Long-Haul Flight with Kids: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Last Updated on August 15, 2026 by Ina Geißler

The first time I boarded a long-haul flight with my oldest daughter, she was just five months old. Like many first-time parents, I’d spent weeks wondering how she would cope with such a long journey. Looking back, I can honestly say that the flight was far less stressful than I’d imagined.

Seventeen years later, that same little girl is confidently flying across the Atlantic on her own. In between, we’ve been flying long-haul with kids countless times and through every stage of childhood—from babies and toddlers to school-age children and teenagers. Every trip taught us something new, and every stage came with its own challenges.

If you’re preparing for your first long-haul flight with kids, this guide brings together everything we’ve learned over nearly two decades of family travel. Whether you’re flying with a baby, a toddler or a teenager, I’ll help you know what to expect before you board your flight.

Why you can trust this guide for flying long-haul with kids:
✓ Based on 17 years of long-haul travel with children
✓ First long-haul flight with a five-month-old baby
✓ Experience traveling with babies, toddlers, school-age children and teenagers
✓ Longest family flight: 12 hours (Munich–Singapore)
✓ Destinations include the USA, Singapore and the Dominican Republic
✓ Flown with American Airlines, United, Delta, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Iberia, Air France & more
✓ Experience traveling both as a family and alone with four children

-> Check out all our tips for air travel with kids

Is a long-haul flight with kids really that hard?

For many parents, the long flight with kids itself is the part they worry about most. Eight, ten or even twelve hours in the air can sound overwhelming, especially if you’ve never traveled long distance with children before. I remember feeling exactly the same before our first trip.

What surprised me most was that a long-haul flight with kids has its own rhythm. The journey is broken up naturally by boarding, takeoff, meals, movies, drinks and, on overnight flights, a period when the lights are dimmed and most passengers try to get some sleep. Instead of having to fill every minute yourself, the flight unfolds in different stages, making the hours pass much more quickly than many parents expect.

Children often experience these flights very differently than adults. For them, it’s all part of the adventure—watching airplanes from the terminal, choosing a movie, unfolding the blanket on their seat or simply looking out of the window above the clouds. That sense of excitement can make even a very long journey feel surprisingly manageable.

That’s not to say every flight will be perfect. There will always be children who are overtired, babies who cry, or unexpected delays. But after nearly two decades of flying with kids, I’ve learned that the biggest challenge is often the worry beforehand rather than the flight itself.

What’s Included on a Long-Haul Flight?

If you’ve only flown short-haul routes or low-cost airlines before, you’ll probably be surprised by how much is included on most long-haul flights. Many parents assume they’ll need to keep their children entertained for the entire journey, but that’s rarely the case.

On most full-service airlines, you can usually expect:

• Individual in-flight entertainment with movies, TV shows, music and games
• One or two hot meals, depending on the flight length and departure time
• Complimentary soft drinks, water, coffee and tea throughout the flight
• A pillow and blanket for every passenger
• USB or even USB-C charging ports on many aircraft
• Children’s activity packs on many airlines

The entertainment system is one of the biggest surprises for first-time long-haul travelers. Some aircraft feature personal seatback screens, while newer cabins may allow you to stream movies and TV shows directly to your own device. Either way, children usually have plenty of age-appropriate entertainment to choose from, making the hours pass much more quickly.

If your children are thirsty between meal services, don’t hesitate to ask. Cabin crew are usually happy to provide extra water, and on many airlines you can simply walk to the galley for a refill. I still recommend packing a few favorite snacks, headphones and a tablet with downloaded content, but compared to a short-haul flight, much of what families need is already provided on board.

What aircraft are used for long-haul flights?

If it’s your first long-haul flight with kids, you may be wondering what kind of aircraft you’ll be flying on. While every airline has a slightly different fleet, most long-haul flights are operated by wide-body aircraft that are much larger than the planes typically used on short- and medium-haul routes.

Some of the most common aircraft you’ll find on long-haul flights with kids include:

• Airbus A321neo (LR, XLR)
• Airbus A330
• Airbus A350
• Airbus A380
• Boeing 747
• Boeing 777
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Boeing 767 (still used by some airlines)

These aircraft aren’t just larger; they’re designed differently on the inside as well. Instead of a single aisle, they usually feature two aisles with seats between them, making it much easier to move around during the flight.

