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Episode 3: Flying with Kids Who Have ADHD
95 Plays1 month ago
“Flights don’t have to be perfect to be successful.”
In this episode of Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, Dr. Josette Bianchi steps away from the usual 3-2-1 format to share practical, real-life tips for flying with kids with ADHD. From preparing at home and packing a thoughtful carry-on to building in movement, supporting transitions, and handling delays calmly, this conversation offers simple strategies that feel doable for families, along with helpful reminders on seating, boarding, and traveling with medications.
At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that travel does not have to go perfectly to be meaningful. Sometimes the win is making it through security with a little more peace, or reaching your destination together after a long day. With patience, flexibility, and care for one another, flying can become a gentler and more manageable experience for the whole family.
Topics Covered:
- 00:00:00 - Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
- 00:00:48 – Episode focus: Flying with kids with ADHD
- 00:01:27 – Mental preparation and setting expectations
- 00:03:20 – Preparing a flight activity bag with variety and novelty
- 00:04:20 – Screens and travel-only use
- 00:06:40 – Packing snacks that help regulate and pass time
- 00:07:40 – Building in movement before boarding
- 00:08:46 – Managing delays, changes, and unexpected moments
- 00:10:30 – Boarding strategies that work for your child
- 00:11:03 – Choosing the right seat
- 00:12:14 – Tips for traveling with ADHD medications
About Your Host:
Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.
Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.
Connect with Dr. Jo:
- Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/
Resources:
- CHADD
- TSA – Traveling with Medication
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- HealthyChildren.org
- U.S. State Department Travel Info
- https://hdsunflower.com/us/
Podcast Show Description:
Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety is a podcast for families who love to travel and are raising children with big feelings, behavioral challenges, and neurodiverse needs. Join Dr. Josette Bianchi, a board-certified pediatrician and mom of three, as she shares practical tips and real-life experiences to help families plan more manageable trips using a simple 3-2-1 travel format.
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Transcript
Introduction to Family Travel Podcast
00:00:00
Speaker
Welcome to Family Travel that supports ADHD, autism, and anxiety, podcast for families who love to travel and have children with big feelings and challenging moments. I'm Joseph Bianchi, a mom to three children, pediatrician, and a travel lover.
00:00:14
Speaker
If you're raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other behavioral differences, and the idea of travel feels both exciting and overwhelming, this podcast is for you.
00:00:25
Speaker
Disclaimer, this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice for any patient.
Focus on Flying with Kids with ADHD
00:00:34
Speaker
Each week, we usually follow a simple 3-2-1 format, three places to visit in a given locale, two places to eat there, and one helpful travel tip for a given location.
00:00:45
Speaker
But today, we're going to take a short break from that format and talk about something many families ask about. how to navigate flying with kids. We're also going to narrow our focus a little bit today.
00:00:56
Speaker
While this podcast usually talks more broadly about supporting families raising kids with neurodiversity or anxiety, today we're focusing specifically on ADHD because some strategies really work best when we look at this one challenge on its own.
Challenges and Strategies for Flying with ADHD
00:01:10
Speaker
Kids with ADHD often struggle with long periods of waiting, impulsivity, transitions, and needing movement, all things that come up a lot when you're flying. So today we're going to share some strategies to help support you and your kids along the way. Okay, so let's dive into the episode.
00:01:27
Speaker
We really should start before we leave home. Mental preparation and managing expectation is key here. One of the biggest things that helps kids with ADHD is knowing what to expect along the way.
00:01:39
Speaker
Airports are full of unfamiliar steps, and preparing kids ahead of time can reduce anxiety and impulsive behavior. Some strategies to try include showing pictures or videos of airport security, what it's like to go through security lines, walking through the steps of the trip, breaking the trip into simple parts.
00:01:59
Speaker
For example, it may work to say something like, okay, we're going to go to the airport. First, we're going to check our bags. Then we're going to go through security together. Then we'll find our gate.
00:02:10
Speaker
And then we'll board the plane. Explaining ahead of time that there will be waiting can also help. It may seem like this is a little bit oversimplified, like, do I really need to say all those steps? Is that really necessary?
00:02:23
Speaker
But sometimes sort of narrating what you're going to go through can be very helpful ahead of time. And we may know what it's like to travel. We may know what it's like to go through those steps and we know what to expect. But our children, maybe it's their first time, their second time, or maybe they just don't remember. So reminding them and helping them prepare mentally is very important and helps set the stage.
Entertaining Kids During Flights
00:02:47
Speaker
It can also be helpful to ask your child ahead of time what they're excited about, what they're nervous about, and what they think might help them manage better. Do you think having snacks will help you manage better?
