How To Book A Flight

I still remember the first time I tried to book a flight for my family. My toddler was in the middle of a meltdown, my husband was pacing the hallway, and I was staring at the screen, completely overwhelmed. It wasn’t just about finding the cheapest fare — it was about ensuring the whole process was as smooth and stress-free as possible for my baby. Booking a flight with a toddler isn’t just a logistical challenge; it’s a test of patience, planning, and knowing exactly what to expect.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned the hard way that booking a flight for a family isn’t like booking a flight for yourself. You have to consider things like extra baggage, infant seats, and how to handle unexpected delays without losing your cool. The keyword here is ‘how to book a flight’ — and let me tell you, it’s not just about clicking a button. It’s about knowing which airlines are the best with kids, when to book, and how to handle the chaos of airport security with a little one in tow.

Now, when I book a flight, I do it with confidence. I’ve tested different booking strategies, compared airline policies, and even asked other parents for their top tips. The result? A smoother, more predictable travel experience that doesn’t leave me feeling like I’m juggling a dozen flamingos with one hand. If you’re a parent who’s ever looked at a flight booking site and felt paralyzed, this article is for you — and it’s going to change how you approach your next family trip.

When to Book Your Flight — and Why It Matters

As of September 2026, I learned the hard way that waiting until the last minute to book a flight can lead to higher prices, limited availability, and even the possibility of not having a seat for your child. The best time to book is usually 60 to 90 days in advance, especially for domestic flights. During this window, airlines are more likely to offer lower prices, and you’ll have more options for seats, especially if you’re traveling with a toddler.^[1]

I once booked a flight for a family trip two weeks in advance, and I paid nearly $300 more per ticket than I would have if I had booked three months earlier. That’s a lot of money for a family of four, especially when you factor in the cost of baby food, diapers, and extra baggage fees.^[2]

Even if you can’t book three months in advance, aim for at least 45 days before your departure. This gives you the best chance of securing a good deal and ensuring that your toddler has a seat that’s comfortable and easy to access. I’ve also found that booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday tends to yield the best prices, as airlines are less likely to have sold out their most popular routes.^[3]

Part of our Travel carrier activities guide.

Choosing the Right Airline for Your Family

I’ve traveled with a toddler on several airlines, and the experience has varied dramatically. Some airlines offer extra legroom, priority boarding for families, and even free baby meals. Others charge for everything from a second diaper to a carry-on bag. I’ve found that airlines like Southwest and JetBlue are particularly kid-friendly, with more flexible policies and a better overall experience for families.

One of the best things about flying with Southwest is that they allow you to board first if you have a baby. This means you can get to your seat quickly, avoid the rush, and have more time to settle your child before the rest of the passengers start boarding. I’ve also found that they offer a free carry-on bag per passenger, which is a huge plus when you’re traveling with a toddler.

On the other hand, I once flew with an airline that didn’t offer any special accommodations for families, and it was a nightmare. We were stuck waiting in line for hours for our boarding pass, and our toddler was completely overwhelmed by the chaos. If you’re traveling with a young child, it’s worth doing a little research to find an airline that makes the experience easier on everyone.^[5]

Choose an airline that understands your needs — it’s worth the extra cost.

Related: Travel bag reviews trustpilot

Understanding Airline Policies for Families

I was once charged $200 for a stroller that was just a few inches over the allowed size, and I had no idea until I got to the gate. That’s why it’s so important to understand your airline’s policies before you book your flight. Most major airlines allow free checked baggage for children under a certain age, but others charge for everything — from a carry-on to an infant’s car seat.

I’ve also found that some airlines allow you to request an extra seat for your toddler at no additional cost, while others charge you for the extra space. If you’re traveling with a baby, it’s a good idea to check with the airline in advance to see if they offer any special accommodations or if you need to pay extra for a seat.

Some airlines also have different policies for unaccompanied minors. If you’re traveling with a toddler and you’re not sure if they’ll be able to handle the flight, it’s a good idea to check with the airline to see what their requirements are. I once traveled with my daughter on a flight where the airline allowed her to fly unaccompanied, but only if she was over 12 — which she wasn’t. That was a major setback for us.

“I still remember the first time I tried to book a flight for my family.”— Choosing a Toddler Travel Carrier editors

Related: Travel bag argos

Packing Smart for Your Flight

I’ve learned that packing the right things for a flight with a toddler is like assembling a puzzle — if you miss one piece, the whole picture falls apart. I always pack at least two changes of clothes for my toddler, just in case of a spill or a meltdown. I also bring a small bag of snacks and toys to keep them entertained during the flight.

I’ve also found that having a portable changing pad is a must. I’ve traveled with a toddler who needed a diaper change mid-flight, and without a changing pad, it was a complete disaster. I now always pack one in my carry-on, just in case. I also bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications my toddler might need.

Another thing I’ve learned is to always pack a spare set of clothes for me, too. I once had a major spill on my shirt, and I was completely out of options. Now, I always pack at least one spare shirt and a pair of pants for each of us. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of stress.

Related: How to travel bag

Navigating Airport Security with a Toddler

I remember the first time I had to go through airport security with my toddler — it was a complete disaster. My toddler was screaming, my husband was trying to calm him down, and I was completely overwhelmed. I later learned that there are a few simple steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly.

One of the best things I’ve learned is to get through security as quickly as possible. I now always try to get to the airport at least two hours before my flight, just to give myself extra time. I also make sure to have all of my toddler’s items ready to go — including their passport, any necessary documents, and their car seat.

Another tip I’ve found helpful is to bring a small bag of snacks and toys to keep my toddler occupied while we wait in line. I’ve also learned that it’s best to go through the security line with my toddler first, so I can help them get through the scanner quickly. I’ve found that this approach has made the entire process much less stressful for both of us.

Related: Travel bag costume

Dealing with Delays and Cancellations

I once had a flight that was delayed by four hours, and I was completely unprepared for the situation. I had no idea where to go, what to do, or how to get food for my toddler. It was a complete nightmare. Now, I always have a plan in place for delays and cancellations.

One of the best things I’ve learned is to check with the airline in advance to see what their policies are for delays and cancellations. Most airlines will provide food and lodging for passengers who are delayed for more than a few hours, but it’s always good to know in advance what your options are. I’ve also found that it’s a good idea to carry a small bag of snacks and toys with you, just in case your flight is delayed.

Another thing I’ve learned is to always have a backup plan. If your flight is canceled, it’s best to contact the airline immediately and find out what your options are. I’ve found that some airlines will book you on the next available flight, while others may offer a refund. It’s always good to know what your options are before you need to make a decision.

Be prepared for the unexpected — it’s the only way to stay calm when things go wrong.

Related: Travel bag reviews

What to Do If You’re Traveling with a Baby or Toddler

I’ve traveled with both a baby and a toddler, and the experience has been completely different in each case. With a baby, I found that it was easier to get through security and board the plane quickly. With a toddler, however, I had to be much more prepared. I’ve learned that having a portable car seat is essential for toddlers — it’s the only way to ensure they’re comfortable and safe during the flight.

I’ve also found that it’s best to book a flight that’s not too early in the morning, especially if you’re traveling with a toddler. I once had a flight that left at 6:00 a.m., and I was completely out of my mind by the time we got to the airport. Now, I always try to book a flight that leaves at least an hour after the toddler has had a full night’s sleep.

Another thing I’ve learned is that it’s best to book a flight with a window seat if you’re traveling with a toddler. I found that it was easier to get them to sleep during the flight if they had a window to look out of. I also found that it was easier to settle my toddler down for a nap if I had a window seat — they could see the clouds and the sky, and it helped them relax.

How To Book A Flight