Travelling With Children: Airport Guide

Before you leave home

• Check in online and select seats together; airlines should not split young children from adults.
• Pre-book any assistance, and confirm the pushchair and car seat policy.
• Pack a change of clothes for each child, and one for yourself, in the cabin bag.
• Charge devices and download entertainment offline.

Security with children

• Baby milk, formula and food are exempt from the liquids limit but must be declared.
• You may be asked to taste a liquid; this is routine.
• Pushchairs are screened separately, so collapse them before reaching the belt.
• Many airports have a family lane. Ask a staff member rather than searching for signs.

The waiting time

Most large terminals have a play area, and almost all have baby care rooms with changing tables, bottle warmers and a private feeding space. Find them on the terminal map before you settle at a gate.

• Feed children before boarding rather than waiting for the service on board.
• Let them move. A walk down the pier is better than a screen at this stage.
• Refill water bottles after security so you are not buying drinks at gate prices.

Boarding and the aircraft

• Family pre-boarding gives you time to stow bags, but it also adds time in the seat. With toddlers, boarding last is often better.
• Gate-check the pushchair at the aircraft door and collect it there on arrival where the airline allows it.
• Ask about a bassinet on long haul flights; these are limited and allocated in advance.
• Bring something for ear pressure on descent: a drink, a dummy or chewing.

Arrival with children

Immigration queues are the last hurdle and the hardest one. Many airports offer a priority family lane; look for it before joining the main queue, and have every passport and form ready in one hand.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a pushchair to the gate?

On most airlines yes, and it is gate-checked at the aircraft door free of charge.

Can I bring baby milk through security?

Yes. Baby milk, formula and food are exempt from the 100 ml rule. Declare them at the checkpoint.

Will we be seated together?

Airlines should seat young children with an accompanying adult. Check in early and contact the airline if the seat map splits you.

Should we board first with young children?

With babies yes, for stowing bags. With toddlers, boarding last shortens the time strapped into a seat.