Travelling with Kids? Here’s Why Airport Parking is a Lifesaver: A Complete Guide 

Family holidays are meant to be about making memories, but let’s be honest: getting to the airport with kids in tow can feel like a military operation. Between packing enough snacks to feed a small army, remembering the favourite teddy, and keeping everyone calm, the journey to the airport often feels harder than the flight itself. That’s where airport parking swoops in like a superhero. As a parent who’s survived (just about) multiple trips with my little ones, I’m here to share why pre-booking your parking spot isn’t just handy—it’s a game-changer. 

The Chaos of Family Travel: Why Parking Matters 

Picture this: it’s 5am, you’re bundling sleepy kids into the car, and you’ve got precisely 90 minutes to reach Gatwick before check-in closes. The last thing you need is a train cancellation or a bus driver who’s never heard of “family priority.”  

This is why airport parking has become my go-to. Driving your own car means you’re on your schedule.  

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No sprinting for public transport with a pram, no bribing toddlers to stay quiet on a packed tram. Just you, your boot full of luggage, and the freedom to leave when you’re ready. 

Parking at the airport also means you’ve got a safe space for the kids. My two-year-old once had a meltdown mid-journey because her biscuit snapped. Being able to pull over, sort the crisis, and carry on? Priceless. 

Small Airports & Parking: A Hidden Gem for Families 

Big airports like Heathrow or Gatwick are brilliant for long-haul flights, but smaller airports and their parking are a godsend for families. Here’s why: 

1. Less Walking, More Waving 

Smaller airports mean shorter walks from car park to check-in. I once parked at Southampton Airport and strolled to departures in three minutes flat no shuttle, no fuss. With a toddler on my hip and a suitcase in tow, that five-star convenience beat any VIP lounge. 

2. Friendly Faces, Not Fraught Races 

Smaller car parks often have staff who actually smile. At Newquay Airport, a parking attendant helped me unload our buggy and even reminded me about the free baby-changing room inside. Try getting that service at a multi-storey in London. 

3. No Maze, Just Amaze 

Ever forgotten where you parked? At bigger airports, losing your car feels like a real risk. Smaller car parks are simpler. After a week in Spain, I found my car at Exeter Airport in under a minute. No beeping key fobs required. Also, read our useful guide about: Top 10 Charming Fishing Villages in Europe: Discover the Beauty of Coastal Life.

4. Budget-Friendly Peace 

Smaller airports often undercut bigger rivals on price. I’ve paid £35 for a week’s parking at Leeds-Bradford—half the cost of major hubs. That’s £35 saved for emergency ice creams mid-holiday. 

Long Stay Parking at Gatwick: A Parent’s Best Mate 

Now, if you’re flying from a big hub like Gatwick, don’t panic. Long stay parking Gatwick options are designed with families in mind. Here’s how they work: 

Secure and Spacious:  
 
These car parks are fenced, well-lit, and patrolled. I left my car for two weeks at Gatwick’s long stay and returned to find it untouched—even the crumbs under the seats were mine.