Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of people navigating packed airports. While we opted for a road trip to Moab, Utah, this time around, my twins and I have taken to the skies on several occasions. Flying with babies—let alone two at once—might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning and a few tried-and-true strategies, I’ve managed to fly solo with both of them multiple times. Here’s a look at how I’ve made it work and how you can, too.
Booking the Flight
When traveling alone with twins, I’ve learned to make seating a priority. One baby sits on my lap, while the other needs to be in a car seat. This system works for now, but I know that as they get older and more wiggly, booking separate seats for both will be the way to go. For an upcoming flight, my best friend is joining us to help. She’ll take one of the babies, but even then, we can’t sit in the same row because planes only have four oxygen masks per row. To stay close, I booked us aisle seats across from each other—it’s a little adjustment that makes everything easier. Oh, and here’s a fun detail about lap infant boarding passes: consistency is not TSA or the airlines’ strong suit. Some flights require them, and others don’t. I’ve started asking for a paper boarding pass at the ticket counter to avoid confusion during boarding.
Getting Through Security
This part of the trip can feel chaotic, but I’ve got a system that works. I bring their milk in a separate cooler (the rtic 6 can cooler is my favorite) so it’s easy for TSA to check, and I always pack enough for the day—not just the flight—in case of delays. Frozen milk gets packed in my checked luggage. So far, it’s stayed frozen on direct flights thanks to the cold cargo hold. If we had connections, though, I’d carry it on instead. As for the stroller, I’ve learned to streamline the process. I unbuckle the babies while waiting in line so I can quickly pick them up and walk through the scanner. TSA agents have always been happy to help by pushing the stroller through for me. Could I do one baby at a time? Sure, but keeping them both on me feels easier (and let’s be honest, less risky).
Navigating the Airport
Airport travel looks completely different when you’re using elevators instead of escalators. I give myself plenty of extra time, not just for check-in but for navigating the terminal. Elevators are often small, crowded, and slow—especially when you’re juggling a stroller, luggage, and other passengers. Some patience (and maybe a little humor) goes a long way.
Boarding the Plane
When it comes to seats, many people recommend sitting at the back of the plane. I actually prefer seats over the wings because it’s less bumpy. Boarding early is a must for me—not because I like waiting on the plane, but because I need time to fold up the
In-Flight Tips
Thankfully, my twins have been great sleepers on planes. I try to time flights around their
Deplaning
Deplaning is essentially the boarding process in reverse. If I’m sitting toward the back, I usually need extra time to get the
Final Thoughts and Resources
Flying with twins may seem like a monumental challenge, but preparation and a good attitude make all the difference. Before you travel, check your airline’s policies for lap infants, car seats, and strollers, and brush up on TSA guidelines for formula, breast milk, and baby food. We’ve only flown domestically so far, so international flights are uncharted territory for us. I’ll let you know how it goes when we take that leap! Until then, happy flying—and may your travel days be turbulence-free.
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