Date: 2024-07-02
Flying with Toddlers and Young Kids: Your Wilmington Airport Guide
Traveling with toddlers or young children? From managing carry-on bags to navigating airport security, a little planning can make your family's next flight easier.
Family vacations are full of exciting possibilities, but getting everyone from the car to the airplane can sometimes feel like an adventure of its own.
The good news? Flying with young children doesn't have to be complicated.
At Wilmington Airport (ILG), families can enjoy a convenient alternative to larger regional airports. With close-in parking, a compact terminal, and nonstop Avelo Airlines flights to popular vacation destinations, ILG helps families spend less time navigating the airport and more time looking forward to their trip.
Whether you're traveling with a toddler, preschooler, or several children of different ages, these practical tips can help make your departure day smoother.
1. Arrive Prepared and Give Your Family Extra Time
When flying with young children, a little extra time can make a big difference.
Before leaving home, review your airline's check-in, baggage drop-off, and boarding deadlines. Families traveling with strollers, car seats, or checked luggage should allow additional time for these steps.
Consider aiming to arrive approximately two hours before departure when traveling with young children, while always following your airline's current guidance.
One of the advantages of Wilmington Airport is its convenient layout.
Parking is located close to the terminal, helping families avoid lengthy walks with luggage and little travelers.
ILG offers several parking options, including Lots A, B, and C near the terminal. An overflow parking option, Lot D, may also be available when indicated.
Review current Wilmington Airport parking information before your trip.
Family travel tip: Keep boarding information, identification, and other essential documents together in an easily accessible location so you're not searching through bags at check-in.
2. Pack a Carry-On Bag That Works for Your Family
When traveling with toddlers and young children, an organized carry-on can make the difference between a smooth flight and a stressful one.
Keep frequently needed items within easy reach rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.
Family Carry-On Checklist
- Travel essentials: Boarding passes, identification, and any documents required by your airline.
- Snacks: Familiar, age-appropriate foods that are easy to eat without creating a mess.
- Drinks: An empty refillable water bottle to fill after security, along with permitted infant or toddler feeding supplies.
- Entertainment: Coloring books, small toys, downloaded movies, games, and headphones.
- Comfort items: A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other familiar object.
- Extra clothing: A complete change of clothes for younger children and an extra shirt for parents.
- Everyday essentials: Diapers, wipes, tissues, medications, and other supplies your child may need.
Wilmington Airport offers a water-bottle refill station and vending machines in the gate area.
Because full-service dining options inside the terminal are currently limited, families should plan ahead for meals and snacks.
Family travel tip: Pack a smaller pouch containing the items you'll need during the flight. This makes it easier to access essentials once you're seated.
3. Make Airport Security Easier with Kids
Airport security can feel unfamiliar to young children, especially if they're flying for the first time.
Preparing them for the process before departure can help reduce uncertainty.
Explain that they'll need to follow instructions from TSA officers and that some belongings will travel through a screening machine before being returned.
Here are a few ways to make security screening easier:
- Keep important items accessible. Organize travel documents, medications, and other necessities so they're easy to locate.
- Prepare strollers and car seats. TSA may require these items to be screened separately. Follow officers' instructions and be ready to remove your child from a stroller or carrier if requested.
- Know the rules for infant feeding supplies. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby food may be permitted in quantities exceeding the standard carry-on liquids limit, subject to additional screening.
- Dress for convenience. Comfortable clothing and easy-to-manage shoes can simplify the process.
- Explain what happens next. Let children know that screening is a normal part of traveling and that they'll be reunited with their belongings afterward.
TSA has specific screening procedures for children ages 12 and younger, including provisions that can make the process easier for families.
For current rules, visit the official TSA Traveling with Children guide.
4. Keep Little Travelers Comfortable Before Boarding
Once you've cleared security, it's time to settle in and prepare for your flight.
Wilmington Airport's expanded terminal offers additional passenger seating and charging options, providing families with a more comfortable place to wait.
Use this time to visit the restroom, refill water bottles, organize carry-on items, and help children get comfortable.
For young travelers who need something to do, try simple activities that don't require much space:
- Play "I Spy" using things you can see around the gate area.
- Count airplanes visible from public passenger areas.
- Read a favorite story together.
- Play a quiet game or complete a coloring activity.
- Talk about the destination and what you're looking forward to doing.
If your child needs movement before boarding, stay within permitted passenger areas and keep an eye on gate announcements.
Family travel tip: Give everyone a restroom break before boarding, even if they insist they don't need one!
5. Plan Ahead for Strollers, Car Seats, and Family Seating
Traveling with young children often means bringing additional equipment.
Before departure, review Avelo Airlines' current policies regarding strollers, car seats, carry-on baggage, and family seating.
Depending on the equipment and airline rules, some items may need to be checked at the ticket counter or gate. If you plan to use a child restraint aboard the aircraft, confirm that it meets applicable FAA requirements and your airline's policies. Families should also review seating arrangements before departure, particularly when traveling with younger children who need to sit beside a parent or caregiver. Boarding procedures and any family or priority boarding options are determined by the airline and may vary.
Family travel tip: If you need help managing a stroller or boarding with young children, speak with your airline's gate agent before boarding begins.
