Looking for tips for flying with kids to a destination wedding or resort vacation? You have come to the right place. At first, the idea of traveling internationally with children can feel overwhelming. Consequently, many parents either talk themselves out of going or show up completely unprepared. Fortunately, with a little planning, traveling with kids ages 12 and under is not only doable — it can be genuinely fun.

All-inclusive resorts are actually one of the most family-friendly environments you will find. Kids clubs, family pools, and on-site babysitting services mean you can celebrate your people AND keep the kids happy. It just takes a little extra prep. Here are our best tips for flying and traveling with kids so you can show up to that beach wedding feeling relaxed, not rattled.

Tips for Flying with Kids: Passports & Travel Documents

Before anything else, make sure your documents are in order. Specifically, passport and documentation rules vary depending on where you are going and whether both parents are traveling.

Domestic vs International Travel for Kids

• Domestic travel (children under 12): you do NOT need a passport. A birth certificate is sufficient — a photo on your phone works fine.
• International travel: all passengers including infants need a valid passport. Make sure it is not expired and is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• Most airlines do not charge for infants under age 2 to sit in your lap. For international flights, you will pay a small tax.

Traveling with One Parent? This Is Critical.

If you are traveling internationally with a child and the other parent is not present, you may need additional documentation. In fact, some countries require a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent. This is one of the most overlooked travel requirements and can cause serious issues at customs.

For full details and the most up-to-date requirements, visit the official U.S. government resource: https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children. Do not skip this step if only one parent is traveling with the kids.

Global Entry & TSA Pre-Check

If you travel internationally often, Global Entry is one of the best investments you can make. Furthermore, children are now free to enroll in Global Entry, which is a huge benefit for families. Global Entry gives you expedited re-entry into the U.S. at airports and also includes TSA Pre-Check for domestic travel. Additionally, TSA Pre-Check allows you to keep shoes, laptops, and liquids in your bag at security — a game changer when traveling with kids and all their gear.

• Global Entry: expedited U.S. customs and immigration clearance for international travelers. Children are free!
• TSA Pre-Check: faster security lanes domestically. Included with Global Entry.
• Add your Known Traveler Number to every flight booking so the benefit applies automatically.

Buy Travel Insurance First

Always purchase travel insurance when traveling with kids. Kids get sick, flights get delayed, and the unexpected happens more often than we would like to admit. Additionally, most U.S. health insurance does NOT work internationally. As a result, travel insurance fills that critical gap and covers medical expenses while you are away. Ask your Bridie Travel advisor for a personalized quote — we will make sure your whole family is covered. Learn more about travel insurance and to get a quote.

Pack a Smart Carry-On

Your carry-on is your lifeline when flying with kids. Pack it like your trip depends on it — because it kind of does! Here is what to include:

• Extra diapers and wipes — always more than you think you will need
• A change of clothes for each child (and honestly, one for yourself too)
• Snacks they love, plus juice boxes
• New small toys or wrapped surprises — novelty goes a long way at 30,000 feet. Wrap a few cheap toys like gifts and hand them out one at a time!
• A tablet loaded with downloaded movies and shows — do not rely on in-flight WiFi
• Kids’ medications — fever reducer, motion sickness, allergy medicine, and any prescriptions
• Sunscreen formulated for kids
• Swim diapers if applicable

Breezing Through Security

Airport security with kids is easier than you might think once you know the rules. In particular, these tips will save you significant time and stress:

• Use the accessible or family security lane when traveling with a stroller
• You do not need to take your kids’ shoes off, and you can carry them through the scanner
• Pack infant formula, breast milk, or juice separately in a small cooler — TSA will need to check it and having it separate saves time
• Strollers can be checked at the gate so you have them throughout the airport

The Descent Trick Every Parent Should Know

The most stressful moment for parents on a plane is often the descent. As the plane descends, ear pressure changes rapidly, which can be painful for babies and toddlers who cannot equalize on their own. Fortunately, the fix is simple: have something ready to suck or chew as soon as the plane starts its descent. Sucking and swallowing helps equalize the pressure. If the baby cries anyway, let them — crying actually helps release pressure too.

• Infants: pacifier or bottle during descent
• Toddlers: a snack or juice box works perfectly
• Older kids: gum or candy to chew

What to Check for Free

Here is what you can typically check for free or at low cost when traveling with children. Always confirm with your specific airline before travel:

• Car seats
• Strollers — check at the gate so you have them in the airport
• Pack-n-plays and travel cribs

Additionally, consider using a protective bag or cover for your stroller and car seat to keep them clean and protected in the cargo hold.

The Amazon Delivery Hack

Here is one of the best-kept travel secrets for parents: most countries deliver from Amazon. As a result, you can pre-order diapers, formula, wipes, sunscreen, and other bulky baby essentials to be delivered directly to your resort before you arrive. This means you do not have to stuff your suitcase with supplies or pay resort shop prices. Simply place your Amazon order a few days before your trip and have it waiting at the front desk when you check in.

Furthermore, some resorts go above and beyond by providing baby essentials directly as part of their family services. For example, Grand Velas and Finest Playa Mujeres are both known for stocking cribs, high chairs, bottle warmers, and even diapers and formula on-site. Consequently, families staying at these properties barely need to pack anything for the baby at all. Ask your Bridie Travel advisor which resorts offer these services!

Making the Most of the Resort

All-inclusive resorts are genuinely great for families. Here is how to set yourself up for success once you arrive:

• Ask about kids clubs at check-in — many resorts offer supervised programming for toddlers and up, giving you time to enjoy the wedding festivities while the kids are happy and entertained
• Request a room near the family pool or kids area for easy access
• Scope out the buffet early — all-inclusive buffets almost always have kid-friendly options
• Ask about babysitting services if you want to attend the wedding reception without little ones in tow

Traveling with kids is an adventure — and it only gets easier the more you do it! 🌴 Before you zip up that suitcase, check out our All Inclusive Packing List for everything you need for the adults in your group, including a dedicated kids packing section.

Need help planning your family’s next adventure? We’d love to help. Contact us here!