00:03:00
Speaker
Do you feel like there's a certain toy or book you want to bring? Or maybe there's drawing supplies that will help make it easier for you. What type of things you think will make it better for us to get through the day together?
00:03:13
Speaker
Okay, so that kind of dovetails a little bit into what we're going to discuss next, which is preparing physically for the trip. So we've talked a little bit about preparing mentally ahead of the time.
00:03:24
Speaker
What about preparing physically? And sort of what I mean by that is packing. So this isn't like packing your suitcase. We'll talk about that in other episodes, how to sort of navigate packing things.
00:03:39
Speaker
or big trips or road trips. But in this episode, what we're really focused on is preparing a flight activity bag or a carry-on. Two of the concepts that you want for your flight activity bag are variety and novelty.
00:03:55
Speaker
So ideas could include fidget toys, coloring books, maybe some art supplies, activity pads, whatever you think is going to help distract your child and pass the time and having a variety of those things.
00:04:09
Speaker
Also introducing items gradually can help pace things along the way and maybe save some things if there's like a delay along the way. We're going to talk about that in a little bit as well. If you're okay with screen time or bringing iPads, this is a great opportunity to maybe download some shows or some movies. And don't forget the headphones if you do that. That has been my mistake in the past.
00:04:33
Speaker
So if you have the iPad with you and you're going to bring some shows or games, don't forget the headphones so that you can actually use it. Because having it and not being able to use it really makes things tricky.
00:04:46
Speaker
So novelty, again, really helps. One thing that we do in our family, and this may not work for everybody, and that's okay, um but we reserve tablets mostly
Utilizing Technology and Programs for Support
00:04:56
Speaker
for travel. So we don't use them on a typical day at home, but we use them when we're doing flights and road tricks. So they feel more interesting, hold attention longer, and it's something to sort of make the trip a little bit more exciting because the kids can actually use their tablets when we travel.
00:05:13
Speaker
Again, no judgment. Doing that doesn't work for every family. But even saving maybe a favorite game or show just for trips, that element of novelty can help as well.
00:05:25
Speaker
Another thing that's a great idea to sort of make things exciting and keep kids distracted and pass the time is you can use some AI tools or story generators to make personalized travel stories about your destination and your child.
00:05:39
Speaker
And that can be a lot of fun, help kids focus on where they're going and not just the monotony of the travel itself. Also, just like any trip for any kid, make sure you bring extra clothes in case there's a spill or a delay, maybe even like a towel or a chamois in your bag, and all important wipes.
00:05:58
Speaker
We're going to talk more about packing in future episodes, but these are just some helpful tips for this episode to prepare physically for flying with kids with ADHD. One last thing you may want to include in your flight activity bag is a sunflower lanyard.
00:06:13
Speaker
Most airports participate in this program. This is a lanyard used to signal that a traveler may have a hidden disability and might need a little extra time, patience, or support during their travels.
00:06:24
Speaker
There are specific ones for ADHD available. While not all airports participate, most do, and it's definitely something worth looking into ahead of your trip if you think wearing one could be helpful for your child.
00:06:37
Speaker
We'll put a link in the show notes. Okay, another thing to have packed with you are snacks. Snacks really can make or break the trip, and they can help a lot. They break up the time, give kids something to focus on.
00:06:50
Speaker
Good options include protein snacks, crunchy foods, or things that take time to eat but are not too messy. If your child likes to chew, maybe when they're nervous or for stimulation, you might want to bring some gum. Again, if that's something you're okay doing, which not everybody is, or maybe some sensory chew necklaces or bracelets, if that works for people in your group.
00:07:12
Speaker
Gum can also help with the sensation of takeoff or landing as well, so sometimes that can be helpful. Again, novelty helps here too. Just like some families may allow for screen time only when traveling,
00:07:26
Speaker
Maybe having certain snacks only for travel, something to look forward to, can make the trip itself feel special. Okay, so now that we've talked a little bit about mental and physical preparation for packing, let's talk about physical preparation in terms of movement before the flight.
Managing Travel Time and Flexibility
00:07:43
Speaker
We want to build in movement before we fly because kids with ADHD often do better on flights if they've had a chance to move, get out some energy beforehand. Let them walk the terminal, explore, or do small movement breaks while waiting at the gate.
00:07:57
Speaker
We like doing things like walking laps, stretching, or even wall push-ups. The goal is really just to burn some energy before sitting for a long stretch. The next tip is to support transitions throughout the trip.
00:08:10
Speaker
Transitions can be one of the hardest parts of travel with any child. Try to let your child know what's coming next, as we talked about before, sort of kind of pre-narrating that experience and how you plan to support them through it.
00:08:23
Speaker
Offer encouragement and try to stay calm yourself, which I know this can be the trickiest part, especially if things start to go wrong. Totally been there. I've totally lost my cool when I've been traveling when things have gone wrong.
