Travelling with children

Travelling with children through an airport can be a daunting experience, especially if you're not sure what to expect. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some tips to help you navigate through Isle of Man airport with kids:

 Prepare Your Kids

Before heading to the airport, take the time to prepare your kids for the journey ahead. Explain what they can expect at the airport, such as security checks and boarding procedures. Let them know what they can and cannot bring on the plane, and why following airport rules is important. 

Pack Smart

 Packing smart is crucial when travelling with kids. Bring only the essentials, such as wipes, snacks, and entertainment options. Pack these items in a carry-on bag that's easily accessible, so you don't have to dig through your luggage at the airport. Consider bringing a change of clothes for your child in case of spills or accidents.

  1.Travel documents- Passports/ID (kids don’t need ID for internal flights).

  2. Food and drinks.

  3.  Electronic devices such as tablets and consoles - we offer free Wi-Fi , although there are a limited. number of charging points available in departures.

  4. Travel size toiletries, hand sanitizer and wipes  – There are nappy vending machines in the Parent and Baby toilets on the ground floor and after security in the Departure Lounge.

  5. You can bring comfort items such as favourite blanket or a toy to help your child feel more comfortable .

Arrive early

Arriving at the airport early can help reduce stress and give you and your kids enough time to navigate through security and boarding. It's recommended to arrive at least two hours before your flight, especially if travelling during peak travel times or with young children. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and get settled before your flight.

Parking

Do yourself a favour and if you’re parking at the airport, book it in advance using the RingGo app. It’s free to download and you can book it a week in advance, choosing the date and time you need. This can be amended if needed so if your flight is delayed on your return journey, it can be extended from your phone!

For Short Stay, use the code 35800 on the app. For Long Stay, use the code 35801.

Check-In

If you’re travelling with no hold baggage then head straight over to Security. 

If you have hold luggage you will have to stop at the check in desks first, they are located on the ground floor. We recommend that you check the maximum size and quantity of hand luggage items allowed with your airline, prior to your departure.

 If you’re taking a pram or stroller. You have two main options:

 1.Check-in your stroller/pram at the desk and collect it from Baggage Reclaim at your destination airport

 2.Take your stroller/pram through departures and leave it at the aircraft steps (more on this later).

It might be useful to know that pre-security, there is a Parent and Baby room with a changing mat and nappy vending machine which is located opposite the Check-in desks (next to the toilets).

Also, if you are unsure if your suitcase is too heavy, there are a set of scales at the far end of the check-in area (near the doors which are signposted as ‘Airport Service Delivery Managers’) which are free to use.

Security

Just before Security there are some handy tables that you can use to sort through your bags. Consider these top tips:

 1. Either get out your liquids and electronics ready, or put them into an easily accessible pocket in your case/bag.

 2. When you are flying with a baby, you're allowed to take enough baby food and/or baby milk for the journey, even if that is over the 100ml limit for liquids. They may be opened for testing at security.

 3. You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby, but this must not be frozen. Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Security staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.

 4. Empty anything from your pockets or any watches etc into your hand luggage so you don’t spend time picking up loose change, keys, wallets, purses, phones and watches from the box afterwards.

 5. If you have a stroller/pram, empty out as much as you can from the bottom and from any pockets so that you don’t have to faff about at the scanners doing it.

6. If you can, remove your kids from strollers/prams just before you get to the scanners so that you have time to get them out.

*It’s important to note that airports will have different rules and so if you are travelling onwards to different destinations, you should check their rules too.

The security staff are very friendly with kids and will help to make the process as easy as possible. If you have a pram/stroller, a member of the team will take it from you to screen separately.

*If you are selected to be searched, you can request it to be completed in a private area.

Keep Kids Entertained

Long waits at airports can be tedious for kids, so make sure to keep them entertained. Bring books, toys, or tablets to keep them occupied, or let them choose their own entertainment options. 

Isle of Man Airport has a Kids’ TV Area playing cartoons and other kids’ shows. It is located just past Costa on the right hand side of the Departure lounge (if you’re heading away from Security). 

The shop has a few toys, magazines, sweets and gifts if needed and there is Costa and the bar to keep everyone fed and hydrated.

The departure lounge also has a Parent and Baby room (located close to Security) with changing mat and nappy vending machine. If you have pre-boarded and have been taken down to the holding room, there is also an accessible toilet with baby-change down there to use.

Boarding

If you have a pram/stroller, the easiest option is to remove any children, collapse it and carry it to the aircraft steps to be left for a member of the ground crew to load into the baggage hold.

If you require assistance to get to the aircraft, let a member of staff know (at check-in if possible) and you will be escorted to a lift. Either way, you will need to leave your pram/stroller at the aircraft steps.

Stay Calm

Travelling with kids can be unpredictable, so it's important to stay calm and patient. Don't be afraid to ask for help or assistance from our airport staff if needed. Also keep on eye on the flight information screens around the terminal in case of any unexpected delays.

Travelling with kids through an airport can be a challenging experience, but with a little bit of preparation, you can make it as stress-free as possible. Prepare your kids, pack smart, arrive early, keep kids entertained, stay calm, and most importantly, enjoy the journey with your family. With these tips, you can make the airport experience a fun and memorable part of your family vacation.

https://www.kidsontherock.co.uk/feature/a-guide-to-isle-of-man-airport-with-kids/