4 Airport Services that Make Traveling with Kids Less Stressful

Traveling with kids soon? Almost every parent who has traveled with kids knows that a missed nap or long flight can turn what you thought would be a pleasant experience into a not-so-fun and stressful experience for everyone really quick. I’m talking 0 to 100 type of quick.

We recently flew our blended family of 6 from Houston to Orlando for a trip to Walt Disney World and we’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way to make your family vacations run more smoothly. Our last family vacation before this one was to Los Cabos, Mexico and with a little trial and error, we’ve learned a thing or two that I’d love to share with you to help your next family vacay start off strong too.

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Here are 4 airport services we swear by that make traveling with kids less stressful for our family:

TIP #1: PARKING AT THE AIRPORT

Whether you’re in a hurry or simply prefer the luxury of curbside service, using valet parking has not only saved us time at the airport, but it shortens the “travel” time with kids.

When traveling with kids, we usually like to the get the first flight out for the day which means it’s an early morning for us all. Early-morning flights tend to be less crowded and experience fewer delays. Most kids are still tired in the morning and wanting to take a nap, too. So win win!

By using the airport’s valet service, we eliminate having to find an off-site airport parking lot or garage to park in, unload our luggage, gather the kids, load onto a shuttle van, drive around the lot to pickup other passengers, then eventually drive to the airport and unload the luggage again. With valet service, we’re able to drive right up to the valet attendant, they unload our luggage for us and we walk right in to the ticketing level of the main terminal. #TimeSaver

NOTE: This is our experience at our home airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. Not all airports offer valet services, but most of the larger airports in major cities do. Check your local airport’s website to see what valet services they offer.

TIP #2: GETTING THROUGH THE AIRPORT

Always check-in the night before your flight. Pack larger suitcases when possible so that you can check them under the plane. This helps avoid having to lug carry-ons through the airport while keeping up with your kids. Once you’ve checked your bags, then it’s time to head to the document/identity screening process.

And this is where Clear comes in as a time/life saver.

Clear expedites the document/identity screening process. It’s a registered traveler program that lets us quickly verify our identity at touchless, biometric security kiosks. We’re able to use the Clear lane to speed up the first half of the airport security process, instead of waiting in line for a TSA rep to check our ID and boarding passes.

After getting through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador personally escorts us directly to the next stage of the screening process so that we can complete the physical/luggage scanning part.

From here, you’ll be taken to the TSA PreCheck line (See TIP #3 below) if you already have PreCheck; otherwise, you’ll use the regular screening line where you remove your jackets, shoes, belts, electronics etc.

After the first time we used Clear, we were HOOKED! We have the Clear Family Plan. You can add up to 3 adults on this plan and kids under the age of 18 can simply tag along for free.

I just KNOW you will love this convenience just like we have. Here’s a FREE 2 MONTH TRIAL OF CLEAR on me!

TIP #3: GETTING THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY

TSA PreCheck. ‘Nuff said!

This is a designated PreCheck security line and faster security clearance that gives us the convenience of not having to remove our shoes, belts or light jackets before clearing airport security. We can even leave our laptops, the kid’s iPads and TSA-approved liquids and gels in our bags.

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85 for a 5 year clearance and much like CLEAR, kids under 12 can simply tag along for free.

Is it worth it? YASSSSSS!!!!!

TIP #4: RELAXING AT THE AIRPORT

I know. I know. Relaxing at the airport is an oxymoron. Who can possibly relax at an airport?

But it’s possible. And definitely an added bonus to make traveling with kids less stressful. We intentionally build in time for “relaxing” at the United Club Lounge before our flights and sometimes after we get off a flight before heading to baggage claim.

As a United MileagePlus Club Card holder, we pay an annual fee that allows us access to any of their airport lounges in the world. We get free checked bags, free food, drinks & a bar, let me say that again….free food, drinks & a bar, along with other priority perks and travel benefits too.

There’s even a dedicated family lounge inside of each of the locations with TV’s, books and lounge furniture for the kids. It’s the perfect spot to have them run around and get their last minute energy out before boarding the plane. We can change diapers in a clean facility and have a drink while we wait. I mean what more can you ask for?

With kids, you have to always plan for the unexpected like a delayed flight or diaper blowout. Having a guaranteed place to rest and deflate without the hustle and bustle of the main terminal area is definitely worthwhile.

So those are our 4 airport services that make traveling through the airport with kids (especially multiple kids and/or toddlers) less stressful and more manageable.

Wishing you all happy travels. Leave a comment and let me know if you have any questions or if you already utilize any of these 4 services, tell me what you think about them.

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