Unless you enjoy stressed-out kids, confusion, rushing and hassle, you’ll want to check out our expertly written guide on how to minimise airport stress when travelling with the family. Read on to find out more.
Prepare ahead of time
First of all, if you want airport stress to be kept at a minimum when travelling with the family, it pays to properly prepare things ahead of time. Indeed, there are many different things you can do to get ahead of your airport experience, including making sure your flights are booked in advance. By pre-booking your flights, you will have access to lots more options, such as times and seating, which can help make this part of your journey less stressful.
It also makes sense to prepare your kids for what to expect when travelling, including at the airport and on the plane. By prepping them beforehand, you can help to set your expectations for behaviour, as well as reduce any anxiety about the experience.
Last of all, be sure to plan your airport arrival properly. This means setting a time at which you will arrive, so you don’t need to rush. Also, having a checklist that includes vital things such as passport, suitcases and documents will help you stay organised for arrival and reduce stress.
Choose the meet and greet parking option
You can also reduce the stress associated with your airport experience by choosing the right type of parking option. Booking your parking ahead of time usually means that it’s cheaper. Also, by skipping the park and ride option and going for meet and greet airport parking, you can make your arrival a great deal easier. This is because all you need to do is drive your car to the given drop-off, right by arrivals, and they will park it for you. The great thing about this is that it’s not only faster and less hassle, but you won’t need to get on and off airport parking buses with all your luggage and the family in tow to get to your gate either!
Have a carry-on for the kids
Next, if you want the airport to be a stress-free experience, you need to make sure that you pack a carry-on specifically with the kids in mind. In fact, you can even get wheeled suitcases in fun animal designs that allow kids to ride them through the airport instead of having to carry them. Inside this kid’s carry-on luggage, you should include everything that they might want either in the airport or once they are on the plane. Snacks and drinks are a must on the arrivals side, as this will help stop that constant asking for things from the overpriced airport vendors. Just remember that you’ll have to get rid of any food or drinks that are left over before going through security.
Travel-size toys and games are also essential as these will help keep your kids entertained during the time when you are waiting to board, or are on the plane. Spare clothes in case of accidents or spills is also a good idea, as is a lightweight fleece blanket for every child, and some super comfy clothes like pyjamas for the plane, especially if you are hoping that they will sleep through the majority of the journey.
Headphones and eyemasks are also a good choice as the former can help block out the cabin’s lights, and the latter is good for sound minimisation, as well as entertainment when connected to smartphones, music players, or gaming systems.
Simple items like colouring books and crayons are good low-tech options that do not require a charger or wifi to work and can keep kids entertained for hours. Sticker books are another great choice, especially those reusable ones that can be used to tell stories and for imaginative play.
Make your airport experience easy
You can also make your airport experience less stressful by ensuring you have travel-friendly items like this pram, as well as making use of the facilities laid on for families, including the priority lanes and boarding. Some airports even have quiet rooms ideal for those with additional needs that are more comfortable away from the crowds.
Additionally, checking a map of the airports you will be using beforehand can save a lot of stress and hassle in the long run. Especially when it’s a major airport with a lot of different gates and facilities.
Minimise travel day stress
Last of all, don’t forget your experience in the airport on the other end of your journey either. Be sure to have transport to your hotel booked ahead of time to minimise stress. Also stay away from the time you will be arriving, and which restaurants will be open in case your little ones are hungry once they have arrived.
