Flying with toddlers is like expecting the unpredictable. One second they’re laughing at cartoons, the next you’re cleaning crayons out from under the seat while Goldfish crackers end up everywhere but their mouths.
I’ve taken my kids on dozens of flights and quickly learned that one simple thing can make a HUGE difference on long flights — a quality kids travel tray for airplanes.
Children need a dedicated space for all their snacks, coloring books, tablets, toys, and activities during long flights. A quality airplane tray allows kids their own mini “activity center” right in their airline seat. Better yet, it saves you from picking things up off the floor every five seconds.
Look for travel trays that are lightweight, portable, durable, and easy to clean up after spills. Features to look for include tablet holders, storage pockets, dry erase boards, and side walls that prevent toys from rolling everywhere during takeoff and landing.
In this post, I share some of the best kids travel trays for airplanes and recommend which ones are best for various ages, flight durations, and travel needs.
Why a Kids Travel Tray Makes Flying Easier
Honestly, before trying one I thought these trays were pointless. Once I used one on an overnight flight though, I was sold.
Why a travel tray is helpful:
- Provides a flat surface to do activities
- Allows for snacks and toys to be contained in one area
- Keeps things from always falling off your seat tray
- Allows kids to have their own “space.”
- Keeps kids less bored on long flights
- Allows parents to stop digging through their backpack every few seconds
These trays come in handy with toddlers and preschoolers who aren’t quite ready to sit quietly for a long flight.
Honestly, for long international flights I would rank a quality travel tray right up there with noise cancelling headphones and a tablet full of movies/shows.
What to Look for in the Best Kids Airplane Travel Tray
Travel trays vary wildly in usefulness. Some trays look cute on Amazon but are totally infuriating when you’re trying to fly with them.
These are the features I believe to be most helpful.
Lightweight
You have lots of stuff when traveling with kids. You don’t need a tray with extra bulk running through airports.
Look for ones that lay completely flat or easily zip into your travel backpack.
Raised Edges
Kids trays should have raised walls all around them. Low trays let crayons, snacks, toys tumble right onto the floor when the airplane shakes.
That’s just asking for a meltdown.
iPad Holder
Clip-on tablet holders are one of my favorite travel tray additions. They eliminate shoulder-height screens that make kids crane their necks.
They let you place screens at eye level so your kids aren’t holding them.
Easy Clean Tray Top
Kids are messy on airplanes. There will be juice spills. There will be sticky snacks that get EVERYWHERE.
Pick trays made from wipeable, water-resistant materials.
Secure Attachment
The tray should attach tightly to your child’s waist or airplane seat belt. Flimsy trays that slide around are more annoying than not having one at all.
Best Kids Travel Tray for Airplanes
Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray
The Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray may very well be the most well-known airplane travel tray for kids currently available and after dissecting every detail about it, I see why.
What I love first off is that it’s highly organized but doesn’t feel overbearing. It comes with mesh side pockets, cup holders, tablet holder and raised edges.
It doesn’t feel too bulky with all of these features.
My favorite part about this tray is the dry erase top. Kids can draw right on their tray with washable markers!
I also really enjoy that the side walls are decently thick. A lot of lower priced trays’ walls flop down really easily.
Best For:
- toddlers and preschoolers
- long haul flights
- parents who want high levels of organization
Possible Cons:
It’s a little bigger than the super compact trays. This tray is ideal when you have some leg room.
Kenley Kids Travel Tray
Kenley Kids Travel Tray really emphasizes convenience when traveling.
If you are looking for a travel tray for shorter flights or families wanting something lightweight and easy to use, this is the tray I would recommend.
The tray easily folds down and saves space in your carry-on bag. The tray still features pockets for storage and has raised sides. However, the design just seems more compact than others.
I also love that this tray does not have an overly complicated setup. With some trays you feel like you are constantly adjusting them while boarding. Not fun when there are people waiting behind you.
Best Suited For:
- Parents looking for something small
- Shorter flights
- Those who like to pack light
Cons:
Small pockets compared to other larger premium travel trays.
PILLANI Kids Travel Tray
The PILLANI Kids Travel Tray leans a bit more on the activity side of things.
