits kids. Today’s Parent, 35(4), 38.
- McCarthy, C., & Shu, J. (2024). Flying with baby: Parent FAQs. HealthyChildren.org. Available at: www.healthychildren.org
- Federal Aviation Administration. (2025, November 21). Keep your kids safe when they fly.
- Healthychildren.org. (2025). Tips for safe & stress-free family travel. Available at: www.healthychildren.org
- Durani, Y. (2023). Flying and your child’s ears. Nemours Kidshealth.
