You've got a 7 AM flight, and the clock is ticking. It’s the night before, and you’re staring at a mountain of packing, kids who need to sleep, and a schedule that feels impossible. How do you get everyone out the door and to the airport on time? This scenario was recently discussed in a trending post on r/daddit, where parents shared their best tips for making early morning travel with kids smoother.
The key takeaway? Prioritize sleep and plan ahead. Here’s how to make your travel day as stress-free as possible.
1. Prepare the Night Before
Pack Early: Get everything ready the night before. This includes packing bags, laying out clothes, and organizing snacks. If you can, have your kids sleep in their travel clothes to simplify the morning routine.
Set Up a Sleep Schedule: Try to stick to your usual bedtime routine. As one parent advised, “Put them to sleep on a regular routine - they will sleep more when they get in the car” (u/almanor). This helps to keep your kids rested and less cranky during the early morning wake-up.
Wake Up Early: Aim to wake everyone up around 5 AM. This allows enough time for breakfast and final preparations without feeling rushed. A user suggested, “Wake up at 5, take the shuttle to the airport and get on vacation” (u/PNWGreeneggsandham).
Stay Calm: If you’re feeling stressed, your kids will pick up on that energy. Keep a positive attitude and remind everyone that you’re heading off on an exciting adventure.
2. Traveling to the Airport
Use a Shuttle or Rideshare: If you’re staying at an airport hotel, take advantage of their shuttle service. It’s convenient and often cost-effective. Plus, it saves you the hassle of parking (u/PNWGreeneggsandham).
Keep Them Comfortable: Bring along blankets or favorite stuffed animals. If your kids are still sleepy, these items can help them feel secure and relaxed during the ride.
Plan for Snacks: Pack some light snacks for the car ride. A little something to munch on can keep spirits high. As one parent pointed out, “You all need sleep; nobody should stay up, it’s a long travel day!” (u/sophisticdrop4).
3. At the Airport
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. Arriving early can help reduce anxiety and give your kids time to explore.
Engage Them: Bring along activities or games to keep your kids entertained during any wait time. Whether it’s a tablet loaded with their favorite shows or a coloring book, keeping them busy can make time fly.
Stay Together: With multiple kids, it’s easy to lose track of them in a crowded airport. Use matching outfits or name tags to help keep everyone together.
4. On the Plane
Plan for Their Needs: Make sure to pack extra snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the flight. This can help stave off boredom and hunger, which can lead to meltdowns.
Encourage Sleep: If your kids are tired, encourage them to rest. Bringing neck pillows or travel blankets can help them feel comfortable enough to nap on the plane.
Be Mindful of Others: Keep in mind that flying with young children can be challenging for everyone involved. If your child starts to fuss, a little distraction or a comforting word can go a long way.
One parent humorously noted, “Brother, the flight is in 30 hours and you haven’t even left for the airport yet?” (u/RADL), emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. With a little preparation and a positive mindset, you can make your early morning travel experience much more manageable.
Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for family bonding. By following these tips and keeping a sense of humor, you can navigate the chaos and enjoy your trip together!
The bottom line is that with some thoughtful preparation, you can make your early morning travel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Happy travels!
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.