Visit Avelo Airlines for current baggage, seating, and boarding information.
6. Make Travel More Comfortable for Children with Additional Needs
Every child's travel experience is different. For children with sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, or other non-visible disabilities, unfamiliar environments, announcements, and changes in routine may create additional challenges.
Wilmington Airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a global initiative designed to help make travel more accessible and welcoming for individuals with non-visible disabilities. Travelers may choose to wear a green Sunflower lanyard to discreetly indicate that they may need additional assistance, understanding, patience, or time. Participation is voluntary, and travelers do not need to disclose their diagnosis simply because they are wearing a Sunflower.
The lanyard does not provide expedited security screening, priority boarding, or exemptions from airline and airport requirements.
If your family needs assistance, speak with your airline's gate agent about what would make the experience easier. For specific accommodations, contact your airline before traveling.
Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at Wilmington Airport.
7. Make Boarding and Takeoff Part of the Adventure
When it's time to board, keep your family's essential items organized and ready. Have boarding passes available, follow gate announcements, and allow children to carry a small personal item if they're old enough to manage it.
Once aboard, help your children get settled and explain what will happen next. Young travelers may enjoy looking out the window, watching the flight attendants prepare the cabin, or talking about the destination. Explain that they'll need to remain seated with their seat belts fastened when instructed.
During takeoff and landing, swallowing or sipping a drink may help children manage changes in ear pressure. For infants, feeding or using a pacifier may also help.
Most importantly, allow room for the unexpected. A little patience, reassurance, and flexibility can go a long way.
Why Families Choose Wilmington Airport (ILG)
For families across Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey, Wilmington Airport offers an accessible and convenient starting point for their next vacation.
ILG's smaller terminal means less distance to cover between check-in, security, and boarding compared with many larger airports.
Nearby parking, expanded passenger seating, and nonstop flights to popular destinations help simplify the travel experience.
And for parents managing young children, strollers, carry-on bags, and vacation excitement, those conveniences can make a meaningful difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Young Children
How early should I arrive at Wilmington Airport with young children?
Plan to arrive approximately two hours before your scheduled departure when traveling with toddlers or young children, while following your airline's current check-in and baggage deadlines. Families bringing strollers, car seats, or checked luggage should allow additional time. Wilmington Airport's convenient parking and compact terminal can help make the departure process more manageable.
How does TSA screen toddlers and young children?
TSA has special screening procedures for children ages 12 and younger. Children and their belongings must undergo security screening, although certain procedures differ from those used for adults. Strollers, car seats, and other child-related equipment may require separate screening. TSA officers will provide instructions at the checkpoint. For the most current information, review TSA's Traveling with Children guidelines.
Can I bring baby formula, breast milk, or toddler drinks through airport security?
Yes. TSA allows formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby food in quantities exceeding the standard 3.4-ounce carry-on liquids limit, subject to additional screening. Inform the TSA officer about these items at the beginning of the screening process and keep them accessible in your carry-on bag. Check TSA's official guidance before departure for current requirements.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat on an Avelo Airlines flight?
Avelo Airlines permits families to travel with qualifying child-related equipment, subject to its current baggage and safety policies. Depending on the item, you may be able to check it at the ticket counter or gate. Car seats used aboard the aircraft must meet applicable safety requirements. Review Avelo Airlines' current policies before traveling to confirm equipment allowances, checking procedures, and any applicable restrictions.
Will my family be seated together on Avelo Airlines?
Families should review Avelo Airlines' current seating policies when booking their flights. If you're traveling with young children, confirm seat assignments in advance and contact the airline if you need assistance with seating arrangements. Do not assume that family members will automatically receive adjacent seats without reviewing the airline's policies.
Does Wilmington Airport offer assistance for children with hidden disabilities?
Yes. Wilmington Airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which helps travelers discreetly communicate that they may need additional understanding, assistance, patience, or time. Families can learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at ILG. For specific accommodations, contact your airline before departure.
More Family Travel Resources from Wilmington Airport
Planning a family vacation? A little preparation can help make every part of the journey more enjoyable.
Explore these additional FlyILG travel guides:
- 10 Ways to Prepare Kids for Their First Flight from Wilmington Airport
From packing their own carry-on bags to learning what happens during takeoff, discover fun and practical ways to help children feel confident and excited about flying. - Family Beach Vacations: Fly Nonstop from Wilmington Airport (ILG)
Looking for your next family adventure? Discover family-friendly beach destinations served by Avelo Airlines from Wilmington Airport, including Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, and Puerto Rico.
Your Family's Next Adventure Starts at ILG
Traveling with young children may require a little extra planning, but it doesn't have to mean extra stress. From convenient parking and a manageable terminal to nonstop flights aboard Avelo Airlines, Wilmington Airport offers families a welcoming place to begin their next adventure.
Whether you're heading to the beach, visiting relatives, or introducing your little ones to their first airplane flight, ILG helps make getting there a little easier. Ready to plan your next family getaway?
Explore nonstop destinations from Wilmington Airport and start planning your next family adventure.
Airline routes, schedules, baggage allowances, seating policies, and airport procedures are subject to change. Check with Avelo Airlines, TSA, and Wilmington Airport for the latest information before traveling.
