What’s Changed for Family Travel in 2026
Before we get into the snacks and the screen-free chaos hacks, there are a few new things every UK parent should know before booking anything this year. Travel rules have shifted and a couple of them genuinely help. UK ETA is now properly enforced. From 25 February 2026, the Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for most visitors from visa-free countries entering the UK - including grandparents flying in from the US or Australia to help with childcare.
Airlines will refuse boarding without it. If you’ve got family coming to visit, sort their ETA before they book a flight. It’s a one-off, online and currently £16. Kids aged 8 and 9 can now use UK e-gates. From 8 July 2026, the e-gate age dropped from 10 to 8 at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and a handful of European hubs. The catch: your child needs to be at least 120cm tall and travelling with an adult. The upside: no more 45-minute snake of a queue with a knackered toddler.
As of writing, Jet2 now flies under-2s for free. Since late 2025, Jet2 became the only UK airline to scrap fares for lap infants under two across Europe, the Canaries and the Mediterranean. If you’re doing a short-haul family trip this year, it’s worth pricing them up against the usual suspects.
Family seating still isn’t guaranteed. Despite years of campaigning on both sides of the Atlantic, most airlines still charge to seat you next to your child. Check the airline’s family seating policy before you book. Some quietly seat under-12s with an adult for free, others absolutely don’t.
Double-check everyone's passport validity when you book: Renewals are taking longer again this year and child passports only last five years.
Airport Survival: From Check-In to Take-Off
Use Family-Friendly Airline Services
Not all heroes wear capes - some work at the gate. Many airlines now offer family lanes, early boarding and free buggy/car seat check-in. British Airways still gives families free seat allocation, two free baby items and activity kits for kids on long-haul.
Know Your Airport Hacks
Check to see if your airport has an app. Big transport hubs like Heathrow do. Check for “kids eat free” deals at airport restaurants, especially in the school holidays. Hit up changing stations before you board, one less airport toilet tantrum is worth it.
Pack a Dedicated Airport Kit
One under-the-seat bag with: passports, snacks, wipes, muslins, mini first aid kit, toys and bribes (read: sneaky bag of chocolate buttons). Give older kids their own bags with games and snacks to avoid them asking you for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
→ We love The North Face Mini Explorer bag, ride-on Trunkis and simple clear toiletries bags with handles.
Road Trip Ready: Long Car Journey Tips
Travel During Sleep Time
Night drive? Nap time departure? Whatever works. Sleeping passengers means a quiet car. Heaven.
Schedule Pit Stops
Stop every 2–3 hours. Bonus points if there’s a loo and a playground. Service station soft play is weird but glorious. Maybe pack hand sanitiser too.
Entertainment That Won’t Break You
Audiobooks are your friend. Roald Dahl on Audible, Story Pirates on Spotify, Yoto Daily on the Yoto App. Also: sticker books, magnetic games, travel bingo. No glitter. Ever.
→ We love Sticker Dolly dressing books, Lego Books: 5 minute builds and Travel Battleships for older kids.
Must-Pack Travel Products for 2026
Compact Travel Stroller
You want foldable, light and ideally something you can steer one-handed while wrangling a toddler. Babyzen YOYO2 or Bugaboo Butterfly are parent MVPs.
Portable Blackout Blinds
Great for naps on-the-go or see-through hotel curtains that scream “good luck sleeping.” Try Tommee Tippee or Amazon Basics.
Reusable Snack Gear
Because a mashed banana in your handbag is no one’s dream. b.box containers, Munchkin cutlery, and travel washing up liquid and a sponge are sanity savers. Especially when you need to clean your baby’s bottle.
Screen-Free Chill Time
No screen, no problem. The pocket-sized Mini Yoto audio player is magic. There's headphones, travel bag and accessories, too.
Kid-Friendly SPF
Solar Buddies refillable roll-on SPF for squirmy limbs in the sun. If you have a sensitive-skinned child, re-fill with the sunscreen that’s best for them.
Bug Repellent Patches
Patches beat choking spray cloud any day. Mozzipatch are gentle, mess-free and come with cute designs.
Refillable Water Bottles
Less plastic, more hydration. ION8 kids bottles are leak-proof and chew-resistant.
Snack Like a Pro
Think Easy + Mess-Free
Mini muffins, rice cakes, raisins, oat bars, snack cheese: keep it simple. Avoid messy and flaky at all costs. Croissants, I’m looking at you.
Portion Everything
Individually bag or box everything. Make sure there are plenty of snacks in their airport bags and keep them somewhere you and they can easily grab. Fewer “he took my raisins!” fights = more peace.
Bribery Snacks
Call them what they are - bribes: chocolate buttons, lollies, whatever gets you through that customs queue.
Tips to Keep Everyone Sane
Lower Your Expectations
This is not a honeymoon. It’s survival. And also rare time away to enjoy precious family time. If everyone’s vaguely fed and semi-dressed at your destination, that’s what i'd call success.
Get Travel Insurance
Because kids get fevers at the gate. Because bags vanish. Because life. If you’re travelling within Europe, your GHIC card is not a replacement for proper travel insurance. It covers basic state healthcare, not the flight home if things go
sideways.
Build in Buffer Time
You will always need an extra 15 minutes for “I need a poo” energy and recommended airport time before departures have recently increased. If you're travelling with a family go at least 3+ hours always, consider even more for long-haul.
