Flying internationally can sometimes take a toll on you. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, or an island halfway around the world, long flights will test your patience, especially with kids in tow. We’ve logged plenty of air miles and learned what actually works.
We’ve dropped below our Chasin’ Surf International flight tips (plus some of the best travel accessories for families) to help you, your spouse, kids and everyone else traveling with you, stay comfortable, calm, and ready to go when you land.
Table of Contents
1. Choose Your Seats & Check In Early
Selecting the right seats and checking in ahead of time can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall well-being. Ultimately, taking control of your seat selection isn’t just about comfort—it’s about enhancing your entire travel experience. A well-chosen seat can reduce stress, improve rest, and help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go. You’re able to tailor your experience based on your personal preferences. For example, if you value extra space or quick access to the restroom, an aisle seat may be your best option. If you prefer uninterrupted rest or want to enjoy the view, a window seat might be ideal. Families traveling together can also ensure they’re seated side by side, avoiding the stress of last-minute seat swaps with strangers.
Why kids love it:
Your kids love having their own window to peek out of or space to stretch in the aisle.
Tips for parents:
As a parent, make sure to check in online 24 hours early. Pick aisle seats for frequent trips to the bathroom or window seats for naps.
Before heading to the airport, use a portable luggage scale. It makes checking into flights seamless. You can also avoid sitting on the airport floor just to rearrange your bag to meet the scale requirements. (My worst nightmare!)
2. Hydrate, Move & Avoid Heavy Meals
Cabin air is dry, and you’re sitting for hours. Staying hydrated and stretching helps maintain your energy levels and reduce swelling.
Why kids love it:
Walking the aisle feels like an adventure. It also breaks up the boredom.
Tips for parents:
You must drink water every hour, skip salty snacks, and stretch your ankles or stand often.
Make sure to bring an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your long flight. It keeps your drink cold for hours and reduces waste. It also makes it easy for you to refill at airport water stations after security (for free -yes!), so you can have fresh water on hand. Always a good idea to bring compression socks too!
3. Pack Smart & Comfort-First Carry-On
Your carry-on is your survival kit. Think of it as your “in-flight home.” We use a Delsey Paris carry-on suitcase, as it makes packing easier and travel smoother. It’s lightweight, durable, and glides through airports easily.
Why kids love it:
Your kids will love having their own backpack filled with games, snacks, and cozy must-haves.
Tips for parents:
As a parent, you must pack light but smart. You should include a change of clothes, chargers, wipes, snacks, and meds.
We pair our carry-on with these packing cubes to keep our suitcase perfectly organized, and this cosmetic bag to keep makeup pulled together. My husband always has this soft-sided YETI cooler as his personal item. It is perfect for holding extra items such as snacks, water bottles, beach toys, etc.
The best part? Once we land, the cooler doubles as our go-to bag for beach days or boat trips.
4. Adjust to Your Destination’s Time Zone
Start syncing your schedule before you even board.
Why kids love it:
It helps avoid jet-lag meltdowns. When your kids wake up, they’re ready to go.
Tips for parents:
Make sure to shift sleep and meals closer to your destination’s time zone two days before you leave, and try to sleep on the plane with a cozy travel pillow.
When adjusting to your destination’s time zone, getting quality rest during the flight helps your body adapt faster. A travel neck pillow is a must-have. It supports your head and neck. In that way, you can nap comfortably.
5. Keep Kids Engaged & Comfortable
Entertainment saves, not just your day, but also your sanity. A Fire HD Tablet is perfect for keeping little travelers engaged. But make sure to load it with games, movies, and books to make your flying fun. To make it flight-friendly, enable its parental controls.
Why kids love it:
Your kids will enjoy playing fun games and eating snacks to make time fly.
Tips for parents:
As a parent, download shows, movies, and games, bring snacks, and pack one surprise item for the halfway mark.
6. Use the Airport & Layover Time Wisely
Layovers can be surprisingly fun when planned right. A duffel bag is perfect for this. It keeps your travel must-haves organized and accessible, whether you’re grabbing a snack or freshening up.
Why kids love it:
Your kids will love exploring terminals, plane-spotting, checking out the stores, and moving around before sitting again. See how many steps you can get in before boarding the next plane.
Tips for parents:
Arrive early, check for airport play areas, and stretch those legs before boarding.
7. Prioritize Rest & Personal Comfort
A little extra comfort goes a long way at 30,000 feet. With the right gear, you and your family can rest, relax, and truly enjoy the journey.
Why kids love it:
For your kids, pack some cozy hoodies and blankets to make plane naps way better.
Tips for parents:
Dress in layers, use noise-canceling headphones, and skip caffeine near bedtime.
You should also consider investing in a pair of headphones as they’re perfect for blocking out engine noise. They also create a peaceful environment for rest. But make sure to opt for headphones with active noise cancellation so you can easily drift off to sleep, even in a busy cabin.
8. Bring Skincare & Bedtime Routine
Recreate your bedtime ritual at 35,000 feet to trick your body into real rest.
Why kids love it:
Your kids will love changing into cozy pajamas and brushing their teeth as they feel familiar and calm.
Tips for parents:
As a parent, make sure to bring a hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, toothbrush, and comfy clothes. Treat it like bedtime at home. It makes a difference and prepares your body for sleep.
Bringing your skincare long-haul flight essentials can make a big difference in how refreshed you feel upon landing. I especially love the Tula Travel Skincare Set. It’s perfect for maintaining my bedtime routine in the air. I love how compact and hydrating it is. It’s designed to keep my skin glowing despite the dry cabin air. We also bring these disposable toothbrushes.
9. Stay Positive, Always!
Delays, turbulence, and reroutes are part of travel. Your energy sets the tone for everyone else. Stay calm, no matter how tough the day may get.
Why kids love it:
When parents stay calm, the trip still feels like an adventure.
Tips for parents:
Focus on gratitude, play music, and reframe hiccups as funny stories that you’ll talk about for years to come. Most of all, keep your phone charged with a portable charger. Make sure to have the airline customer service phone number saved as a contact in your phone, so the minute a flight is delayed, you can make the call to customer service, change your flight, and be on your way.
Arrive Ready to Explore
An international flight isn’t just transportation. It’s the beginning of your next story. With a few smart products, simple prep, and a positive mindset, you can make the journey comfortable and even enjoyable.
So next time you pack, think of these Chasin’ Surf travel tips (and gear up with your favorite flight essentials). Because comfort + calm = memories that start before you even land.
Dreaming of your next adventure? Explore these top destinations and hidden gems around the world.
