Flying solo with toddler twins sounds like chaos, right? Spoiler alert: it kinda was—but we made it! When my family relocated from Atlanta, Georgia to Las Vegas, Nevada, I found myself on a non-stop 5-hour flight with two freshly-turned 2-year-olds… and no backup. Here’s how it went, what I learned, and tips that might save your sanity if you’re about to do the same.
Why I Flew Alone with Two Toddlers
Let’s set the scene: My partner drove my SUV across the country with most of our clothes—leaving me to handle the air travel alone. I had 2 checked bags, 2 backpacks, a double stroller, and two toddlers. Fun, right?
I’m not usually a “plan ahead” kind of person. I used to book a flight, throw clothes in a bag last-minute, and go. But toddlers? They force you to at least pretend to plan. (And by “plan,” I mean loosely visualize chaos and pack snacks.)
My Flight Attendant Background Helped (Sort Of)
I was a flight attendant for nearly 8 years. So while I’m no stranger to airports, babies are a different game. Still, my travel experience gave me one major advantage: I knew how to keep calm when things got unpredictable. Which they did. A lot.
Why You Should Always Book a Non-Stop Flight with Toddlers
We flew non-stop from Atlanta to Las Vegas, and I can’t recommend that enough.
Fewer takeoffs, fewer landings, fewer meltdowns. One boarding, one deplaning, one chance for disaster (instead of three). Connecting flights with twin toddlers? A hard no from me.
What I Packed for a 5-Hour Flight with 2-Year-Old Twins
Let’s talk toddler in-flight entertainment. We’re mostly a screen-free family, so I had to get creative.
✅ Toddler Travel Essentials:
- Water coloring books – Mess-free and reusable!
- Snacks- SO. MANY. SNACKS.
- Sticker books – Endless entertainment + learning opportunities.
- Play-Doh – One small tub each, easy cleanup.
- Sticker stamp book – Shockingly effective for keeping them busy.
- Ice cream building sets – Cute, but interest faded fast.
- iPad with downloaded shows – Emergency use only- my kids watched for maybe 30 mins.
- Dual Bluetooth headphones – So they could both listen to the same show.
- CamelBak water bottles – My twins (and I) love these water bottles
Pro Tip:
Skip toys with tons of pieces or that make noise. The goal is distraction, not disruption. No one likes to hear loud toys in tight public spaces.
What Actually Happened on the Plane
My fantasy: We all nap mid-flight, land refreshed, and I sip a coffee while we stroll through the terminal.
Reality: The twins napped—but not at the same time. So I of course stayed awake the entire flight. Still, it wasn’t as chaotic as I feared. They played with the sticker books, playdoh, and when I started to notice them getting antsy, they watched the iPad. All of that was with no screaming (huge win!)
Also, I ordered apple juice for them and a glass of red wine for me. It’s all about balance, right?
How to Navigate the Airplane Restroom Mid-Flight
Again, I’m a former Flight Attendant so I kinda already knew the ins and outs of how to easily navigate this situation.
I waited until about mid flight and when the Flight Attendants were complete with their beverage service to take the twins to the bathroom.
Obviously it’s a small cramped space so I took one twin at a time in the lavatory with me and I politely asked the Flight Attendants to watch the other twin. (Personally, as a Flight Attendant I loved all the baby/toddler cuddles on the airplane)
The twins were still in diapers at this point so I also made sure the lavatory had a changing table.
What to Know About Car Seats and Airport Travel
I got lucky—my partner met us at the airport with our car and both car seats ready. But if that’s not your situation, here are your options:
- Most airlines check car seats for free at the counter or gate.
- Car rental companies often rent car seats for a fee (but availability may vary).
- Travel car seat bags with wheels can make navigating the airport easier if you bring your own.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Fly Alone with Toddler Twins
Flying across the country solo with two toddlers isn’t a walk in the park—but it’s 100% doable with the right prep (and mindset). Lower your expectations, pack smart, and laugh at the chaos when you can.
