• Domestic flights: Parents need a government-(REAL ID), but kids under 18 usually don’t need anything. Sometimes agents ask to verify children’s age (especially lap infant) so I always travel with a birth certificate. Check with your airline some accept medical records as verification

• International flights: Everyone needs a valid U.S. passport.

Solo parent travel: Bring a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. I attached a link on this page below.

• I’ve been asked for this at customs even when it wasn’t technically required.

• Tip: Keep a paper copy in your travel folder & a copy in your email, just in case.

Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines may require identification and additional documentation for minors traveling alone.

Before you go: Always check your airline and destination country’s rules. These tips are based on U.S. based travel and may not apply everywhere.

• If you can swing it, go direct.
  Fewer moving parts = fewer chances for meltdowns, delays, or lost bags.

• But don’t fear the layover.
  Sometimes it’s way cheaper and gives everyone a break to move, eat, or reset.

• Sweet spot:
  If you do book a layover, aim for at least 1.5–2 hours. That gives time for bathroom stops, diaper changes, and sprinting across terminals without the stress.

Personally, I’ve had the most success booking flights around nap time. My daughter usually sleeps better on a plane than she does at home (of course 😂)

But: If your child thrives on routine and struggles to sleep anywhere but their own bed, that same timing could totally backfire. In that case, booking before or after nap time may be a better bet.

Every kid’s different, and so is every day.
What worked last trip might flop the next so give yourself permission to adjust.

• Bulkhead = legroom + no under-seat storage.

  Pro: No seat in front = more space for baby gear or lap wiggles. Sometimes the airlines offer a bassinet option.
  Con: Everything must go in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing meaning no access to your bags if the seatbelt sign is on. Also the armrests don’t usually lift so this may be hard to cuddle your child if they’re sitting next to you.

• Window seat = distractions built in.
  Best for toddlers who love looking out.
  Pro: fewer people crawling past you mid-flight. You’re tucked into the corner so it is easier to keep your child & their child’s toys contained.
  Con: You need to ask people to get up for diaper changes etc.

• Aisle seat = easy in/out access.
  Pro: Helpful for diaper changes, walking breaks, or if you're flying solo with a squirmy toddler.

  Cons: There’s just more traffic. People brushing past, bags bumping into you, the flight attendants handing drinks and snacks over you, that’s always when your kid finally falls asleep. I’ve even had well-meaning strangers reach out to touch my child’s hands or hair. Sweet? Maybe. But germs don’t know the difference.
  

  WHAT WE CHOOSE

  I’d rather keep us tucked in by the window where it’s a little quieter, cleaner, and way less interactive.

  We usually pick the middle of the plane. If we have a tight layover, we move closer to the front to get off faster. But we avoid the back, and bulkhead (unless using a bassinet) it gets crowded with people hanging out by the bathrooms.

Lap Baby Pros:
– Free or heavily discounted (under age 2) usually around 10% of the cost for international
– Great if baby is still nursing or snuggly

Lap Baby Cons:
– You’re their seat & their jungle gym. This definitely gets a little more difficult during 14-24 months
– No personal space
– Safety-wise, a seat with a car seat is always more secure

Paid Seat Pros:
– Baby gets their own space (and you get your lap back)
– You can bring a car seat onboard = safer + better naps
– More room for snacks, toys, bottles, and sanity

Paid Seat Cons:
– Extra cost (especially international)
– May still end up in your lap 90% of the time 🙃

What I did
We did 65 flights as a lap baby. It worked for our budget, my daughter was a velcro baby, and she absolutely hates being in a car seat.

If you can swing the seat (and your child likes being in their seat), it’s 100% worth it for longer flights or active toddlers. But thats not always the reality like in our case.

Pro Tip: If you ask the agent if there is extra room they may be able to move you next to an empty seat. This worked often for us!

Landing at 10am sounds great... until you realize check-in isn’t until 4pm.

• That’s a lot of hours keeping a kid busy with no room to crash.

  Always check your accommodation’s check-in policy before booking.

  Sometimes paying a little more for a flight that lines up better is 100% worth it.

  • Some accommodations also offer early check-in or half-day add-ons if you ask!
    Bonus tip: On international flights, be mindful of meal service timing.
    Sometimes they serve meals right when kids finally fall asleep or wake you up just as you’ve gotten settled.