Quick answer
  • Arrive earlier than you would alone — families need more time at check-in and security.
  • Pack a dedicated kids' bag with snacks, a change of clothes, entertainment and medicines.
  • Baby food, milk and formula are usually allowed through security in reasonable quantities.
  • Family-friendly lounges with play areas or family rooms make long waits much easier — 131 lounges in our network list a children's play area.

Before you leave home

  1. Check documents early. Children usually need their own passport or ID. Some countries require extra documents when a child travels with one parent.
  2. Choose flight times wisely. Flights that match nap times or avoid very early starts often go more smoothly.
  3. Check in online and confirm that your family is seated together.
  4. Check stroller and car seat rules with your airline — many let you take a stroller to the gate.

What to pack in the kids' bag

  • snacks and an empty water bottle
  • a change of clothes for each child (and a spare T-shirt for you)
  • nappies, wipes and a changing mat for babies
  • headphones, downloaded shows, books or small toys
  • any medicines, plus a copy of prescriptions
  • a light blanket or favourite comfort toy

Getting through airport security with children

  1. Prepare liquids in advance. Baby milk, formula and baby food are usually allowed in reasonable quantities, even above the normal liquid limit, but may be checked separately.
  2. Keep it simple. Avoid belts, lots of layers and complicated shoes for kids.
  3. Use family lanes where available — many airports have them.
  4. Explain security to older children before you arrive so the scanners do not surprise them.

Making the wait easier

  1. Let kids move. Burn off energy by walking or using play areas before boarding.
  2. Find a base. A quiet corner, a family area or a lounge gives you seats, toilets and food in one place.
  3. Eat before boarding. Hungry children and turbulence are not a good mix.
  4. Change nappies just before boarding — aircraft toilets are small.

Family-friendly airport lounges

A lounge can be especially valuable for families on long waits: food and drinks are included, seats are easier to find and there is more space. Across the Lounge.club network:

  • 212 lounges list baby changing facilities
  • 131 lounges list a children's play area
  • 89 lounges list a family room

Examples with play areas include the iGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport, Airport Lounge World in Munich, the Erste Premier Lounge in Prague and the Plaza Premium Lounge in Helsinki.

Tip: check children's prices and age rules before you book. Some lounges let young children in free, others charge per child.

Boarding and the flight

  1. Use family pre-boarding if offered, especially with a stroller or car seat.
  2. Help little ears. Feeding, a dummy or a drink during take-off and landing can help with ear pressure.
  3. Stay flexible. Things will not always go to plan — and that is fine.
Good to know
Lounge facilities, opening hours, prices and access rules vary by location and can change. Always check the specific lounge before you travel.