Family Travel Tips: Flying and Travelling with Children

Travelling with children is different from travelling alone or as a couple. The destination matters, but so do nap times, snacks, toilet breaks and the mood of a tired four-year-old at the gate. The good news is that most stress can be reduced with planning done before you even book. Here is how to choose flights, prepare documents and baggage, pick a hotel and set a pace that works for the whole family.

Choose flight times that suit your children

The cheapest flight is not always the best one for a family. Think about your children's daily rhythm:

Toddlers often cope well with flights that match their nap time, so they can sleep for part of the journey.
Very early departures may mean waking children in the middle of the night and leaving for the airport in the dark – the saving may not be worth it.
Late arrivals add a tired transfer and hotel check-in at the end of a long day.
Connections with very short layovers are risky with kids; allow enough time to walk, eat and use the toilet.

Use the price calendar to see whether a more convenient day or time costs much more. Often the difference is small, and a calmer trip is worth it.

Seats: sit together and plan the space

Seat rules differ by airline and fare. Some tickets include seat selection, others charge for it. If sitting together matters – and with small children it usually does – check the fare conditions before booking and choose seats as early as the airline allows. Window seats keep children entertained and away from the aisle trolley. Ask the airline in advance about bassinets, child seats or car seats on board, because availability and rules vary.

Baggage for children

Baggage allowances for children and infants are set by each airline and fare, so always read the conditions carefully when you compare offers. Points worth checking:

Whether a child's ticket includes a checked bag or only hand luggage.
Whether a pushchair or car seat can be carried free of charge and where it is handed over.
Rules for baby food, milk and liquids in hand luggage at security.

Pack a separate cabin bag for the children with snacks, a change of clothes, wipes, any medicines, a small toy or book and headphones. Keep it within reach rather than in the overhead bin.

Documents for children

Requirements for children's documents depend on the country you leave, the country you visit and your citizenship. In many cases children need their own passport, and some countries ask for extra papers when a child travels with only one parent or with other relatives. Do not rely on memory or forum posts: check the official requirements with the embassy or consulate of your destination, your border service and the airline well before the trip. Also make sure passports are valid for long enough for the rules of your destination.

Pick a family-friendly hotel

For families, location and room layout often matter more than stars. When searching on hotels, pay attention to:

Family rooms or apartments with a separate sleeping area.
Availability of a cot or extra bed – confirm it with the property.
A kitchen or at least a fridge for children's food.
Proximity to parks, a beach or public transport, so short trips are easy.
Breakfast included, which saves time and stress every morning.

Our guide on how to choose a hotel has more tips on reading reviews and comparing options.

Keep a gentle pace

Children get tired faster than adults, and an overloaded itinerary ends in tears – sometimes yours. Plan one main activity per day and leave room for rest, playgrounds and simple meals. On the first day, avoid ambitious plans: arrival, check-in and a short walk are enough. For long flights, our long-haul flight tips help with sleep, movement and entertainment on board.

Family travel checklist

Choose flights around your children's sleep and meal times.
Check seat selection rules and book seats together early.
Read baggage and pushchair rules for each passenger.
Verify children's documents with official sources.
Book a hotel with the right room layout and location.
Pack a kids' cabin bag with snacks, clothes and medicines.
Plan one main activity per day and keep rest time.

On mibilet you can compare flight and hotel prices from partners in one place and then book directly with the partner that suits your family best.