Flying and Parking Tips for Families and Heavy Luggage Travellers
Going on vacations with family is one of the most enjoyable parts of one’s life. Children are always excited about long trips away from home. But managing kids, strollers, and multiple luggage items can feel challenging when running airport errands. It gets worse when you are flying from busy airports like Heathrow or Gatwick. Even using the most convenient Meet and Greet Heathrow parking can feel exhausting if the plan is not thought through. Here are some tips that can get you through the airport activities without losing your holiday spirit.
Flying Tips
Check Airline Luggage Limits
Before you start packing, always check for the allowed weight limit for luggage. Different airlines permit different weight limits. Learning the weight and size restrictions will help you prevent last-minute extra charges and/or delayed check-in. Travelling with children or multiple suitcases makes this step especially important.
Luggage Courier Services
Consider using luggage courier services when you have heavy luggage. These services collect your excess luggage from your home and check the bags in your flight while you travel hands-free to the airport. The courier company will send you your bag tags via SMS or email that you can use to collect your luggage after landing. You can also seek help from porters at the airport.
Keep Children Close
When flying from busy airports, like Heathrow, always keep your children close to you in crowded places, for example, at the Cathay Pacific Lounge, at Heathrow Terminal 5, or at Heathrow Airport car parking. These places are usually packed with passengers. Children can easily get lost among the huge crowd if not looked after. Use strollers, harnesses, or hold hands.
Bring Children Well-Fed and Well-Rested
No one likes kids throwing tantrums in busy places, especially when people are already stressed out because of their flights, luggage, and a long journey ahead. Feed your children well and make sure they have had enough rest before heading to the airport. Keep light snacks, drinking water and a small toy or any activity that can help keep them distracted and calm while at the airport and on the flight.
Parking Tips
Book Early
Booking your parking space in advance guarantees availability and often comes with discounted rates. For families or travellers with heavy luggage, early booking prevents the stress of searching for a suitable spot at the last minute.
Consider Meet and Greet or Valet Services
For ultimate convenience, choose meet and greet Heathrow or professional valet services. This eliminates the hassle of driving all the way to the car park and waiting for shuttle buses, allowing your journey to start smoothly.
Avoid Shuttle Services If Unsure About Timings
Using the shuttle service Heathrow parking without knowing the schedule, or opting for an off-site parking facility which provides poor shuttle services that are unpunctual or infrequent, can lead to long waits and unnecessary delays, especially with children and heavy luggage.
Travelling with family or heavy luggage doesn’t have to be stressful. By doing some research about the airline policies, rules, and parking options, you can have a smooth or perhaps an enjoyable airport experience with your family. Go for the meet and greet Heathrow parking option to ensure maximum convenience. Additionally, keep snacks and kid activities with you, and consider using the baggage services. The secret to a smooth start of a family trip is to make sure that your kids don’t get upset or lost, and that you and your family don’t get tired before even starting the trip!