Surviving a Long-Haul Flight with a Toddler: My Top Tips and Real-Life Experience

Taking a long-haul flight with a toddler can feel like a mix of excitement and anxiety. For me, it was both. I was thrilled to be heading to Europe for a girls’ trip with my best friend, Sari but also nervous about flying solo with my 3-year-old, Alyssa. Although Alyssa had flown several times before, this was her longest flight yet—Jakarta to Istanbul (12 hours) followed by Istanbul to Berlin (2.5 hours) with a 2.5-hour transit in Istanbul.

Spoiler alert: We made it, and I’m here to share everything I learned, from packing smart to keeping your little one happy and comfortable.

What I packed and prepared

1. Lightweight Travel Stroller

I borrowed a Babyzen YOYO+ stroller, and it was a lifesaver! This stroller is perfect for travel because it folds small enough to fit in the airline cabin or a train compartment. It’s super easy to fold and unfold—ideal for navigating airports during transits.

That said, it’s not the sturdiest on uneven surfaces (like cobblestone streets), so be careful. And remember: don’t lift the handle when stepping onto platforms; it can tip over!

2. Only Bring What You Can Carry Yourself

Forget about porters—those are rare outside Indonesia. I packed just one medium suitcase, the stroller, and a carry-on bag that could either sit on top of my suitcase or hang on the stroller.

Packing light was a challenge, especially for a two-week trip in fall (hello, cold weather!), but I managed. I kept coats and jackets in our carry-on for easy access after landing.

Here’s Baby Zen Yoyo+ stroller and my hand-carry bag

3. Invest in a Plane Pal

The Plane Pal inflatable cushion was a game-changer. It fills the space between seats, allowing Alyssa to sleep in a flat position during the flight. Comfort = fewer meltdowns = a win for everyone.

4. Bring Snacks, Water, and a Food Container

Airlines are usually accommodating when you’re traveling with toddlers. They’ll let you bring a filled water bottle and milk onboard. However, toddler meals are served first, which may not align with your child’s sleeping schedule.

I packed a food container to store meals Alyssa couldn’t eat right away and brought plenty of her favorite snacks—perfect for those unexpected hunger pangs during timezone changes.

5. Entertainment Essentials

To keep Alyssa busy, I packed her activity books, colored pencils, and favorite dolls. These simple items kept her entertained when the in-flight entertainment lost its charm.

6. Prepare Your Toddler in Advance

I cannot stress this enough—brief your child repeatedly about the trip. I explained to Alyssa exactly what to expect: boarding the plane, sitting still during takeoff, and what she needed to do at each step. Repetition is key!

Our Journey

First Leg: Jakarta to Istanbul (12 Hours)

We arrived at the airport early, and as luck would have it, Alyssa fell asleep in her stroller right before boarding. Thanks to all the pre-trip briefings, she woke up immediately when I reminded her it was time to board.

Turkish Airlines made traveling solo with a toddler much easier. The staff noticed I was alone with Alyssa and let us wait in the business class lounge area before boarding early. The crew even gave Alyssa toys—such a thoughtful touch!

Once onboard, Alyssa watched the in-flight entertainment for an hour before falling asleep. I inflated the Plane Pal to make her seat more comfortable, and she slept soundly. Breakfast was served while she was still asleep, so I stored her meal in a food container for later.

Second Leg: Istanbul to Berlin (2.5 Hours)

On this leg, we had a two-seat row near the back of the plane, which was surprisingly convenient for bathroom breaks. Alyssa stayed busy watching movies and was in good spirits throughout the flight.

Landing in Berlin, I made a rookie mistake by queuing in the EU immigration lane instead of the one for other nationalities—don’t be like me! Germans are very strict, and there’s no leniency for parents with young children.

A Smooth Arrival in Berlin

Once through immigration, Sari was already waiting for us. We took the TXL Express Bus from the airport to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main train station), where our hotel was conveniently located. Thankfully, I’d kept our winter jackets in the carry-on because the weather was freezing (4°C) and windy!

Key Takeaways:

• Pack Light: Only bring what you can manage alone.
• Invest in Comfort: A lightweight stroller and Plane Pal can make a huge difference.
• Be Prepared: Snacks, toys, and extra patience are non-negotiable.
• Plan Ahead: Brief your toddler repeatedly and know your immigration queues.

Traveling with a toddler isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation. Plus, the memories you’ll make together are worth every bit of effort!

Have you flown long-haul with a toddler? Share your tips below!