What I’m Packing For Our 9 Hour Flight With 3 Kids

In a few weeks I’m taking my kids to The Netherlands to visit my sister. We are all so excited! My parents are coming along but my husband is not so we’ll be making the long journey alone! My kids have several long flights under their belts and I’ve learned a lot each time about what to pack (and leave at home).

I think I’ve done a really great job this time around minimizing the *stuff* and focusing a few things to keep them busy on the flight. The reality is my older kids will watch movies for a few hours and then fall asleep with their headphones on. I’m hoping for the same for my 2 year old!

I’m trying a new tactic for packing – I filled these hanging toiletry cases with the essentials and then stuck them inside their backpacks. I also put a notebook, headphones and snacks in. I left plenty of room for souvenirs!

Hanging toiletry cases
Headphones with jacks to use on the airplane – we’ve had these for a few years.

Here’s what I put in each of their cases, you can see more in this video!

Alice – 2.5 years old

Window Gel Clings – These never get old!
Pretend Play Wallet & Credit Cards – This is a favorite for long plane rides! I can’t tell you how long it will entertain a 2 year old for!
Post-Its
Crayons– Love these for young kids, they write so smooth.
Dry Erase Travel Pack – All the girls will share this.I swapped the markers for these dry erase crayons, less mess!

Flora – 5 years old

Aaron’s Thinking Putty – mini size!
Water Wow Letter Cards
Road Tape
Wooden Candylab Cars
Sensory Seek & Find Bear – All the girls will share this one, too.

Piper – 7.5 years old

Pocket Water Color Book
LCD Writing Tablet
Bead Kit
Sparkly Gel Pens