Airport guide for families – tips for smooth travels with children
When the youngest members of the family take to the skies, the whole family has a lot to see and experience – from the departure hall and security check all the way to boarding the plane. With our tips, you can turn travelling with children into a smooth and carefree experience for everyone.
Children’s passport and travel documents
Every child, no matter how young, must have their own passport when travelling abroad. Depending on your destination, you may also need other documents, such as a visa. Always check the latest entry requirements of your destination country. You can also visit our website to see which documents are needed for your trip.
Check-In
Families with children are welcome to use the Special Assistance desk at Helsinki Airport. From here, you can also collect a Moomin Magic Ticket for your child – a small touch to make their journey even more fun. Self-service check-in kiosks are also available in the departure hall of Terminal 2.
Security check
Families with young children can use a dedicated family security lane, which offers extra space for families. This lane is intended for families travelling with children under school age.
Security checks can feel exciting or even a little intimidating for small children, but they can go through the process together with their parents. A beloved toy can be brought along too – just be sure to explain that it will need to go through the X-ray machine for a moment along with the rest of your hand luggage.
You’re allowed to carry baby food and drinks through security, as long as you take them out for inspection. You may bring as much as you reasonably need for the journey. A baby is considered to be a child under two years old who travels on an “infant ticket” and does not have their own seat on the plane.
Pushchairs and prams
Helsinki Airport offers free-to-borrow pushchairs, making it easy to get around the terminal with small children. These are suitable for children from about six months old who can sit upright without support. Distances between gates can be longer than expected, so pushchairs can make the airport experience far more comfortable. For younger babies, consider bringing a baby carrier or your own foldable pram.
On Finnair flights, you may bring foldable pushchairs or prams as part of your hand luggage allowance – just remember to check size and weight limits before you travel.
Pushchairs and prams checked into the hold should be packed in a protective bag. You can get a plastic protection bag for prams and car seats at the check-in desk, although it may not fully protect against bumps during transport. Note that not all airports or airlines have the same policy – some even prohibit plastic covers. A good tip is to keep any protective bag you receive for use on the return trip. Alternatively, you can buy or rent a sturdier travel bag where the pram can be packed before arriving at the airport.
Things to do (or time to rest) before your flight
If your little ones are full of energy after security, head to one of the children’s play areas, where aviation- and nature-themed zones provide fun before take-off. One play area can be found next to Gate 20. The whole family can also enjoy the year-round Christmas Cabin near Gate 40.
Baby changing facilities are available in airport toilets, either in separate changing rooms or within larger restrooms equipped with changing tables. There are also dozens of spacious, accessible toilets across the airport, some with children’s toilet seats. You can find their exact locations on the airport map.
If you’d like to relax together before your flight, our lounges are the perfect place. Start your family holiday in comfort with a tasty selection of food and drinks in a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Children’s activity bags are also available from the lounge reception. In the Finnair Lounge in the non-Schengen side of Helsinki Airport, there’s even a dedicated family area. You can purchase lounge access in advance through the Manage booking service.
Shops that children love include the Finspiration Christmas Shop, XS Toys, and the Moomin Shop – you might even spot the Groke!
Flavours to please little travellers
The airport’s wide range of restaurants caters well to families. Many offer children’s favourites, and parents can heat baby food or bottles on site. Popular family choices include Burger King, Richie’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, Subway, Moomin Coffee, and – for something different – Fizza’s pizza vending machine in the non-Schengen area.
A peaceful journey begins with preparation
A few thoughtful touches can make all the difference: activity books, colouring supplies, and favourite toys help keep little travellers content on the plane. If something was forgotten or a beloved toy was left behind, the airport’s bookshops and toy stores have plenty of treasures to choose from.
These small moments – a shared meal at the airport, giggles in the play area – are what make a family trip special. They become memories that last long after the suitcases are unpacked and everyday life resumes. Travelling together is more than just getting from one place to another – it’s time shared, and new experiences made together.