Long flights with kids can feel stressful before you even get to the airport.

What do you pack? How will they sleep? What happens when they get hungry an hour after finishing their meal? And how exactly are you supposed to keep a child entertained when there are still eight hours left on the flight?

I get it.

I’ve taken plenty of long international flights with Aiden, including a flight from Los Angeles to Paris that lasted 10 hours and 40 minutes. Over the years, I’ve learned that flying long haul with kids is not about finding one magical toy or creating a perfect schedule.

It’s about preparing for the things you can control and being flexible about the things you can’t.

I plan around sleep when possible, pack familiar snacks and a few activities, keep the essentials within reach, and accept that some flights will go more smoothly than others.

And please, don’t feel like you need to buy every travel product somebody recommends before your child gets on a plane.

You probably already have most of what you need at home.

If you’re preparing for your family’s first international trip, read my ultimate guide to traveling internationally with kids alongside this article. It covers the bigger planning process, while this guide focuses specifically on getting through the flight.

How Do You Fly Long Haul With Kids?

The simplest way to manage a long flight with kids is to:

1. Choose a flight that works with your child’s routine.
2. Book suitable seats and check the airline’s family policies.
3. Pack snacks, comfort items, and a change of clothes.
4. Download entertainment before leaving home.
5. Rotate activities instead of bringing everything out at once.
6. Make time for meals, sleep, and bathroom breaks.
7. Stay flexible when your child needs something different.

I like having a general plan for the flight, but I don’t expect Aiden to follow a minute-by-minute schedule.

Sometimes he wants to watch a movie.

Sometimes he’s ready to sleep.

Sometimes the activity I thought would keep him busy for an hour lasts approximately four minutes.

HaHa!

That is why having a few different options works better than depending on one thing.

1. Choose Your Flight Time Carefully

One of the first things I consider when booking a long-haul flight is the departure time.

If I can find an overnight flight that lines up with Aiden’s normal bedtime, I give it serious consideration.

When we flew from Los Angeles to Paris, the timing worked beautifully for him.

But this is not a guarantee.

Some children sleep well on planes. Others find it difficult because of the cabin noise, lights, unfamiliar surroundings, or excitement about the trip.

You know your child better than anyone.

If your child normally sleeps well in a car, stroller, or other unfamiliar setting, an overnight flight may work nicely.

If they struggle to sleep anywhere except their own bed, a daytime flight with plenty of entertainment may be easier.

Before choosing a departure time, I also consider when we’ll arrive.

Landing at your destination in the morning sounds wonderful until you realize that the hotel won’t let you check in for another six hours and everybody is exhausted.

Think about the entire travel day, not just the time spent in the air.

If you’re taking your child on their first flight, my first-flight guide for kids covers the booking and airport decisions that can make a big difference.

2. Decide Whether a Nonstop Flight Is Worth It

Whenever possible, I compare nonstop flights with connecting flights before booking.

A nonstop flight means you only have to board once, settle everyone in once, and deal with one takeoff and landing.

That can make life easier with younger kids.

However, nonstop flights aren’t always available or affordable.

We’ve taken plenty of flights with connections, and they can work well too.

If you’re connecting, pay attention to the layover.

A very short connection can become stressful when you’re traveling with a stroller, car seat, several bags, and children who don’t walk as quickly as you do.

On the other hand, a longer layover can give everyone time to use the bathroom, eat, walk around, and reset before the next flight.

I would rather have a manageable connection than spend the entire first flight worrying about missing the second one.

For more on comparing routes and planning a complete trip, read my guide on how to plan a vacation anywhere in the world.

3. Book Seats That Work for Your Family

Do not assume the airline will automatically seat your entire family together.

Check the seating arrangements when you book.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s family seating guidance explains that airline policies differ and recommends confirming your family’s seat assignments before travel.

If you’re flying with an infant, ask whether the airline offers bassinets on your specific aircraft and route.

Bassinet availability, eligible age or weight, seating location, and reservation procedures vary by airline.

If you’re traveling with an older child, consider how often they’ll need to get up.

A window seat may work well for a child who enjoys looking outside and sleeping against the side of the cabin.

An aisle seat can be more convenient for a child who needs frequent bathroom breaks.

When Aiden was younger, a window seat worked really well for him on our Paris flight.

There isn’t one perfect seat for every family.

Choose based on your child’s age, your seating needs, and the aircraft you’re actually flying.

What About Car Seats on Long Flights?

