“The airport theory sounds like a fun travel experiment for solo travelers or couples who like to push boundaries, but it’s a terrible idea when you’re flying with kids,”

Jesse Neugarten, a parent and the CEO and founder of Dollar Flight Club, makes a compelling case for why the airport theory is a hard no. According to Neugarten, when you’re traveling with kids, everything takes ten times longer than when you’re traveling alone. Rushing through the airport in record time is, therefore, a recipe for disaster. On their recent trip to Australia, Neugarten and his family thought they had plenty of time, but they barely made it through check-in and security before boarding started. If they had tried to cut it close, they would have missed the flight entirely and ruined the trip.

1. Check-in may take longer than expected because you have to drop off the stroller, car seat, or other gear at the “special baggage” spot
2. Security may take longer than expected because your kids’ toys, snacks, or water bottles trigger a manual screening
3. Unanticipated bathroom stops, diaper changes, or diaper explosions
4. Unanticipated meltdowns due to tiredness, overstimulation, or the stress of getting through the airport

These unexpected issues can be costly and aggravating, and the consequences of missing your flight due to them are even more severe. Rebooking all members of your family on a new itinerary can be a complicated and time-consuming process. “Rebooking one passenger is already difficult, so rebooking two, three, four, or more could be both costly and time consuming and/or require that your group be split up,”

says Marianne Perez Fransius, CEO of Bébé Voyage. The airport theory may seem like a fun travel experiment, but it’s not a viable option for families with young children. It’s not just the reality of missing your flight that’s a concern, but the stress and anxiety it can cause both parents and kids. “From a therapist’s perspective, rushing creates unnecessary stress for children and parents,” explains Lisa Anderson, LCSW and clinical director at Brooks Healing Center. “Kids who feel your tension tend to mirror it, leading to meltdowns or anxiety around travel. Not to mention, missing a flight could throw off your entire vacation—and that kind of stress can easily be avoided with better planning.”
So, what can families do instead? Neugarten advises arriving two to three hours ahead to give yourself space to breathe, manage security, and avoid last-minute rushing.

1. Pack a well-organized carry-on with the essentials, such as snacks, water bottles (fill them after security), hand wipes, changes of clothes, and maybe a favorite toy or blanket
2. Keep all documents easily accessible, including passports, boarding passes, and IDs
3. Use family or TSA PreCheck lines to save time and streamline the process
4. Maintain realistic expectations for your kids, and prepare them for what to expect at the airport
5. Stay calm and flexible, and remember that things may not go perfectly

By following these tips, families can minimize the stress and anxiety associated with air travel, and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone. So, the next time you’re planning a family vacation, leave the airport theory behind and opt for a more relaxed approach. Safe travels!