Travelling through UK airports with children can vary hugely depending on where you fly from. Some airports offer excellent family-friendly facilities such as free pushchair loans, dedicated play zones, baby care rooms and priority security lanes, while others provide more limited support. This guide compares the top 10 UK airports based on the facilities that matter most to families – helping parents plan ahead, reduce stress at the airport, and choose departure points that genuinely support travelling with children.
Travelling with Children: Family Facilities at UK Airports
Belfast International Airport
Pushchairs: No dedicated guidance – check with your airline
Play areas: None advertised
Dining: Not specified
Baby & feeding: Baby care rooms available. Baby food, milk and sterilised water permitted (non-frozen, up to 2L per container).
Security: Family/assistance lanes available. Premium Security is free for children under 2 (must be booked).
Birmingham Airport
Pushchairs: Loan pushchairs available on arrival (£1 refundable deposit)
Play areas: Free Sky Zone play areas (Gates 1-20), open 24/7
Dining: Not specified
Baby & feeding: Baby-changing facilities throughout the terminal. Baby food and milk allowed (up to 2L per container).
Security: Family security lane available.
Bristol Airport
Pushchairs: Restrictions vary – check with your airline
Play areas: No play area
Dining: Not specified
Baby & feeding: Baby-changing facilities in terminal toilets. Sensory Room available (bookable).
Security: Family/assistance lanes available. No free Fast Track age published.
Edinburgh Airport
Pushchairs: Pushchairs allowed through security with airline approval
Play areas: None advertised
Dining: Kids’ menus available at BrewDog, Burger King, JD Wetherspoon and Pizza Express
Baby & feeding: Baby-changing facilities throughout the terminal. Family washroom at Gate 21.
Security: Family lane for children under 12. Fast Track free for children under 2.
Gatwick Airport
Pushchairs: Allowed to gate and returned at baggage reclaim
Play areas: Children’s play area in North Terminal (after security)
Dining: Family-friendly restaurant recommendations available
Baby & feeding: Baby care rooms in both terminals. Baby food, milk and sterilised water allowed (up to 2L).
Security: Assistance lanes available. Fast Track free for children under 2.
Glasgow Airport
Pushchairs: No published guidance
Play areas: Free soft play area near Gate 27. Paid Upper Deck kids’ zone also available
Dining: Not specified
Baby & feeding: Dedicated Baby Room near Gate 16. Breastfeeding zone at Gates 1–3. Baby food and milk allowed.
Security: Family lanes available. Fast Track free for children under 3.
Heathrow Airport
Pushchairs: Allowed to gate and usually returned at aircraft door
Play areas: Stay & Play zones in all terminals (unsupervised, except T3)
Dining: Kids Eat Free at selected restaurants during school holidays
Baby & feeding: Baby care rooms across all terminals. Breast milk allowed in liquid form (up to 2L, non-frozen).
Security: Family lanes available.
Luton Airport
Pushchairs: Complimentary pushchairs available; own pushchair allowed to gate
Play areas: Small play area near Gate 7
Dining: Not specified
Baby & feeding: Baby care facilities throughout terminal. Quiet Room near Gate 17. Breast milk allowed (non-frozen, up to 2L).
Security: Family lane available. Fast Track free for children under 2 (with adult ticket).
Manchester Airport
Pushchairs: Allowed to gate
Play areas: Little Flyers Zone (Terminal 1)
Dining: Many restaurants offer kids’ menus
Baby & feeding: Baby care rooms in all terminals. Breast milk allowed (up to 2L, non-frozen).
Security: Family/assistance lanes available.
Stansted Airport
Pushchairs: Allowed to gate and returned at arrivals
Play areas: Family Room in departures
Dining: Family-friendly dining filter available
Baby & feeding: Feeding cubicles and baby care room inside Family Room. Baby food and milk allowed.
Security: Family/assistance lanes available. Under-3s use assistance lanes.
Related Guides You May Find Helpful
If you’re planning a family trip or want to make airport time as stress-free as possible, these guides offer additional insight and practical advice:
- Family-Friendly Airports in Europe
A wider look at Europe’s most family-friendly airports, including play areas, child-focused facilities and stress-reducing services. - The Best Layover Airports
Discover which airports make long connections easier, with standout lounges, dining options and facilities to keep everyone comfortable. - Autism-Friendly Airport Help Revealed
A detailed guide to airports offering hidden disability support, quiet spaces and assistance schemes designed for neurodivergent travellers. - The World’s Friendliest Airports
Highlights airports around the globe known for outstanding service, hospitality and passenger experience.