For younger children, check whether your car seat is approved for use on the aircraft and whether it is compatible with the airline’s seating rules.

The Federal Aviation Administration strongly recommends an approved child restraint system for infants and young children rather than having them travel unrestrained on an adult’s lap.

An ordinary belt-positioning booster seat is not the same thing as an aircraft-approved child restraint.

I’ve written a separate guide on how to fly with a car seat because there is a lot to consider before deciding whether to use your child’s seat on the plane or check it for use at your destination.

4. Arrive at the Airport With Enough Time

Rushing through an airport with children is not fun.

You need time for check-in, luggage, security, finding the gate, bathroom breaks, and the unexpected.

And there will probably be something unexpected.

Somebody needs a snack.

Somebody suddenly needs the bathroom even though you just asked them five minutes ago.

Somebody has decided that their shoes are uncomfortable.

You already know.

For an international flight, check your airline’s recommended arrival time and any check-in deadlines.

I’d rather have extra time at the gate than spend the entire airport experience stressed about whether we’re going to make the flight.

If you’re traveling without another adult, my guide to international travel with kids as a solo parent has more practical advice for managing luggage, documents, airport transfers, and boarding on your own.

5. Pack a Carry-On You Can Actually Find Things In

This is one of the most important things I do before a long flight.

I don’t want to be searching through an entire suitcase at 35,000 feet because Aiden suddenly needs wipes or headphones.

I organize the carry-on so the things we’re likely to need during the flight are easy to reach.

I keep travel documents, medications, snacks, a change of clothes, and important electronics in the cabin rather than checked luggage.

Then I use smaller pouches or packing cubes to separate the different categories.

That way, I can grab the snack pouch without pulling out everybody’s clothes.

My carry-on packing list for families explains how I organize a family travel bag, while my international packing list for kids covers the entire trip.

Don’t Forget the Change of Clothes

Pack at least one change of clothes for your child.

For babies and younger kids, consider packing extras based on their needs and the total travel time.

Spilled juice does not care that you’re only halfway through a 12-hour flight.

I also keep a spare top for myself when practical.

Because when a child spills something, somehow the parent ends up wearing it too.

HaHa!

6. Pack the Right Entertainment, Not Every Toy You Own

I love having entertainment options available during flights.

But there is no need to pack an entire toy store.

Choose a few things your child actually enjoys.

For younger kids, that might mean sticker books, coloring activities, a small puzzle, a favorite toy, and a tablet.

Older kids may prefer books, downloaded movies, games, music, or an activity they can work on independently.

I also like introducing activities one at a time instead of putting everything on the tray table immediately.

If Aiden is happily watching a movie, I am not going to interrupt him to announce that I also brought a brand-new activity book.

Save it.

You might need it later.

I have a much longer list of specific ideas in my guide to keeping kids entertained on flights.

Download Everything Before You Leave Home

Do not build your entire entertainment plan around the airplane Wi-Fi.

Download movies, shows, music, audiobooks, and games before leaving home.

Charge the devices.

Check that your downloads actually work offline.

And bring the headphones.

A good pair of kid-sized headphones can make entertainment much more comfortable without having everyone around you listen to the same cartoon for six hours.

Keep a non-screen activity available too.

Sometimes a sticker book is exactly what you need when your child’s tablet has become the most boring object in the world.

7. Make Boarding Easier

Some airlines invite families with young children to board early.

If we’re installing a car seat or organizing a lot of things, the extra time can be helpful.

It gives us a chance to put the bags away, find the things we’ll need first, and settle in without trying to do everything while people are waiting in the aisle.

But if your child is happiest when they can keep moving, you may prefer to let them walk around the gate until it’s time to board, provided you can still board comfortably and follow the airline’s instructions.

Use the boarding option that actually helps your family.

And remember that gate-checking a stroller or car seat may have different procedures depending on the airline, airport, and type of equipment.

Confirm that before you reach the gate.

8. Help Your Child Stay Comfortable During Takeoff and Landing

Some children experience ear discomfort when the pressure changes during takeoff and descent.

Babies may be more comfortable nursing, taking a bottle, or using a pacifier.

Older children can sip water or swallow during descent.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ flying-with-baby guide explains these strategies and recommends speaking with a pediatrician if a baby has recently had an ear infection or ear surgery.

Don’t feel like you need to give your child medicine simply because you’re getting on a plane.

And do not give a child medication just to make them sleep.

