7 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling with Kids, According to Celebrity Parents

We’ve all seen the paparazzi photos: a celebrity breezing through LAX with a designer stroller, a perfectly coiffed toddler, and an air of calm that seems entirely unattainable for us mere mortals. But don't let the filtered photos fool you. Behind the scenes, even the most glamorous A-listers are dealing with the same "liquid rabies" (as Ryan Reynolds famously put it) that we are when our kids hit that 30,000-foot meltdown.

The truth is, traveling with kids is a contact sport. Whether you’re flying private or squeezed into 34B next to the lavatory, the challenges remain the same: ear pain, boredom, and the sheer unpredictability of a tiny human in a metal tube. However, because celebrities travel constantly, they’ve developed some truly genius "survival hacks" that go beyond the usual advice. As a travel editor and a mom who has survived my fair share of cross-Atlantic flights with a toddler in tow, I’ve found that these celebrity-vetted tips are actually some of the most practical tools in a parent's arsenal.

1. Let Go of the Screen Time Guilt

If there is one thing Hollywood parents agree on, it’s that the airplane is a "rules-free zone" for electronics. At home, you might be the parent who strictly limits tablets to 20 minutes of educational programming, but at 35,000 feet, those rules should go out the window.

Gal Gadot and Richard Branson have both been vocal about the fact that flights are about survival, not parenting perfection. To manage screen time effectively during flights, celebrity parents recommend relaxing daily limits and—crucially—pre-downloading favorite shows and movies. Relying on airplane Wi-Fi is a rookie mistake; it’s often unreliable, slow, and expensive.

Katy Perry takes this a step further, suggesting that for flights over nine hours, the iPad is a permanent fixture. The goal isn't to rot their brains; it's to provide a familiar, soothing constant in an unfamiliar environment.

"When you're on a plane, all the rules you have at home go out the window. Screen time? Yes. Snacks for dinner? Yes. Whatever keeps the peace is the right move." — Anonymous Celebrity Parenting Mantra

The Sophia Kim Tip: Don't just pack the tablet; pack child-safe, over-ear headphones. Toddlers often find earbuds uncomfortable or can't keep them in, leading to frustration for everyone in a five-row radius.

Shop Kid-Friendly Headphones →

2. Master the Art of Pressure Relief (Ears)

The most common reason for a mid-flight infant meltdown isn't hunger or a dirty diaper—it's the excruciating pressure change during takeoff and landing. Because children's Eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal than adults', they can't equalize pressure as easily.

For alleviating ear pressure, experts and celebrity parents suggest a two-pronged approach. For infants, the "suck-to-swallow" method is best. Chrissy Teigen has often mentioned ensuring her kids are feeding (either via bottle or breast) during the ascent and descent. For older children, the trick is to make swallowing fun. Jason Biggs has shared that he uses gummy bears or lollipops as both a treat and a medical necessity. The constant chewing and swallowing motions help open the tubes and relieve the "pop."

Age Group	Pressure Relief Method	Celebrity Proponent
Infants	Bottle, pacifier, or breastfeeding	Chrissy Teigen
Toddlers	Gummy bears or fruit snacks	Jason Biggs
Preschoolers	Sugar-free lollipops or "magic" water sips	Kristen Bell

3. Replicate the Bedtime Routine at 30,000 Feet

Many parents hope that the "white noise" of the plane will naturally lull their child to sleep. Spoiler alert: for 85% of parents, especially those with toddlers in that difficult 12-24 month stage, this rarely happens without a fight.

To ensure children sleep on long-haul flights, you must replicate their home bedtime routine as closely as possible. This isn't just about comfort; it's about signaling to their brain that sleep is expected. Allyson Felix and Kelly Clarkson swear by a mid-flight transformation. About an hour before you want them to sleep, change them into their actual pajamas, brush their teeth, and offer calming beverages like chamomile tea.

Another genius tip comes from Ali Fedotowsky, who uses black trash bags and a bit of tape to darken airplane windows or hotel room windows. Light is the enemy of sleep, and the thin plastic shades on planes often let in too much glare during daytime flights.

"We do the whole thing. The PJs, the favorite blanket, the specific story. If they think they're at home, they're more likely to drift off." — Kelly Clarkson

4. The 'Novelty' Factor: Entertainment Hacks

One of the most fascinating statistics in family travel analysis is that bringing "novelty items" or unseen toys can increase a toddler's engagement by up to 45 minutes per item compared to their familiar toys from home.

