We know that travelling with children can sometimes feel challenging, so we’ve put together a handy guide to help make your journey through Manchester Airport as smooth as possible. From family-friendly facilities and priority services to tips for keeping little ones entertained, our overview highlights everything you need to make travelling with children easier and more enjoyable.
With dedicated family facilities, play areas, and helpful services, Manchester Airport makes it easier for parents and enjoyable for children.
Travelling with little ones through Manchester Airport? You’ll find plenty of family-friendly facilities to make the journey easier. Changing Places toilets are available in all three terminals airside (after security) — in Terminal 1 (by the Premium Lounges), Terminal 2 (near the food hall seating), and Terminal 3 (opposite Gate 52). There’s also one in Terminal 2 Arrivals, beside the Special Assistance lane at Immigration.
You’ll also spot standard baby changing rooms throughout the airport, usually in or next to the ladies’ toilets, with some in men’s and accessible toilets too. Many include comfy seating for breastfeeding (which is welcome anywhere on-site), and a few even have high chairs. Just note that extras like bottle warmers and padded mats aren’t guaranteed in every location, so it’s worth packing your own essentials.
Good news for parents — you can use your own pushchair or buggy right through Manchester Airport, all the way up to the departure gate. At security, there are family/fast track lanes designed to make things easier when you’re travelling with little ones, and staff are on hand to help with folding and X-raying your buggy.
When it’s time to board, you’ll hand over your pushchair at the gate and it’ll be placed in the aircraft hold. Depending on your destination and handling arrangements, it’ll either be waiting for you at the aircraft door when you land or sent out on the luggage belt.
There aren’t any restrictions from the airport on using a buggy in the terminal itself. Some airlines may allow smaller, lightweight strollers into the cabin if they meet hand luggage rules, but in most cases, your buggy will travel in the hold. Just note that while there are no dedicated “buggy-only lanes” at security, families can use the family/fast track lanes, space permitting — so expect a bit of help, but not always a separate line just for pushchairs.
Welcome to children from 2 years old. Relax in one of the great family booths with a coffee whilst the kids enjoy the entertainment of the SmartTv!
Location: Terminal 1 & 2
Welcome to children from 2 years old. Relax in one of the great family booths with a coffee whilst the kids enjoy the entertainment of the SmartTv!
Location: Terminal 1 & 2
For support for lone parents travelling with children, please contact the airline you are flying with; they will be able to advise you of the policies regarding unaccompanied minors and what items you are able to take on board the aircraft, amongst other queries.
Did you know that you can pre-order your baby milk and medication for collection after security? Whether you need ready to drink infant milk, creams and lotions or something to soothe gums, you can click and collect at Boots, which has a store in each terminal.
The older kids can get bored pretty quickly, so it's best to bring a few carry on essentials to keep them occupied. Ideas such as colouring and puzzle books prove to be a popular choice, as card games. If you forget any items (or exhaust your options!) remember there is a WHSmith located in all three terminals who sell a wide range of children's magazines.
Lastly, if you need a bribe, there’s also a Zoodle shop located in T1 and T2 specialising in toys, stationery, books, gifts and much more.
Not forgetting the adults, of course, how about a quick read up on some great tips for Travelling with Children? It covers everything from what to pack to how to keep them entertained!
May we suggest heading to Giraffe or Joe's Kitchen in Terminal 1, Frankie and Benny's if travelling from Terminal 2 and if departing from Terminal 3, check out Trattoria Milano - all have been favoured by families due to the wide range that is on offer, as well as adequate space for families.
Most of the cafes, restaurants and bars across the terminals will heat your baby milk free of charge; please ask and they will be happy to oblige!
Perfect for something a bit different, or for an educational school trip. The Runway Visitor Park offers interactive tours of Concorde, including a chance to take the controls in the Pilot Seat - everyone's favourite part of the tour! Located on the west side of the Airport, a short distance away from the terminals, the Visitor Park is accessible by train or local bus from the airport bus station.
Tel: For General Tours 0161 489 3932 For Educational Tours, in line with the curriculum, please call 0161 489 8336
Address: The Runway Visitor Park, Sunbank Lane, Altrincham, WA15 8XQ
If you chose to hire a car while in the UK then you may have to hire a car seat for your child due to UK regulations. It might be a good idea to visit the Department for Transport website for more details on child seat laws in the UK.
If hiring a car abroad, regulations will still apply when it comes to child seats. Check them for the country you are visiting, and compare car hire prices.
