Grandparents Flying with Grandkids -- The Ultimate Guide​​

​

This article provides practical tips, destination ideas, and booking advice to help families enjoy their flying experience. Whether traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there’s something for every family member to enjoy!

​

​Taking your kids on an airplane for a vacation can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires some preparation to ensure a smooth, fun, and memorable experience. Whether you’re flying with toddlers, school-aged children, or teenagers, traveling by air opens up a world of possibilities for family bonding and exploring new destinations. Here’s your complete guide to planning a family-friendly flight vacation, including top destinations, airlines, booking tips, and how to keep your kids entertained and educated while flying.

​

 

​

​​

​​Top 10 Family-Friendly Destinations to Fly to

1. Orlando, Florida (USA)
   Orlando is a top family destination, home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. It’s perfect for younger children, teens, and everyone in between.

2. San Diego, California (USA)
   San Diego offers beautiful beaches, the famous San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and family-friendly museums, making it ideal for family fun.

3. Hawaii (USA)
   Hawaii’s islands are perfect for a family escape with a mix of beach time, volcano tours, cultural experiences, and water activities. Great for all ages, from toddlers to teens.

4. Tokyo, Japan
   Tokyo is full of exciting attractions for kids, including Disneyland Tokyo, cultural experiences like sumo wrestling, and cutting-edge technology, perfect for curious kids and teens.

5. London, England
   London is filled with historical landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and kid-friendly attractions such as the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

6. Paris, France
   Besides its iconic landmarks, Paris offers family-friendly attractions like Disneyland Paris and boat cruises along the Seine, making it a fantastic cultural destination for all ages.

7. Cancun, Mexico
   A favorite for family vacations, Cancun features gorgeous beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and opportunities to explore Mayan ruins. Water parks and snorkeling adventures make it perfect for both young kids and teens.

8. Sydney, Australia
   Visit the Sydney Opera House, explore Taronga Zoo, and hit the beaches. Sydney’s blend of nature, culture, and adventure makes it perfect for the entire family.

9. Barcelona, Spain
   Barcelona offers a mix of beach days, stunning architecture, and cultural experiences. Families can enjoy everything from the famous Park Güell to kid-friendly science museums.

10. Rome, Italy
    For families with older kids or teenagers, Rome offers an immersive history lesson with visits to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City. Pair it with the best pizza and gelato for happy travelers!

Top 5 Best Airlines for Family Travel

1. JetBlue Airways
   JetBlue is known for its excellent legroom, complimentary in-flight entertainment, and free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal airline for keeping kids entertained. They also offer family-friendly boarding.

2. Southwest Airlines
   With two free checked bags and no change fees, Southwest is perfect for families. Their open seating policy allows families to sit together without extra charges, and they’re known for their friendly staff.

3. Delta Air Lines
   Delta offers family-friendly amenities, including seatback entertainment systems, snacks, and power outlets. Their "Delta Sky Zone" at some airports is great for keeping young travelers entertained.

4. Qatar Airways
   If you’re flying internationally, Qatar Airways offers spacious seating, kid-friendly meals, and entertainment systems with movies and games for all ages, ensuring a smooth long-haul flight.

5. Emirates
   Known for luxurious family service, Emirates offers in-flight toys, activity packs, and a wide selection of children’s movies and TV shows. Their complimentary strollers at airports also make traveling with kids easier.

Top 5 Websites for Booking a Family Flight

1. Google Flights
   Google Flights provides an easy way to search and compare flight prices across multiple airlines. You can filter by flight duration, price, and layovers to find the best option for your family.

2. Momondo
   Momondo specializes in comparing multiple travel sites to find the cheapest flights. It’s particularly useful for families on a budget.

3. Skyscanner
   Skyscanner is great for flexible travel dates, showing the cheapest days to fly, and is ideal for finding budget-friendly family flights.

4. Kayak
   Kayak compares prices from different airlines and travel agencies, helping you find deals on both domestic and international flights.

5. Expedia
   Expedia offers package deals for flights, hotels, and car rentals, making it easy to bundle and save when planning a family vacation.

How to Get the Best Deals?

• Book Early: Airfares tend to rise as your departure date approaches, so book as early as possible for the best rates.

• Be Flexible with Dates: If you have flexibility, search for flights during off-peak times or mid-week for lower prices.

• Set Fare Alerts: Use websites like Google Flights and Kayak to set fare alerts so you’re notified when prices drop for your chosen destinations.

• Use Airline Miles or Rewards: If you have accumulated miles through a rewards program, use them to reduce the cost of flights for your family.

• Consider Budget Airlines: While budget airlines often charge for extras like baggage or meals, they can be significantly cheaper than major carriers for short-haul flights.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

How to Keep Your Grandkids Entertained on a Flight?

Flying can be a long and sometimes stressful experience for children, so keeping them entertained and engaged is key. Here are some ways to make flying fun and educational:

1. In-flight Entertainment Systems: Many airlines offer personal screens loaded with movies, TV shows, and games for children. This is a great way to keep kids entertained during the flight.

2. Audiobooks and Podcasts: Download kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts on travel or learning topics. These are great for older kids and teens and can keep them entertained while learning new things.

3. Travel Journals: Encourage children to document their trip with a travel journal. They can draw what they see, write about their experiences, or create lists of new things they’ve learned.

4. Educational Apps: Download educational apps or games that teach math, science, or languages. Many of these apps are both fun and interactive, making learning a breeze while in the air.

5. Books: Bring along some of your kids’ favorite books or a new one related to the destination you're visiting. This keeps them engaged while subtly preparing them for the trip.

6. DIY Travel Games: Pack a set of travel-friendly games, such as magnetic chess or checkers, and card games like Uno or Go Fish, electronics to keep kids entertained. 

7. Snacks and Activity Packs: Create a surprise activity pack for each child with coloring books, puzzles, and small snacks. It’s a fun way to keep them occupied for hours.

Conclusion

Traveling by airplane with kids doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be an exciting part of the family vacation! Whether you're flying to iconic destinations like Orlando or taking a cultural trip to Rome, the journey offers countless opportunities for learning, bonding, and adventure. By choosing the right family-friendly airlines, using the best booking tools, and keeping your kids entertained and engaged, you can ensure that the vacation starts the moment you board the plane. Happy travels!