Airport Tips for You and Your Children

Ahhh airports… The place of stress, thousands of people, terrible food, and delays. There’s nothing like kicking off your travels with the joys of getting reprimanded by TSA because you forgot your belt on your pants. Worse yet, every airport has its own set of security rules so it is always anyone’s guess on what has to happen. It is a chaotic and stressful time but is essential when trying to get to a new location in the quickest way possible. While there are a lot of head aches and anxiety that goes along with pre-flight, there are a few things to be aware of before you head off on your next adventure.

• Research where to park : Often times, people go to the airport without a destination in mind. At some international airports, there may be 10 different parking lots with different prices and proximities to the airport. Make sure you understand where you need to get to so you are not driving around trying to find a spot.

• Make sure you understand the baggage rules : Double and triple check your baggage allowance to make sure you are not bringing anything that will hold you up. Too many times I have seen a person trying to board a flight but they didn’t pay for overhead luggage or their bag is too heavy for checked baggage. Doing a double check on your allowances will let you get through check-in much faster.

• Understand what you can bring with a child : Most airlines are very good with kids and their needs. Always double check but, for the most part, parents will be allowed to bring a stroller and car seat for free. These items can be checked in at baggage claim but we would often bring the stroller and gate check it to give us a little more help while bringing baggage and babies through the airport. Depending on your needs you could always check it as well. In addition to this, we have always been able to bring milk, snacks, and formula that you would otherwise not be able to bring. Knowing this, you will more than likely get held up in security as they will do a secondary check on these items.

• There are family lines at some airports : As we all know, traveling with kids can be extremely difficult at time. My favorite perk, however, is the family line that many airports have. Instead of waiting in line for 45 minutes to get through security, there are many airports that have a family and special needs line that will bring you right up to the front. USE THIS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. You can save so much time and energy if you are lucky enough to be flying in these particular airports.

• Make sure you are signed up for flight text alerts : This is very handy when you are trying to navigate an airport. As many airlines delay flights or change gates, you get a text alert that gives you live updates to where your plane will be and at what time. There’s not much worse that rushing through a massive airport to get to the gate just to find out it was delayed and the gate was moved.

• Always check on your gate : Too many times I have been guilty of this. “We have an hour until we board, let’s grab a bite” just to find out the flight is boarding 50 mins ahead of departure. I have been halfway through my meal and overhear that announcement that Flight XYZ has boarded and if you have not made it, get to the gate ASAP. I have now learned to check into your gate first, verify it is in fact your gate and get the boarding times correct.

• Airport perks for parents : More and more, I am seeing services set up directly for parents. Nursing mother pods are easily found at most international airports now. Also, I have seen small playgrounds, play airplane place, and even a Lego block center for the kids to play while you wait for your flight. Look up these perks prior to going to the airport so you can plan to visit to make your airport stay easier.

Maybe it's because I'm a parent and I notice these things more often but I feel like there are many more perks for parents at airports while they are traveling. Again, do a quick bit of research and plan for a fun adventure! Traveling with kids is always more difficult but follow these tips and you'll be off to a smoother airport experience!