👪 My Favorite Tips and Tricks for Traveling with Kids

With two daughters on board, I’ve learned a lot about family travel over the years, but only a few people have mastered it like Nick Reyes from the Frequent Miler. He’s flown his wife and kids to over 30 countries (often in business class!) using points and miles, including his recent $50,000 Europe trip for eight people that cost only $6,000 out of pocket. So I asked him to join me on Ep #252 to share everything he’s learned about making family travel affordable, comfortable, and stress-free.

Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation.

🧭 Stay Flexible When Planning

The biggest mindset shift is being flexible, not just about where you go, but when. Instead of saying “we want to go to Paris on July 16,” think “we want to go to Europe sometime this summer.” That flexibility opens up way more award availability, especially when you’re booking for 3–5 people.

And in terms of finding availability, you can use search tools like Seats.Aero, AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS), point.me (20% off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS20) to scan multiple cities and programs at once. 

✈️ Booking Flights for Families

Finding 4–5 award seats can be tough, but some airlines make it easier. Air France frequently releases multiple business-class seats, and Virgin Atlantic often has great partner availability. Here are some underrated tips to book flights:

• Split flights: If you have to, book two seats now and set alerts for two more later.
• Use lap-infant and kids’ discounts:
  • Air France/KLM Flying Blue: 25% off award tickets for kids ages 2–11
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: 2,500 miles or $25 (CAD) for lap infants
  • British Airways/Virgin Atlantic: 2,500–7,500 miles for lap infants depending on cabin
• Book companion fares: Using the unlimited Southwest Companion Pass or companion certificates from Alaska Airlines and American Airlines which are less flexible but still valuable. 
• Pool miles for kids: Programs like Air Canada's Aeroplan Family Sharing make it easy to share balances as a family.

💤 Jet Lag, Sleep & Long Flights

Jet lag can ruin a trip, so one of the most effective strategies is to book flights that line up with bedtime (around 7 p.m.) and prioritize flatbed seats so everyone arrives rested. If that’s not in the budget, you can consider the options below: 

• Buying an extra seat (some airlines like United make this an easy option).
• Air New Zealand’s Economy Skycouch has three economy seats that convert into a flat surface.
• Budget business class options like ZIPAIR for cheaper lie-flat flights (but note: tickets are usually non-changeable).

For kids, he cuts out screen time a few days before the trip so they look forward to using tablets on the plane. It keeps them engaged and also helps with the transition to sleep.

🧒 Favorite Family-Friendly Airlines

Asian carriers are often the most kid-friendly. Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Cathay Pacific go above and beyond—offering toys, kid kits, and even letting lap infants use empty seats when available. European carriers like Turkish Airlines and Air France also hand out small toys or games.

If you’re traveling with a baby, ask about bassinet seats in advance because they’re free but limited. And if your kids are earning miles, make sure they have their own frequent flyer accounts, since many programs let you pool miles later.

🧳 Travel Gear That Makes Life Easier

A few products have made a huge difference for both of our families: 

• RideSafer Travel Vest: A portable, foldable car seat alternative.
• Inflatable Booster Seats: A great option for older kids.
• Compact Strollers: Babyzen Yoyo and gb Pockit are great options for travel.
• Window Clings: Simple but amazing for keeping toddlers entertained during delays.

And remember: every country has kids! You can find wipes, diapers, and medicine almost anywhere, so don’t overpack.

🏨 Booking Hotels and Rooms for Families

Finding rooms for four can be tough, especially in Europe. Many properties default to a max of two or three guests per room, but here are some tips to make things a little bit easier. 

• Contact the hotel directly. Sometimes you can add kids for free or get upgraded to a larger room.
• Hyatt’s Family Rate: 50% off a second room at participating hotels (even when the first is booked on points).
• Use Points Wisely:
  
  • Hilton Free Night Certificates work great for high-end stays (like the Grand Hotel Victoria on Lake Como that Nick's family stayed in).
  • Vacation rentals that can be booked entirely with points, like Cottages.com (in the UK).

For family-friendly resorts, Marriott Vacation Club and SLH stand out for their great kids’ clubs.

🧠 Handling Delays and Airport Time

Flight delays are inevitable, so when they happen, here are a few things that could help:

• Priority Pass lounges (some even let you skip security lines, like the VIP One Lounge at JFK Terminal 1).
• Mobile Passport for quick U.S. reentry (and Global Entry if you travel often—yes, even kids need their own).
• Pack surprise entertainment like new toys or games that can save the day.
• Elite status or extra points help if you ever need to rebook flights last minute.

🌎 Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive; it just requires a shift in mindset and a few smart tools. Be flexible, plan with points, and keep expectations realistic. Whether it’s a short domestic trip or a family adventure across the world, these tips will make the experience smoother and, of course, more rewarding for everyone.

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