Airport facilities and security when travelling with kids

Due to requirements by airlines for two or three hour check-ins you can often spend more time in an airport than you do on the plane. After check in or if you are in transit having things like play areas can make a big difference. In some cases if you are in transit you can also avail of showers and bookable rooms where you can rest for a few hours for a fee.

Almost all airports have child friendly facilities including baby changing facilities although standards vary considerably. Some are superb and others are cramped. Always get older children to use the bathroom before boarding as they will not be allowed use of the plane's toilet until after takeoff.

Almost every airport will have seating areas and shops that sell food, reading materials and drinks and you can check out the facilities generally for most airports on their websites before you travel. If in doubt and if you are to be in an airport for a long time and the information is not available try to send the airport and e-mail.

Airport lounges are generally geared for business executives however if your children can be well-behaved a business lounge can be an option if you have access to a frequent flyer club or if you want to buy a day pass.

Despite what adults may feel about airports, children find them a great source of entertainment. There are trolleys, shops, slippery floors, moving escalators and of course the planes. Leave time to let your children explore and do some plane watching and this may exhaust them before the flight.

If your children can read try to get them to identify your departure gate and check-in gate and where possible engage them in the process by explaining to them all about check-in, immigration, security and boarding.

Airport security with kids

Clearing security can be time-consuming particularly if you are carrying extras like a buggy or a carry cot. Give yourself plenty of extra time. These days, security checks can involve everything from removing your belt, shoes and jackets to emptying your pockets. You'll also have to remove everything from the buggy too so do not overload it.

Do a final check on the amount of liquids in your hand luggage making sure they are within the accepted limits and placed in a self sealing plastic bag. Check our hand luggage guide and make sure none of you have any prohibited items in your carry on luggage.

You will need to be ready to fold your buggy for x-ray and explain to children in a fun way that they are going to go through the magic bridge. Remember if you are buying drinks and juices to buy them after you go through security.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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