New research from PayingTooMuch has revealed the best UK airports for holidaymakers travelling with kids. Whether holiday-makers are seeking some sun or hitting the slopes, the UK’s airports see huge amounts of travellers passing through each year. In 2022 alone, an estimated 224 million passengers travelled to and from airports across the country. But, for those travelling with kids, which airports across the UK are the most family-friendly?
To find out, travel insurance experts at PayingTooMuch have analysed 30 of the UK’s busiest airports, ranking them based on metrics such as whether they have breastfeeding facilities and designated kid play areas, as well as how much a child’s lounge fee is.
Top 10 most family-friendly UK airports
| Rank | UK Airport |
Breastfeeding facilities advertised (yes/no) |
‘Kid zones’ or play areas advertised (yes/no) | At what age (and under) do infants get free fast track? | Av. airport lounge cost
(1 Child, £) |
Final Family-friendly travel score |
| 1 | Gatwick | Yes | Yes | 2 | 20.53 | 7.08 |
| 2 | Luton | Yes | Yes | 2 | 21.49 | 6.94 |
| 3 | Liverpool (John Lennon) | Yes | Yes | 1 | 21.49 | 6.58 |
| 4 | Manchester | Yes | Yes | 0 | 20.32 | 6.39 |
| 5 | Belfast International | No | Yes | 2 | 15.00 | 6.06 |
| 6 | Glasgow | Yes | No | 3 | 20.00 | 5.71 |
| 7 | Birmingham | No | Yes | 5 | 26.25 | 5.55 |
| 8 | Leeds Bradford | No | Yes | 2 | 22.00 | 5.07 |
| 9 | Heathrow | Yes | Yes | 0 | 29.68 | 5.07 |
| 10 | Stansted | Yes | No | 0 | 18.99 | 4.78 |
Gatwick is the most family-friendly airport, offering breastfeeding facilities and dedicated ‘kid zones’
The study has revealed that Gatwick is the most family-friendly airport, with an overall score of 7.08. With specific breastfeeding facilities and play areas available onsite, London’s second biggest airport is well-equipped for families with young children.
Another London airport, Luton, has come in second place, with a family-friendly score of 6.94. Following closely behind is Liverpool airport (6.58), Manchester (6.39), and Belfast International (6.06).
Cardiff is the least family-friendly airport, with a child’s lounge fee costing £32.99
With no designated breastfeeding facilities or ‘kid zones’, Cardiff has ranked as the least family-friendly airport, with a score of just one out of ten. For families wanting to book into a lounge, it also sees the highest prices for kids, costing the same (£32.99) for both adults and children.
Darren Saunders, Managing Director at PayingTooMuch says: “It’s great to have child-friendly zones to keep you and your family busy during any delays. It’s also important to make sure you’re all protected with travel insurance too, in case you do find yourself facing any significant disruptions or cancellations.
“Making sure you find the right travel insurance cover for you, no matter the situation is important. Shopping around to find the right cover can take a lot of time, but by visiting PayingTooMuch and comparing multiple different policies all in one place is quick, easy and can help keep the costs down. Bear in mind that travel insurance covers you for cancellation costs before the holiday, lost luggage, and medical emergencies whilst abroad. Also, if you’re travelling with pre-existing medical conditions, you need to ensure you declare all of those conditions. That way, you know you’ll be protected if you fall ill or have an accident on your holiday.”
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