Flying with Kids: How to Stay Calm When Plans Change and Handle Airport Delays Stress-Free

The sun is shining and the summer holidays are fast approaching! I don’t know about you, but this has got me starting to plan our family holiday. While the thought of lying on a sun lounger with a good book while the kids are splashing in the pool sounds very appealing right now, the thought of travelling with children isn’t always quite so relaxing.

Flying with kids can be pretty stressful, especially when your well-thought-out travel plans don’t actually go to plan! Delays, cancellations, lost luggage... it’s enough to test anyone’s patience, let alone with little ones in tow.

With a few simple strategies (and the right support), you can stay calm and make the best of any unexpected hiccups. Here's how:

1. Set Realistic Expectations Early

While we want our children to be really excited about their holiday, it’s definitely worth setting some realistic expectations when preparing kids for air travel. Explain that there will probably be a bit of waiting around, delays to your flight time, or even some changes to your travel plans. You can frame this as part of the adventure (it really depends on how you sell it — use upbeat language and tone!), which helps to build resilience and, hopefully, means fewer airport surprises for you all.

2. Be Prepared for Anything with What’s in Your Hand Luggage

Some of the best tips for flying with young children, in my experience, centre around what’s packed in your hand luggage. The best thing is, this is something you can control! Make sure your hand luggage doesn’t just have a few things to keep everyone entertained on the plane, but also has enough supplies to cover extra hours in an airport too.

Things I always include are:

• Devices AND chargers – I’m sure you’ll remember your child’s device, but don’t forget your accessories too! I keep all my chargers and cables in a small travel case. I always take a power block so I can charge on the go if plugs are scarce. Headphones (and a headphone charger) are also essential so they can listen in busy environments without disturbing others.
• Activities – Colouring and puzzle books are perfect screen-free entertainment. (Just don’t forget the pens!)
• Spare clothes – This is one I often forget, but all it takes is one spill to make a very uncomfortable journey. A pack of wet wipes is also essential — perfect for sticky hands, spills, and unexpected messes.

3. Build Extra Time into Your Plans

Where possible, avoid booking tight connections or activities that depend on perfect timing. A few hours buffer can turn a frustrating delay into a relaxing wait, and gives you time for those unexpected loo trips or to grab something to eat without feeling stressed.

4. What to Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled?

One of the biggest sources of stress during travel disruptions is not knowing what to do next. That’s why it’s a good idea to have help ready if you need it. If your flight gets delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you could be entitled to compensation, and that’s where companies like AirHelp come in. They make it really easy to check your eligibility and claim without the headache of paperwork or arguing with airlines. Having AirHelp bookmarked means one less thing to worry about if plans go off track.

5. Stay Flexible (and Embrace the Unexpected)

Sometimes the memories we love most are the ones we didn’t plan for. A night in an unexpected city, a family picnic in an airport lounge — they might just become part of your family’s story. It’s not always easy at the time, but staying flexible and keeping a sense of humour can turn a disaster into an adventure.

Final Thoughts

Airport delays with kids certainly aren’t how we want our holidays to start, but unfortunately, they do happen. By planning ahead and viewing it all as part of the adventure, you can have the best start to your holiday — whatever the travel plan gods throw at you!

Here’s to a summer of fun, stress-free, and adventure-filled family time!