If you’re concerned about your child’s ears, motion sickness, or any other medical issue during a long flight, speak with their healthcare professional before traveling.

9. Create a Simple Routine During the Flight

I don’t follow a strict schedule down to the minute.

Instead, I look at the flight in smaller sections.

We settle in.

There may be a movie or activity.

Then a meal or snack.

Then sleep, if the timing works.

Then another activity when Aiden wakes up.

Breaking the flight into smaller parts makes it feel much more manageable than constantly thinking about how many hours are left.

It also helps to pay attention to your child’s mood.

If they are getting restless, switch activities.

If they’re sleepy, create a quieter environment.

If they are hungry, don’t insist they wait another hour because that’s when you originally planned snack time.

Long-haul flying with kids requires flexibility.

That is the plan.

What Do You Need to Fly Long Haul With Kids?

You do not need an expensive bag full of gadgets, but these are the things I would prioritize:

1. A comfortable pair of headphones
2. A charged tablet with offline entertainment
3. Familiar snacks and a refillable water bottle
4. A small selection of quiet activities
5. A change of clothes and basic hygiene supplies
6. Any necessary medications and comfort items
7. An age-appropriate child restraint, when needed

You can find more of the items we’ve used as a family in my guide to the best travel gear for kids and my must-have items when traveling with kids.

Snacks

Airline meals don’t always arrive when your child is hungry.

And even when they do, your child may take one look at the meal and decide they don’t want it.

Pack foods they already enjoy.

I like snacks that are easy to eat, don’t make a huge mess, and don’t need refrigeration.

For babies and toddlers, pack age-appropriate foods and feeding supplies.

If you’re departing from the United States, the TSA’s guidance on traveling with children allows formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby food in quantities greater than the standard liquid limit, subject to additional screening.

Airport security rules outside the U.S. may differ, so check the requirements for every airport on your itinerary.

Travel Pillows and Comfort Items

A familiar blanket or small comfort item can help a child settle in.

We have also used travel pillows on flights.

You can look at the kids’ travel pillow mentioned in the original article, but make sure any pillow or footrest you bring is permitted by your airline.

Some airlines restrict inflatable leg rests, seat extenders, or similar products because they can interfere with access to the aisle or safety equipment.

A pillow is a comfort accessory, not a replacement for an approved child restraint or the airplane seat belt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flying Long Haul With Kids

Even after plenty of flights, I still learn something.

Usually because I forgot something or thought a plan would work better than it actually did.

Here are a few mistakes I’d try to avoid.

Depending Only on Screens

A tablet is useful.

I am not going to pretend otherwise.

But tablets run out of battery, children get bored, and sometimes they just want to do something different.

Pack a simple backup such as an activity book, a small toy, or something to read.

Forgetting the Snacks

I have learned this lesson.

If your child has favorite snacks, put them in the bag before leaving home.

Don’t assume you’ll find the exact thing they like at the airport.

If you’re interested in what happened when I forgot Aiden’s snacks before a flight, I talk about it in my international travel packing guide.

Expecting a Perfect First Flight

Your child does not need to complete a practice flight before you can book a long international journey.

A shorter flight may help you learn what they like, but it isn’t a requirement.

If the first flight is a long one, prepare as best you can and adjust along the way.

And please don’t feel embarrassed if your child cries.

They’re children.

They’re allowed to have a hard time.

My tips for flying with a toddler go into more detail about handling the parts of flying that younger kids often find difficult.

Ignoring Jet Lag

A successful flight doesn’t automatically mean everyone will feel wonderful when you land.

Crossing several time zones can disrupt sleep for both children and adults.

The CDC’s jet lag guidance recommends considering sleep timing before departure and getting appropriately timed daylight after arrival to help with the transition.

You can gradually shift your family’s sleep schedule before a trip if that works for your household.

But don’t exhaust everyone trying to force an entirely new bedtime in the two days before flying.

Once we arrive, I try to give us time to adjust rather than planning a full day of activities immediately after a long overnight journey.

How Long Is a Long-Haul Flight With Kids?

There isn’t one flight duration that applies to every long-haul route.

A flight might be considered long haul because of its distance, its duration, or the way an airline classifies the route.

For family planning, I focus less on the label and more on the actual journey.

A nonstop flight lasting eight hours can feel very different from a trip with two shorter flights and a long layover.

For example, our Los Angeles-to-Paris flight took 10 hours and 40 minutes.

