How to survive (and maybe even enjoy) flying and road tripping with kids
Let’s be real: traveling with kids is part magical adventure, part high-stakes survival challenge. But with a little planning and the right tools—starting with snacks—you can make it way more manageable. Whether you’re catching a flight or hitting the road, here are the best ways to travel with kids. The focus is on snacks, hydration, comfort, and entertainment. Also, learn air travel hacks, including how to access airport lounges without flying first class.
✈️ Air Travel with Kids: Your Game Plan for Getting There Without Losing It
1. 🧃 Snacks First. Always.
No item is more important when traveling with kids than snacks.
They fix:
- Hangry-fueled meltdowns
- Long lines and flight delays
- Ear pressure during takeoff and landing
Our travel snack MVPs:
- Applesauce pouches, Goldfish, granola bars, trail mix
- Beef jerky or protein bars for sustained energy
- One “fun” snack per kid (gummies, lollipops, or something new)
Bring more than you think you’ll need—you’ll never regret it.
2. 💧 Keep Them Hydrated
Traveling dehydrates everyone, especially kids.
- Bring refillable water bottles (empty through security, then refill at a bottle station)
- Toss in an electrolyte packet like Liquid I.V. for longer flights or hot weather
- Sippy cups or straw bottles are perfect for younger kids to avoid spills mid-flight
3. 🧸 Dress Comfy, Pack for Messes
Outfits should be:
- Soft and layered (hoodies, joggers, easy-off shoes)
- Practical for security lines and onboard temp changes
- Easy to clean—and backed up with a full change of clothes per kid
Blankets, stuffed animals, warm socks (if wearing sandals) and travel pillows can be comfort lifesavers.
4. 🛫 Flying Southwest (and Other Airlines) with Kids
Southwest Airlines is popular with families, especially if you’re using Rapid Rewards points or have the Companion Pass. A few tips:
- Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure a better boarding position.
- Families with kids under age 6 can board after Group A. This usually gives you plenty of seats to choose from.
- Southwest doesn’t have seatback screens—bring your own entertainment (and a backup charger!).
On other airlines (Delta, American, United, etc.):
- Book seats together at time of reservation—some basic fares do not include seat selection.
- Gate agents may help if you’re separated, but it’s not guaranteed.
- Always bring your own snacks and water, just in case onboard service is delayed or skipped.
5. 🎧 Entertainment: Devices + Distractions
Don’t count on in-flight Wi-Fi. Download everything ahead of time:
- Movies, shows, games, audiobooks
- Kid-sized, volume-limiting headphones
- Small toys, sticker books, coloring packs, a favorite book and fidget gadgets. Pro-Tip: Buy a new, small toy to keep them distracted for longer.
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils and activity books and/or coloring books
Mix screen time with hands-on activities to hold their attention longer.
6. ✨ Upgrade the Airport: Lounge Access with the Right Credit Card
Here’s the truth: airport lounges are not just for business travelers or first-class passengers. With the right credit card, you can access lounges that offer comfy seating, free snacks, clean bathrooms, and drinks. They provide a chance to reset—aka everything your family needs mid-journey.
Here are three top credit cards that offer lounge access, and why they’re family travel gold:
💳 Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Lounge Access: Comes with Priority Pass Select membership
- What You Get: Access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide. Great variety in U.S. and abroad—some with hot food, some with grab-and-go snacks
- Annual Fee: $795
- Other Perks: $300 annual travel credit, excellent travel protections, great for booking flights/hotels with points via Chase Ultimate Rewards
Best for: Families who travel a few times a year and want global lounge access + strong travel rewards.
💳 Capital One Venture X Rewards
- Lounge Access: Includes Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges
- What You Get: Priority Pass global access + newer, upscale Capital One Lounges (Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Dulles—with more on the way) that are family-friendly with great food and relaxing seating
- Annual Fee: $395
- Other Perks: $300 annual travel credit (via Capital One Travel), 10,000 bonus miles every year
Best for: Families who want high-value perks with a lower annual fee and easy-to-use benefits.
💳 American Express Platinum Card®
- Lounge Access: Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass
- What You Get: Centurion Lounges are among the best—high-end food, comfortable seating, and solid kid-friendly offerings. Delta lounges are great if you’re flying Delta.
- Annual Fee: $895
- Other Perks: Uber credits, hotel elite status, luxury travel perks, Saks credits
Best for: Frequent flyers who want luxury lounges and premium travel benefits. If you’re loyal to Delta, this one’s a slam dunk.
👨👩👧👦 Good to Know:
- Kids are usually admitted free (varies by lounge and age)
- Bring your credit card and Priority Pass app or physical card to enter
- Not all lounges are created equal—some are grab-and-go, others are full-service. Either way, they beat sitting at the gate with restless toddlers or tired kids
🚗 Road Trip with Kids: Make the Journey Part of the Fun
7. 🛑 Stop Often and Stretch It Out
Plan stops every 2–3 hours:
- Let the kids run at a park or rest area
- Use mealtime to reset and recharge (and use the bathroom)
- Keep road trip energy positive with a few silly games or and favorite songs
8. 🎒 Pack a Front Seat Survival Kit
Keep these essentials in the front seat for quick access:
- Wipes, tissues, sanitizer
- Refillable water bottles and snacks
- Extra clothes, chargers, motion sickness remedies
- Surprise toy or activity when things go south (games like travel bingo or activity books with word searches and puzzles work great)
9. 🎧 Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Music
Sometimes tuning into something fun to listen to helps:
- Family audiobooks (Magic Tree House, Charlotte’s Web, Harry Potter)
- Kid podcasts like Brains On, Story Pirates, Circle Round
- Make a road trip playlist where each kid gets to pick 5 songs
Final Thought: Prepare Like a Pro, Then Go With the Flow
You can’t predict every twist and turn, but you can set your family up for success. Keep them fed, hydrated, comfy, and entertained, and you’ll stack the odds in your favor. And hey, when all else fails, take a breath. Roll with it, and know you’re making memories. Even if they’re a little sticky and loud.
Shortcuts From the Southwest 