I have a 18, 11, and 7 year old. I started my kids on flying with my 11 year old was 3 years old. Except for my 18 year old the boys I pack there own back packs. They have 2 bottles of water, and 2 juice boxes or gatorade. O have snacks, trail mix, twizzlers, and fruit. Then I pack for the my portable dvd players with 2 favorite movies each and coloring books and colors and 2 hand held games, that keeps my kiddos happy.