Budget Airlines Essentials: What We Always Pack
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Flying budget airlines with kids might sound like a disaster waiting to happen—but it doesn't have to be. On one of our recent trips, I had all four kids, snacks, tablets, and backpacks in tow. We boarded a low-cost airline, and honestly? It was one of the smoothest flights we’ve ever had. The trick is knowing what to pack (and what not to), and which travel hacks and credit cards will help get you there without overspending.
If you're just getting started with points and miles, make sure to check out my beginner's guide to points and miles —it's the resource I wish I had when I was getting started.
For this particular trip, we used points from a mix of flexible rewards cards (you can find a few of my favorites here) to cover our flights. Booking budget carriers with points might not sound glamorous, but it lets us save money for the actual adventures.
Luggage, Etc.
Color coordinating our travel gear has been a total game changer. My kids always know exactly which bags and accessories are theirs, and it’s seriously cut down on the “that’s mine!” arguments. The best carry-on luggage we've found comes in a bunch of fun colors too—you can check it out here. II’m still on the hunt for quality checked bags though. These hold up great in the cabin but haven’t done so well under the plane. If you’ve found a brand you love for checked luggage, send it my way!
We also use packing cubes to keep everything organized. If you missed my blag article on packing cubes, find that here.
What to Pack to Keep Kids Happy (and You Sane)
One of my non-negotiables is compact kids' headphones. These foldable headphones are the best I’ve found. They don’t take up much space, they’re kid-friendly, and they last. I also bring a headphone splitter so two of the kids can watch the same show on one tablet without fighting over whose turn it is. This tiny piece of tech has saved my sanity.
Speaking of tablets, the Amazon Fire tablets were game-changers for us. When we got them, I made it clear: they live in the travel backpacks. That alone made them feel like a big deal to the kids. I customized them by dragging all the Amazon preloaded apps into a folder, then downloaded Netflix, Disney+, and tons of movies for offline viewing. On airlines like Southwest, they could even stream free movies through the browser—and they were thrilled to have their very own tablets.
Each kid got a different color case because we all know that’s the key to not losing track of whose is whose. If you're traveling soon, I also recommend checking out my flying with kids post.
Another one of our favorites? These snack boxes. Grandma usually fills them up before a trip with fun treats and snacks (which makes it extra exciting), but I do it myself when she can’t. It feels like a mini present every time they open them up, and the compliments we get from flight attendants and other passengers are non-stop. It’s the easiest way to make a budget flight feel special.
A Travel Pillow Worth Packing
Now let’s talk about the MVP of my mom-travel kit: this eye mask that doubles as a travel pillow. I strapped it on mid-flight, Velcroed it to the seat, and when I tried to lift my head, it didn’t budge. Unlike the neck-brace style pillows that leave your shoulders sore, this one supports your head without putting pressure on anything else. The only caveat? You need a headrest to anchor it. But most planes have one, so I’m rarely caught off guard.
How We Book Budget Flights With Points
So how do we afford to fly as a family without breaking the bank? Points and miles. Always. If you’re wondering where to start, these are the flexible travel credit cards I recommend most. There are even a few cards that help you earn points when you shop online—and if that interests you, you should definitely read my breakdown of Rakuten vs. Capital One Shopping portals.
And if you’re totally new to points and miles or just want a simple place to begin, don’t miss my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles—it walks you through exactly how this all works (in real-life, mom-friendly terms).
Budget airlines don’t have to feel budget if you plan ahead. Bring the right gear, prep your points strategy, and your next trip might just be the smoothest one yet.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom may receive a commission from card issuers.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
