Flight delays are frustrating for anyone—but when you’re traveling with kids, they can feel downright chaotic. A long layover or unexpected delay can test your patience and your parenting creativity. But with the right strategies, you can make it through a flight delay with minimal meltdowns and maybe even a few laughs.

In this guide, I’m sharing our family’s best tried-and-true ways to entertain kids during a long airport delay, plus what you need to know about compensation if your flight is delayed.

Pack a “Delay Survival Kit”

Before you even leave home, plan as if you’ll be delayed. Pack a small “survival kit” in your carry-on that includes:

Crayons, markers, and a small coloring book
A few surprise toys (like fidget toys or mini puzzles)
A deck of cards or travel-sized board games
Reusable stickers or window clings for airport windows
Snacks (lots of them!) — think protein bars, trail mix, and gummies
A fully charged tablet with downloaded shows, games, and audiobooks

Tip: Wrap a few items like little presents. The act of unwrapping adds excitement and can buy you extra quiet time.

Embrace Headphones and Screen Time (Zero Guilt!)

During a long delay, it’s okay to loosen screen-time rules. Download a few new movies or shows ahead of time and let them indulge. Pair it with a comfy neck pillow or blanket, and you’ve created a mini movie theater at your gate.

Pro Tip: Bring kid-sized headphones with noise control and a headphone splitter if your kids want to watch something together.

Turn the Terminal into a Playground

Let’s face it—kids need to move. Turn the airport into an adventure by:

Creating an “airport scavenger hunt” (Find: a red suitcase, someone in a pilot uniform, a charging station, etc.)
Playing “I Spy” with airport signs and surroundings
Racing on moving walkways (safely, of course)
Finding kids’ play areas — some airports have designated zones for children to burn off energy

Don’t forget to stretch and do a few simple exercises together. A quick yoga pose or two can lift everyone’s mood.

Use Delay Time for Creative Projects

A long delay offers a rare pocket of uninterrupted time. Use it for something hands-on:

Create a travel journal with drawings and notes
Write postcards to grandparents
Make shadow puppets with your hands on the airport wall
Try simple origami or paper airplanes (just don’t launch them across the gate area!)

Make Mealtime an Activity

Use this time to explore airport dining options together. Let your kids pick a spot and pretend you’re on a food tasting adventure. Turn it into a game: everyone tries something new, gives it a rating, and talks about their favorite airport meal so far.

Bonus: Many airports now have “order-from-app” options so you can stay near your gate while still trying something different.

Read Stories Together (or Listen to Audiobooks)

A long delay is a perfect time to crack open that chapter book you've been meaning to start. Whether you're reading aloud or listening to an audiobook together with wireless earbuds, this calm activity can be a bonding moment in the midst of chaos.

Use “Mini Rewards” as Motivation

Keep a stash of small rewards like stickers, lollipops, or travel-size puzzles. Use these as incentives:

“If we sit quietly and read for 20 minutes, you can open a surprise.”
These little milestones can help structure the time and give kids something to look forward to.

What to Know About Compensation for Delayed Flights

If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation or reimbursement — even more reason to keep your cool while you wait. Here’s a quick breakdown:

U.S. Domestic Flights

Airlines are not required by law to compensate passengers for delays (unless the delay results in being bumped from an oversold flight).
However, many airlines offer vouchers, meal coupons, or miles as a courtesy—especially for delays over 2 hours. Always ask!

International Flights (Departing from the EU or on EU Carriers)

Under EU Regulation 261, you may be entitled to:

€250–€600 in compensation for delays over 3 hours, depending on distance
Meal vouchers and hotel accommodation if overnight delay occurs

You can submit a claim directly through the airline or use a third-party service to help file your claim. We recommend using AirHelp to assist you in getting compensation for a delayed flight.

What to Do:

Keep all boarding passes and receipts
Document the delay and reason given by the airline
Ask the gate agent about rebooking, vouchers, and your rights
If it’s a major delay, check if your credit card offers trip delay reimbursement

Final Thoughts

Long flight delays with kids aren’t easy—but with the right mix of preparation, creativity, and a little patience, you can make the best of an unexpected situation. And don’t forget: you may be able to get compensated for your trouble.

Safe travels—and may your next delay be filled with laughter, stickers, and zero tantrums.