As Jet2 prepares to fly millions of customers on holiday this summer, many of them families, the award-winning tour operator is sharing ten holiday hacks to help parents and children travel with confidence and enjoy the best holiday.
For many parents, travelling with children can feel like a daunting experience. From busy airports to keeping children entertained en-route, there’s a lot to think about - but small, practical steps can help make the journey feel calmer and more manageable from the outset.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2 said: "Over the years we’ve helped millions of customers get away to enjoy brilliant family holidays with Jet2, and we’re always looking at how we can make the experience as memorable as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned family traveller with older children or heading away with little ones for the first time, a few smart decisions before you leave home and knowing what support is available along the way can make all the difference, helping you focus on making memories."
Here’s Jet2’s top tips for travelling with kids:
Give yourselves plenty of time to navigate the airport
Allow extra time with children at the airport so you have time for security as well as toilet trips, feeding hungry little ones, and any last-minute inevitable surprises. On the return trip, use the Jet2 mobile app which has been handily updated with real-time coach transfer status updates and live flight details.
Pre-order what you need before you go
It’s possible to pre-order airport pharmacy essentials such as sun cream, nappies, wipes and medicines, and save space in your suitcase. Just go direct to the retailer’s website.
When travelling with Jet2, you can also ask the onboard team to warm pre-made milk onboard, or reserve children’s meals via the Jet2 app so their favourites don’t run out. Kids Snack Boxes are available on board too, which can help keep the constant snack demands at bay.
Make the most of your 10kg hand luggage
While some airlines charge customers extra to bring hand luggage onboard, Jet2 customers already receive a free 10kg hand luggage allowance as standard, plus a personal item. Make the most of the space and pack toys, games, headphones, tablets and a change of clothes for spills. An ‘off the plane’ outfit is a good idea too, so kids can head straight out to enjoy the sun or pool if you have a slightly later check-in time.
Seek out offers and support that suit your family set-up
Every family looks different - whatever your family make-up, a holiday should be accessible. Solo parents can take advantage of an extra £60 off adult and child bookings, on top of existing sale discounts, using code J2HSPF60.
Get kids involved in the journey
Younger travellers can pick up a Teddy Passport at many airport check-in desks to engage them in the airport experience and help beat the boredom; they can even show them to the cabin crew onboard as a bit of extra fun!
Don’t stress about liquid limits for under twos
Any child under two can take a water bottle or milk bottle through security, so no need to worry about emptying liquids. Baby milk, formula or sterilised water is also exempt from the 100ml security limit, so feel free to bring as much as required for the flight and onward journey. Security may ask to screen the milk separately so best to take them out of your hand luggage for ease.
Check the best baggage options for infants
Infants can mean lots of extra kit, but Jet2 automatically adds an additional 10kg baggage allowance to your baggage allowance per infant. You’re also entitled to two free baby items such as buggy, car seat, baby carrier or travel cot as well as the option to take your pushchair right to the aircraft door, which can help with airport nap times and navigating the busier airports over summer.
Use our Red Team for extra support
Our friendly Red Team can help with questions, directions or an extra pair of hands when you need it. Whether it’s help with your bags or buggy, finding a charging point for your teen or advice on navigating through security – just ask, that’s what we’re here for.
Remember under twos fly free
Infants fly for free up until the age of two so there’s no need to book a seat. They’re required to fly on their parents’ lap and you’ll receive a baby seat belt from the Jet2 cabin crew to keep everyone safe.
Look out for free child places this summer
A number of our resorts also offer free child places, so you can make the most of paying less. For those yet to book their summer getaway, you can use the Jet2 Free Child Place Finder to help identify the resorts with availability.