Depending on the aircraft type and the airline, the economy cabin is typically arranged with:

• 2-4-2 seating
• 3-3-3 seating
• 3-4-3 seating

That usually means two or three seats by each window and a larger block of seats in the middle. For families, this offers much more flexibility when choosing seats than the single-aisle aircraft used on most short-haul routes.

If you haven’t booked your seats yet, it’s worth taking a look at your aircraft’s seating plan before your flight. The layout varies not only between aircraft types but sometimes even between different airlines operating the same aircraft model.

How to choose the best seats for a long-haul flight with kids

Choosing the right seats can make a much bigger difference than most parents expect. A good seat won’t magically guarantee a perfect flight, but it can give you more space, better access to your belongings and make everyday situations—like serving meals or helping a child fall asleep—much easier.

If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, I usually recommend choosing seats by the window rather than in the middle section of the aircraft. Having the window beside you creates a little more privacy, and you don’t have to worry about another passenger needing to squeeze past every time they want to leave their seat.

I learned this lesson the hard way. On one of our flights to New York, we ended up in the middle block with a stranger sitting next to us. Every time I needed to stand up with my daughter, someone had to move first. Even the cabin crew later commented that they wished another passenger had offered to swap seats with us. But well… We made it to New York!

For families traveling with older children, a window and middle seat often work well, while groups of three may prefer an entire row by the window. Larger families usually have to split up, but I always try to keep at least one adult with each younger child.

If your airline offers seat selection before departure, it can be worth booking your seats early if you don’t have any long-haul flight experience. On busy routes, the best family-friendly seats are often among the first to be reserved.

-> Here’s everything you need to know about the best seats on a plane with kids

Bulkhead seats with kids

If you’re flying with a baby, check whether your airline offers bulkhead seats with a bassinet. These seats are located in the first row behind a cabin divider and usually provide significantly more legroom than standard economy seats.

Even when my babies didn’t spend the entire flight in the baby bassinet, I always appreciated the extra space. There was more room to lift them up, play on the floor for a few minutes or simply move around without feeling cramped.

Keep in mind that bassinets are available only for babies below a certain weight and size, and they’re usually limited in number. If you’d like to reserve one, contact your airline as early as possible after booking your flight.

Flying long-haul with a baby

Many parents wonder whether they should postpone long-distance travel until their child is older. From my experience, there isn’t a perfect age for a long-haul flight with a baby. Every child is different, and every family has different reasons for traveling.

Our oldest daughter was just five months old on her first transatlantic flight from Munich to the United States. Since then, we’ve flown long-haul with babies, toddlers, school-age children and teenagers.

Looking back, I actually found the baby stage one of the easiest. Babies don’t need much entertainment, they usually sleep more than older children and they’re often happiest simply being close to their parents.

Of course, there are exceptions. One of our children was a colicky baby, then struggled with motion sickness from an early age, so we decided not to fly long-haul again for several years. Waiting was the right decision for our family. The most important thing is to trust your instincts instead of comparing yourself to other parents.

Should your baby have their own seat?

Most babies under the age of two travel as lap infants, simply because it’s much more affordable. On long-haul flights, however, having a separate seat can be a real luxury if your budget allows it.

With their own seat, your baby can travel in an airline-approved car seat. Besides being the safest option available, many babies also sleep much better in a familiar seat than in a parent’s arms.

We never booked a separate seat for our babies as it was simply not in the budget. There was one exception, though.

On one flight, I brought our FAA-approved infant car seat to the gate, hoping the seat next to us would stay empty. It wasn’t guaranteed, but if the flight wasn’t full, there was always a chance. We got lucky!

The neighboring seat remained vacant, and the cabin crew allowed us to secure the car seat there. Our daughter happily slept in her own little space for much of the flight, while I finally had both hands free to eat, drink and simply take a deep breath. It remains one of those small moments that I still remember years later.

-> Good to know: If you’re bringing an airline-approved car seat on board, it will usually need to be installed in a window seat. This ensures the car seat doesn’t block other passengers (or you) from leaving their row in the event of an emergency evacuation. The exact seating rules may vary slightly between airlines, so it’s always worth checking your airline’s policy before you travel.

Is a bassinet worth it?

