There’s no getting around the fact that travelling with children can be a stressful business, so how can we make hanging out at the airport with them that bit easier? If travelling as a family, getting to the airport in plenty of time is an incredibly good idea and utilising services such as advanced airport car parking before you leave can alleviate stress even more. But the downside to this good organisation means you might have a bit of time to kill at the airport while you wait to board.
However, airports are becoming more and more kid-friendly, so if you’re in for a long wait, your flight is delayed or you have a lengthy layover (but unfortunately not lengthy enough to book a hotel), here are a few suggestions on how you and your family can while away the time.
Use the Airport Resources and Facilities
Don’t worry – you don’t HAVE to be imaginative and creative because there should be quite a bit at the airport already to help keep them amused for at least a short amount of time…
Airport WiFi – The first and most obvious resource is airport wifi. We’re going to assume they already have access to some form of tablet or device, so see how long they can last playing games or watching their favourite show before they get a bit restless. At this point, it’s also worth remembering to use charging ports if any are available, as you don’t want those tablets to run out of juice once you get on the plane.
Shops – Now, this one could backfire as you don’t want to actually buy anything substantial that will add to your hand luggage, but if your kids already appreciate the art of window shopping and browsing without purchasing, then a jaunt across the many retail outlets could be a good way to while away the time. Of course, how long this takes depends on where you’re flying out of, but if you’re stuck in Heathrow for any length of time then you’re sorted for shopping entertainment.
Airport Lounges – Now you might think this is an extra expense you can do without before heading off on holiday, but if you’re booking things like airport car parking online in advance, it’s also worth looking into the prices of airport lounge family passes too because they might not cost as much as you think. If you’ve got a long transfer wait then an airport lounge can provide TVs, reading material, refreshments and most importantly, just a bit of peace and quiet.
Sit Down for a Meal
Perhaps the easiest way to waste a bit of time, you can let your kids choose what they want to eat and make a bit of an event of it rather than having just a quick bite to eat in a café.
Go for a Nice Stroll
Contrary to initial impressions, airports can be very interesting places so if you’re early for your flight, why not take the opportunity to take a walk beyond your immediate departure point. Perhaps see who can spot the biggest plane, or one that’s going to their dream destination, or just watch some of the jumbo jets take off – an impressive sight in itself, whatever age you are.
Make Up Your Games
When all other forms of entertainment are exhausted, it pays to have a few games up your sleeve. Arrange a scavenger hunt list or bingo card before you leave for the airport (they can mark off things like a red suitcase, someone wearing socks and sandals, or a pilot walking through the terminal) and the one who ticks all the items off first wins a prize. Traditional car games such as I Spy, or finding something that begins with every letter of the alphabet are other good ways to use up a bit of time and energy.
We all want to get to our destination as soon as possible, but delays are an inevitable part of air travel. However, it needn’t be as stressful as you imagine if you just take a little time to prepare, and if all else fails? Just treat them to a slap up meal.