Flying with Kids: Seating Arrangements, Screen Time Rules, and Organization Hacks

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, Jesse and I (Ellie) recap our recent family trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota and dive deep into the logistics of flying with a toddler and a five-year-old. We share our honest feedback on navigating O'Hare International Airport, the challenges of a 35-minute taxi on the runway, and the "minor miracle" of our checked bags making a tight connection after we had to sprint through the terminal.Key Highlights:The Airplane Exception: We discuss our strict "no electronics" policy and why airplanes are the one exception where we allow downloaded movies and educational documentaries to keep the peace in tight spaces.The Seating Experiment: We tested three different seating arrangements across four flights—2-and-2 across the aisle, front-and-back, and 3-and-1—to determine which configuration allows for the best communication and child management.Airport Survival Strategy: Why we maintain a "no screens" rule during layovers, choosing instead to let the kids burn off energy by running to gates or exploring local history through airport art and photography.The "Queen of Organization": I break down my system of categorizing our four personal items into dedicated bags for food, toys, electronics, and emergency clothes so I can find exactly what the kids need in seconds.Travel Gear & Hacks: From airplane tray covers that turn Kindles into seatback TVs to the massive convenience of renting car seats and baby gear through Baby Quip instead of lugging them through the airport.Booking Tips: Why we choose to pay the extra fee to select our seats in advance even in basic economy to ensure our two-year-old isn't seated next to a stranger.Whether you are preparing for your first flight with a lap baby or are a seasoned pro looking for new organizational tips, this episode provides a roadmap for making air travel with children less stressful and more adventurous.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Adventure Gear BoxIn this episode, we mentioned several tools and services that helped us survive the flight and stay organized. You can find our recommendations below:Airplane Tray Covers: These covers slip over the tray table to hold Kindles or phones at eye level, keeping devices secure and hands-free for the kids. (affiliate Link)Noise Cancelling Headphones for Babies to ToddlersKids Headphones⁠Packing Cubes⁠: Ellie’s secret weapon for fitting an entire family of four into a single suitcase while keeping everyone's clothes organized and easy to find. Baby Quip: This service allowed us to rent clean, high-quality car seats that were delivered directly to our destination, saving us the "hassle" of flying with our own.I may receive a small commission from links.Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignedForAdventurePodFacebook: Designed for AdventurePinterest: Designed for Adventure PodcastE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!