Travelling with kids

We worry enough about them on the ground, so it’s no wonder that taking a flight with babies and children can make for very panicky parents. Aside from the health and safety aspect, there’s also the problem of keeping little ones entertained so that your fellow passengers are saved from the Manchester to Mallorca soundtrack of a two year-old having a travel tantrum.

Whilst airports do offer help and support to make your journey as smooth as possible, changing pooey nappies at high altitude is never going to be easy. What will help you to have a stress free journey from the moment you leave your front door, is knowing what services and facilities the airport can provide. You may as well make things easy for yourself. Here’s Manchester Airport’s advice for parents...

Security
Under current security restrictions, you are required to carry any liquid baby food in a small re-sealable container which you will be asked to taste before going through security.

Food and Drink
We have provided ‘parent points’ in the main catering outlets in terminals one and two where you can find cleaning materials. All restaurants and cafes provide high chairs. The Real Food Company in terminals one and two, offer a ‘Globetrotters’ meal for just £1.99 that includes a range of options, including half jacket potatoes with a filling or beans on toast, and a soft drink. There is also a Globetrotters pick n mix chiller. It offers our younger passengers the choice of picking their own snacks to take away in their own little box. The choice of five products includes a ham or cheese sandwich, fruit jelly, a piece of fruit, crisps and chocolate bar as well as a cold drink.

Where can you take your buggy?
We know that you need your child’s buggy until you board the plane, so you can take it right through security to the departure gate where airline staff will take it from you and return it to you at your destination.

Baby changing facilities
Baby changing facilities can be found across all three terminals, either inside or nearby the ladies toilets.

Lone parents
If you are travelling alone with small children, and require additional assistance please contact your airline who will make the necessary arrangements.

Play area- T1
Keep the little ones entertained whilst you relax in the Real Food Company, with the brand new interactive Leapfrog play area. Dance-along with Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck with the Zippety dance game and go on an adventure with Scooby-Doo and chums with the talking Tag books, making learning as fun as possible for the young (and the young at heart) and helps to wile away the time before your flight.

Play area- T2
Brand new play area, located adjacent to gate 206. The area is marked out by a picket fence and its location, next to the windows, overlooks the runway allowing the children to watch the aircraft. It’s free and open to children between 3-12 years.We provide bottle warming facilities for parents to heat milk and baby food in the unit, so you can relax with your family rather than worrying about finding somewhere to heat up food for your baby. Just ask a member of staff who will direct you to the bottle warmers.

Here are some fun online games to keep your little ones and even older ones entertained.

Medical matters
If you have forgotten anything, then Boots is in all terminals after security and in Terminal 1 arrivals - please note that any liquids, creams, gel and pastes must be of 100ml or less if carried in your hand baggage. Anything over 100ml will not be allowed through security.

Baby milk and medication- pre-order service
If your child needs medication while you are at the airport or if you need ready to drink infant milk for your baby for your holiday, you can pre-order it before you travel and collect it from Boots after security check in.

Children with autism
We have created a handy guide and children's work book with travel advice for parents and carers of children on the Autistic Spectrum to explain what happens on your journey through Manchester Airport. Please click here to view.

Other tips for your flight

- Contact your airline in advance to see what they offer onboard for children, such as sky cots, baby food, toddler meals, and children's entertainment

- Ask whether you can reserve seats in advance, so that you can guarantee that you are all flying together as a family. If you can, book a flight that's not likely to be full. You may get an empty seat next to you or even a free row.

- To avoid accentuating tiredness, try and fly during reasonable daytime hours, so that your children’s daily routine isn’t disrupted too much.