00:08:37
Speaker
But the best thing you can do is try and stay calm yourself because your calm really does set the tone and makes all the difference in helping your child. So that's a good transition into the next topic. What do you do when flights are delayed or plans change? Oh gosh, this can always be the toughest part.
00:08:55
Speaker
And again, your calm really does set the tone. One of the hardest parts of flying with kids with ADHD is when plans don't go the way you expected. And lately, it seems like that happens all the time. Travel has become very tricky lately.
00:09:10
Speaker
Delays, gate changes, cancellations, it can be frustrating for anyone, but they can be especially hard for kids who rely on structure and predictability. If you can, try to prepare your child ahead of time for the possibility that travel plans may change.
00:09:25
Speaker
Sometimes you can say things like, most of the time flights go as planned, but sometimes we have to wait longer or change planes. We'll handle it together if that happens. Having a backup plan really can help.
00:09:37
Speaker
Extra snacks and extra activity, maybe an extra downloaded show or game and reserve just in case you end up having to wait longer than expected. Again, those extra clothes can really come in handy at times like this or those extra snacks.
00:09:52
Speaker
If a delay does happen, try to focus on the next small step instead of the whole problem. It says something like, right now we're waiting at the gate. Next, we'll find something to eat.
00:10:04
Speaker
Breaking things down into smaller pieces can help kids feel less overwhelmed in those tough moments. And just like with the rest of travel, your reaction really matters here. If you're calm and flexible, it makes it easier for your child to sort of do the same thing and model what you're doing, even when the situation isn't ideal. And again, i know that is really tough to do.
00:10:25
Speaker
feel it. Okay, so how about boarding strategy? Many airlines offer early boarding for families, which is great. But for some kids with ADHD, it's actually easier to board later, so they spend less time sitting on the plane before takeoff.
00:10:41
Speaker
This really just depends sort of on the setup for your flight, which airline you're flying, and what your comfort level is and sort of your risk tolerance is here. If you know that your carry-on is going to fit on the flight and you know you have seats together, this may be a good strategy.
00:10:59
Speaker
Do what works for your child and for your family and meet them where they are. How about selecting a seat? One simple trick that many traveling families find helpful is choosing seats strategically.
00:11:10
Speaker
So kids with ADHD often do better in an aisle seat where they can stand briefly, stretch when appropriate, instead of feeling trapped in the middle. I always thought that the window seat was better, but as the years have gone by, I really think that the aisle seat is better in this situation.
00:11:27
Speaker
But again, meet your child where they are and kind of figure out what works for you. Sometimes sitting closer to the wings can also reduce the sensation of turbulence, which may help some kids feel calmer.
00:11:39
Speaker
Since I'm also a pediatrician, I just want to add a few important points for families traveling with medications for ADHD.
Traveling with ADHD Medications and Encouragement
00:11:46
Speaker
Now, again, this may not apply to every family or every child that has ADHD, but some people may need to travel with medication.
00:11:55
Speaker
And again, this does not reflect any medical advice. This is just for informational or educational purposes only. You want to pack medications in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage, and you would like to try and keep your medications in their original pharmacy-labeled bottles. That's really the best way to go.
00:12:14
Speaker
One good tip is to check refill timing before you travel. So a few days before traveling, check how much medication you have and make sure that you have enough for the trip plus a few extra days in case of delays.
00:12:26
Speaker
Nothing's worse than the night before a big trip and realizing that you're going to run out of medication while you're there. And some of these medicines are hard to get filled, so it's important to have enough for the entire trip and maybe a few days extra.
00:12:40
Speaker
If you're traveling internationally, check medication regulations for your destination country. Some stimulant-based medications that we commonly use here in the U.S. may be restricted in certain countries, including Japan and some Middle Eastern countries.
00:12:56
Speaker
Families may need documentation from their doctor, or you may need to plan ahead for alternatives. So check with the embassy or with your doctor before travel, and this can help avoid problems.
00:13:06
Speaker
So in closing, flights don't have to be perfect to be successful. Sometimes success means getting through security without a meltdown, staying seated most of the flight, or just simply making it to your destination in one piece. I have been there, guys.
00:13:21
Speaker
Travel is a learning process for kids, parents, and us together as a whole. If flying with kids with ADHD feels intimidating, just know that you're not alone.
00:13:32
Speaker
With preparation, flexibility, realistic expectations, this type of travel really can be possible. Travel doesn't have to look like anyone else's version to be meaningful.
00:13:43
Speaker
Meet your family where they are, adjust when needed, and keep wandering without limits. guys got this. If this episode resonated with you, please follow or subscribe to the show and share it with another parent who might need to hear it too.
00:13:56
Speaker
Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time.