Driving to the airport with children can be the calmest way to start a holiday, if you plan ahead. Here are our tips for a smooth family road trip to the airport, from packing the car to parking.
Plan the journey and timings
Children add unpredictability, so build in extra time. Plan your route to the airport in advance, check for roadworks, and allow for a comfort stop on longer drives. Aim to arrive with plenty of time for security, which is less stressful with kids. Pre-booking your parking guarantees a space so you are not driving in circles on arrival, and applying BCP30 keeps the cost down.
Pack the car the night before
Loading the car the evening before avoids a frantic morning. Keep essentials, snacks, water, entertainment and any medication, within easy reach rather than buried in the boot. A tidy car also means you can quickly grab everything at the car park. If you have an early flight, consider a Stay, Park & Fly hotel package so you travel the day before and start fresh.
Choose family-friendly parking
For families, parking that minimises walking and waiting is worth a little extra. Meet & Greet drops you at the terminal with no shuttle, ideal with pushchairs and luggage. If you prefer Park & Ride, check the shuttle takes pushchairs and allow for the transfer. On-airport options keep the walk short. Compare the choices for your airport and pick what suits your family, with free cancellation in case plans change.
On the day: keep it calm
On travel day, leave in good time, keep documents and boarding passes together, and have liquids and electronics ready for security to speed things up. A lounge can be a calm space for children to wait before boarding, bookable with your parking. Above all, the combination of pre-booked parking, an unhurried schedule and a well-packed car turns a potentially stressful morning into an easy start to the holiday.
More questions
Meet & Greet is often best for families, dropping you at the terminal with no shuttle, ideal with pushchairs and luggage. Park & Ride is cheaper with a short shuttle. Compare options and apply BCP30 for up to 30% off.
Allow extra time with children, arriving around two hours before a short-haul flight and three before long-haul, plus buffer for the drive and a comfort stop. Pre-booked parking guarantees a space so arrival is stress-free.
Yes, especially for early flights. A Stay, Park & Fly package lets you travel the day before, rest overnight near the terminal, and start fresh, often for only a little more than parking alone, with the car parked for the whole trip.
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