From packing spare clothes for the grown-ups to getting ahead of flight delays, Jen Carr, aka The Travel Mum, shares her essentials for a smoother family getaway.
A family holiday is something we look forward to for months. Getting everyone through the airport? Probably less so.
Queues, tired children and the possibility of a delayed flight can make the journey feel daunting before you’ve even left home. When you’re travelling during October half-term, a little preparation can make a real difference.
As a mum, I know you can’t plan away every tantrum or control when your plane takes off. But you can give yourself more options when things don’t go to plan. These are the things I recommend doing before your next family trip.
1. Start planning before you reach the terminal
Check your route to the airport and read your parking instructions in advance. Know which terminal you need, where you’re leaving the car and whether you’ll need a shuttle bus to get to departures. Follow your airline and airport’s recommended arrival times, and build in time for the journey there. A last-minute rush with children, suitcases and a missing parking confirmation is a stressful way to start a holiday.
Keep passports, travel documents and booking details together somewhere accessible. You want to be able to reach them without unpacking half your bag while everyone waits behind you.
2. Get flight updates straight to your phone
Before travelling, download the free AirHelp app and add your flight details. It offers real-time flight tracking and disruption alerts, and can help you understand whether you might be entitled to compensation. I’ve often found that when my flights have been delayed or cancelled, AirHelp has notified me before the airline. That extra notice gives me time to think about what we need next, whether that’s feeding the children, finding somewhere comfortable to wait or looking into our options. It also helps me understand my passenger rights, so I feel better informed if something goes wrong. When you’re travelling with little ones, having that information to hand can save a lot of faff and upset. Keep checking the airport departure boards and your airline’s messages too, particularly for boarding instructions.
3. Pack spare clothes for everyone, including yourself
Most parents remember a change of clothes for their children. My advice is to pack one for yourself too. If a drink lands in your lap or your child is unwell on you, their spare outfit won’t be much help. A lightweight change of clothes and underwear for each person can make an uncomfortable journey much more manageable. It also means you have something clean to wear if your checked luggage is delayed. Keep essential medication and basic toiletries in your hand luggage too, along with baby wipes and hand sanitiser, checking the relevant security rules before you pack.
4. Don’t let a flat battery become another problem
Your phone may hold your boarding passes, booking confirmations and flight updates, as well as being your way of contacting anyone waiting at the other end. Pack your charger and a charged power bank in your hand luggage, checking your airline’s battery rules before travelling. If a delay means spending longer at the airport than expected, you’ll be glad you aren’t relying on finding a spare socket. Download anything you need before leaving home, including the children’s favourite programmes if you use screens.
5. Bring entertainment out in stages
You don’t need to pack an entire toy cupboard. A few well-chosen activities can go a long way, especially if they’re things your children haven’t seen before. We rate mess-free water colouring books, sticker books, fidget toys and small handheld games. We also have a magnetic bingo game that’s brilliant for travelling. Avoid anything messy or with hundreds of tiny pieces that will end up under airport seats. If you’re bringing a tablet, remember headphones.
My tip is to hold a few things back. Bringing out a new activity when boredom hits can buy you more time than handing everything over at once.
6. Pack snacks, then pack a few more
Hungry children and airport queues are not a happy combination. Bring familiar snacks that are easy to hand out while you’re waiting, with enough to cover an unexpected delay. I also recommend taking refillable water bottles. Empty them before security and look for drinking-water refill points once you’re through. It saves repeatedly buying airport-priced bottles, especially when you’re travelling as a family.
Keep snacks and bottles somewhere easy to reach. The emergency supplies aren’t much use buried beneath everyone’s spare clothes.
7. Bring a layer, even if you’re chasing sunshine
You might be heading somewhere warm, but that doesn’t mean the journey will be. A lightweight jumper, small blanket or large scarf can make the airport and flight more comfortable, particularly if a child wants to sleep. It’s a simple thing to pack, but one you’ll appreciate if you end up waiting longer than planned.
8. Find the family spaces before you need them
Check your airport’s website for play areas, family facilities and sensory or quiet spaces before travelling. We’ve come across some brilliant airport play areas, and having somewhere for children to move around can make a big difference to a long wait. Check that the facilities are accessible from your departure terminal and allow enough time to get back to your gate. If your family needs a sensory space, look into its location and any access arrangements beforehand.
9. Do the sums on lounge access
An airport lounge is an extra expense, but it can sometimes be worth considering once you’ve added up what you’d otherwise spend on food and drinks. Look at the total family price, what’s included, whether children are welcome and how long you can stay. A comfortable place to base yourselves may be valuable, but lounges aren’t always quiet and entry isn’t guaranteed. If you’re already delayed and haven’t booked, ask about walk-in availability early. Check the time limit before paying, as access won’t necessarily cover your whole delay.
10. Ask what help your airline can provide
If you’re facing a lengthy delay, speak to your airline about the assistance available. For flights covered by UK passenger-rights rules, care such as food and drink becomes due after a qualifying wait, depending on the flight distance. This is separate from compensation: you may still be entitled to care even when the cause of the disruption means compensation isn’t payable.
You don’t have to have every answer before you leave home. Knowing where to find information, having the essentials within reach and keeping the children fed and occupied can make a difficult travel day feel much more manageable.
And if the journey involves more snacks and screen time than usual? Give yourself a break. You’re getting your family on holiday.
