Travelling with Kids: Our helpful holiday guide

  
Planning ahead makes travelling with children during the holidays a breeze. Image source: Adobe Stock

As any parent knows, travelling with kids for the holidays without any fuss at the airport sounds too good to be true. That is, until now! From fun ways to pass the time, expert family travel tips and child-friendly airport facilities, our guide to travelling with kids through Perth Airport will help you plan like a boss for a smooth journey—and take-off!

Check what documents you need well in advance. Image source: Adobe Stock

Pre-travel preparation

A well-run trip starts with a good action plan. Map out every detail to ace any surprises so your kids are fully prepared before you leave home.

Flying with infants

Check your airline’s rules about travelling with toddlers and babies before booking. Generally the following applies when travelling with a baby locally or abroad:

• One infant under two: Can sit on your lap with a seat belt extension. While the flight may be free or reduced cost, they must be included in your booking.
• Two infants under two: Only one child is allowed per adult’s lap. If you're travelling alone with two infants, one infant must sit on your lap with a seat belt extension, and the other must occupy their own seat. A child’s fare may apply.
• Kids meals: Choose meals online in your booking. Baby meals for infants under two or children’s meals for kids aged between two and 12 are available from some carriers—make sure to double-check with your airline. 
• Facilities on board: Your airline may have leg rests, sleepers and hammocks for use in flight. Book a bassinet beforehand, and check if inflatable cushions (like Plane Pal or Fly Tot) are allowed before you buy. 

Passports and papers 

Children don’t normally need IDs to fly within Australia when accompanied by a parent or guardian, but a copy of their birth certificate will give proof of age for child-related discounts and services. Check out our domestic travel guide—it may make travelling through Perth Airport easier and simpler.

What documents are needed when travelling with a child overseas?

• Passports for everyone, including kids under 18
• Visas if required
• Notarised travel consent letter for children travelling out of Australia with only one parent or guardian

It’s a good idea to keep physical or digital copies of passport pages. Visit Smartraveller for more details about international travel with kids.

Packing tips for children

To cover your bases and prepare for emergencies like a pro, pack the following:

• A change of clothes for everyone in carry-on bags in case of luggage delays or spills
• A ride-along kids suitcase or Trunki filled with toys to sit and play with while waiting or queueing
• A reusable water bottle–empty it before passing security!
• Wet wipes for sticky fingers and messy mouths

Perth Airport parking for parents

Park as close to the terminal as possible — ShortTerm and Premium are the closest, plus there are dedicated Parent Bays available at the front of the car parks, closest to the terminals, in T1 ShortTerm and T2 ShortTerm car parks. Book your parking in advance for the best rates.

Pass through security quickly by following Perth Airport’s new screening process. Image source: Perth Airport

Security screening for children

All passengers must be security screened. For kids, the screening method depends on height and ability to walk unassisted through the body scanner. Our fast-track tips will help you breeze through security:

• Remove your infant from their carrier 
• Leave electronics inside bags
• Empty pockets, including tissues and hair ties
• Place light items—jewellery, earphones and sunglasses—in the tray under the plastic flap 
• Place bulky items—coats, scarves, hats and belts—on top of the tray’s plastic flap 

The non-ionising technology used by our body scanners has no known health risks for any travellers, including pregnant women and travellers with implanted medical devices. Learn more about security screening for domestic and international travellers.

Flying with baby products 

Use our guide to help with packing the products your baby needs and avoid surprises at security screening.

Baby products—domestic flights

No limits apply to baby products for domestic travel.

Baby products—international flights

When travelling with baby products internationally, there are no restrictions on organic powders, including powdered baby formula.

You are allowed to carry onboard a reasonable quantity of inorganic powder, liquid, aerosol or gel items on an international flight if you travelling with a baby or infant.

Baby products allowed may include, but are not limited to:

• Baby milk, including expressed breast milk and powdered formula
• Sterilised water
• Juice
• Baby food in liquid, gel, powder or paste form

The quantity should be consistent with what may be required for the duration of your flight(s) and any possible delays. Please note that screening officers decide what is deemed a reasonable quantity.

Left something at home? Get last-minute baby supplies at Amcal, located in T4, T1 Domestic and T1 International, or Link at T3 Domestic.

