Tips for Flying Long-Haul with a Baby (From a Dad Who Did It)
Before our first long-haul flight with Lily, I googled every possible tip. Most advice was generic - “bring snacks,” “keep calm” - but none felt like it came from a dad who had actually done it.
So here’s my honest guide from our trip.
Pre-Flight Prep
Choose flight times wisely: Night flights mean more chance your baby will sleep.
Book bulkhead seats: Extra legroom + bassinet space.
Pack light but smart: Nappies, wipes, extra clothes (for both baby and parents).
At the Airport
Arrive early: Rushing = stress.
Let them crawl/play: Burn off energy before boarding.
Snack strategy: Offer new snacks as distractions.
On the Plane
Takeoff and Landing: Breastfeed/bottle-feed/dummy to help with ear pressure.
Entertainment Kit: Small toys, books, stickers. Rotate them to keep interest.
Walking Aisles: Sometimes the only thing that works is pacing with them.
Ignore Judgement: Not everyone loves babies on planes. That’s their problem, not yours.
Dad Perspective
It’s exhausting. But it’s also an adventure. Seeing Lily clap at the in-flight music made every ounce of stress worth it.
What I’d Do Differently
Pack fewer toys (she only cared about 3).
Bring more snacks (always more snacks).
Worry less, babies feed off our stress.
Flying long-haul with a baby isn’t easy, but it’s doable with prep, patience, and snacks. Think smart packing, flexible mindset, and enjoy the ride. Check out how we handled a trip from the UK to Vancouver below