Ashley Graham suggests packing 2-3 brand new, small toys specifically for the flight—and wrapping them like gifts. The act of unwrapping adds another 10 minutes of entertainment. However, the real "MacGyver" award goes to Erin Napier, who swears by a single roll of blue painter’s tape. It’s cheap, lightweight, and endlessly versatile. Kids can tape things to the tray table, make "roads" on their armrests, or create stick-figure art. Best of all? It leaves zero residue and is easy to clean up.

The Strategy for Success:

1. The Reveal: Only bring out a new toy when a "boredom crisis" is imminent.
2. The Variety: Pack a mix of tactile (tape, play-dough), visual (stickers), and cognitive (small puzzles) items.
3. The Cleanup: Bring a small Ziploc bag to store the remnants of the novelty items so they don't end up on the cabin floor.

5. Pack Snacks Like You're Never Coming Home

If there is one thing that can derail a trip faster than a missed connection, it’s a "hangry" child. Molly Sims has a legendary rule: pack what you think you need, then multiply it by three. On a plane, snacks aren't just nutrition; they are an activity.

Variety is the key to longevity. Christina Ricci and Marie Kondo suggest a "Bento Box" style approach, mixing healthy options like dried mango and cheese sticks with "special" treats they don't usually get at home.

Logistically, Jason Biggs recommends unpacking your "survival kit" (snacks, wet wipes, and two diapers) immediately upon sitting down. If the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign stays on for 45 minutes due to turbulence, you don't want your essentials trapped in the overhead bin.

The Essential Snack Checklist:

• Protein: Beef jerky, nut-free butter packets, or cheese.
• Crunch: Pretzels, veggie straws, or crackers.
• Sweet: Gummy bears (also good for ears!) or dried fruit.
• Hydration: An empty reusable water bottle to fill after security.

Browse Best Travel Snack Containers →

6. DIY MacGyver Fixes for Gear

Travel is tough on equipment. Strollers get tossed, suitcases get cracked, and tray tables break. Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s secret weapon? Duct tape. She carries a small roll to fix broken stroller wheels, keep tray tables from flopping down, or even "child-proof" sharp corners in hotel rooms.

Additionally, hygiene is a major concern in cramped quarters. Lamorne Morris reminds parents to always bring scented plastic bags (like diaper disposal bags) for soiled clothes. Whether it's a blowout or a spilled juice box, having a way to seal away the mess is essential for maintaining your sanity—and the comfort of your neighbors.

The "MacGyver" Travel Kit

Item	Use Case
Duct Tape	Fixing gear, taping shut cabinets in hotels, sealing broken luggage.
Scented Trash Bags	Soiled clothes, emergency diaper changes, trash collection.
Clothespins	Clipping curtains shut to block light, holding a blanket over a stroller for shade.
Power Bank	Ensuring the iPad doesn't die mid-tantrum.

7. Adjust Your Mindset & Embrace the Chaos

Perhaps the most important tip comes from Ryan Reynolds, who reminds us that at the end of the day, we need to have empathy—for our kids, for the other passengers, and most importantly, for ourselves. Kids reflect our energy. If you are stressed and panicking, they will be too.

Zoe Saldana and Eva Amurri Martino often speak about using travel as a cultural growth opportunity. Even if the flight is a disaster, the destination offers a chance to teach kids about new foods, languages, and perspectives. Sometimes, you just have to lean into the chaos and realize that this, too, shall pass.

"I’ve had the kid who screamed for four hours straight. I’ve had the blowout in seat 12A. You just have to look at the person next to you, shrug, and keep going. You’re doing your best." — Sophia Kim

FAQ: Common Family Travel Worries

How do I handle a toddler tantrum mid-flight? First, breathe. Most people around you are either parents themselves or are wearing noise-canceling headphones. Address the physical needs first (Hungry? Tired? Wet?). If it’s purely emotional, try a "pattern interrupt"—change the environment by walking to the galley or showing them something out the window.

What if the iPad battery dies? This is where your "Novelty Items" and painter's tape come in. Always have a low-tech backup. Also, carry a high-capacity portable power bank in your personal item, not your checked luggage.

What is the best seat configuration for a family of four? If the plane is a 3-3 configuration, try booking two aisle seats across from each other. This allows parents to swap kids easily and gives you access to the aisle without climbing over each other. For a 2-4-2 configuration, the middle four are your best friend.

Conclusion

Traveling with children is rarely "easy," but it is always worth it. By adopting these celebrity-vetted hacks—from the simplicity of blue painter’s tape to the tactical use of gummy bears—you can shift the experience from "surviving" to "managing." Remember, the goal isn't a perfect flight; it's getting to your destination with your sanity intact and your children ready for adventure. If they cry, let them cry. You’re doing great, and the memories you're making will outlast the memory of a 15-minute meltdown. Safe travels