Fly to and from Family Friendly Airports
Travelling can sometimes be stressful, therefore, make sure you choose the correct airport when booking your flights to ensure a better experience.
Family Friendly Airports
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
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Passengers & Class
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
The Best Airports for Families
Travelling to a family-friendly airport is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for families with children. We looked into on-time departure times and cancellation rates for 50 of the busiest airports in the world and analysed other important factors for family-friendliness such as free access to Wi-Fi and the number of things to do.
Moreover, these airports often have efficient and well-organised security procedures, minimising wait times and making the overall travel experience more convenient for families. Additionally, family-friendly airports may offer dining options that cater to children's preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that families have access to nutritious and satisfying meals during their travels.
Overall, choosing a family-friendly airport can significantly enhance the travel experience for families, making it more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable for parents and children alike. To make life easier when travelling we have made a page on a family travel checklist which should help you prepare.
Family Friendly Airports in the UK
London Heathrow Airport:
At the top of the list, London Heathrow Airport offers the best pre-flight experience for families. Heathrow scored highest as both the best large UK airport and the best airport overall for families on the move. They also have a short average delay time, free Wi-Fi and multiple recreation and soft play areas for children of all ages. But that’s not all. There are numerous family-friendly dining choices across all of the terminals, and multiple mother and baby rooms suitable for breastfeeding and changing. There are also a few penny-saving schemes like free travel for kids aboard the Heathrow Express and free drop-off airport parking for up to two hours which adds up to create a top experience for families.
Glasgow Prestwick:
Glasgow Prestwick is next on the best family-friendly UK airports list. It's also the highest of the small airports included in our UK Airport Review. Despite its size, the airport has play areas, quiet spaces and a high number of baby-changing facilities, which all helped to make it on the list. It scored higher than its neighbour, Glasgow Airport, and also beat large airports like London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham International.
Newcastle International Airport:
Newcastle International Airport is a family-friendly airport. Your little ones can go and buy their favourite comic or get some treats from World Duty-Free, there are many ways to keep your children entertained. Not forgetting the great view of the airfield from the departure lounge - the perfect spot to watch planes navigate the skies, and keep both children and parents fascinated. The World Duty-Free stocks an impressive range of sweets, travel games and toys for children, providing the opportunity to keep children entertained which makes flying with children much easier.
Family Friendly Airports in the USA
John F. Kennedy International Airport:
The airport has a low cancellation rate on its flights and offers 108 amenities including a spa and children’s play area. Passengers can also take advantage of the airport’s free and unlimited WiFi. In Terminal 5 alone, there are plenty of things for the whole family to do. The JetBlue Junior Play Space offers interactive, flight-themed fun while your little ones can also visit Amazon’s Tumble Leaf Playground for pirate-themed play at Gate 12.
O’Hare International Airport:
The Illinois airport had the highest number of on-time departures out of all airports in the top three, leaving on schedule. O’Hare benefits from a variety of dining options with 68 eateries, as well as 52 other things to do including an art gallery, where you can find sculptures, murals, paintings, and more. There is also a yoga room to help stretch your legs during a long layover. A big attraction for kids at O'Hare International Airport is the 72-foot-long Brachiosaurus skeleton model on loan from Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History.
Nashville International Airport:
To help keep children and parents occupied at Nashville International Airport, the facility features four stages where performers play music from various genres which is perfect for everyone. The airport keeps a daily schedule of acts. Kids can also avail themselves of play areas in each terminal.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Airports in Asia
- Singapore Changi Airport: There are many free family-friendly things to do at Terminal 3. For one, children can unleash their energy at the public indoor play zone located beside the Sift & Pick store. It’s got toddler-friendly mounds that kids can run over, plus a tunnel where they can play a little hide and seek. There is also a cinema which is perfect for the whole family to sit down and relax.
- Beijing Capital International Airport: If you're travelling with children, be sure to take advantage of the airport's family-friendly facilities, including play areas and baby care rooms. The children’s play areas at the airport, help kids burn off energy and allow parents time to relax while waiting for their flights. Kids can use their imaginations with various play pieces, including the Panda Paradise, Jeep Safari and a Kid's airfield. All three areas have custom-designed safety carpet that allows parents to let their kids play in a fun yet safe environment.
