What is the best time of day to fly with a 1 year old?

As long as your kids get a good night's sleep, morning is a great time to fly, because they'll be less tired and in a better mood. There are some instances where you'll have to book a later flight. Still, keep in mind that there are pluses to evening flights.



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Experienced traveling families already know this, but in most cases the hardest time to travel with a child is from when they become squirmy and mobile by about 9 months old until they hit the age of reason bargaining/cartooning/snacking at about 18 months.

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Keep in mind:
  • Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
  • Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.


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Unfortunately, babies don't quite understand how to cope with (or avoid) that unpleasant sensation. As a result, they may get irritable and cry—especially during take-off and landing. Parents and guardians traveling with infants can get ahead of this ear pain and the tantrums associated with it by planning ahead.

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Typically, air travel is appropriate for most healthy, full-term infants. However, before you fly with your baby, consider: Your baby's age and health. Your baby's health care provider likely will discourage unnecessary air travel shortly after birth.

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Technically, most airlines require you to show proof of age for your lap infant. This can include a birth certificate, passport or sometimes hospital or immunization records. In reality, most airlines will not ask you for that information unless your baby looks like a toddler who could be past that second birthday.

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When booking a long-haul flight, call the airlines and request a bassinet. The bassinet will give your baby ample space to lay down completely for an uninterrupted sleep during the flight. If bassinets are not available, invest in an inflatable foot pillow or footrest. Just inflate it once the seat belt sign goes off.

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Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing. Or, use nasal spray or drops before takeoff or landing. Follow package instructions exactly about how much medicine to give your child.

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A few more tips to increase the possibility of a painless flight:
  1. Let her get her energy and tension out before you get on the plane and at any convenient moments on the plane. ...
  2. Keep her fed and hydrated so she's less likely to get grumpy. ...
  3. Distract and entertain. ...
  4. Calm your little one. ...
  5. Calm yourself.


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The FAA doesn't require a ticket for children under the age of 2 years, but that means your baby will be on your lap. If there is turbulence, or worse, you may not be able to protect your baby in your arms. If you do not buy a ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an empty seat.

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Top tips for travelling with toddlers on long haul flights
  1. Don't board too early. ...
  2. Get the bassinet seats as they provide more room. ...
  3. Pack light and only have one cabin bag for the whole family. ...
  4. Pack a travel potty. ...
  5. Snacks. ...
  6. Best toys for toddlers on plane. ...
  7. Screen time. ...
  8. Aisle walking.


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They may be in pain because of pressure changes at takeoff and landing; they may be tired and find it difficult to sleep without their normal surroundings; they might want to move around instead of being stuck in a confined space or they might be disoriented and scared.

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A pacifier might ease discomfort during flights. Babies can't intentionally pop their ears by swallowing or yawning to relieve ear pain caused by air pressure changes. Sucking on a pacifier might help.

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Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, especially during takeoff. Consider using cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs to limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

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You may bring your child's car seat and stroller free of charge as checked baggage. You can check these items with your other baggage, or wait until you reach the gate area. Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter.

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