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Tips for travelling with children on airport transfers

Car seats, snacks, timings and sanity-savers from a licensed operator that does 20+ family airport runs a week.

2025-11-17 · 5 min read

Traveling to the airport with kids is a completely different job from a solo run. Here's what we've learned from thousands of family transfers.

Car seats & boosters

UK law: children under 3 must be in a car seat; children 3–12 (or under 135cm) need a booster. Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are exempt — meaning legally we don't have to provide car seats — but we do, on request, at no charge.

Please tell us at booking: how many kids, what ages, and whether you'd rather bring your own seat. We can only guarantee seats if we know in advance.

Timing

  • Add 20 minutes to your usual airport arrival — bathroom stops, buggy assembly, one kid needing a snack.
  • Early flights: don't try to be brave. Wake kids 60 minutes before pick-up, breakfast in the car (dry snacks, no yogurt).
  • Late flights: put them in pyjamas for the journey home; they'll fall asleep in the car and you can carry them straight to bed.

What to pack in the "car bag"

Separate from your luggage — a small bag for the car ride only: - Snacks (dry, no crumbs — cheerios, breadsticks, raisins). - One tablet per child, pre-loaded with offline shows. - Headphones. - Small toy for the youngest. - Wet wipes and a spare change of clothes for anyone under 5. - Sick bag (yes, really).

Airport-specific tips

  • East Midlands: family security lane is well-signed, but small; use it before 6am, main lane after.
  • Manchester T2: buggy check-in is smooth; you can keep the buggy right to the gate.
  • Heathrow T5: family lane at security is a big win — use it.
  • Birmingham: kids' entertainment airside is limited; save tablets for the departure lounge.

What we do

We'll fit up to two car seats or boosters in a saloon, three in an MPV, or four in an 8-seater. All free of charge when pre-booked. Family MPVs come with USB charging in the back — one less argument.

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