👨👩👧👦 Travelling to the Airport with Family? Here's the Best Way to Do It
📅 Published: July 2, 2026
✍️ Orange Airport Transfers
⏱️ 6 min read
📍 UK Airports (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, LCY, SEN, MAN)
Family holidays are exciting. The anticipation of new experiences, quality time together, and a break from routine is what makes them special.
But getting to the airport with children, luggage, car seats, and strollers? That part can be overwhelming. And to be honest, it's often where the stress begins.
This guide is here to help. From smart packing tips to choosing the right vehicle, here is everything you need to know for stress-free family airport travel.
🧳 The Family Travel Challenge
Travelling with kids isn't for the faint of heart. It can feel like you are packing for a week-long expedition just to survive a two-hour flight.
⚠️ The Reality of Family Travel:
- Managing multiple suitcases, strollers, and carry-on bags
- Keeping children entertained during waiting times
- Navigating crowded airports with little ones
- Dealing with unpredictable moods and tiredness
- Arriving at the airport with enough time to check in comfortably
When you add tight schedules, security queues, and the general chaos of an airport to the mix, it is no wonder that many parents find this the most stressful part of their holiday.
✅ Smart Airport Tips for Families
Here are practical tips that make a real difference when travelling with children.
📝 1. Get Ahead of the Game
Preparation is everything. In the days before your trip, create a checklist of everything you will need:
- Travel documents and passports
- Medications and first-aid kit
- Snacks and drinks
- Wipes and nappies
- Extra clothes for each child
- Chargers and portable power banks
📲 2. Save Boarding Passes Digitally
Before you travel, save the whole family's boarding passes to your phone wallet. This means less paper to carry and one less thing to lose.
🧸 3. Keep Kids Entertained
Boredom leads to restlessness. Download movies, shows, and games before you leave home – airport Wi-Fi isn't always reliable.
- Bring colouring books and crayons
- Pack small toys that don't make noise
- Save one or two items as "surprise" entertainment
- Let each child pack their own small backpack
🍎 4. Pack Snacks Like a Pro
A well-fed child is a happy child. Pack a variety of healthy, easy-to-carry snacks:
- Crackers and biscuits
- Fruit pouches
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Save special treats as "emergency incentive"
🍭 5. Lollipops for Takeoff
Lollipops are great for takeoff to avoid ears popping. The sucking motion helps equalise pressure in little ears. Milk works too if they are still having it.
🧳 6. Let Kids Carry Their Own Luggage
Giving each child their own small backpack or wheeled case makes them feel responsible and involved. Plus, they enjoy being part of the action.
🪑 7. Take Your Own Car Seat
Most airlines let you check car seats into oversized luggage free of charge. This ensures your child travels safely and comfortably at your destination.
🚙 Choosing the Right Vehicle for Family Travel
One of the biggest mistakes families make is booking a vehicle that simply does not have enough space. When you book a standard saloon for a family of four with luggage and child seats, you will be struggling to fit everything in.
🚗 Which Vehicle is Right for Your Family?
- Saloon Car: 3 passengers, 2-3 suitcases – suitable for solo travellers or couples
- Estate Car: 4 passengers, 4-5 suitcases – suitable for small families with light luggage
- 8-Seater MPV: 8 passengers, 6-8 suitcases – BEST FOR FAMILIES
✅ Why an 8-Seater MPV is the Family Choice
- Space for passengers, luggage, strollers, and child seats
- Everyone travels together – no splitting into two taxis
- Comfortable seating for long journeys
- Child seats available on request at no extra cost
- Luggage assistance from your driver
📋 Why Pre-Booking Matters for Families
Getting to and from the airport with kids, luggage, strollers, and car seats can quickly become overwhelming. A little planning goes a long way.
✅ Benefits of Pre-Booking Your Family Transfer:
- Space for everything – 8-seater MPVs fit passengers, luggage, and child seats comfortably
- Child seats available – Infant, toddler, and booster seats on request at no extra cost
- Meet & Greet service – Your driver waits inside arrivals with a name board. No searching after a long flight.
- Free flight tracking – We monitor your flight. If you are delayed, your driver waits. 60 minutes free waiting time.
- Luggage assistance – Driver helps with bags, strollers, and everything else
- Door-to-door service – Dropped directly at your terminal
- Fixed prices – No surge pricing, no hidden fees
- DBS-checked drivers – Safe, licensed, professional
💡 Pro Tip for Families
Book your airport transfer as soon as your flights are confirmed. 8-seater MPVs are in high demand, especially during school holidays. Booking early guarantees availability.
📊 Family Transfer Options – What Works Best
| Feature | Pre-Booked 8-Seater MPV | Two Ubers / Taxis | Public Transport |
|---|
| Everyone travels together? |
✅ Yes |
❌ Family splits up |
❌ No |
| Luggage space |
✅ 6-8 suitcases |
⚠️ Depends on vehicle |
❌ Very limited |
| Child seats available |
✅ Yes – on request |
❌ Not guaranteed |
❌ No |
| Flight tracking |
✅ Yes – free |
❌ No |
❌ No |
| Luggage assistance |
✅ Driver helps |
❌ No |
❌ No |
| Stress level |
Low |
Medium-High |
High |
✅ Family Travel Checklist
- Book airport transfer in advance (especially 8-seater MPV)
- Request child seats when booking
- Pack snacks and drinks for everyone
- Download entertainment offline
- Charge all devices and pack portable chargers
- Pack a change of clothes for each child
- Save boarding passes to phone
- Pack medications and first-aid kit
- Confirm transfer booking 24 hours before
- Arrive at airport 2.5-3 hours early
- Take lollipops for takeoff
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What vehicle is best for a family of 4 with luggage?
For 4 passengers with 4-5 suitcases and child seats, an 8-seater MPV is recommended. It provides ample space and comfort.
❓ Do you provide child seats?
Yes. Infant, toddler, and booster seats are available on request at no extra cost. Please specify when booking.
❓ How early should I book my family transfer?
As soon as your flights are confirmed. 8-seater MPVs are in high demand, especially during school holidays.
❓ What if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight in real-time. Your driver adjusts automatically. You get 60 minutes free waiting time from wheels-down.
❓ Will the driver help with luggage?
Yes. Your driver will assist with loading and unloading all bags, strollers, and other items.
❓ Which airports do you serve?
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, Southend, and Manchester.
Published July 2026 | Orange Airport Transfers – Family-Friendly Airport Transfers