Flying with Twin Toddlers Made Easy
We just got back from our summer vacation trip to PA. A two and a half hour flight from Texas to Pennsylvania to visit my family with our twin girls who are currently three years old. We had the best time, and the best airport and flight experience!
Flying with twin toddlers can be a good time if you plan ahead. Below, are some of the things we did to plan for our trip that made it easy.
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1. Preparation is Key: Pack Smartly
Flying with twin toddlers can make you want to overpack, but a well-organized carry-on can make all the difference. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Snacks: Pack a variety of their favorite snacks. Think finger foods that are easy to eat and won’t make a mess. Don’t forget to include a few special treats as a surprise! We packed ours in a “snackle box” like this so they had options. I also love the snack spinners! I made sure to include plenty of gummies to help their ears pop during take-off!
- Entertainment: Bring a mix of toys, magnetic drawing tablets, reusable sticker books, and electronic devices (with headphones) loaded with their favorite shows. Consider wrapping a few toys as “presents” to unwrap during the flight for an extra layer of excitement.
- Comfort Items: Don’t forget their favorite blankets and stuffed animals. These familiar items can provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment.
- Essentials: Pull-ups, folding travel potty seat, baby wipes, a change of clothes for each child (and yourself!), and any necessary medications. Remember, airplanes can be chilly, so pack a couple of light sweaters.
- PRO TIP: Our toddlers are currently 6 months into potty training and are doing great! But, for long travel days, I let them wear pull-ups “just in case” and that puts my mind at peace knowing that if they have an accident (which they never did) it would be easier to clean up and not such a catastrophe.
2. Choose the Right Flight and Seats
Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to minimize the stress of layovers. Early morning flights can often be less crowded. We like airlines with assigned seating. Southwest is actually moving towards this!
Our flight left at 10:30am, which was a perfect time of morning. For us, a time when the twins are not going to be tired is best. Our kiddos don’t like to sleep in an unfamiliar place, so if we had flown during nap time, they would have just been cranky.
We parked our car at The Parking Spot inside the airport, for a quick and easy shuttle to our departure gate. The covered parking lot is our favorite. The shuttles are quick to pick you up as soon as you arrive, and they help you with all of your luggage.
The Parking Spot is running sales the entire month of August! Deal #1: 20% off any parking reservation made by 8/11/24 with the promo code 20SpotAug (10% off for non-Spot Club members). Trip must have an entry date on or before 9/30/24.
Selecting the right seats is crucial. If possible, choose a row near the front of the plane where you can have quick access to the restroom and more legroom. Sitting in a row with extra space can give your toddlers some room to move around without disturbing other passengers.
3. Pre-Flight Prep: Make the Airport Part of the Adventure
Turn the airport experience into a fun adventure. Arrive early and allow extra time for everything, from check-in to security checks. We flew Southwest, and security was a breeze. They allowed families to go through Priority to make the process so much smoother.
Let your twins explore the airport and watch planes take off. This can help them burn off some energy before the flight.
Our girls loved riding the moving walkways back and forth (in an uncrowded section of the airport). We also grabbed brunch from a cafe inside the airport so we had a place to snack and sit down with our carry-ons.
Create a mini scavenger hunt: “Can you spot a red suitcase?” or “Let’s find the airplane with a blue tail.” This game can keep them engaged and excited about the journey.
We used our double umbrella stroller through the airport to make it easier to transport everything and push the twins if they got tired.
We checked our stroller at the gate in a stroller travel bag.
NOTE* We typically prefer to fly American Airlines because they have an awesome lounge experience. Southwest doesn’t have this option, but we found that the girls did just fine without the lounge on this trip. However, when they were younger (under 2) the American Airlines lounge was a total lifesaver!
4. On-Board Activities: Keep Them Engaged
Once on board, it’s time to bring out your arsenal of activities. I created two goodie bags with all the toys and snacks, one for each girl. They were ready to pull out of our larger carry on tote bag and get right to playing.
Rotate toys and activities to keep things fresh. Sticker books, coloring pads, tiny plastic animal toys and interactive games on tablets can be lifesavers. Remember to give them a break from screens periodically to avoid overstimulation. Grab this packing list of our favorites.
We even made a game out of the buttons on the airplane seat armrests prior to take-off, to help bide the time while we were waiting for everyone to get settled in their seats.
Our twins thought that they were in control of the airplane when they pushed their little armrest buttons. When the plane finally started to taxi down the runway, the girls pushed their buttons faster to make the plane fly! It was super cute.
Involve them in the journey: “Look, we’re above the clouds!” or “Do you see the tiny cars down there?” This can make the flight an exciting experience rather than a tedious wait.
I also prepared them for how the airplane would feel and what we were about to do. For example, when we were about to take off I said “Okay, here we go! Are you ready to fly? Push your buttons!”
Then, prior to landing, I told them we were getting close. I said, “When we go to land, the plane is going to go, ‘bump! bump! bump!’ and then we’ll be on the ground.” That way, they wouldn’t be startled when it happened.
We got extremely lucky during a bit of turbulence on the flight. Instead of freaking out like everyone else around us, because the girls didn’t know what it was they laughed hysterically. See – flying with twin toddlers can be fun!
5. Handle the Unexpected with Grace
Despite the best preparations, unexpected situations can arise. Whether it’s an ear-popping discomfort during takeoff and landing or a mid-flight meltdown, stay calm and composed.
Encourage them to swallow or yawn to relieve ear pressure, or offer a drink or gummy snacks. Pouches are another great way to relieve ear discomfort.
If a meltdown occurs, try to soothe your toddlers with gentle words, a favorite toy, or a comforting song. Hold them and rock them on your lap. Keep lollipops hidden for such a moment and dig them out in an emergency.
Remember, most passengers understand that traveling with young children can be challenging, and a smile or a simple apology can go a long way in easing any tension. For those who don’t, ignore them.
6. Celebrate Small Wins and Make Memories
Flying with twin toddlers can be a challenging experience, but it’s also an opportunity to create lasting memories. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s successfully navigating security or finding joy in watching your children marvel at the view from the window.
Capture these moments with photos or videos to look back on later. Traveling as a family, even with its challenges, is a beautiful way to bond and experience new adventures together.
Final Thoughts
Flying with twin toddlers doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With thoughtful preparation, a positive attitude, and a little creativity, you can turn the experience into a fun and exciting journey for the whole family. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride!
Safe travels and happy flying! ✈️
Helpful Resources for Flying with Twin Toddlers
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