Getting to the airport with children: a calmer start to the holiday

For many families the hardest part of the holiday is the first hour: getting everyone up, dressed, packed and out of the door, then to the airport in a good mood. You cannot make it effortless, but you can take a lot of the strain out of it.

Tell us who is coming

When you book, give us the number of children and their ages. It changes which car we send and how we plan the seats. Put it in the notes on the booking form, along with anything you are bringing for them.

Car seats

The rules on children's seats in cars are set by law, and the GOV.UK website explains them clearly. Many families bring the seat they use at home, which the child is used to and which they will often want at the other end too. Tell us if you are bringing one, so there is room for it on the way back as well.

Buggies and the rest

A buggy, a travel cot and a bag of nappies take up more room than you think. Count them in your luggage when you book. Fold the buggy before the car arrives if you can, and keep the bag with the snacks, wipes and a change of clothes out of the boot so it is to hand on the way.

Timing it

Early flights are often the cheapest and the hardest with small children. If your little ones sleep well in the car, an early pick-up can work in your favour: carry them out in their pyjamas, and they may doze most of the way. Allow a bit longer at the airport than you would on your own, for the toilet trip that always comes just before security.

Things to keep in the car

• a drink and a snack each, with nothing that drips
• a favourite toy or a tablet with headphones
• wipes and a spare top
• passports and tickets in one place, in an adult's bag

Coming home

The journey back is usually the tired one. Booking the return when you book the outward trip means you land, collect the bags and head straight to the car without having to sort anything out with children in tow. Tick "I need a return journey too" on the form and add the date and time you land.