Traveling with kids can be exciting, but it also takes thoughtful planning. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend road trip or flying cross-country with toddlers in tow, the right preparation makes all the difference. From packing light to avoiding meltdowns mid-flight, these 15 practical family travel tips cover everything you need to know for a more enjoyable trip.

1. Start With the CLEAR Family Plan

Avoiding long airport lines is essential when you’re traveling with children. With the CLEAR Family Plan, you can add up to three adults to your account at a discounted rate, and kids under 18 can use CLEAR lanes for free when accompanied by an adult member.

It’s a quick and seamless way to get through airport security, giving you more time (and patience) for everything else.

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2. Pack Light

Every item you leave at home is one less thing to carry. Focus on multi-use clothing, collapsible gear, and travel-sized essentials. If your destination has laundry facilities, plan to rewear outfits. Bring only the toys or books your child truly can’t live without.

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3. Use CLEAR Concierge for Airport Help

CLEAR Concierge is an airport concierge service designed to assist families and travelers who could use an extra hand. From navigating security to managing multiple bags and strollers, this service takes the stress out of getting to your gate.

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4. Book Your Accommodations Wisely

Look for family-friendly hotel rooms or rentals that offer kitchenettes, laundry access, and separate sleeping areas. Suites or multi-room options make a huge difference in comfort, especially if your child naps or goes to bed early. Always confirm whether the hotel provides a car seat or crib if needed.

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5. Bring Snacks and Reusable Water Bottles

Hungry kids are unhappy travelers. Pack snacks that are easy to distribute on the go. Need to know can you bring food through TSA? Be sure to find out what you can bring through the airport and is TSA-compliant. And don’t forget a refillable water bottle for everyone—many airports now have bottle-filling stations.

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6. Find Flights Using Point.Me

If you're booking with miles or credit card rewards, maximize their value with point.me. It helps families find the best possible redemption options across hundreds of loyalty programs, saving money on airfare that can be better spent on activities.

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7. Schedule Around Sleep

Traveling with young children often presents unique challenges. However, research into the influence of travel constraints on family dynamics shows that navigating these challenges together can build emotional resilience and deepen family relationships.

Try to book flights that align with your kids’ natural sleep windows. For younger children, early morning departures tend to work best. To help with jet lag when changing time zones, gradually adjust sleep schedules a few days before departure.

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8. Designate a Boarding Strategy

One parent boards early with the luggage to secure overhead bin space and get settled. The other boards last with the child to minimize time spent in a confined airplane seat. This trick can reduce restlessness and fussiness before takeoff.

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9. Consider CLEAR Lanes for Game Day Getaways

Heading to a sporting event as part of your vacation? CLEAR gives you expedited entry at stadiums and arenas so you don’t miss a moment. All you need is the CLEAR app!

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10. Pack a Screen-Time Survival Kit

Travel is a great time to relax screen-time rules—just be prepared. Download movies, games, and learning apps in advance. Don’t forget headphones and a backup battery for your device. It’s a lifesaver during delays or long stretches of travel.

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11. Plan Active, Kid-Friendly Stops

If you’re road-tripping, look for family-friendly parks, hiking spots, or playgrounds using apps like AllTrails. Movement helps burn off energy and break up the monotony. CLEAR+ Members get discounts on AllTrails+.

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12. Let Kids Help Pack

Recent research into family travel as an educational experience shows that travel can be deeply enriching for children—not only offering time together as a family but also helping kids develop independence, adaptability, and a sense of their role in the world.

Give children a small backpack and let them pack a few favorite books, toys, or snacks. Involving them builds excitement and gives them some control, a helpful benefit for young kids who get nervous about unfamiliar routines.

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13. Confirm Transportation Essentials

If you're renting a car, make sure your reservation includes a car seat or bring a portable one with you. Research public transport rules about strollers and baby gear at your destination so you’re not caught off guard.

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14. Use CLEAR Scout for Forgotten Favorites

Forgot your child’s favorite teddy bear at the airport? CLEAR Scout helps locate and return lost items left behind in security areas. It's a small detail that can make a big difference in a child's comfort (and your sanity).

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15. Build in Buffer Time

Delays happen. Always allow more time than you think you’ll need—whether that’s between flights, getting to the airport, or winding down at your destination. A flexible schedule means less stress for everyone.

And while you're at it, build in some downtime. A jam-packed itinerary can quickly lead to exhaustion and meltdowns, especially for young children. Instead, leave space for unstructured time. Whether that’s a relaxed afternoon at the hotel pool, a scenic stroll, or simply staying in for a movie night, these slower moments for passing the time are often when families bond the most.

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Final Thoughts: Family Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

The key to a great family vacation is preparation—and the right tools. Whether it’s packing lighter, boarding smarter, or using CLEAR+ and concierge services to save time and energy, every little step makes the journey easier.

Remember:

• Add your family to your CLEAR+ account.
• Use airport concierge assistance when needed.
• Maximize travel points with point.me.
• Pack strategically and, if possible, travel around sleep schedules.

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but with a little foresight and some handy distractions, it can be a rewarding and fun experience for everyone. For inspiration on where to go next, check out some of the best places to travel for family-friendly adventures.