Netflights’ new UK Airport Review report has assessed major UK airports to identify which is the most – and least – family-friendly, concluding that London Heathrow Airport offers families the best preflight experience.
Heathrow scored highest as both the best large airport and best airport overall for families on the move. Alongside the obvious choice of airlines and destinations available, Heathrow also boasts a short average delay time, free wi-fi, and multiple recreation and soft play areas for children of all ages.
At the bottom of the top 10 was the Isle of Man Airport. Although scoring highly for its free wi-fi and changing facilities, a poor track-record for flight punctuality and a lack of a play area – as well as a lack of free parking and drop-off – affected its rating.
Glasgow Prestwick in Scotland ranked highest of the small airports included in Netflights’ UK Airport Review, where play areas, a high number of baby changing facilities and quiet spaces all helped to place it higher than its neighbor Glasgow Airport and large airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham International.
Overall, larger airports fared better than smaller airports, having the space and resources needed for facilities like children’s play areas.
For smaller airports, getting the basics right seems to be the priority – here, the focus was on helping families by reducing queue times at key pinch points in the airport experience, providing good free wi-fi, or offering more flexible airport drop-off provisions.
Read the full report here.