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10 tips for flying long haul with toddlers

From DIY goody bags to pretend passports, these tips will keep them busy – and your trip stress-free.

Does the thought of flying long haul with under-twos bring you out in a cold sweat? Don’t give up hope on getting to that beach in Thailand, because travelling with toddlers might just be easier than you think.

Teresa Scannell, Childcare Experience Manager for TUI, reveals her top 10 tips for your journey. From pre-ordering supplies airside to packing spare outfits in your carry-on, these are well worth trying on your next long-haul trip.

Ready to go? Take a look at our TUI BLUE family holiday deals.

1. Plan, plan plan.

"By thinking ahead, there are loads of things you can do to make your journey smoother, aside from the obvious, like leaving loads of time to get to the airport. Tick the Select Your Seat box when you’re booking and you’ll be able to guarantee where you sit on the plane. Aisle seats near to a washroom are ideal for restless two-year-olds. If you’re travelling as a couple, you could also have one of you board the plane with your hand luggage right when the gate opens, while the other person lets your little one burn off some energy in the departure lounge for a final few minutes before the flight."

2. Invest in a Trunki

"These wheelie suitcases work wonders for getting children through the airport. They’re just the right size for tots to perch on and rest their legs or scoot themselves around. They also come with a strap so you can pull them along. You can fill it up with all the stuff they’ll need for the journey, too, like toys, blankets and baby wipes – that’s less for you to carry."

3. Print a pretend passport

"Keeping little ones involved is a great way to pass the time. Why not make them a little passport and ticket they can use to check in their favourite toy? There are lots of printable passport and ticket templates on Pinterest and colouring it in will keep them busy – for a little while at least."

4. Pre-order supplies to the airport

"Formula, hand sanitizer, nappy cream… there are countless liquids you need when you’ve got a toddler in tow. Avoid the airport security liquid limits by pre-ordering everything you need to one of the airside shops. Boots offers this service at selected UK airports including Heathrow and East Midlands. As for strollers, sterilisers and bottle warmers, on a TUI BLUE holiday with the Family Fun highlight, you can pre-book these so they’re ready for you when you arrive at the resort."

5. Download their favourite shows

"Tablets are especially useful onboard a plane. Before you go, download a variety of programmes and apps so the kids have plenty to watch. A shock-proof travel case will give you peace of mind if it gets dropped. And, headphones will not only keep them engaged with the screen, but they’ll double up as ear protection against plane noises. The people sitting around you will appreciate not listening to Peppa Pig on repeat, as well."

Two toddlers watching a show on a tablet.

6. Make a DIY goody bag

"As distracting as a tablet is, it probably won’t keep your little one busy for the whole flight. To go with it, make a goody bag filled with small toys that have been forgotten about at the bottom of the toy box, and present them with a new one each time their attention starts to wear thin. Soft toys, crayons and stickers work well – just be prepared to peel them off seats, windows and yourself before you leave, please."

7. Throw in a spare outfit

"Let’s face it, drinks will be spilled and you may end up with stains down your carefully thought-out holiday wardrobe. So, make sure you pack a backup outfit for yourself and your child. Pashminas are handy because they can double up as a blanket if it’s chilly on the plane."

8. Pack antibacterial wipes

"We don’t need to tell you to have baby wipes handy to clear up everything from spillages to sticky fingers on the go – you’ve got a toddler, therefore you’ve already got at least one pack in your bag. But antibacterial wipes are also useful for wiping down tray tables, before they come in contact with snacks and dummies, etc, so it’s worth packing those too."

9. Pack their favourite snacks

"Most airlines don’t provide in-flight meals for under 2s, so pack a meal and lots of snacks to keep them fed throughout the flight. Avoid sugary sweets that’ll keep them awake and instead go for savoury nibbles and mini boxes of cereal – the latter are especially light and easy to carry. Ensure you also have a drink or something to suck on ready for take-off and landing to ease popping ears."

10. Don’t ditch the dummy if they use one

"If you’re considering weaning your toddler off their dummy, consider waiting until after your holiday if you think it will comfort them throughout the flight. If you’re worried about it being dropped around the airport, dummy protectors are designed to close around the teat before they hit the floor, keeping it clean."

TUI BLUE Kids' Club staff doing crafts with toddlers at a table.

Looking for a family-friendly hotel?

Now you’re all prepped for the flight, take a look at our TUI BLUE hotels with the Family Fun highlight. These properties pull out all the stops when it comes to catering for little ones and their families, so you know you’ll be well looked after. All of them have a Baby & Tots Club, for example, that’s designed for guests aged 0-36 months and staffed by highly qualified childcare professionals. And some of them come with extra-special touches like calming sensory rooms where you can relax with your little one during parent and baby sessions. You’ll find these at hotels including TUI BLUE Aura in Ibiza, and TUI BLUE Nausicaa Beach in Cyprus.

Ready to go long-haul with your little ones?

Check out all our TUI BLUE hotels and look for the Family Fun highlight.

While you’re here, read everything families will love about TUI BLUE, take a look at our tips for travelling with children and find out how to fly with a baby.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 29.12.2025