The car will break down, the flight will be delayed, your passport will disappear, your kids will be bored, security staff will be about as friendly as an army officer at a hostile checkpoint… 

And the list goes on. Travelling to the airport will produce a series of paranoid worries in your head that are difficult to escape from. After all, there’s a reason these worries exist – in the hubbub of an international flight hub, a lot of things can go wrong. 

A study by CPP has found that a third of people now believe the airport is more stressful than the working week, and one reason for this is the sheer amount of worry that a simple flight from A to B can cause.  

Whether it’s the scrum through security or the battle through crowds to your departure lounge, these are not environments conducive to relaxation.  

All of this is related to a lack of control in these clinical corridors. This feeling of powerlessness is exacerbated if you’re a parent trying to ferry their children through the mad world of aviation scheduling.  

But fret not – we’re here to help you regain some control over your flight paths, and help you get from A to B without blowing your top.  

Take a look at our list of tips and you’ll find making your way through the airport with your family that little bit easier.  

Park privately  

The search for a decent parking spot at an airport is ultimately futile. It’s probably easier to find the holy grail. But, unlike the search for the holy grail, other options are available.  

If you need to bring your car to the airport, we’d recommend you pick a private parking provider. Many are out there, but one of our personal favorites is Looking4.com. This team of parking pros has a number of bases in the US, whether you want to fly from New York, Florida or even Atlanta. And it’s got a site which is easy to navigate.  

Bring a hobby  

Back in the days of the abacus and the ball on string, kids were bored stiff in airports. Flight hubs are notoriously bereft of non-retail-based stimulation and, as such, children will grow restless quicker than usual.  

If you want to stave off boredom, make sure to bring an activity like the Nintendo Switch. It’s a portable console that’ll keep your kids captivated until you reach your destination.  

Get luxurious  

VIP departure lounges might sound like an exorbitant pipedream, but they aren’t as expensive as you might think.  

For your cash, you’ll receive a quiet sitting area that’s loaded with fun activities for kids and adults alike. This is well worth a few extra dollars.  

That’s our list! Can you think of any great tips for someone travelling to the airport with their kids in tow? Then let us know in the comments below.