Long-haul flight with kids: hand luggage list
On a long flight, your hand luggage is the whole trip: it has to feed, entertain, change and settle every child in your family, with no shops. Pack it as a kit you can reach in seconds, and keep the important things on top.
Check these first
The things people forget most. Everything else can be bought, borrowed or worked around.
- Passports and tickets
- Medication, with the doses
- Phone chargers and a multi-plug
- Comfort toy (and a spare if you have one)
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Toothbrushes
- Headphones
- Sun cream, if it’s sunny
Documents and money
Sleep and comfort
Snacks and drinks
Entertainment
Changes and cleaning
You can usually buy these there: Water, after security, Snacks, Magazines, Toiletries. Leave room in the case.
Tips
- Keep a ‘first reach’ pouch with wipes, a snack and the comfort toy at the top of the bag.
- Give children a small backpack of their own with things they choose, so they feel in charge of it.
- Download everything before you leave: airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
- Check your airline’s rules on liquids, formula and baby food, and on how many bags each person can take.
Common questions
What should I put in hand luggage for a long flight with kids?
Documents, a full spare outfit each, snacks and drinks, wipes, medicines, a comfort toy, headphones and downloaded entertainment, and a power bank.
How do I keep a toddler entertained on a long flight?
A mix of small, new things (stickers, a notebook, a little toy), downloaded shows, and snacks. Bring them out one at a time, not all at once.
Can I take snacks and drinks for children?
Usually you can take food, and you can fill a water bottle after security. Rules on liquids and baby food vary, so check your airline and airport.