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As much as we love them, airports can be a bit of a jungle. Between juggling kids, navigating security lines, and running on...
Heading overseas with the family is fun and exciting until faced with the often anxiety ridden ordeal of transiting through the airport with kids.
To help you stay relaxed and free to enjoy some family friendly dining and pre-flight shopping, here are our tips on how to transit through the International Terminal with kids.
Fly direct
Keep your time in transit to a minimum with direct flights. Although there are flights that may be less expensive with a stop on the way, the additional cost for a direct flight seems like a bargain compared to the horror of telling exhausted toddlers that they have to board another flight.
If flying nonstop is not possible, consider airlines that offer free or discounted overnight stays at layovers as part of the airline fare. This may mean an extra day in transit but it also means a full night's rest for you and your little ones, and a much happier plane ride the next day.
Plan and prepare
While there's a huge thrill in the last minute scramble, it's stressful and important pre-travel tasks are frequently forgotten. Planning for a big family trip is the key to a happy holiday and smooth transit.
Lists become the secret weapon for staying on your game. A precise packing list helps you pack only the travel essentials to check-in and the sanity saving items for the carry-on. Get the kids to buy into the trip and take care of their belongings by having them pack their own carry-on bag.
Prepare to-do lists and check off important pre-departure tasks, including; updating passports, notifying banks of travel, buying family travel insurance, family vaccinations and redirecting the mail.
For those adventuring with younger kids, request a pram or stroller hire from the airline you're travelling with to avoid accidental games of hide 'n' seek in the busy gate areas.
Stress less and arrive early
Weighed down with extra gear including prams and car seats means there's little chance of being nimble in transit. Arrive at Brisbane Airport's International Terminal with a buffer of three to four hours before departure, to allow ample time to navigate check-in, security and customs.
Pick up travel supplies
Essentials that are usually hard to find at your local shops are readily available at Brisbane Airport including travel-size shampoos, first aid kits and infant nasal spray. Pick up your toiletries, adapters and medicines at News Travels along with magazines, snacks, travel toys, and children's books.
Grab a pre-flight family bite
Share a meal and goodbyes with friends or family who are staying in Brisbane at Corretto Cafe & Bar before heading through security.
Once you are through security head to Hudsons Coffee for giant cookies and milkshakes, a Subway Kids Pack, Boost Juice fruit smoothies or sandwiches from the Coffee Club.
Alternatively, start the holiday enjoying a table service meal at Windmill & Co overlooking the runway. If the kids are getting restless from travel, make use of the colouring in activities provided for some quiet time while the grown ups sip their well deserved mimosas.
Hit the shops
Hit the shops with the kids, while they check out Lotte Duty Free's oversized treats, enjoy a whisky tipple at the tasting bar or browse the latest shades, travel beauty kits and perfumes for a duty free bargain.
Find Aussie souvenirs and gifts at Australian Way including choc-coated macadamia nuts, local honey and variety packs of Tim Tams. The Aussie surf icon Billabong's towels, hats and t-shirts make great gifts for overseas friends.
Power up
Free charging stations to power up devices for the long flight ahead are located at various spots throughout the terminal. Connect to the complimentary WiFi to play shared games, stream videos and download all your favourite shows while you wait for the flight.
Bottle and bathroom break
Keep kids hydrated throughout the flight by packing an empty, lightweight, leak free reusable water bottle. Fill bottles up at the free water stations located by Gate 80, Gate 82 and by the Qantas Lounge.
Be sure to change nappies or take the kids to the bathroom before the flight to avoid the desperate need for the toilet on take off or during the first meal service with trolleys blocking the aisle. Parent rooms are located throughout the terminal and are equipped with baby change facilities, feeding chairs and microwaves.
Be the last to board
Board last to avoid the kiddies being bored first. The less time inside the plane, the shorter the flight will be for the little ones, and the easier it will be for you to manage. Take advantage of space to roam within the airport before take-off before seats are buckled up and aeroplane mode is switched on.
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