Anyone who’s travelled with young children knows that the journey to the airport can be the most stressful part of the holiday. Heavy bags, tired kids, and tight schedules are a recipe for frayed nerves before you’ve even checked in. The good news? A bit of planning, especially when it comes to parking at Manchester Airport, can make a huge difference.
Here are five practical parking tips every parent should know to help make your airport experience as smooth as possible.
1. Choose the Right Car Park for Your Family’s Needs
Not all parking options are equal when you have children in tow. Families often do best with parking that’s close to the terminal to minimise walking and waiting around. Meet & Greet parking is the most hassle-free: you pull up right outside the terminal, unload everyone and everything, hand over your keys, and head straight in.
If Meet & Greet feels too pricey, Short Stay or Multi-Storey car parks are also good choices — they’re close enough to walk to the terminal with kids and bags in tow, and there’s no need to wait for shuttle buses.
Long Stay and JetParks are cheaper but usually require a shuttle transfer, which can be awkward with pushchairs, tired toddlers or lots of luggage.
2. Pre-Book to Save Money and Stress
This is one of the easiest wins. Parking charges at Manchester Airport can jump significantly if you pay on the day. Booking ahead doesn’t just save you money — it guarantees you a space in your preferred car park, which is important during school holidays when family travel is at its peak.
Plus, booking online gives you clear instructions and a booking reference, which can save you time at the barrier when the kids are getting restless.
3. Pack Smart for the Car-to-Terminal Walk
Even if you park close by, moving a family’s worth of bags and children can feel like an expedition. Before you leave home, pack a small bag with essentials: snacks, wipes, a spare dummy or bottle, and maybe a favourite toy for comfort.
Keep these within easy reach — not buried under suitcases in the boot. If you have a pushchair, check in advance whether your chosen car park has lifts or level access to the terminal. Most Multi-Storey options do, but it’s worth confirming so you don’t end up wrestling prams on stairs.
4. Allow Extra Time — Always
Children have a magical ability to turn a five-minute task into a half-hour ordeal. Add extra time to your plan, whether you’re parking at Short Stay or using Meet & Greet. Things like toilet stops, last-minute snack demands, or simply coaxing a tired child out of their car seat can eat into your schedule fast.
As a general rule, arrive at the car park at least 30–45 minutes earlier than you think you need to. It’s better to have time to spare than to feel flustered at check-in.
5. Check for Family Facilities
Manchester Airport has made efforts to make travelling with kids easier, but it helps to know what’s available before you arrive. For example, many Short Stay car parks are undercover and have lifts — a bonus in bad weather.
If you’re using Meet & Greet, make sure your booking is with the official airport service or a trusted provider with secure, well-lit drop-off areas. Safety and convenience should always come first when you have children with you.
Some car parks also have staff on hand to help with luggage, which can be a lifesaver when your hands are already full.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with kids can feel overwhelming, but the right parking choice at Manchester Airport can take a big chunk of stress out of the day. Book early, pick the most convenient option you can, and plan for a bit of extra time.
A calm, organised arrival means everyone — kids and parents alike — can start their holiday in a good mood. After all, the family adventure should begin the moment you close the car boot and head for departures.
Safe travels and happy family holidays!