If your airline offers a baby bassinet, I’d absolutely recommend requesting one. The bassinets themselves are provided by the airline at no extra cost, but you’ll usually need to reserve one in advance, as only a limited number are available on each aircraft.

The exact number depends on the aircraft type. Larger long-haul planes often have several bassinets, while smaller aircraft may only have two. If you weren’t able to reserve one before your flight, it’s still worth asking at check-in, at the gate or when boarding the airplane with baby. If a bassinet is still available, airlines will happily assign it to you.

Keep in mind that bassinets are only available for babies below the airline’s maximum weight and size limits. These limits vary, so it’s best to check your airline’s website before you travel.

Although bassinets are attached to the bulkhead wall, these are not exit-row seats. Families simply benefit from the additional legroom that these rows offer.

For safety reasons, babies can’t remain in the bassinet during taxi, takeoff, landing or whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated due to turbulence. In those situations, the cabin crew will ask you to take your baby out of the bassinet until it’s safe to use again.

How to help kids with ear pressure during takeoff and landing

One of the most common concerns parents have before flying is ear pain. Fortunately, most children cope surprisingly well, and there are a few simple ways to make things even easier.

For babies, swallowing is the key. Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or offering a pacifier during takeoff and landing helps equalize the pressure naturally.

Older children can sip water, chew gum or suck on a piece of candy if they’re old enough. Encourage them to swallow regularly instead of waiting until their ears already feel uncomfortable.

If your child has a cold or a blocked nose, speak to your pediatrician before your trip. A saline spray or, in some cases, a child-appropriate nasal spray may help open the nasal passages, making pressure changes easier to handle. Ear drops, on the other hand, don’t prevent ear pressure during a flight.

Over the years, ear pain has been one of the problems we worried about most before flying because it used to be a pain in the back for me when I was little… In reality, it has rarely been an issue. A little preparation is usually all it takes to help children stay comfortable during takeoff and landing.

Should you choose a daytime or overnight flight?

One of the questions I get asked most often is whether it’s better to book a daytime or an overnight flight with kids. The honest answer? There isn’t a single right choice. It depends on your children’s age, your destination and your family’s travel style.

Personally, I’ve always preferred overnight flights whenever possible.

After takeoff, the flight usually follows a familiar routine. Dinner is served, the cabin lights are gradually dimmed and, before long, most passengers settle in for the night. Even children who don’t normally fall asleep easily often manage to sleep for at least a few hours simply because the entire cabin becomes quiet.

Daytime flights have their advantages, too. Children are well rested after a full night’s sleep at home, they’re usually in a better mood and it’s easier to keep them busy with movies, games, coloring books and meals. For families with babies who don’t sleep well on planes, a daytime departure may actually be the more relaxing option.

Why you often can’t choose:
In many cases, however, you won’t have much of a choice. Flight schedules are largely determined by the route, the airline and the direction you’re flying. Many transatlantic flights to Europe leave North America in the afternoon or evening and arrive the following morning, while westbound flights often depart during the day.

Rather than focusing on finding the perfect departure time, I’d choose the itinerary that best fits your overall trip and budget. A convenient departure airport, fewer connections or a shorter travel day will often have a much bigger impact than whether your flight leaves at 10 a.m. or 10 p.m.

-> Read this article about day vs. night flight with kids + tips

What’s better: direct flight or connecting flight?

Many parents automatically assume that a direct flight is always the better choice. And yes, there are situations where that’s true. If you’re traveling with a child who struggles with transitions or you have a very tight schedule, flying nonstop can certainly make the journey simpler.

Personally, though, I actually like connecting flights.

After six or seven hours on a plane, getting off for a while feels good—for everyone. The kids can stretch their legs, walk around, use a proper restroom, grab a snack and burn off some energy before boarding the next flight. For our family, that short break often makes the second flight feel much easier than spending ten or twelve hours on the same aircraft without leaving our seats.

That said, my preference for connecting flights mainly applies to daytime layovers. If your child is finally asleep on an overnight flight, waking them up in the middle of the night, carrying them through the airport and then waiting at another gate isn’t much fun… In those situations, I’d much rather stay on the plane and let everyone continue sleeping. Whenever possible, I try to avoid overnight layovers with young children.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when booking a connection.

