What the Hack: Flying with Kids – Tips for Relaxed Family Flights
Flying with kids can be exciting – and sometimes a bit challenging. Stefanie Pröstler-Meckl knows this all too well. On Instagram, the world traveler shares what she and her husband experience while flying with their two children. In this edition of Lufthansa Insights, Pröstler-Meckl reveals her favorite travel hacks to make flying more fun – for parents and kids alike
Joy over stress: Get excited before you board
Travel starts in the mind – with excitement! Kids should know beforehand how fun and adventurous flying can be. Huge airplanes, airport lights, the view from the window – it’s pure magic for little ones. Even if you’re feeling a bit nervous, it’s better to show curiosity and confidence than to pass on your own worries. A great trick: read a picture book about flying. Many children’s books explain things like security checks, boarding, and the aircraft interior in a fun and playful way. That way, kids know what to expect – and feel like little travel pros when the journey begins.
Play before takeoff
Before kids are expected to sit still on the plane, let them run wild at the airport. Out of the stroller and straight to the play area! Most big airports – and many smaller ones – have designated kid zones. If you arrive early and don’t mind a bit of walking, you can seek out the best ones – like in Munich, Zurich, or Copenhagen, where some even have views of the runway. Pro tip: bring spare socks – many play areas are socks-only.
Smart packing makes for smooth flying
More is more: bring plenty of (minimally sweetened) snacks to keep little tummies – and moods – happy in the air. Go for foods that aren’t too squishy and won’t roll down the aisle (sorry, blueberries). If you’re short on prep time, you can preorder the "Onboard Delights Kids Box" with child-friendly snacks on the Lufthansa website up to 24 hours before your flight. Must-have in your hand luggage: toys! Ideally something new for that extra wow factor. Make sure they’re silent, though – not every seat neighbor is in the mood to play.
Pressure? No problem!
Changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can be unpleasant – especially for kids. To avoid sore ears, encourage chewing, drinking, or sucking. For babies, that means breastfeeding, a bottle, or a pacifier. For older kids, try straw cups, or chewing gum.
Never without a spare shirt
On long-haul flights, I always pack a change of clothes – and not just for the kids. I toss in a fresh T-shirt and comfy leggings for myself too. Because if you’re flying with kids, something will go wrong. A spilled juice here, a diaper disaster there, or an unexpected cuddle-slobber attack. Bonus tip: pack spare clothes in a separate pouch so you can grab them fast without digging through everything.
About
Stefanie Pröstler-Meckl and her husband Maximilian have been traveling the world together for years. These days, they’re joined by their four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter. Whether it’s Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, or Morocco – Pröstler-Meckl takes her Instagram community (@evaexplora) along for the ride and shares travel tips for Germany, Europe, and beyond on her blog EvaExplora.com.
Did you know? Lufthansa is the most family-friendly airline in the world!
Lufthansa puts great emphasis on making flights special for their smallest passengers. With thoughtful services on the ground and in the air, Lufthansa creates a seamless and family-friendly travel experience – earning them the 2025 World Airline Award for Most Family-Friendly Airline.
Airport adventures
Even before takeoff, kids should get a taste of the flying experience. Many airports have family check-in counters where children can climb a small staircase to watch the process. Even stuffed animals get their own boarding pass! During school holidays, Lufthansa mascots Lu and Cosmo make surprise appearances in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin – handing out autograph cards and taking photos with little fans. Kids are also welcome in Lufthansa lounges, where coloring books, card games, crayons, bottles, and gym bags await. At Easter and Christmas, there are extra festive surprises.
Kids’ meals
Up to 24 hours before departure, fun meals with names like "Noodle Volcano," "Chicken Mutiny," or "Clown Wrap" can be preordered under "Special Meals." Fan favorites include pasta, meatballs, and sausages. Trays are decorated with Lufthansa mascots Lu and Cosmo, and the menu includes coloring and riddles to keep little ones busy. Kids’ meals are available in all classes on long-haul flights and in Business Class on short-haul routes.
In-flight entertainment
From a cloud-shaped snuggle cloth for babies to a round of "City, Country, Plane" – all Lufthansa planes are stocked with age-appropriate toys. There are also tons of coloring sheets available through the Lufthansa eJournal home page, including a special kids’ travel guide: the "Kids Travel Book." On long-haul flights, kids can enjoy movies, series, music, audiobooks, and podcasts. A highlight on selected aircraft: cockpit cameras that let kids watch the flight from the pilot’s POV.
Kids’ amenity kit
Packed in a waterproof pouch that’s perfect for reuse, the amenity kit includes: airplane-themed socks, a kids’ sleep mask, a toothbrush shaped like a plane, lip balm, tiny earplugs, a plush airplane, gummy bears, chocolate, a logbook, and the new "Kids Travel Book" from Lufthansa Insights. Available on long-haul flights in First, Business, and Premium Economy Class, and on short-haul Business Class flights – making time on board fly by in the best way.
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