Flying with a child who's scared of flying

In this article · 6 sections

Your calm helps, and so does honesty
Before the trip
On the plane
The safest way for little ones to fly
If the worry is bigger than one flight
Keep reading

Your calm helps, and so does honesty

If your child is frightened of flying, you're not alone, and you don't have to have all the answers. The NHS's advice for anxious children starts simply: talk to your child about their worries and listen carefully. Try not to make assumptions or dismiss their worries, and reassure them that talking about problems is good.¹

Before the trip

Explain what anxiety is. The NHS suggests describing it as a natural reaction to stress, and that it can help to describe it as a wave that builds up and then goes away again.¹ That's a useful picture for a bumpy patch, too.
Don't spring it on them. The NHS advises not forcing a child into a stressful situation without first talking about what's making them anxious.¹ Walk through the day together: the airport, security, finding the seat, the noises.
Keep routines where you can. Children of all ages find routines reassuring.¹ Familiar snacks, a favourite toy and the usual bedtime story can travel too.

On the plane

Breathe together. A simple NHS technique: 3 deep, slow breaths, in for a count of 3 and out for 3.¹
Distract. Distraction can be helpful for young children.¹ Spotting games out of the window, a new sticker book or a favourite show all count.
Name the bumps. Turbulence is normal and happens often.³ "That's just the plane going over bumpy air, like a car on a gravel road" gives them words for it. Our turbulence guide has more.

The safest way for little ones to fly

Children under 2 can travel on a lap in the US, but the FAA is clear that the safest place for a child under 2 is an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not your lap, and it strongly urges using one for the whole flight. Buying a seat for your child is the only way to guarantee you'll be able to use one.²

Car seats: must be certified for aircraft. Look for "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it (or approval by a foreign government).² Check with your airline about where in the cabin it can go.
CARES harness: an FAA-certified harness for children who can sit upright on their own, weighing 22 to 44 pounds and up to 40 inches tall.²
Not allowed during taxi, takeoff and landing: baby carriers, booster seats and backless child seats.²

For everyone else in the family, the FAA's advice is to keep seat belts fastened while seated.³

If the worry is bigger than one flight

If your child is really struggling and it's affecting everyday life, the NHS suggests talking to your GP or school nurse.¹

Keep reading

Quick answers

How do I calm a child who is scared of flying?

Talk and listen first, without dismissing the worry. The NHS suggests explaining anxiety as a wave that builds and then goes away, practising 3 slow breaths (in for 3, out for 3), keeping familiar routines and using distraction for younger children.

Is it safe to fly with a baby on my lap?

Under-2s are allowed as lap children in the US, but the FAA says the safest place for them is an approved child restraint system or device in their own seat, not your lap, and strongly urges using one for the whole flight.

Can I use my child's car seat on the plane?

Yes, if it's certified for aircraft. Look for the label "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft". Booster seats and backless seats can't be used during taxi, takeoff or landing.

Should I make my child fly if they're very anxious?

The NHS advises not forcing a child into a stressful situation without talking to them about what's making them anxious first. If anxiety is affecting their everyday life, a GP is a good place to start.

Sources

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Facts last checked against these sources: October 18, 2026.