Family Life

10 Essential Travel Items For Kids To Pack Onboard Flights!

Essentials For A Smooth Journey In The Skies

Must Have Onboard Items

So, you’ve finally booked that long-awaited family vacation (yay!) and now the reality of flying with kids is sinking in (yikes!). Whether you’re heading to Tokyo Disneyland, the great outdoors in Australia, or a food adventure in Bangkok, flying with little ones can be… challenging.

But here’s the good news: with the right items in your carry-on, you can make your in-flight experience smoother, less stressful, and even enjoyable.

Here are 10 must-have onboard items that parents will want to swear by when flying with kids – from power bank charges to neck pillows. Time to stock up and pack your bags!

Looking for an overseas destination to bring the kids? Check out this guide to short haul family getaways with direct flights!
Searching for more kid-friendly products? This list of top stores for baby gifts and hampers will have just what you need.
  • Snacks

    SNACKS *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    Keep Their Mouths Busy!

    Airline meals can be risky not just for adults, but for kids as well. Especially when you’ve got picky eaters or toddlers who suddenly decide they don’t like rice anymore. Bring a variety of snacks like biscuits, granola bars, fruit pouches, crackers, or even local treats like Hello Panda or papadum to feed your little ones when they get hungry, so they’re less likely to whine and more likely to doze off after! Pro tip: pack them in a bento-style box to reduce mess and keep things exciting with different compartments.

    Shop kids snacks in Singapore here:

  • Wet Wipes

    WET WIPES & SANITISER *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    To Fight Bacteria And Germs

    It’s no secret kids lead to mess most of the time. Whether it’s sticky hands from snacks or mysterious stains on the seat, wet wipes will be your best friend. Add a travel-sized hand sanitiser to the mix because planes are basically germ factories that you’d want to avoid. Both items will also come in handy when your kiddo has an… accident in their pants.

    Shop wet wipes and sanitizers in Singapore here:

  • Power Bank

    FULLY-CHARGED POWER BANK *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    To Have All Your Devices Sorted

    Yes, a power bank charger is crucial. Whether you’re handing over your phone for YouTube or powering a tablet filled with Disney+ downloads, a powerbank is a lifesaver. Plus, you’d also need to charge your own devices. However, it’s important to know the different rules for different airlines. Here are some to take note of:

    • Singapore Airlines and Scoot: Singapore Airlines and Scoot have banned the use and charging of power banks on flights, effective April 1, 2025. Passengers are still allowed to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, but they cannot be used or charged on board.
    • AirAsia: Guests may only carry power banks that do not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh). Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval at the check-in counter.
    • Cathay Pacific: Passengers are prohibited from using or charging power banks, or storing them in overhead compartments. Power banks must be kept on the passenger, in the seat pocket, or in carry-on luggage under the seat.
    • British Airways: Power banks must have a capacity of 100 Wh or less to be carried on board without approval. If the capacity is between 100Wh and 160Wh, approval from the airline is required. Spare batteries and power banks are limited to a maximum of four per person.
    • American Airlines: You can carry up to two power banks with a maximum capacity of 160 watt-hours (Wh) per power bank. Power banks exceeding this limit or those that are not individually protected are not allowed.

    Shop power banks and portable chargers in Singapore here:

  • Entertainment Kit

    ENTERTAINMENT KIT *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    Easy Distractions For The Young Ones

    Some kids have low attention spans, and maybe they don’t have a show they’re interested in on the in-flight entertainment service. So make sure to bring some alternative options, such as a tablet loaded with games, movies or cartoons, child-safe headphones, coloring books or sticker books, and reusable drawing books.

    Shop power banks and portable chargers in Singapore here:

  • Neck Pillow

    NECK PILLOW AND BLANKET *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    For Added Comfort

    Airplane blankets can be scratchy for kids, especially if they have sensitive skin. Instead. Bring a small, soft travel blanket and a child-sized neck pillow to ensure that your little one gets enough rest onboard. With them sound asleep in comfort, that’s how you ensure you get some important shut-eye as well.

    Shop kid neck pillows and blankets in Singapore here:

  • Change Of Clothes

    CHANGE OF CLOTHES *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    For Emergency Situations

    Spills, motion sickness, diaper blowouts — the possibilities are endless. A change of clothes is a must for the kids and even the parents, because you never know what might happen. Make sure to bring a spare set of clothes in your hand-carry, just so you can feel and smell fresh after an accident. Trust us, you won’t want to smell like puke for a full flight duration. For babies and toddlers, throw in an extra bib and small towel for good measure.

    Shop kid accessories in Singapore here:

  • Ziploc Bags

    ZIPLOC BAGS & GARBAGE BAGS *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    Storage Solutions

    Yes, there’s no harm in bringing garbage bags with you onboard. Well, they’re lifesavers for storing soiled clothes, disposing of trash, or collecting toys at the end of the flight. Ziploc bags are also great for separating snacks, puzzles, or small toys, so you can make sure you don’t leave the plane without forgetting all your essentials.

    Shop ziploc bags and garbage bags in Singapore here:

  • Medication

    MEDICATION & FIRST AID *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    For Allergies & Illnesses

    As a precaution, always carry child-safe meds for fever, colds, motion sickness, and allergies in your cabin bag. Add plasters, a thermometer, and maybe a tiny tube of antiseptic cream just to be extra safe. It’s good to also keep prescriptions and medication in original packaging in case customs or airport security needs to inspect them. For liquid medicine over 100ml, you’ll need to declare them.

    More information about kids medical in Singapore here:

    Best Pediatricians in Singapore – click here

  • Bottles and Sippy Cups

    BOTTLES & SIPPY CUPS *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    Stay Hydrated!

    Cabin air is dry, and kids tend to forget to hydrate. Bring an empty water bottle or sippy cup and refill it after security checks. It also helps with ear-popping during takeoff and landing if they sip frequently.For babies, pre-fill formula portions into dispensers. Most airlines will also allow you  to warm up water or milk during the flight.

    Shop bottles and sippy cups in Singapore here:

  • Comfort Items

    COMFORT ITEMS *Must-Have Onboard Items For Flights With Kids

    To Calm Their Nerves

    Flying can be overwhelming for little ones. A familiar toy or lovey provides a sense of comfort, especially in a noisy and unfamiliar environment. Even older kids might appreciate a small stuffed animal — it’s a comforting reminder of home when they’re tired or cranky.

    Shop kids toys in Singapore here:

Additional Info:​

Want more? Check out these bonus tips for flying overseas with kids:
  • Choose flight timing wisely – Many parents opt for night flights hoping the kids will sleep through, but some kids get too stimulated. If your child has a regular nap schedule, aim for that window.
  • Pre-board if offered – Most airlines allow families with young kids to board first. Take advantage of this to settle in, sanitize surfaces, and get organised.
  • Bring familiar food – A small thermos of porridge or packet of their favorite biscuits can be a lifesaver if your child turns their nose up at airplane food. Just check with your airline on bringing liquids past security.
  • Use a backpack instead of a handbag – You’ll need your hands free, especially if you’re juggling kids, passports, and snacks.
  • Rotate toys – Don’t give them everything at once. Introduce new items every hour or so to keep things fresh and exciting.

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