I’d always recommend choosing a layover that’s long enough to avoid unnecessary stress. With children, I’d rather plan for an extra hour at the airport than run through the terminal worrying about missing the next flight.

When comparing different itineraries, look for:

• enough time to change terminals if necessary
• time for restroom breaks and diaper changes
• an opportunity to buy food or refill water bottles
• space for the kids to walk around before the next flight

If both flights are booked on the same ticket, you’re also protected if your first flight is delayed. In that case, the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination.

Ultimately, there isn’t a right or wrong choice. Some families love the simplicity of a nonstop flight, while others—like us—actually enjoy breaking up a long journey with a well-planned layover. For most, it strongly depends on their budget.

-> Read this article if you’re still unsure if a direct flight or a connecting flight is better

What to pack for a long-haul flight with kids

Packing for a long-haul flight with kids doesn’t mean bringing an entire suitcase into the cabin. The goal is to have everything you’ll actually need within easy reach without carrying more than necessary.

Over the years, I’ve realized that a few well-chosen essentials make a much bigger difference than packing dozens of just in case items.

My long-haul flight essentials with kids

I never board a long-haul flight without:

• a change of clothes for each child
• one spare shirt for myself
• downloaded movies or TV shows on a tablet
• child-sized headphones
• favorite snacks that don’t melt
• an empty reusable water bottle to refill after security
• charging cables for every device
• a power bank*
• wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• a few small activities, such as coloring books, sticker books or card games

Important:
Always carry your power bank in your hand luggage, as it’s not allowed in checked baggage. Some airlines also restrict the charging and the use of power banks during the flight, so don’t assume you’ll be able to charge your devices on board. Check your airline’s policy before you travel.

One tip that’s often overlooked is charging your devices before leaving for the airport. While many long-haul aircraft now offer USB or USB-C charging ports, charging speeds can be surprisingly slow. I always assume that my own battery needs to last the entire journey.

The same goes for snacks. Most long-haul flights include meals, but children don’t always get hungry when the food is served. Having a few familiar snacks in your bag can bridge the gap until the next meal service.

Good to know:
Before packing food, check the customs regulations for your destination. While snacks are usually fine during the flight, some countries have strict rules about bringing fresh fruit, meat, dairy products or other foods across the border.

Jet lag after a long-haul flight with kids & how to deal with it

Jet lag is something many parents worry about before their first long-haul trip. The good news? In my experience, children usually adapt much faster than adults.

I’ve found that the best approach is to switch to the local time as quickly as possible. If you arrive in the morning, try to stay awake until the evening. If you land in the afternoon, spend some time outside, keep everyone active and aim for a normal bedtime.

You don’t have to plan every hour of the first day, and you certainly don’t need a complicated strategy. A little flexibility goes a long way.

-> Find more practical advice on flying with kids in this article!

When does jet lag become a problem after a long-haul flight with kids?

Jet lag usually becomes noticeable once you cross three or more time zones. The greater the time difference, the longer it may take for your body to adjust to the new schedule.

For many travelers, a time difference of one or two hours is barely noticeable. Once you cross five or more time zones, however, jet lag often becomes much more pronounced. Your body clock is suddenly out of sync with the local time, making it harder to fall asleep, wake up or feel hungry at the “right” time.

It’s also worth remembering that jet lag isn’t the only reason you might feel exhausted after a long-haul flight with kids. A long travel day, early airport check-ins, delayed flights, time spent in transit, lots of stress and interrupted sleep can leave everyone feeling tired—even if the time difference itself isn’t particularly large.

In general, westbound travel is easier than flying east. Staying awake longer is something most people naturally manage quite well, especially on vacation.

Flying east is often more challenging because you’re effectively losing hours. Many overnight flights to Europe or Asia pass through a relatively short night due to the rotation of the Earth. That means passengers only get a few hours of sleep before it’s time to land. That’s why eastbound flights tend to leave both adults and children feeling more tired during the first day or two. But yes, jet lag can be hard, but a jet lag with kids is harder… 😉

-> That’s somethings you should keep in mind especially when flying alone with kids with no other grown-up around to watch the little ones when you’re exhausted.