Join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program prior to arrival for help from support staff. Image source: Perth Airport

Facilities for kids

The facilities at Perth Airport are designed to make it easier for our smallest passengers to travel with their grown-ups!

Parenting rooms

All terminals have parenting rooms with baby changing facilities, nappy bins and feeding chairs–find the nearest one on our terminal maps.

Prams

Stop little legs from tiring! Liaise with your airline to organise a pram at check-in to use around the airport once yours is checked in.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Children with hidden disabilities can get a free sunflower lanyard or wristband from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program posted at least 10 business days before flying. Staff wearing sunflower badges will provide extra care and support at the airport.

Satisfy hungry bellies before take off. Image source: Perth Airport

Eateries with child-friendly food at Perth Airport

Perth Airport’s family-friendly restaurants and dedicated kids menus will satisfy even the fussiest eaters:

Terminal 1

• Long Neck Public House at T1 International (before security) and T1 Domestic (after security): Vibrant spot with delicious meals, a wide selection of drinks and a dedicated children's menu.
• East x West at T1 International (after security): Asian fusion restaurant with grab ‘n go options and light bites such as popcorn chicken for the kids.
• Haymarket at T1 International (after security): A winner with gourmet meals for you, and toasties and pies the kids will love. Relax and watch your little ones have fun at the nearby Kids Play Area.
• Little Creatures at T1 International (before security): Located opposite check in, Little Creatures is the perfect place to farewell friends and family before your adventures. Enjoy a selection of kids meals, bigger bites and share plates for all.

Terminal 2

• Subway (after security): Salads and sandwiches made to order–perfect for picky eaters. No onion? No problem.
• Otherside Brew Lounge (after security): Enjoy live music twice a month and a wide range of delectable treats that will impress the whole family.

Terminal 3 

• Hudsons + Little Creatures at T3 Domestic (before security): Beers galore with an all-day dining menu for you, plus heaps of grab ‘n go snacks and kiddies options too.
• Three Bears at T3 Domestic (after security): Watch the airfield action while enjoying quick, healthy options, plus a kids menu of favourites like fish ‘n chips and pizza. 

Terminal 4

• Common Bar + Kitchen (after security): Ample food and drinks, including a kids menu of cheeseburgers, schnitzels and more.
• Boost Juice (after security): Healthy and flavoursome smoothies and fruity juices to go.

 
Enjoy a meal for the whole family. Image source: Perth Airport

Keep young passengers entertained

Here’s where and how to keep your toddlers, tweens and teens occupied at the airport to kill time and energy—while you put your feet up!

Perth Airport Play Area at T1 International (after security)

Let your tiny travellers explore, play, jump and climb in our state-of-the-art Kids Play Area at T1 International on Level 2 (after passport control). Keep them busy with fun and interactive games while they make new friends from all over the world.

Aspire Lounge at T1 International (after security)

Pop into our award-winning Aspire Lounge with its dedicated Kids Area that’ll keep little people busy and happy while their adults enjoy fresh food. Prebook online for only $44 per child and arrive at least three hours before departure.

Specialty stores

Keep young readers busy with books, magazines, activity and colouring books and educational toys. Get them from WHSmith (T4 Domestic), Relay (T3 International) and Link (T3 Domestic).

Bonus tip: Take advantage of the free wi-fi

Use our super-fast, free wi-fi to stream or download your kids’ favourite shows and games to keep them occupied on the ground and in the air.

Watch planes take off and land

Catch the airfield action from these top spots:

• T1 International: Indoor Public Viewing Area on Level 3, accessible from Level 1 Departures before security. 
• T1 Domestic: Between Gates 46 to 48.
• T3 Domestic: The Three Bears restaurant, after security.
• T4: At Gates 13 and 14.

Watch the planes take off and land from vantage points throughout the airport. Image source: Perth Airport

Perth Airport: Making family travel easier 

Taking the kids on holidays can be easy and fun when you depart from Perth Airport–even during busy times and peak periods. Make us your family travel partner for domestic and international trips and let us help you get your family holiday off to a great start. Visit our Travelling with Children Guide for more tips on how we can help parents like you make it easy and breezy to travel with kids at peak times.

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.