✈️ Best Airplane Essentials for Kids & Teens (2025)
A Family-Approved Packing Guide for Smoother, Happier Flights
Long flights with kids or teens can either be a dream... or a disaster. These tried-and-true travel picks are lightweight, parent-tested, and designed to keep everyone calm, comfy, and entertained at 30,000 feet.
🎧 LilGadgets Bluetooth Headphones (Ages 6+)
Why we love it: Durable, wireless, and made just for kids. These have volume-limiting tech to protect ears, and the SharePort lets two kids listen together without a splitter.
Perfect for: Kids 6–12
Bonus: Comes with a travel bag + audio cable
💺 Trtl Travel Pillow
Why we love it: Neck support that actually works — even on kids! This wrap-around pillow is soft, compact, and keeps heads from flopping over during naps.
Perfect for: Ages 8+
Bonus: Machine washable
🧩 Melissa & Doug Water Wow Reusable Activity Pads
Why we love it: Mess-free, screen-free entertainment. Just fill the brush with water and color again and again. Compact and lightweight — ideal for tray tables.
Perfect for: Ages 3–8
Bonus: No cleanup required
🎮 Nintendo Switch Lite
Why we love it: A teen-approved boredom buster. Portable, powerful, and great for offline games like Mario Kart or Animal Crossing.
Perfect for: Tweens & Teens
Bonus: Tons of solo or multiplayer games
🍬 Snack Spinner Bento Box by GoBe
Why we love it: Fun + function. Press the button to rotate between snacks without spills. Keeps kids engaged and fed.
Perfect for: Kids 3–10
Bonus: Dishwasher safe and TSA-friendly
🎒 Wildkin Kids Carry-On Backpack
Why we love it: Sized for little travelers, with padded straps, water bottle holder, and tons of compartments. Stylish + functional.
Perfect for: Ages 5–10
Bonus: Comes in fun prints + solid colors
🎧 JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds (Teens)
Why we love it: Budget-friendly, great sound, and compact case. Perfect for teens who want their own space (and music) in-flight.
Perfect for: Teens & Tweens
Bonus: 32-hour battery life
🧦 Compression Travel Socks (Fun Colors!)
Why we love it: Yes, even kids get swollen feet on flights. These comfy, colorful socks boost circulation and make long-haul travel way comfier.
Perfect for: Kids 6+ & Teens
Bonus: Great for adults too — get a matching set!
📚 Mad Libs On the Road (Travel Edition)
Why we love it: Silly, portable fun for the whole row. Great for family bonding or keeping a sibling duo giggling for hours.
Perfect for: All ages
Bonus: No screens required
✏️ EverWild’s Ultimate Packing List for Families (FREE!)
Why we love it: Planning stress? Gone. Use our editable Canva checklist to pack with confidence and never forget the essentials again.
Perfect for: Parents of kids + teens
Bonus: Includes space for kid-specific needs
👉 [Insert Link]
🧳 Pro Tip: Pack these in a “Flight Fun Kit”
Use a gallon-sized zip bag or small tote for each kid to hold their own items. Let them personalize it before the trip!