Flying with Little Ones: A Parent's Guide to Gatwick, Luton & Stansted

Traveling with small children can feel like preparing for a military operation, but with the right preparation and airport knowledge, your family journey can start smoothly. Here's your essential guide to navigating London's three main airports with little ones in tow.

General Prep Tips Before You Go

Pack Smart, Pack Light(ish)

• Bring twice as many snacks as you think you'll need
• Pack a change of clothes for each child (and yourself!) in your carry-on
• Download tablet games and shows before you leave home
• Consider a lightweight stroller that folds easily for security

Timing is Everything

• Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights when traveling with children
• Book morning flights when possible – kids are usually better behaved
• Check in online and print boarding passes to save time

Gatwick Airport: The Family-Friendly Choice

What Makes Gatwick Great for Families:

• Excellent play areas in both terminals, including the fantastic "Aerodrome" play zone in South Terminal
• Family security lanes that are wider and more accommodating
• Nursing rooms throughout both terminals
• Free WiFi and plenty of charging points

Gatwick Pro Tips:

• The Gatwick Express has dedicated family areas with extra luggage space
• Book a family room at the Premier Inn on-site if you have an early flight
• Terminal transfers can take 10-15 minutes, so factor this in if you're unsure which terminal you need

Luton Airport: Compact but Efficient

Family Features:

• Smaller airport means shorter walking distances (great when carrying tired toddlers!)
• Good selection of family restaurants including Pret and Boots for last-minute supplies
• Baby changing facilities throughout
• Relatively quick security process

Luton Survival Tips:

• The shuttle bus from Luton Airport Parkway station can be crowded – consider pre-booking a taxi
• Limited play areas, so bring extra entertainment
• Food options are more limited than other airports – eat before you arrive or pack plenty of snacks

Stansted Airport: The Budget-Friendly Hub

Family Perks:

• Large Boots and WHSmith for forgotten essentials
• Several play areas including a great soft play zone
• Family-friendly restaurants with high chairs readily available
• Stansted Express trains have fold-down family tables

Stansted Strategies:

• Can get very busy during peak travel times – arrive extra early during school holidays
• Long walks from security to gates – consider bringing a travel buggy even for older kids
• The airport hotel is connected by covered walkway if you need to stay overnight

Universal Airport Survival Strategies

Security Checkpoint Sanity:

• Prepare kids for the security process – make it sound like an adventure
• Wear slip-on shoes and dress children in clothes without metal
• Keep liquids organized and easily accessible
• Don't forget the 100ml rule applies to baby food and formula too

Entertainment Arsenal:

• Sticker books are lightweight and mess-free
• Bring headphones for each child (even toddlers)
• Pack a few new small toys as surprises
• Coloring books and crayons never go out of style

Food & Drink Strategy:

• Empty water bottles can be filled after security
• Pack familiar snacks – airport food is expensive and may not appeal to picky eaters
• Bring sippy cups for younger children
• Don't rely on airline meals being child-friendly

Managing Meltdowns:

• Stay calm – other passengers are usually understanding
• Bring comfort items like favorite blankets or stuffed animals
• Use airport walking areas for burning energy before boarding
• Remember that crying during takeoff and landing helps little ears adjust to pressure changes

Final Family Flying Wisdom

The key to successful family travel is managing expectations – both yours and your children's. Things will go wrong, flights may be delayed, and someone will probably have a meltdown (possibly you). But with good preparation, patience, and a sense of humor, you can create wonderful travel memories that your family will treasure.

Remember, you're not the first family to navigate these airports, and you won't be the last. Airport staff are generally very helpful when they see parents struggling, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

Safe travels, and enjoy your family adventure!

Have your own tips for flying with kids from London airports? Share them in the comments below!