Traveling with Kids? Here’s How to Turn Airport Chaos into Calm
From child-friendly lounges to seamless airport transfers, here’s how business travelers can blend work and family time with ease and comfort
Photo: Courtesy of GettyImages
Travelling for business is one thing, but when it comes to bringing the family along with you, needs and priorities often change. Thankfully, there are ways to make the airport environment more kid-friendly and hassle-free as we navigate the school holidays.
Lounge access
Finding a moment of peace at the airport can feel like an oasis in the desert. Airport lounges offer a welcome escape for families seeking a bit of calm amidst the chaos.
With food, quiet zones, and even dedicated kids’ play areas, lounges can be a lifesaver for stressed-out parents. Many lounges also offer complimentary access for children, making them even more family-friendly.
During peak times, however, ensuring there is space for the whole family can sometimes be a challenge.
Priority Pass members can bypass this stress and enjoy added peace of mind by pre-booking their spot in select lounges. For a small fee, you can easily reserve your place via the website or app, giving you more control over your airport experience and removing some of the uncertainty out of travel.
Smooth transfers
Meet and Assist services can also make life easier for families, ensuring your arrival, departure, connection, or transfer is fast and easy. Avoid the crowds, expedite the lines, and navigate through airports with helpful agents. Taking things one step further, why not book a private airport transfer to ensure seamless door-to-door travel? Priority Pass members can access this service at more than 1,100 airports worldwide within the app.
Once at your destination, consider hiring a car. Hopping on public transport is one thing when you’re zipping about with a backpack – but with buggies and family travel essentials, you might want your own wheels. Priority Pass members get access to over 55,000 car rental locations and preferential rates through the app.
Family-friendly lounges across the Priority Pass network
The Lounge Viracopos, Terminal 1, Campinas Viracopos International Airport, Brazil
Photo: The Lounge Viracopos, Terminal 1, Campinas Viracopos International Airport, Brazil. Courtesy of Priority Pass
Why visit: Children under 12 gain free access to this lounge in Campinas, São Paulo. Once inside, you’ll find a children’s play area, a quiet area, plus a games room for older kids.
No1 Lounge Heathrow, Terminal 3, London Heathrow Airport, UK
Photo: No1 Lounge Heathrow, Terminal 3, London Heathrow Airport, UK. Courtesy of Priority Pass
Why visit: In addition to family areas, a cinema room will keep little ones entertained. Tots under two also get free entry. Priority Pass members can pre-book this lounge via the app or website.
I.A.S.S Superior Lounge – KoCoo, Terminal 2, Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan
Photo: I.A.S.S Superior Lounge – KoCoo, Terminal 2, Tokyo Narita International AIRPORT, Japan. Courtesy of Priority Pass
Why visit: Entertain children with a selection of old-school games such as Mario Brothers. The lounge also has a retro toy museum and a gallery of anime drawings. Children under six can enter for free.
Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 1, Concourse D, Dubai International Airport, UAE
Photo: Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 1, Concourse D, Dubai International Airport, UAE. Courtesy of Priority Pass
Why visit: Kids won’t even notice the wait for your flight thanks to a children’s play area and TV room to keep them occupied. Children under two are also able to enter for free.
Multigenerational travel
71% of luxury travelers plan to take at least one multi-generational trip in the next 12 months. Why?
- 63% – Creating shared family memories
- 43% – Annual family tradition
- 22% – Teaching younger generations about heritage
- 15% – Educational experiences
Source: The 2025 Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Child-friendly attractions in key business destinations
New York
- EAT: Koneko Cat Cafe – play with furry feline friends while enjoying cake.
- SEE: Bronx Zoo – one of the largest zoos in the world.
- VISIT: Legoland – 90 minutes from downtown, with rides, shows, and themed lands.
London
- EAT: Inamo Covent Garden – expect interactive tabletops, a games room and even karaoke.
- SEE: Natural History Museum – start with a life-size skeleton of a blue whale.
- VISIT: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – spellbinding adventures for the whole family.
Hong Kong (SAR)
- EAT: Yum Cha – the child-friendly dim sum includes BBQ piggy buns and cartoon-style baos.
- SEE: The Peak – ride the Peak Tram up the mountain for amazing views.
- VISIT: Ocean Park – the mountain-side theme park with two resident pandas.
