Chelsea Gentry Last week, for the first time ever, I flew alone with my toddler. The trip did not go as well as I had hoped, but it did not go as bad as I feared. Does that make sense? The Truth About Flying Alone with a Toddler is that it isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible either. Read more below!
1. Prepare Yourself and Your Toddler
Ronia and I started talking about our flight a few days beforehand. We talked about the plane and how she needed to stay close to mommy and be a good listener. We talked about where we were going and what it would look like, what the seat situation would be on the plane and the other passengers. I think all the preparation did help her to behave in the airport.
As for me, I prepared my own mind by accepting that things were not going to go to plan. They never do, but it’s always a good reminder. I did everything I could to be organized and ready, but it was helpful to prepare myself for any potential chaos. That way I wasn’t caught completely off guard.
2. People are Typically Helpful
Balancing your bags, stroller and toddler while navigating security, the airport and plane can be tricky. People are typically very kind and helpful, at least from my experience. God sent an angel to sit next to us on the plane in the form of a fellow mama. A flight attendant helped me carry our carry-on off the plane. The TSA security staff communicated so well and was patient. Sure, we ran into a couple cranky individuals, but overall the people we met were understanding and kind.
3. Be Ready for Takeoff and Landing
For the first time ever my baby had a little trouble with her ears popping during the landing. Takeoff was fine, but I had given her a sucker, which I think helped. Landing was another story. She had a fit of epic proportions when her ears started to hurt and she refused to let me help her. It took a while for my daughter to calm down enough to accept help. I recommend giving your toddler water, a pouch or something like a sucker to help pop their ears during takeoff and landing. Be diligent about it, because it might save your sanity.
4. Activities are Essential
Our toddler had already exhausted most of our new and exciting activities on the flight to Florida and throughout the vacation itself. I had also packed light so I had less to carry. Unfortunately, that means we ran out of activities for our three hour plane ride and she got a little bored. We managed well thanks to a little creativity and some sweet passengers nearby, but it was interesting. I will definitely be stashing some new and fresh activities for the flight home on our next trip.
5. Try to Pack Light
Speaking of packing light, please do. We had a duffle bag, a backpack and a small sack of souvenirs (as well as the stroller). And though that was not a lot, it still felt like too much. I was trying to avoid checking a bag that I would need to retrieve after landing. However, it might have been easier in the long run just to check it. The lighter you pack, the better.
6. Get out the Wiggles
We did a whole lot of walking around the airport before our flight (which was delayed a couple hours). Getting the wiggles out of your toddler is vital before a flight. Being stuck in a chair for several hours isn’t always fun, so let them play and squirm as much as they want prior to boarding.
7. It will be Worth it.
Did everything go perfectly on our flight? No. Was the flight alone worth it? Yes! And Yes, I would do it again. Honestly, I am not the best flyer. I get sick on takeoff and landing or anytime we hit turbulence, and the travel day was still worth it. It’s difficult to remember in the moment, but that flight is such an insignificant portion of your life. The people around you will not remember your child crying next week. You are doing the best you can and so is your toddler. Flying alone with your toddler will be worth it, and you can do this.
Okay, I’m done with my pep talk. Happy flying!
Thank you for reading The Truth About Flying Alone with a Toddler. I hope they will help you on your next family vacation. For more helpful tips, be sure to read the additional content below:
How to Create a Relaxing but Fun Family Vacation
My Best Advice for Disney with a Toddler
How to Entertain a Toddler at Universal Studios Orlando
If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message on Instagram. Follow @gentryjourneys on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and don’t forget to subscribe below for new content every week!
Safe Travels,
