Flying with kids: the UK airports that make family travel easier

As February half term approaches, many families are getting ready to take to the skies. For parents, the airport experience can set the tone for the whole holiday, with queues, tired children and unfamiliar facilities often adding stress before the trip even begins. New research comparing family-friendly features at major UK airports offers a useful snapshot of where travelling with children might be a little easier.

Play areas and calm spaces for young travellers

Dedicated play areas can make a huge difference when children need to burn off energy before a flight. Several UK airports now offer spaces designed with families in mind. Heathrow has soft-play zones in every terminal, while Manchester provides its Little Flyers play zone alongside baby care and feeding rooms. Gatwick’s North Terminal includes a free play area after security, and Birmingham has Sky Zone play areas close to departure gates.

For families travelling with neurodivergent children, Bristol Airport offers a bookable Sensory Room designed to provide a calm and supportive environment, recognising that airports can be overwhelming for some passengers.

Pushchairs and baby facilities

Navigating terminals with pushchairs and babies can be one of the biggest challenges of flying with young children. Policies vary between airports, but Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted allow families to take their own pushchairs through security and to the boarding gate. Luton offers complimentary loan pushchairs within the terminal, while Birmingham provides loan pushchairs for a refundable deposit.

All of the airports included in the research provide baby-changing and feeding facilities, either in dedicated rooms or within standard washrooms. Most also allow baby food, milk and sterilised water to be carried through security, subject to container limits.

Family-friendly food and dining

Waiting for a flight often overlaps with mealtimes, and having child-friendly food options can make airport time more manageable. Most major airports offer children’s menus and family-friendly dining options. Heathrow is noted for its Kids Eat Free promotion, which typically runs during school holiday periods for under-12s.

Security queues and fast track options

Queues at security can be particularly challenging for families with very young children. Some airports provide free or directed fast track access for families travelling with infants. Belfast International, Gatwick and Edinburgh offer free fast track for children under two. Luton provides it for children travelling with an adult fast track ticket holder, while Glasgow offers free access for children under three when accompanied by a paying adult.

Planning ahead for a smoother journey

The research highlights how airport facilities can vary significantly, and how planning ahead can help families feel more confident when travelling. Knowing where to find play areas, baby facilities and faster security routes can help turn what is often a stressful start into a more manageable part of the holiday.

For more details on the research and a full comparison of family-friendly airport facilities, visit https://www.aph.com/familytravel