10 Tips for Navigating the Airport With Twin Toddlers + Gear

Here are some helpful tips for navigating the airport with twin toddlers:

• Plan on arriving early
• Use online check-in
• Use curbside check-in for large items and gear
• Limit carry-on gear
• Be prepared for security checks
• Check strollers at the gate
• Have snacks and entertainment ready
• Prioritize safety
• Remain calm and positive
• Board the plane early or late

Navigating an airport can be a stressful experience on its own, even on the best travel days.

Adding in twin toddlers AND the amount of stuff they require can make it seem like a nightmare.

My two-year-old twins and I travel full-time with my husband for his job and have gotten pretty familiar with airports and how to get through them with twin toddlers. 

While it isn’t easy, traveling with twins is possible and isn’t as bad as it might seem.

Keeping an adventurous mindset and being prepared with a few tips from an experienced traveling twin mom can really make the experience much more enjoyable and worth it!

1. Give Yourself Ample Time Before Flight

Airports are just about as unpredictable as toddlers. You never know if it will be busy or how quickly you will be able to get through the bag check and security before getting to your gate.

Throw toddlers in the mix, and you really don’t know what kind of speed bumps could slow you down. The worst is having to rush through an airport with toddlers. 

We always try to get to the airport about 2-2 1/2 hours before our boarding time. Granted, we are from Atlanta, so we are used to BUSY airports. However, I feel like it is a good rule of thumb.

That usually gives us plenty of time to check in, get through airport security, and get to our gate with a few stops for diaper changes and snacks along the way.

2. Check in With Your Airline Ahead of Time

Take advantage of online check-in to minimize the amount of time spent in the check-in line.

Try to make sure that any issues with your tickets are resolved before you arrive at the airport. 

3. Get Rid of as Much Travel Gear as Possible Early On

Curbside check-in is the holy grail of traveling with little ones and all of their required gear. 

Getting rid of the heaviest gear when you arrive allows you to be hands-free and makes your trip through security and to your gate much more seamless and efficient. 

When we move from place to place, we travel with two Pack ‘n Plays, two car seats, and two large suitcases.

If you’ve ever tried hauling all of these items through an airport while pushing a double stroller, you’ll know that it isn’t for the faint of heart. 

We love curbside check-in because we can drop our suitcases, Pack ‘n Plays, and car seats (all of the heaviest items) right off the bat.

Most airlines allow you to check car seats for free as well as strollers (we will talk about what to do with strollers in a moment!).

Unfortunately, a Pack ‘n Play is considered an extra checked “bag.”

So, if you’re traveling with a Pack ‘n Play that isn’t carry-on size, keep in mind that you will be charged a checked bag fee. 

4. Keep Carry-On and Personal Items Limited 

You will want your hands free as much as possible while going through the airport so you can keep your twins safe; therefore, try to minimize the belongings you bring onto the plane.

We strive to limit it to what can be carried on our backs or put in the stroller basket. 

5. Be Prepared for the Security Check

To go through security smoothly, be prepared to empty your stroller and possibly collapse it in order to move through security.

Having a light and foldable umbrella stroller will help during this process. 

The most stressful part of security for me is after we have gone through the metal detectors and are waiting for our belongings to come down the conveyor belt.

Usually, the stroller is the last thing to get back, so having to gather all of our items while making sure our twins don’t run off can be a challenge.

If you are traveling with your partner, I would recommend having one adult gather the gear while the other keeps an eye on the toddlers. 

If you are traveling alone with two toddlers, don’t be afraid to ask a security agent for help.

They can help you gather your things, or they can try to make sure the stroller gets out at the same time you do so that you can contain your little ones while you get your belongings. 

6. Check Your Stroller at the Gate

I highly recommend checking your stroller at the gate rather than during initial check-in.

You will NEED your stroller as you are trying to move through the airport quickly. 

Also, a little hack that we have learned is that some airports allow strollers to go through the Special Assistance security line, which is often much shorter than the normal security line. 

Once you get to your gate and are about to board, the airline agent will tag your stroller, and you can leave it right by the plane as you board.

Then, when your flight is over, it will be there waiting for you! 

One suggestion I have for checking your stroller at the gate is to purchase a gate check bag (find it here) to protect your stroller from any damage during the loading and unloading process, especially if you have a newer or nicer stroller. 

7. Have Snacks and Toys Readily Available for Downtime at the Gate

 Always travel prepared! Once you get to your gate and have a moment to “relax” (as much as parents of toddlers can), you will want some snacks, books, and toys to occupy your little ones.

We usually use this time to eat a small meal or some snacks, head to the restroom to change diapers, and get out some energy before it’s time to get onto the plane. 

8. Safety First Whenever You Travel With Twins

Airports are very busy places and can be extremely dangerous for children for many different reasons.

While traveling with toddlers can be a little chaotic, you always want to make sure your child’s safety is your first priority. 

If your toddlers still like riding in the stroller or in carriers, that is the safest place for them to be while walking through the airport.

However, I know full and well that not all toddlers are that cooperative. If your toddlers get out of the stroller to walk, be sure to always hold their hands. 

I like letting my toddlers get out of the stroller and walk (if time allows) as we walk to our gate and while we are waiting for our airplane.

They can usually only tolerate so much stroller time before they start getting restless.

Plus, burning some energy off before the flight usually helps them either sleep or be calmer while we are in the air. 

Unfortunately, my twins aren’t quite disciplined enough yet to always hold either my or my husband’s hand, and the thought of my two babies running free in an airport terrifies me.

To help with this, each of my twins has their own backpack with an attached safety strap that either my husband or I can hold while we are walking.

These straps work like a charm! Now, I don’t travel without them. 

9. Try To Remain Calm

I know that going through the airport and a flight with toddlers is far from easy. It can be a very stressful experience.

Keep in mind that your little ones pick up on your stress, so try and remain calm throughout the journey.

Try to keep a positive attitude and view it as an adventure for your toddler — because for them it is! 

10. Board Early or Late

Many airlines will allow families traveling with young children to board the plane first.

This gives you plenty of time to fold up the stroller, get on the plane with your children, and get settled before there are too many people on the plane.

We prefer to board early when we fly with our toddlers. 

Some parents prefer to board later, at the end of the line, in order to minimize time on the plane. It really comes down to what works for your children.