Family Travel from Gatwick – A Complete Parent’s Guide

Published by Gatwick Travels | July 2025

Introduction

Travelling with children doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you’re flying from Gatwick Airport. As one of the UK’s busiest and most family-conscious airports, Gatwick offers a wide range of facilities, tips, and flight options that make family travel smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, we explore how to plan, prepare, and navigate your journey as a family flying out of Gatwick.

Why Gatwick is Great for Families

From dedicated family lanes in security to baby-changing facilities and kid-friendly lounges, Gatwick has made a concerted effort to cater to the needs of parents. The airport has consistently ranked among the top UK airports for family satisfaction, according to a 2024 survey by UK Travel Insights.

Highlights include:

• Family-friendly security lanes in both terminals
• Accessible baby changing rooms near every gate
• Free water refilling stations
• Children’s play areas
• Priority boarding for families with young kids on many airlines

Best Family Holiday Destinations from Gatwick

Here are top destinations that are popular with families departing from Gatwick:

1. Orlando, USA The ultimate family holiday destination with theme parks, warm weather, and endless fun.

• Airline: British Airways
• Flight Time: ~9 hours
• Best for: Theme parks, warm weather, large family resorts

2. Billund, Denmark Home to the original LEGOLAND—ideal for young children and LEGO lovers.

• Airline: easyJet
• Flight Time: ~1h 45m
• Best for: Amusement parks, interactive museums

3. Tenerife, Spain A year-round sunny escape with beaches, volcano tours, and resorts with family-friendly packages.

• Airline: TUI Airways, Vueling, Ryanair
• Flight Time: ~4h 30m
• Best for: Sun, sand, and sea with kid-friendly resorts

4. Antalya, Turkey All-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs and private beaches make Antalya a favourite for summer holidays.

• Airline: SunExpress, easyJet
• Flight Time: ~4h 30m
• Best for: Affordable luxury with kid-focused amenities

5. Faro, Portugal The Algarve is loved for its scenic beaches, water parks, and relaxed atmosphere.

• Airline: British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair
• Flight Time: ~2h 45m
• Best for: Coastal fun and short-haul travel

Top Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel

1. Arrive Early: For families, arriving at least 3 hours before an international flight allows for a smoother check-in, toilet breaks, meals, and relaxed boarding.

2. Use Gatwick’s Family Security Lanes: These lanes are typically less busy and staff are trained to assist with children.

3. Pack Smart:

• Snacks, colouring books, tablets with headphones, and spare clothes are essentials.
• Liquids for babies are permitted, but you may be asked to taste them.

4. Choose the Right Flight Times: Mid-morning or early afternoon flights are usually easier with kids than very early or late-night departures.

5. Make Use of Play Areas: Located in the North and South Terminals, these are ideal for letting kids burn off energy before boarding.

Gatwick Facilities for Families

Facility	Location	Features
Baby Changing	Throughout terminals	Clean, private, often near restrooms
Kids Play Zones	South Terminal (departure lounge)	Soft play, TV, interactive games
Family Parking	Short Stay Car Park	Extra-wide bays, close to terminal access
Free Water Fountains	Post-security	Fill reusable bottles, baby bottles
Family Check-in Desks	Major airlines	Dedicated desks during peak times

Family Lounges & Add-Ons

Some airport lounges offer entry for families and provide quiet space, free meals, and even children’s entertainment.

Recommended Lounges:

• No1 Lounge (North and South Terminal) – Quiet spaces, buffet meals, and magazines.
• My Lounge (North Terminal) – Relaxed vibe with games, snacks, and kids’ TV.

Booking a lounge can greatly reduce airport stress, especially if you have a long wait before your flight.

Final Thoughts

With proper planning, family travel from Gatwick Airport can be a seamless experience. From kid-friendly destinations and tailored services to thoughtful amenities within the terminal, Gatwick continues to lead the way in supporting parents on the move. Whether it’s your child’s first flight or your fifth family holiday, Gatwick Travels is here to help you make the most of every moment.

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