That was the time in the air, not the total time spent getting to the airport, checking in, going through security, boarding, collecting our luggage, and reaching our accommodation.

When comparing flights, look at the entire door-to-door experience.

How Much Extra Airport Time Should Families Allow?

Follow your airline’s current international check-in and airport-arrival guidance.

Then consider whether you’ll need additional time for a stroller, checked car seat, special assistance, or traveling with several children.

I would not use a fixed rule like adding 90 minutes to every journey.

Different airports, routes, and connections need different amounts of time.

The goal is to build enough flexibility into your travel day that an ordinary delay doesn’t make everything stressful.

How We Handle Long Flights With Babies, Toddlers, and Older Kids

What works for one child may not work for another.

And what worked for Aiden when he was three is not necessarily what he’d want on a flight today.

Babies

For babies, feeding supplies, diaper changes, a familiar routine, and an appropriate child restraint are priorities.

If you plan to use a bassinet, ask your airline about availability, reservation requirements, and when your baby must be removed from it, including during turbulence.

The FAA’s child passenger safety guidance is especially useful when deciding how to secure your child during the flight.

Toddlers

Toddlers usually need variety.

A few snacks.

A small toy.

An activity.

A little movement when it’s safe.

Maybe another activity.

Then suddenly they want the first toy again.

HaHa!

Keep things small and easy to manage.

For a more detailed breakdown, read my tips for flying with a toddler.

Older Kids

Older children may be able to manage more of their own entertainment.

Let them choose a book, download their favorite shows, and help pack a small backpack.

I still check the bag before we leave.

Because a child might pack three chargers and forget the actual device.

Or pack a toy that makes noise.

No thank you.

If you’re looking for more age-appropriate activities, my in-flight entertainment guide has options beyond movies and tablets.

Kay’s Experience: Our Los Angeles-to-Paris Flight

One flight that really shaped how I think about traveling long haul with kids was our first trip from Los Angeles to Paris with Aiden.

It was a 10-hour-and-40-minute flight.

Before we left, I was preparing myself for a very long journey.

But Aiden slept for eight of those hours.

EIGHT!

I had booked a late departure that worked with his bedtime. He had a window seat, and we’d eaten a light dinner before boarding.

That combination worked really well for him on that particular flight.

At one point, another passenger asked what I had given him to make him sleep so soundly.

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

He was simply tired, comfortable, and traveling at a time that worked for his routine.

I definitely appreciated those eight hours of sleep.

HaHa!

That experience is one reason I pay close attention to flight times when making bookings.

But I would never promise another parent that booking the same departure time will make their child sleep for eight hours.

Children are different.

Flights are different.

And even the same child can have two completely different experiences on two flights.

The best thing you can do is prepare, understand your child’s needs, and work with the routine that usually helps them feel comfortable.

What About Flight Costs?

Long-haul flights can be expensive, especially when you’re booking seats for the entire family.

But the lowest fare isn’t always the least expensive choice once you add baggage fees, seat-selection charges, airport transfers, and other extras.

I compare the full cost before booking.

Sometimes a slightly more expensive nonstop flight is worth considering because it saves us hours of travel and an additional connection.

Other times, the fare difference is large enough that taking a connection makes sense.

For my airfare research process, read my guide to the best websites for finding cheap flights and error fares and my ways to save money on flights.

If you’re considering a budget airline for part of your trip, I’ve also written about flying Frontier Airlines with kids, including the importance of checking what your fare actually includes.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Fly Long Haul with Kids

Final Thoughts on Flying Long Haul With Kids

Long flights with kids do not have to be perfect to be successful.

You might forget a snack.

Your child might get bored halfway through a movie.

The meal might arrive just after they fall asleep.

You might spend an hour convincing them to rest, only for them to announce that they’re no longer tired.

That’s family travel.

HaHa!

The things that have helped us most are pretty simple.

Choose flight times thoughtfully.

Keep the essentials within reach.

Pack snacks.

Have several entertainment options.

Make sleep as comfortable and safe as possible.

And give yourself permission to change the plan when something isn’t working.

Aiden sleeping for eight hours on our Paris flight was wonderful, but I don’t measure every flight against that experience.

Some flights are easy.

Others take more effort.

Either way, a long flight is just one part of the adventure waiting for you on the other side.

If you’re getting ready for your next trip, start with my ultimate guide to traveling internationally with kids and international family packing list so you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of wondering what you forgot.