- Dubai International Airport: While you relax in First and Business Class lounges at Dubai International, the kids can let loose and go to the play area. There are video games, toys and more for children of all ages. There is a trampoline park for kids to let off some energy before the long flight. From family-friendly staff to priority boarding this airport is perfect for being family-friendly.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Airports in Australia
- Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport: Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) has the best family-friendly facilities at an airport in Australia. There is a children’s cinema which airs TV shows and offers a comfy place to crash, Free wifi and a LEGO store. This airport has dining options such as Subway, Mad Mex and Kitchen by Mike which has a tailored kids’ menu including healthy options.
- Melbourne Airport: Melbourne Airport has parenting facilities in both terminals at arrivals and departures. Baby change/parenting rooms, microwaves and pull-down tables are all accessible. There are numerous hotels within a short walk from the airport: Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport and Park Royal Melbourne Airport are both convenient choices if your flight is delayed.
- Perth Airport: Perth Airport (PER) has Play areas, wifi and entertainment. Food options include (sandwiches, salads, and chips) with coffee houses and bars and Eagle Boys Pizza and Red Rooster.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Airports in Europe
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the nicest child-friendly airports in Europe, both for adults and for children. There are plenty of activities and fun things to do for the little ones. One of the most exciting activities is the KLM kid's play zone located on the first floor. Now if you want a quiet corner you can head to an area between Lounges 2 and 3 which is perfect for parents wanting to relax or babies wanting to sleep.
- Munich Airport: At Munich Airport, families with small children and pregnant women get through security screening and passport control faster: In Terminal 1, you can use all fast-track lanes preferentially. In Terminal 2, there is a dedicated family access to the central security checkpoint.
- Vienna International Airport: Vienna Airport offers numerous family-friendly restaurants and snack bars with special children's menus or an impressive view of the planes landing and taking off. Vienna Airport will lend you a pushchair free of charge if you have already handed in your pushchair at check-in. The Kids Zone is located at D31-36, a specially designed area tailored to the needs of families with children.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Airports in Africa
- Johannesburg - OR Tambo International Airport: Johannesburg - OR Tambo International Airport passenger terminals host a huge array of shops and services for travellers. Whether it's last-minute essentials for your journey or holiday, gifts for family and friends or just to indulge yourself, the shopping options in Johannesburg - OR Tambo Airport should meet your needs. Bars, fast food and coffee shops with a wide and varied range of cuisines catered for can also be found here at Johannesburg Airport.
- Cairo International Airport: This airport is equipped with kids' games to keep them entertained whilst in the lounge. The airport has state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple terminals, lounges, and dining options, to accommodate millions of passengers annually. The lounge is a place for parents to relax and also for children to keep them entertained.
- Marrakesh Menara Airport: Services available in the main terminal hall include banks, currency exchange, and ATMs, along with shops and cafes equipped with seating areas. Navigating through the airport is made convenient with clear signage provided in English and other languages. Additionally, complimentary Wi-Fi is offered upon arrival at Marrakech Airport.
FAQs
What are the most family-friendly airlines?
We recognise the significance of choosing an airline that is best for your family's needs when travelling. That's why we have included a list of airlines with several factors including the cost of infant travel, baby baggage allowance, equipment provided by the airline and inflight entertainment to ensure your booking with the right airline. To find out more about the best family-friendly airlines head to our page.
Where is the best family travel destination?
Organising a family vacation can feel overwhelming, particularly when seeking a destination that caters to everyone's interests and keeps them entertained. This list of best international family vacations includes something for everyone. We have created a blog so you can find out more about the best family travel destinations.
What are the safest airlines to fly with?
Visit our page on safest airlines to fly with in 2024 to find out which airline to fly with this year and put your mind at ease.
Worried about flying with children?
We understand it can be stressful and we want all parents to fly stress-free. Check out our page for advice & info on flying with children to get some tips and information on guidelines.
How can I entertain my kids during long layovers?
Long layovers can be a challenge with kids. We recommend packing some travel-sized games and activities to keep them occupied. Why not explore the airport together? Find a play area or let them watch planes take off and land. Pack snacks to avoid meltdowns and bring their favourite tablet or device loaded with movies or games. Most importantly, embrace the adventure and try to make it fun for yourself and your kids! Find out more about dealing with long layovers with children here at Alternative Airlines.