Carry-On Chaos? Not Anymore.
Let’s be honest — flying with kids can feel like an Olympic sport. Between snacks, diapers, tablets, and that one must-have stuffed animal, it’s easy to overpack… or forget something crucial. But what if you could breeze through the airport with just your carry-ons — and still have everything your family needs?
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, this guide will help you pack smart, stay organized, and make your trip smoother from takeoff to touchdown. Bonus: it’ll save you money and sanity.
How to Divide Carry-Ons for Maximum Efficiency (by Age Group)
When traveling as a family, packing isn’t just about what you bring — it’s about how you pack. By dividing the load based on each family member’s age and needs, you keep things organized and manageable.
Parents: One Carry-On & One Personal Item Each
Each adult should carry one standard-size carry-on (rolling suitcase or large travel backpack) and a personal item like a tote or diaper bag. These bags will hold:
- Shared toiletries (TSA-approved sizes)
- A couple of outfits for you
- Medications or family-wide first aid items
- Chargers, electronics, and travel documents
- Snacks and inflight essentials
- Spare clothes for toddlers or babies
Kids (Elementary Age): Their Own Backpack
If your kids are 5 or older, let them carry a small backpack that they pack themselves (with a little guidance). It can help teach independence and frees up space for you. While your child might be able to pull a carry-on, chances are, like my kids, they’ll end up complaining, and you’ll find yourself pulling it along with your own. Backpacks are a great option, as long as they’re not packed too full!
What they should pack:
- Their favorite snacks (TSA-compliant)
- iPad or tablet with pre-downloaded games/movies
- Child-sized headphones
- Lightweight hoodie or sweater
- Reusable water bottle (empty before security)
- 2 small toys or books (they choose!)
Pro Tip: Giving kids control over their own backpack builds excitement — and reduces in-flight boredom.
Babies & Toddlers: Packed in Parent’s Bag
For your littlest travelers, keep all essentials in a well-organized diaper bag or one of the parents’ personal items. You’ll want everything easily accessible during the flight, especially for diaper changes, feeding, or calming fussiness. Toddlers may find it exciting to carry their own little backpack. Our two-year-old loved wearing her little backpack, which held a few toys and snacks. It made her feel like a big kid alongside her siblings!
Pack:
- Diapers or pull-ups (enough for the travel day + a few extras)
- Wipes and a compact changing pad
- Formula, bottles, or baby snacks
- Pacifiers and teething toys
- A familiar blanket or lovey
- Change of clothes (maybe two!)
- 1–2 small toys or books
Pro Tip to Save Space: Only bring enough diapers and wipes for the first 1–2 days of your trip. If you’re traveling somewhere with easy access to stores like Target or Walmart, plan to buy a small pack when you arrive. This frees up space in your carry-on for other essentials and keeps your bags lighter. We have gotten really good at buying what we need for the week and having just enough to come home.
What to Pack in Every Family Carry-On
Now that each person has their own bag, here’s what you’ll want across the board:
Essentials for Parents:
- Passports, IDs, and boarding passes (although this can be digital)
- Wallet and travel insurance info
- Phones, chargers, and portable power bank
- Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, tissues
- Travel-size toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Kindle, book, or magazine
Essentials for Kids:
- Change of clothes
- Their own snacks
- Tablet or iPad with entertainment
- Headphones
- Blanket or travel pillow
- Favorite toy or activity
- Reusable water bottle
What NOT to Pack in Your Carry-On
Save space and headaches by skipping these common mistakes:
- Too many toys — 1 or 2 favorites are plenty
- Full-size liquids — TSA will toss them
- Heavy books — go digital
- Overpacking “just in case” extras
- Unorganized bags — use packing cubes or labeled pouches
Bonus Travel Tips for Families
- Pack smart for TSA: Keep liquids and electronics easy to grab
- Bring extra zip-top bags: For snacks, messes, or dirty clothes
- Use stroller clips: Great for attaching bags if kids get tired
- Pre-download content: Don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi or in-flight streaming
- Help with ear pressure: Pack lollipops, gum, or sippy cups for takeoff/landing
When and Why a Checked Bag Might Be the Better Option for Your Family
While carry-ons have their benefits, there are times when traveling with just a checked bag can be the smarter choice for families. Here’s why:
- More Room for Gear: If you’re traveling with a stroller, car seat, or extra baby gear, a checked bag can save you the headache of cramming everything into a carry-on. Strollers, for example, are often free to check, but trying to fit them into a carry-on bag or overhead bin isn’t practical.
- Longer Trips or Varied Destinations: If you’re heading somewhere that requires a lot of clothes — or if your destination has variable weather — you’ll likely need more than one change of clothes. A checked bag allows for more flexibility, especially on trips that involve different climates or activities (e.g., beach and city adventures).
- Easier Airport Experience: Carrying only a checked bag means you’re free from managing multiple small bags, dealing with overhead storage, or searching through a packed carry-on mid-flight. This can be particularly helpful when you’re traveling solo with kids or need to keep things as simple as possible.
- If You Plan to Shop During Your Trip: A checked bag is a perfect option if you plan to buy clothes, souvenirs, or other items during your trip. You’ll have plenty of room to bring those items back home without worrying about space in your carry-on.
- Lighter Carry-Ons: With a checked bag, you can keep your carry-on to a minimum, making it easier to manage on the plane, and you won’t have to worry about carrying bulky items like jackets, blankets, or extra shoes.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, packing for a family trip with young kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy and a well-organized carry-on, you can keep everything you need within reach while minimizing stress. By involving your kids in packing, prioritizing essentials, and using clever packing techniques, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable travel experience. Remember, it’s all about being prepared and staying flexible—stress-free travel truly starts here!
