Traveling by airplane with a family of nine might sound overwhelming—but with the right system, it can be smooth with minimal stress. We recently flew cross-country with our seven kids, so I’m sharing exactly how we pack for a big family flight, our favorite airline travel tips, and what makes air travel easier for large families.
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We’ve Always Loved to Travel
Paul and I have always loved traveling. In our early marriage, we jumped on any opportunity to see new places. Once, we drove to New Orleans—24 hours round trip—for just a 3-day weekend. A friend needed help (the main reason for the trip), but we still managed to squeeze in some fun exploring. Totally worth it, even though it was a whirlwind.
When babies started arriving, we never let our growing family size stop us from having adventures. We chose to take the kids along for the ride and have loved creating joyful travel memories with our beautiful family. Of course, every family trip comes with its imperfect moments—bumps in the road (figuratively and literally!)—so in between the memory-making, there have been definite steep learning curves along the way.
Since my husband’s family lives in Washington state, our kids have been flying since they were babies. They know the routine and are very comfortable with flying. As our family has grown and changed, Paul and I have built up a toolkit of large-family air travel tips.
Our #1 Rule for Flying with Kids: Pack Minimally
When we first started traveling with kids, I thought fewer bags meant easier travel. So, I’d combine everyone’s things (and way too many outfits) into one or two massive suitcases. Bad idea. The bags were so heavy that juggling them, plus car seats and toddlers, was exhausting.
If I could go back to those early traveling with kids’ days, I would pack more small suitcases with fewer items in each. What really inspired this change was an 8-day trip to Spain for our 10-year anniversary (subscribe to get updates when I post that story!). We each only packed a backpack and a sling bag. It was the most freeing trip—and I realized we could adapt that concept for traveling with kids.
Now my travel motto is simple: pack less and plan to do laundry at least once. The goal is to travel light.
The Car Seat Lesson
One year, after lugging multiple car seats and heavy luggage through the airport with three kids under three, Paul practically broke his back. That was the moment we decided—no more hauling car seats. We bought a set to keep at his parents’ house (these do not have to break the bank! Safety 1st & Cosco brands are reliable & affordable car seats), and if we’re not flying to family, we rent them at our destination. Worth every penny for lighter, faster travel.
Our Current Packing System for a Family of Nine
- One small rolling suitcase per child (the 2-year-old gets help). This keeps belongings separate and easy to find. Bonus: our go-to airline, Alaska Airlines, gives each passenger one free checked bag with our credit card.
- 4–5 outfits per child, even for trips longer than a week. Laundry beats dragging extra luggage. If we’re heading to a mixed climate like the PNW, I pack layering options. If something’s absolutely needed, we can always buy it—rarely happens.
- Minimal carry-ons: I used to stuff all the kids backpacks with a plethora of snacks, activities and toys. It became too much to keep track of on the plane, and more expensive. We would easily lose items too, not worth it. Now, each child gets a backpack with 1–2 small toys, a couple snacks, and a screen device. We do minimal screen time at home, so in-flight screen time is a treat! Paul always packs and organizes the devices so they rotate smoothly between kids.
Favorite In-Flight Distractions
- Montessori LED Busy Board
- Pop Sensory Toy
- Fidget Spinner
- Kindle Fire – much more affordable than a iPad. Don’t forget the kids’ case and screen protector!
- Kids Kindle Paperwhite (my dyslexic daughter loves this)
- Yoto
- Over-ear headphones – (Pro travel tip – get a set of headphones for each device, the headphones are pre-connected by Bluetooth and follow the device. Avoids headaches of connecting on the plane)
- Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart, Smash Bros, or Mario Party
Food & Drink Strategy for Large Family Flights
I used to overpack snacks. Now, we do one solid meal before boarding—our favorite is pre-cooked hot dogs wrapped in foil with a bag of chips. Then each kid gets a couple light snacks in their backpack, like Pirate’s Booty, gummies, or a protein bar. Almost every airline provides a free snack on board as well.
We try to avoid processed food at home, but travel days are all about balance—and convenience wins.
For drinks: I buy small bottles of Body Armor before the flight. We drink them pre-security, then the empty bottles go in the kids’ backpacks to refill at the airport. This avoids $6 bottled water and keeps backpacks light. Tip: don’t overfill kids’ backpacks or they’ll complain about carrying them! Airlines always have drinks available once you’re onboard.
Pack Early, Not Last-Minute
I used to save packing for the day before (or day of) travel—big mistake. Now, I start as early as a week ahead. Laundry gets done, bags get partially packed, and on travel day all we add are toiletries. No rushing, no forgetting essentials, and more time to wrap up house tasks before we leave.
Timing is Everything
We’ve learned that night travel works best with kids—same for road trips and flights. Red-eyes or late afternoon departures mean less awake time and better odds of the kids sleeping. Even if we’re a little tired the next day, naps can happen later.
Mentally Preparing Kids for Airplane Travel
This one’s all Paul. He’s amazing at setting expectations and walking the kids through the flight process before we leave. He always reminds them that we represent a big family and we need to be a good example. And no matter your family size, we also represent Christ.
One time, Paul even lined up our kitchen chairs to “practice” airplane seating. Now, before every flight, we plan exactly where everyone will sit and work out all opinions and arguments ahead of time. No airplane aisle disagreements—it makes for a much smoother trip.
Bonus Family Air Travel Tips
- Ears & Comfort: We like using a homeopathic decongestant to help with ear pressure discomfort, plus gum for older kids and nursing during takeoff/landing for babies
- Babywearing: Bring an Ergo carrier—it keeps hands free and helps baby nap.
- Double stroller: Even if the kids don’t ride, it’s great for hauling bags. Our favorite is the Joovy sit & stand—it’s light and folds easily.
- Safety: Teach kids—if separated, find a TSA officer and give our names. Older kids hold younger kids’ hands. Adults “bookend” the group.
- Attitude matters: Kids match your energy. Even with delays or chaotic airports (looking at you, SeaTac), keep a positive mindset.
- Do laundry before returning home: If possible, do laundry at your destination so unpacking is easier and you avoid mountains of laundry when you get back.
Conclusion: Large Family Airline Travel is Possible!
Even with a big crew, airline travel can run smoothly. Sure, there will always be those unavoidable hiccups that throw plans off, but the tips above can go a long way in keeping the stress at bay. And if you do forget something, don’t panic—I always remind myself that as long as Paul and I have our IDs, anything else can be picked up at our destination. Of course, we’d rather avoid extra shopping, but it’s hardly the end of the world. In the end, the goal is simple: to be together as a family—safe, happy, and making lasting memories.
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