5 Things to Consider Before Booking Cheap Flights With Kids

Balancing Savings and Sanity When Traveling with Kids

We’ve all been there. You spot those super cheap flights—the ones that make your wallet do a happy dance. But then you check the details: a 1 AM departure, a 6-hour layover in an airport with questionable seating, and an arrival time that guarantees you’ll have a sleep-deprived, cranky child on your hands. Suddenly, that “great deal” starts looking a little less appealing.

Before having kids, we didn’t think twice about booking cheap flights with kids—because, well, we didn’t have kids yet. Cheap ticket? Done. We could handle an all-nighter followed by a full workday fueled by caffeine and blind optimism.

But now? Now we’re parents. And any parent will tell you: convenience suddenly becomes a currency of its own. Saving $200 is nice, but is it worth a meltdown at 3 AM in an airport bathroom? Maybe not.

So, before you click “purchase” on that budget flight, here are five things to consider to help you decide if the deal is truly worth it.

Because, fellow parents, I don’t want you to be overwhelmed with misery as your first thought while on vacation!

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Takeaways: Booking Cheap Flights With Kids

• Departure & Arrival Times: Will odd-hour flights mess up your child’s schedule?
• Layovers: How long is too long before the crankiness sets in?
• Airline Service: Will you need to pack extra snacks and entertainment?
• Baggage Fees: Are you actually saving money after all the add-ons?
• Your Sanity: Is the stress of budget travel worth the savings?

1. Departure and Arrival Times: Is the Timing Worth the Hassle?

Picture this: You’re dragging a half-asleep, confused toddler through airport security at midnight, trying to convince them that no, it’s not morning yet, and yes, they do have to take off their shoes. And all this, while juggling the excitement of finding cheap flights with kids, which, let’s be honest, has long since lost its luster. Sound fun?

If your child is a solid sleeper who can snooze through anything, you might be fine with an odd-hour departure. But if they’re the type to wake up at the slightest disruption (and stay awake for the next three hours), it’s worth considering a flight that aligns with their normal schedule. A well-rested child = a much smoother travel experience.

2. Layovers: How Long is Too Long?

Ah, layovers. They can be a blessing or a curse. A short layover? Just enough time to stretch your legs and grab a snack. A six-hour layover? That’s enough time for your child to cycle through excitement, boredom, frustration, and an existential crisis—all before you board the next flight.

If you’re facing a long layover, check if the airport has play areas or lounges. Some larger airports have family-friendly spaces where kids can burn off energy. And if the layover is seven hours or more, a nearby hotel for a quick nap might be worth the extra cost.

Also, looking to save a few bucks by booking a hotel 30 minutes from the airport instead of one minute? No, we’re responsible adults at this point, and we need to just book the damn airport hotel.

3. Airline Service: Are You Ready to Not Drink Water?

Budget airlines love a good “surprise.” No checked bags, no in-flight meals, and yes, that tiny cup of water will cost you $5. When flying with kids, this can make a difference. If your little one is prone to mid-flight hunger meltdowns, make sure you’re stocked with snacks, meals, and entertainment.

Some airlines don’t even guarantee that families will be seated together unless you pay extra. So, if your heart can’t handle the possibility of your toddler being placed between two strangers (who may or may not love Peppa Pig on repeat), double-check the seating policies before you book.

4. Baggage Fees: What Are You Really Saving?

That $49 flight looks like a steal… until you realize that each carry-on bag costs $40, and checked luggage is $60. Suddenly, the “cheap” ticket isn’t looking so cheap.

If you’re traveling with kids, you likely have more than just a backpack. Car seats, strollers, diaper bags, and extra clothes (because kids are basically stain magnets) all add up. Before booking, compare baggage policies across airlines.

Sometimes, a slightly pricier flight with free checked bags ends up being the better deal.

5. Your Sanity: The Ultimate Price Tag

At the end of the day, the biggest question to ask yourself is: What is your time, energy, and mental well-being worth?

A super early flight, a long layover, or multiple connections might be doable for a solo traveler, but with kids, it can turn into an exhausting ordeal.

More often than not, paying a little extra for a direct flight or a better schedule is the difference between arriving at your destination ready for adventure versus needing a vacation from your vacation.

Final Note: It’s All About Balance…

Look, we get it—traveling with kids is already expensive, and saving money where you can is important. But not all cheap flights are created equal. Sometimes, a deal is worth the extra hassle, and sometimes, it’s better to pay a little more for a smoother experience—especially when booking cheap flights with kids.

It’s all about knowing what works best for your family’s travel style and sanity levels.

Psst by the way… We always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights based on their least expensive dates to fly. But now, we also use a little bit of wisdom before hitting that “book” button.

Happy travels, and may your flights be tantrum-free (or at least, tantrum-minimal)!