A recent study by Calmer has revealed that three of London’s airports are among the top five most stressful airports in the UK for parents traveling with children.
The study examined 15 UK airports, evaluating various factors including the number of play areas, kid-friendly lounges, availability of breastfeeding facilities, and the frequency of arrival and departure delays. Each airport was assigned a stress score, highlighting significant challenges for families.
Topping the list with a stress score of 6.44/10, Bristol Airport was found to have insufficient kid-friendly amenities and faced notable delays, making it the most challenging for parents.
London Gatwick Airport ranks second on the list with a stress score of 5.33/10. Despite its excellent play areas and kid-friendly lounges, Gatwick’s severe delays in arrivals and departures significantly contribute to its high-stress ranking.
London City Airport holds the third spot with a stress score of 5.11/ 10. While it experiences fewer delays compared to Gatwick, the lack of kid-friendly amenities, such as play areas and child-friendly lounges, makes it a challenging environment for families.
London Luton Airport rounds out the top five with a stress score of 4.33 out of 10. Though it has moderate rankings in passenger density and play areas, the combination of these factors still places it high on the stress scale for parents traveling with kids.
In contrast, Liverpool Airport was deemed the least stressful for families, boasting a low stress score of 2.22/10. This airport was praised for its ample kid-friendly amenities and minimal delays.
Top 5 UK Airports Parents Should Steer Clear of for Stress-Free Flying with Kids:
| Airport | Stress score |
| Bristol | 6.44 |
| London Gatwick | 5.33 |
| London City | 5.11 |
| Edinburgh | 4.89 |
| London Luton | 4.33 |
“Traveling with children can be particularly challenging, and the choice of airport plays a crucial role in the overall experience,” said Daniel Leimanis – Founder of Calmer “Parents need to consider airports with comprehensive child-friendly facilities and efficient operations to ensure a stress-free journey.”
Parents are advised to plan ahead and choose airports known for their family-friendly services. Liverpool Airport, with its excellent amenities and low delays, stands out as an ideal choice for stress-free travel with kids.