Cover The most family-friendly international airports as revealed by The Family Vacation Guide travel experts (Photo: Changi Airport)
The most family-friendly international airports as revealed by The Family Vacation Guide travel experts (Photo: Changi Airport)
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Travelling with toddlers this summer? Check out the most family-friendly international airports, as revealed by The Family Vacation Guide travel experts
Airports are wild, bustling hubs of activity. They can also be incredibly stressful places for families travelling with little ones. From juggling strollers and carry-ons to calming restless kids during delays, any journey can quickly become overwhelming for parents.
In light of this, the travel experts at The Family Vacation Guide examined 50 of the biggest airports worldwide, looking specifically at on-time departure times, cancellation rates, public WiFi, family-friendly things to do, and kid-friendly places to eat to determine the most family-friendly travel hubs.
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Which airports have really gone the extra mile to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience with families in mind? From Singapore’s Changi Airport—where playgrounds and butterfly gardens exist to delight both adults and children—to Mexico City Juarez International, which offers child-friendly spaces and efficient transit options, take note of these family-friendly airports with stellar on-time departures, extensive dining choices, and essential amenities.
First on the list of the top 10 most family-friendly airports is Mexico City’s Juarez International Airport (also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez Ciudad de México), boasting a low cancellation rate of 1.30 per cent with over three-quarters of departures on time. It also offers several family-friendly activities, including 74 attractions and 100 dining options. The airport’s unlimited free WiFi means both parents and children can stay connected and entertained while exploring shops, an onsite gym, and sleeping pods.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and O’Hare International Airport in Illinois come next. JFK International Airport offers a reliable travel experience, with every three in four flights departing on time. It also boasts a low cancellation rate of 1.60 per cent and 108 amenities, including a spa and children’s play area. O’Hare International Airport meanwhile boasts the highest on-time departure rate of the top three airports at 79.5 per cent and features nine runways, more than any other international airport.
Sixth on the list after Philadelphia International Airport and St. Paul International Airport in the US, Frankfurt International Airport boasts an on-time departure rate of 57.80 per cent with a 5.90 per cent cancellation rate.
Did you know that Frankfurt Airport also has a family-friendly security checkpoint in Terminal 1, Departure A that’s open all day? There are also around nine designated children’s play areas located beyond the security checkpoints in Terminal 1 and 2.
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The Asian airports in the Family Vacation Guide’s top 10 list comprise Singapore’s Changi Airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia, and Japan’s Fukuoka Airport.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has an on-time departure rate of 61.9 per cent, with the highest cancellation rate on the list at 11 per cent. Changi Airport is also featured in the top 10, with an 81.80 per cent on-time departure rate and one of the lowest cancellation rates on the list, at just 0.40 per cent. Interestingly, Changi Airport has over 200 family-friendly things to do and places to eat.
Meanwhile, Fukuoka Airport in Japan also earned a spot on the list with family-friendly facilities that include breastfeeding rooms in 18 locations throughout the airport, stroller rental options, and a colourful kid’s corner in International Terminal Building 3F.
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