It comes with a large space for drawing and several activity pockets. There’s also plenty of emphasis on keeping your kids occupied for long periods of time.
I can definitely see families pulling this out when they have toddlers who love coloring books, stickers, and toys on planes.
The walls of the tray are on the taller side, which should help prevent any toys from rolling off.
Great for:
- toddlers
- creative activities
- lengthy flights with lots of activities
Cons:
May be too big for small plane seats for some parents.
Funbliss Kids Travel Tray
Funbliss Kids Travel Tray strikes me as a cross between a lap desk and airplane tray organizer.
Comfort & Stability are priorities with this design. The padding on the underside is thicker which is great if you’re using it for longer stretches of time.
I also appreciate the storage compartments. Snacks, crayons, wipes and headphones can all fit here without taking up space in your seat pocket.
The tablet stand angles away just enough to provide hands-free viewing for movie watching.
Best for:
- Longer flights
- Children who frequently watch videos
- Parents who want additional cushioning
Cons:
Bulky if you prefer simple trays.
ECOFANTASY Kids Travel Tray
ECOFANTASY Kids Travel Tray was made for airplanes.
My favorite feature about this travel tray is how stable it is for flying. It doesn’t feel as flimsy as most soft trays.
It really helps with trays staying put while kids eat or play on tablets.
The side pockets help keep snacks away from toys, which is minor until you’ve got crackers getting into crayons.
Best Used For:
- Flying specifically
- Snacking/eating on flights
- Children that need sturdy trays
Something to consider:
It’s not as travel-friendly in regards to packing up as some foldable trays are.
Are Airplane Travel Trays Worth It?
I tried them myself with my family when traveling. I would recommend them, yes. Particularly for flights over three hours.
Without a tray, children consistently set stuff on…
- The airplane seat
- The floor
- Your lap
- The pull-down airline tray table
That ends up becoming messy and annoying pretty quickly.
With a tray, there is order. Kids know where their crayons, snacks, and iPad go.
Plus it allows parents a few moments where they aren’t corralling every item individually.
For long international flights, that peace of mind is worth it alone.
Best Kids Travel Tray by Age Group
Best Travel Trays for Toddlers (2–4 Years Old)
If you have toddlers, my top priorities would be:
- High edges that stand tall
- Good stability
- Multiple snack/storage compartments
- Surfaces that are easy to clean
Products that fit the bill are the PILLANI Kids Travel Tray and Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray.
Best Travel Trays for Preschoolers (4–6 Years Old)
Preschoolers often have priorities like:
- Space for coloring
- Room for watching tablets
- Space for organizing activities
The Funbliss Kids Travel Tray is great for preschoolers.
Best Travel Trays for Older Kids
Older kids may not need too many special compartments. Lightweight and portability matter more.
Kenley Kids Travel Tray is my pick for this age group.
Tips for Using a Kids Travel Tray on Flights
Things I Learned After Flying Several Times:
Pack the Tray Before Boarding
Pack crayons, snacks, headphones, stickers BEFORE you get on the plane.
It’s way harder to find everything you want once you’re up in the air.
Don’t Overpack Activities
Kids can get overwhelmed with too many toys. They end up with cluttered trays.
Instead, pick a few favorite activities and rotate them.
Bring Wet Wipes
The laminated tray is water-resistant but not waterproof. Liquids and crumbs will get messy.
Download Shows Offline
USB holders are great but airport Wi-Fi is spotty. Download shows in advance.
…and these trays aren’t JUST for planes
I didn’t realize how many other places we’d use our activity tray until after we bought ours. We’ve used ours:
- On road trips
- Long train trips
- At hotel lobbies when bored
- Restaurants
- Airport waiting areas
Final Verdict
It won’t make every flight you take amazingly serene, but your kids travel tray will definitely help.
Just being more organized can take a lot of stress out of traveling with young kids.
Overall, the Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray is probably the best all-around choice in terms of durability, organization, and convenience.
Parents looking for something more lightweight and compact might be interested in the Kenley Kids Travel Tray.
If your biggest need is keeping toddlers busy and entertained, check out the PILLANI Kids Travel Tray.
Best Kids Travel Tray for Airplanes