The World's Most Family-Friendly Airport Isn't Where You'd Expect
For parents traveling with young children, even the smoothest airport experience can feel like a high-stakes juggling act. But according to a new global study, there's one airport that makes family travel a whole lot easier — and it's not where you might think.
A recent report from British stroller brand iCandy ranked 117 airports across the globe to determine which were best equipped for families. The company's Little Flyers Index evaluated airports based on factors like the number of kid-friendly restaurants, play areas, nursing rooms, stroller rentals, and even the availability of family-focused security lines. Each airport received a score out of 100 based on these criteria.
Topping the list was Spain's Menorca Airport (MAH), a small Mediterranean hub that earned an impressive score of 95. Despite its size, the airport boasts four dedicated children's play areas, three nursing rooms, eight restaurants, and a manageable passenger load that keeps crowds to a minimum — something any parent can appreciate.
In second place is Latvia's Riga International Airport (AIX), followed by Poland's Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). Both facilities offer a combination of restaurants, play zones, rentable strollers, and private spaces for feeding or nursing. North American airports didn't break into the top 20. The highest-ranked U.S. airport was Memphis International Airport (MEH), landing at No. 23.
RELATED: This Surprising Amtrak Upgrade Might Change How You Travel
There's even more good news for travelers navigating airport chaos with kids in tow: air travel might be getting just a little easier thanks to updated TSA policies. According to CBS News, TSA is starting to phase out its long-standing rule requiring passengers to remove their shoes during security screening. While the change won't roll out everywhere right away, several major hubs — including Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland, Philadelphia, and North Carolina's Piedmont Triad International Airport — are the first to adopt the updated procedures.
The World's Most Family-Friendly Airport Isn't Where You'd Expect first appeared on Parade on Aug 3, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-barcelona-spain-TOPATTRACTION0725-71a56335096e4e04876618f4d015ab0f.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Unfinished Masterpiece Was Just Named the No. 1 Attraction in the World by Tripadvisor
Of all the things there are to do in the world, one experience has risen to the top—not by chance, but by the sheer volume and enthusiasm of traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the past year. At the top of the platform's most sought-after (and most beloved) attractions is the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona. The Catholic church has been under construction since 1882 (over 140 years, if you're counting) and is both a place of worship and a monument to architect Antoni Gaudí, who spent more than 40 years working on the church and whose vision remains the project's guiding light. But don't let the phrase 'under construction' deter you. The tangle of spires, cranes, and intricate stonework you see from the outside is part of the draw—a testament to a passion project that is still very much alive. It's an evolving story told in sculpture, light, and shadow. Basílica de la Sagrada Familia. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Step inside, and the noise of the city recedes. What remains is color and quiet. The nave rises like a forest canopy, supported by branching stone trunks, which supports Gaudí's vision to bring the natural world in. Sunlight filters through stained glass in hues that shift with the day: cool greens and blues in the morning, fiery ambers and reds as evening approaches. And above it all, the towers—some still being built—offer panoramic views over Barcelona, framed by the very structure that continues to rise. It is quite fitting that the Sagrada Família is at the top of Tripadvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards as this is the last year travelers will be able to visit the unfinished main structure, which is expected to be completed in 2026, which is about 100 years after Gaudí's passing. Following the Sagrada Família in the world's top attractions is the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The full ranked list is below: Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain Eiffel Tower, Paris, France NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, United States Louvre Museum, Paris, France Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, Asia Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy Plaza de España, Seville, Spain
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Passenger kicked off flight after causing 2-hour delay over major plane violation
He went one toke over the air-line. A passenger was escorted off the aircraft by six cops after he was busted vaping in the lavatory, which resulted in a two-hour delay. 'He was taken off, he was very calm, didn't argue or anything, no drama,' eyewitness Tristan James Walker, 39, who captured the incident on camera, told Jam Press. The infraction occurred on July 3 at Edinburgh airport in Scotland aboard a Ryanair flight that was flying to Alicante, Spain. The aircraft was slated to depart at 9:45 a.m., but was reportedly delayed after a staffer fell ill.. The passengers' dreams of a smooth flight subsequently went up in smoke after the butt-huffing hellion decided to have an impromptu vape break. Walker said that the lavatory smoke detector went off, reportedly triggered by said bozo puffing away on his e-cigarette inside like it was an in-flight smoking lounge. 'The pilot then came out after the air stewardess explained what happened, and then the pilot stated he would be removed from the plane,' recalled Walker. Shortly thereafter, a sextet of authorities boarded the plane and escorted the vaping enthusiast off the aircraft and into a van on the tarmac, as seen in the viral clip. Despite being forcibly deplaned, the young passenger reportedly disembarked without a fuss. All told, the incident pushed the flight back by two hours. Coincidentally, Walker happened to bump into the bozo later at the famous nightlife hub, Calle Gerona, in Benidorm, Spain, whereupon the fellow informed them that he'd reportedly been blacklisted by Ryanair. Police Scotland spokesperson reported in a statement that the '21-year-old man was charged in connection with an aviation offence.' This isn't the first time some tobacco-toking travelers have caused a major flight delay. Last month, passengers were stranded in a 'war zone' at a Maine airport for over 17 hours after their flight was diverted due to a couple of ash-holes puffing cigarettes on board.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Motorists issued urgent DVLA alert for driving on holiday in August
The DVLA has issued an alert for drivers planning to travel this August, with a crucial heads-up about International Driving Permits (IDP). Motorists planning to take the wheel while abroad are being reminded that they might need an IDP, which is a document that translates domestic driving licences for use overseas, reports MirrorOnline. While many EU countries don't demand an IDP post-Brexit, there are a list of holiday hotspots where the rules still apply. READ MORE: Police couldn't believe who was in passenger seat following M6 stop Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join Hitting the road without an IDP could result in fines, points on your licence, or even having your car impounded. It follows a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain. In a recent social media update, the DVLA stated: "If you're hiring a car abroad, you should check with your car hire company if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling." According to the whether you'll need an IDP depends on your destination and the length of your stay. Authorities have clarified that UK licence holders don't need an IDP for most EU nations, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. However, depending on their destination, drivers may need one of three types of IDP: 1926, 1949, or 1968. The 1968 IDP is particularly common and might be necessary for countries including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Denmark. The United States might soon insist that drivers have a 1968 IDP to take the wheel. The has issued guidance stating: "You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP. "If you're hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP." They further advise: "You may need both your driving licence and an IDP to hire a car in the US. "If you have a paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. "You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you're involved in an accident." For just £5.50, motorists can get their hands on an IDP at various PayPoint locations. Once obtained, this essential document remains valid for one to three years, potentially covering multiple trips abroad.
