Edinburgh Airport has shared advice for passengers travelling with children this holiday season.
Heading to the airport with kids is always a stressful experience, particularly if you haven't flown since before the pandemic.
With so much attention being given to make sure the young ones aren't about to throw a tantrum or wander off by themselves, it can be easy to lose track of time and miss your flight altogether.
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With many families heading overseas for this first time in over two years this Easter, Edinburgh Airport has issued advice to families on its website.
Here are five tips to ensure your journey through the airport with the kids is as stress-free as possible.
Arrive in good time
According to Edinburgh Airport, arriving in good time — though not too early — is "quite simply the best way to ensure your journey goes smoothly".
They suggest arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight is due to depart.
To help you determine when exactly would be a good time to get there, Edinburgh Live compiled a roundup of every airline's check-in desk opening times.
Always be prepared
It may seem like an obvious point, but it never hurts to double check that you and the family are fully prepared for your trip.
That means making sure your boarding passes are either printed or stored on a device, all the essentials are packed, and you're ready to pass through security.
To find out more about the dos and dont's of security at Edinburgh Airport, read our guide here.
You should also check beforehand how many bags your airline allows you to take.
Use queues to your advantage
With families across the country looking to make the most of the Easter holidays and jet off for some sun, there will inevitably be queues when you get to the airport.
Edinburgh Airport says that you can take advantage of this time standing around, though, by using it to prepare for security.
Belts, jackets, electronics and liquids should all be placed in a tray, and doing so whilst you are still queuing could speed things up considerably.
Take advantage of shops
Even when you double and tripled checked your luggage before setting off, there will always be something you forgot to pack.
Fortunately, you can pick up many of the essentials such as nappies and baby milk at the shops past security, avoiding the need for a mad dash back to the house.
Additionally, Edinburgh Airport states that "washrooms and baby changing facilities can be found throughout departures, however there is also a dedicated family washroom at gate 21, and this is perfect for keeping everyone together".
It adds: "We welcome breastfeeding throughout the terminal, but for those who want a bit of privacy we have also got a lockable nursing room near gate 21."
Don’t be late to the gate
With the stress of security on the minds of many passengers — particularly those with kids — most will take a breather after passing through.
Don't forget that you still need to get to your gate in good time, though.
After doing all the hard work of packing and getting through security, it would be a shame to still have to run to catch your flight because you didn't realise how far away the gate was.
The airport recommends keeping a close eye on the screens for gate information, as well as listening out for any announcements.
As soon as your gate is announced, start making your way there.
Boarding usually begins around 40 minutes before departure, and many airlines let families get on the plane first.
