If you're traveling with toddlers or young children, you should book an early morning departure. These give you the best chance of avoiding delays at takeoff and landing, a flight attendant named Patrick explains. "They are usually less crowded, too," he says.

The "best" flight time for a toddler depends on their individual temperament, but generally, early morning flights (between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM) are highly recommended. Toddlers are typically at their happiest and most resilient in the morning, and because these are often the "first flight of the day" for the aircraft, they are less likely to suffer from rolling delays. Alternatively, for long-haul flights, a 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM departure can be effective as it allows the child to settle in with entertainment before naturally falling asleep for a significant portion of the journey. Travelers should generally avoid mid-day flights during peak "nap time," as an overtired toddler who cannot get comfortable enough to sleep in a cabin seat often leads to a "meltdown." Planning the flight around the child's natural rhythm—and ensuring they have eaten a full meal before boarding—is key to a smoother journey.