Real tips from a mum who’s done it — many, many times.
If you’ve ever tried to wrangle children, a carry-on, and a boarding pass simultaneously while someone behind you huffs impatiently — this one’s for you.
Travelling with children is one of the most rewarding things our family does together. It stretches them, surprises them, and gives us memories we’ll talk about forever. But let’s be real — the airport part? That’s where the chaos lives. Over the years (and many, many flights), I’ve picked up some tips that have genuinely transformed our airport experience. I’m sharing them all here.
Whether you’re heading off on a long-haul adventure or a quick weekend getaway, these strategies will help you walk through those departure gates feeling a whole lot calmer.
Your carry-on bag is your lifeline. Keep it lean but strategic: a change of clothes for each child on top, snacks in an easy-access pouch, and entertainment at the ready. I always pack a small “activity kit” — colouring pages, sticker books, a small fidget toy — that lives in an outer pocket. The goal is zero rummaging at the worst moments.
With kids, everything takes longer. Security takes longer. Finding the bathroom takes longer. Convincing a six-year-old that, no, they cannot buy a giant stuffed animal from the gift shop — that takes the longest. Give yourself a buffer, and use the extra time to find your gate early so the kids can run off some energy before boarding.
Don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi. Download your shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and games before you even leave the house. Each of our kids has their own iPad — with films they’ve chosen themselves — which means no arguments and no buffering. If you’re travelling with older kids, let them be in charge of their own device and downloads the night before. Ownership equals buy-in.
Preparation the night before (no metal belt buckles, slip-on shoes for the little ones) makes the whole process so much smoother.
Hungry children in airports are a special kind of challenge. Pack far more snacks than you think you’ll need — real ones, not just sugar. We do a mix: cheese and crackers, dried fruit, rice cakes, and a treat for the plane. Having snacks on hand means you’re not at the mercy of overpriced terminal food, and you have an instant reset button when a meltdown is brewing. Head the the lounge if you’re lucky enough to have passes!
From around age four, our kids have had their own little backpack. Inside it goes: their snacks, their entertainment, their comfort item. Not only does this teach responsibility, it also means they’re invested in what’s inside. The tradeoff? You carry slightly less. Win-win.
In saying that sometimes we don’t let them take any carryon of their own! Sometimes we prefer to keep it simple and take devices only. Especially if it’s a night flight where we know they will sleep most of it. It makes it a lot easier than having lots of bags.
Many international airports have dedicated children’s play areas — find them on the terminal map as soon as you arrive. If yours doesn’t, find a quiet gate or area of the lounge with open floor space and let the kids run, stretch, and be silly before boarding. A child who’s moved their body is a child who will sit more happily on the plane.
This one catches a lot of parents off guard. Swallowing helps equalise ear pressure, so time a snack or drink for takeoff and descent. For babies, breastfeeding or a bottle works brilliantly. For older kids, chewing gum or a lolly does the trick. Letting them know it might feel a little funny — and that it passes quickly — helps remove the panic.
Airports are big and busy. We always brief our kids: “If you can’t find us, stand still and find a person in a uniform.” For younger children, a luggage tag on their backpack with your contact number gives enormous peace of mind. You hope you’ll never need it — but having the plan means everyone knows what to do, and that confidence helps the kids feel safer too.
Layers are your best friend. Airports and planes can swing between freezing and warm, sometimes within the same hour. Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes save precious time at security and on long flights. And for you? Wear something you can move in, bend in, and spill on — because airports with kids are a full-contact sport.
This is the tip I wish someone had told me before our very first family trip. There is nothing quite like the heart-stopping moment of not knowing which bag the passports are in while a queue forms behind you. One place, every time. That’s the rule.
We recently discovered Pairre (pairre.com.au) — a beautiful Australian brand that makes luxury leather passport wallets specifically designed for families, and honestly, they’ve been a total game-changer. Their wallets come in a 2P, 4P and 8P — so whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family of four like us, or a big multi-generational crew, there’s a size for you.
The 8P is our go-to. It holds all five passports, has document pockets that fit full A4 travel itineraries, a boarding pass sleeve, and even an optional wrist strap so your hands stay free — which, when you’re managing three kids through a busy terminal, is everything. The exterior is full-grain cowhide leather with PVD scratch-resistant hardware, so it genuinely looks as good as the day we got it. It even comes with RFID protection to keep your cards and passports safe from digital skimming. It’s the kind of piece you buy once and keep for years — a proper travel heirloom, not just an organiser. Every order is finished by hand and arrives in an organic cotton dust bag and a keepsake box. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that makes it a brilliant gift too — for yourself or any travel-loving family in your life.
Shop Pairre at pairre.com.au.
The Golden Rule: Lower your standards and raise your snack supply. The airport is not the destination — it’s just the bridge. Be patient with your kids, be patient with yourself, and remember that every family around you has been in your shoes.
Travelling with children is a gift, even on the hard days. Every trip teaches them something — about the world, about other people, about their own resilience. And one day, they’ll be the ones navigating airports with their own little ones, hopefully remembering the adventures you gave them.
I hope these tips make your next airport experience just a little sweeter. If you have a tip I haven’t mentioned, I’d love to hear it in the comments below!
Happy travels, always.
Disclosure: This is a paid post created in collaboration with Pairre https://pairre.com.au. All opinions, experiences, and tips shared are my own. I only partner with brands and products I genuinely believe in and that I feel add value to my readers.