Disclosure: This is a collaborative post about tips for travelling with kids.
Table of Contents
Airport Parking
Getting to the airport via public transport is possible, but can be a bit awkward when you have kids. For us it’s always easier and overall cheaper with less upset children by parking at the airport. It makes it simple for leaving too, no waiting around, just a quick shuttle bus back to the car park and you’re in your own car on the way home.
Parkos airport parking comparison site can help you find the cheapest and best parking available. You can simply put in your dates and airport location, then book the best option. You can also search for offsite car parks that have electric charging points or airport meet and greet.
Snacks and Water
Always bring snacks. This really goes for planning any day out with kids! Snacks can make or break the day, as when kids get hungry they can also get very upset. So make sure you have snacks packed in the kids bags if they have them or in yours if not. Try and avoid nuts if at all possible, just in case someone on the plane has nut allergies. It’s generally more expensive to buy food at the airport, so in the interest of saving money bring them with you from home.
It’s also important to keep the kids hydrated when at the airport and on the plane. My eldest often doesn’t drink enough without reminders and can end up with a sore head. This is even more possible on longer journeys. So make sure you have bottles of water for everybody. Most airports have areas to fill bottles, we’ve found them all over the world from Colombia to Scotland! So just bring an empty refillable bottle and fill it up at the water filling station. Often these are located near the toilets, but in other airports, such as Edinburgh airport they are on the way out of duty free.
Keep Them Busy
Keeping the kids busy when travelling is key to a happy trip! It’s best to have a few things in their bag to keep them busy. Consider taking a tablet for the kids to use, but don’t forget headphones so nobody else has to listen!
You could also consider creating some busy bags to take with you too. These are particularly useful for younger kids if you don’t want them on screens the entire time. I also have a variety of other travel busy bag ideas here and plane busy bags here.
At the airport you often find play areas for younger children. Check online before you visit, but many have a small soft play area for children. We particularly enjoyed the airport themed play area at Geneva airport departures and a tiny soft play at Schipol airport departures.
Queuing At The Airport Gate
Kids hate queuing, most kids will tolerate it for a while, but it’s not fun in any way! There are 2 options to avoid queuing for too long with kids. So for younger kids that are under 5 you can often get preferential boarding on the plane. Many airports will request young children to board the plane after the speedy boarders. Even when our youngest was 8 we’ve been asked by crew to board first! So make your kids visible and you could board earlier.
The other option is to just sit and wait until your section of the airplane is called. Everyone should have seats booked and so it doesn’t matter if you get on last, the seats will still be available.
Pushchair’s or Strollers
Taking a pushchair to the plane door makes life easier with toddlers and babies, so check out the rules for your airline. Another option is to use a baby carrier, this is what we did when visiting Venice with a 2 year old!
If you have a pushchair or pram then check your airlines FAQ’s to find out whether you can take it to the gate. Some airlines let you take it all the way to the door and then stow it underneath, others won’t let you. This post has a lot of information about flying with strollers and what to check.
Other Family Travel Posts
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