Simple ways to reduce jet lag after a long-haul flight with kids

Our best jet lag tips after 17 years of long-haul flights with kids:

• Change your watches and phones to the local time as soon as you board or after landing.
• Spend time outdoors in daylight, especially on your first day.
• Encourage everyone to stay hydrated during and after the flight.
• Avoid planning a packed sightseeing schedule for your arrival day.
• Give children time to adjust instead of expecting them to follow a perfect routine immediately.

Every family is different, but one thing has surprised me again and again: children are often far more resilient than we expect. While I sometimes need a day or two to feel fully adjusted, my kids are usually ready to explore much sooner.

Some of our favorite airlines for long-haul flights with kids

Over the years, we’ve flown with many different airlines, including American Airlines, United, Delta, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Iberia and Air France. The truth is that there isn’t a single best airline for every family. Every carrier has its own strengths, and every trip is a little different. That said, a few airlines have left a particularly positive impression on us.

Flying American Airlines with kids

American Airlines has always stood out because of its incredibly friendly cabin crews. On several flights, the flight attendants went out of their way to interact with our children, check whether we needed anything and make us feel genuinely welcome. Those small gestures can make a long journey feel much easier (American Airlines).

Flying Emirates with kids

If you’re looking for a family-friendly experience, Emirates is hard to beat. The entertainment system is excellent, children’s meals are thoughtfully prepared and younger passengers often receive small toys or activity packs. Combined with the airline’s spacious cabins and attentive service, it has consistently been one of our favorite choices for long-haul travel (Emirates).

Flying Singapore Airlines with kids

Singapore Airlines impressed us with its outstanding service from the moment we boarded. The cabin crew was attentive without ever being intrusive, drinks were offered regularly and the overall onboard experience felt exceptionally well organized. It’s one of those airlines where you notice the attention to detail throughout the journey (Singapore Airlines).

Every family values different things

Some parents prioritize the lowest fare, while others are happy to pay a little more for extra comfort, better flight times or more family-friendly service.

From my experience, though, one thing matters far more than the airline’s name: a friendly and engaged cabin crew. A smile, a glass of water for a tired child or a few kind words at the right moment can make a much bigger difference than any entertainment system or meal served on board.

Final thoughts on long-distance travel with kids

Your first long-haul flight with kids probably won’t be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be.

There will be moments that don’t go according to plan. A spilled drink, a missed nap or a toddler who suddenly decides they’ve had enough of sitting still are all part of traveling with children. Don’t let those small moments overshadow the experience!

Looking back at the past 17 years, I don’t remember the few difficult hours on board during a long-haul flight with kids. I remember watching my children see New York for the first time, walking Thailand’s beaches, exploring Singapore after a 12-hour flight and experiencing the Dominican Republic as a family. Those memories have always been worth the journey.

If you’re well prepared, stay flexible and keep your expectations realistic, a long-haul flight with children is much less intimidating than it may seem before your first trip. And who knows? Your first long-haul flight might just be the beginning of a lifetime of family adventures.

Frequently asked questions about long-haul flights with children

What’s considered a long-haul flight?

Although there’s no single worldwide definition, flights lasting more than six hours are generally considered long-haul flights. Many intercontinental routes between Europe and North America, Asia, Africa or the Caribbean fall into this category.

What’s the best age for a long-haul flight with a baby?

There isn’t one perfect age. Some babies travel happily at just a few months old, while others may benefit from waiting a little longer. Rather than comparing your child to others, think about their personality, health and how they usually cope with travel.

Is it better to book a direct flight or a connecting flight for a long-haul flight with kids?

Neither option is automatically better. A direct flight shortens the overall travel time, while a well-planned layover gives children the chance to move around before the next flight. The best choice depends on your destination, budget and your family’s travel style.

Should I bring food on the plane for my child?

Yes. Even though meals are included on most long-haul flights, children don’t always feel hungry when food is served. A few familiar snacks can make the long-haul flight with kids much easier.

Can babies sleep in a bassinet for the entire flight?

No. During taxiing, takeoff, landing and whenever the seat belt sign is on because of turbulence, babies must be taken out of the bassinet and held according to the airline’s safety procedures.

Is a long-haul flight with kids harder than short-haul flights?

Not necessarily. In many ways, they’re actually easier. Meals, entertainment and quieter overnight cabins naturally divide the journey into different phases, making the hours pass more quickly than many first-time parents expect.