Planning Family Airport Travel with Luggage and Child Seats
Getting a family to the airport is mostly a question of space and timing. Suitcases, a pushchair, a travel cot and child seats add up quickly, so a car that suits two business travellers will not take a family of five on holiday. This guide covers how to work out what you are carrying, which child seats to ask for, which vehicle fits and what to confirm before you travel.
Will it all fit? Start with a luggage list
Before you book any transport, list everything that will travel with you, not just the number of suitcases:
- large and medium suitcases, with an idea of their size and weight
- cabin bags and rucksacks
- pushchairs, travel cots and car seats
- golf bags, ski bags or other sports equipment
- mobility aids
Vehicle capacities are always a guide, because cases vary in size and shape. A full list means we can allocate the right vehicle first time, rather than discovering on the driveway that a second car is needed.
Pushchairs and baby equipment
Not every pushchair takes the same space. A compact, folding travel pushchair usually counts as one case. By contrast, a large pushchair or a travel system counts as oversized luggage, much like a travel cot. Tell us which you have and we will plan the boot space around it.
Very large suitcases
The cases that cause the most trouble are the very large ones that hold 35 kg or more. Even a Mercedes V-Class has a limit: five or six of these fill the boot. To fit them, we have to move the rear seats forward slightly, which reduces legroom in the cabin. On a short run that is usually fine, but on a long journey it is not ideal. If comfort matters more than cost, two vehicles are the better choice.
Child seats: which seat for which age
We can provide child seats on request. As a guide, we supply:
- Rear facing infant seat: from birth to about 15 months
- Forward facing child seat: from about 9 months to 4 years
- Booster seat: from about 4 to 12 years
The age ranges overlap because the right seat depends on height and weight as well as age. Give us each child’s age (and height or weight if you know them) when you book and we will confirm the right seat. Most families ask for one or two seats. Our guide to child seats with a chauffeur service covers this in more detail.
You are also welcome to bring your own. Declare them at booking so we allow the space. They travel with you and go with you at the airport, as we are not able to store them while you are away.
What the law says
UK rules allow some flexibility in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. If the driver does not supply the correct child seat, a child may travel without one, but only on a rear seat: children aged 3 or older must wear an adult seat belt, while children under 3 may travel without a seat belt. The full rules are on GOV.UK. Most parents would still rather their children travel in a proper seat, which is why we ask about seats at booking.
Choosing the right vehicle
- Mercedes E-Class: one to three guests with up to three medium cases. Suits a parent and one or two young children travelling light.
- Mercedes S-Class: one or two guests with two medium cases.
- Mercedes V-Class: up to six guests with up to six medium cases. This is the usual choice for families, with room for cases, a pushchair and child seats.
- Customised V-Class: up to five guests with three medium cases and two pieces of hand luggage. The extra cabin comfort takes some boot space, so for a family with a lot of luggage the standard V-Class is usually the better fit.
We confirm the exact vehicle and its capacity with every booking. Some vehicles have Wi-Fi; ask when you book if you need it. Compare the options on our fleet page.
One vehicle or two?
For most families, one V-Class keeps everyone together with one pickup to coordinate. Two vehicles make sense when the luggage is very heavy, the journey is long or the family would simply like more space. Which you choose usually comes down to budget and comfort. We are happy to quote for both.
Timing the airport run with children
When you book, we ask what time you need to be at the airport, usually your airline’s check-in or bag drop deadline. From there, we work out the journey time and add a buffer for traffic and the extra time it takes to load a family car. For early departures, our guide to planning an early flight from Manchester Airport walks through the timings.
Coming home: collections after your holiday
For the return journey, give us the inbound flight number and choose a pickup time that allows for immigration and baggage reclaim with children in tow. Our quote includes 60 minutes of complimentary waiting at airport collections and 30 minutes at collections from home, hotels and stations.
Your chauffeur meets you inside the terminal with a digital name board and helps with the luggage. The exact meeting point depends on your terminal, and we confirm it with you. If you are flying in from abroad, our guide to landing at Manchester Airport from overseas explains what to expect.
Family booking checklist
- number of adults and children, with each child’s age
- full luggage list, including pushchairs, cots, sports equipment and any very large cases
- child seats: requested from us, or your own declared
- pickup address, flight number and terminal
- return flight details, if you are booking both ways
- a mobile number for the lead passenger on the day
Our Manchester Airport chauffeur transfers page sets out what is included, vehicle options and guide prices. You can also request a quotation there. Book as early as you can, particularly in school holidays, when larger vehicles are in highest demand.
Frequently asked questions
Can you provide more than one child seat?
Yes. We can provide child seats on request, including a mix of seat types for children of different ages. Give each child’s age when you book.
Which child seat will my child need?
As a guide, a rear facing infant seat from birth to about 15 months, a forward facing child seat from about 9 months to 4 years and a booster seat from about 4 to 12 years. We confirm the right seat when you book.
Can we use our own child seats?
Yes. Declare them at booking so we allow the space. Your seats stay with you, so please take them with you at the airport.
Does a pushchair count as luggage?
Yes. A compact folding pushchair usually counts as one case, while a large pushchair or travel system counts as oversized luggage.
What if our flight home is delayed?
You get 60 minutes of complimentary waiting on airport collections. Further waiting depends on availability. Any charge for it follows our booking terms.
Do you cover airports other than Manchester?
Yes. We also arrange transfers to and from other UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Liverpool. See our airport chauffeur services.
