Flying with kids packing list
- Long flights with kids are won in the carry-on — entertainment, snacks, and sleep gear stay in the child's backpack, not checked luggage.
- Pack a sleep kit they control: comfort item, neck pillow, spare outfit, and anything they need to fall asleep on the plane.
- Checked bag holds daily outfits, backup socks and shoes, and a foldable duffle for souvenirs on the way home.
Tips for this trip
- Change kids into comfy clothes before boarding on overnight flights — set expectations about sleep vs screen time early.
- Pack a quart ziplock of snacks your child chose, plus backup snacks in your bag — plane meals are hit or miss.
- A USB night light helps in unfamiliar hotel bathrooms after a long travel day.
More packing lists for kids & family trips guides on our packing lists for kids & family trips hub , or use the full packing tool
Common questions
What should kids pack in their own carry-on? +
Headphones, tablet with offline shows, activity book, comfort item, neck pillow, snacks, spare outfit, and meds. Keep the bag light enough that they can still carry it when tired.
What goes in checked luggage for kids? +
Daily outfits, two pajamas, extra socks and underwear, a second pair of shoes, rain jacket, and optional swimsuit if your hotel has a pool.
What about an 8-year-old on a first international flight? +
School-age kids can pack their own bag from this list — you check weight and weather. Wired headphones work better on older plane screens than Bluetooth alone.
International trip with kids — what do parents forget? +
Thermometer, children's medicine in carry-on, emergency info card, plane headphone adapter, and a foldable bag for souvenirs. Enable laundry if you are away more than a week.