What to Do in the Airport When Your Flight Gets Delayed or Canceled While Traveling With Kids

*Collaborative Post

Traveling with kids can be an exciting yet challenging experience, and flight delays or cancellations can turn an anticipated journey into a stressful ordeal. Long waits, unpredictable schedules, and limited entertainment options can make the airport experience overwhelming for families. However, with the right approach, you can minimize stress, keep your children engaged, and even turn the situation into a positive experience. Additionally, knowing your passenger rights and how to claim compensation through services like canceled flights can make a significant difference.

1. Understand Your Passenger Rights

Before you start looking for ways to keep your kids entertained, it’s crucial to know your rights as an air passenger. Depending on where you’re flying from, your entitlements may vary. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is delayed by more than three hours, canceled, or overbooked, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 per passenger—including for children with paid tickets.

In cases of long delays (two hours or more, depending on the flight distance), airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and access to communication (emails or phone calls). If an overnight stay is necessary, the airline should cover hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel.

For flights departing from the UK, similar rules apply under UK261, while flights from the US may have different compensatory policies depending on the airline’s terms and conditions. If you’re unsure, using compensation services like AirHelp can simplify the process, ensuring you receive any compensation owed without the hassle of handling the claim yourself.

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2. Stay Updated and Communicate with the Airline

Once you find out about a delay or cancellation, immediately check the airline’s website or app for real-time updates. Sign up for SMS or email notifications if available. If compensation, meal vouchers, or hotel accommodations are due, head to the airline’s customer service desk to discuss your options.

For long delays or cancellations, consider rebooking your flight as soon as possible. Many airlines allow rebooking via their app or website, reducing the need to wait in long airport lines. If rebooking isn’t an option, you may need to arrange an alternative flight with another airline.

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3. Prepare an Airport Survival Kit for Kids

Having an airport survival kit packed with essentials can make an unexpected delay much easier to handle. Items to include:

• Snacks & Water: Many airport shops charge high prices, and airline-provided meals may take time. Healthy, non-perishable snacks such as fruit, granola bars, or crackers can help keep kids satisfied.
• Entertainment: Tablets with pre-downloaded movies, games, coloring books, and small toys can keep children occupied.
• Comfort Items: Blankets, travel pillows, or a favorite stuffed toy can help kids relax if they need a nap.
• Extra Clothes & Diapers: Especially important for infants and toddlers in case of unexpected accidents.
• Medications & Essentials: If your child requires medication, keep it in your carry-on along with any baby wipes and sanitizer.

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4. Turn the Airport Into an Adventure

Keeping kids entertained during a delay is all about creativity. Depending on the airport, there may be plenty of ways to make waiting more enjoyable:

• Explore the Terminal: Many airports have child-friendly play areas, observation decks, or interactive exhibits.
• Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt (e.g., find five different airline logos, locate a certain restaurant, count how many people are wearing backpacks).
• Stretch & Move: Some airports offer designated relaxation zones with yoga areas or space for stretching, which can be great for kids who need to burn off energy.
• Visit an Airport Lounge: If you have access to a lounge (through credit cards, memberships, or airline perks), take advantage of it. Lounges often provide food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating that can make the wait more enjoyable.

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5. Plan for Nap Time & Rest Breaks

Delays can disrupt a child’s routine, leading to crankiness and fatigue. If your flight is delayed for several hours, find a quiet area where your child can nap. Some airports have family-friendly relaxation zones or even sleep pods available for rent. If the delay extends overnight, request hotel accommodation from the airline.

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6. Make the Most of Available Resources

• Airline Assistance: Ask if the airline offers additional services for families, such as early boarding or access to family-friendly lounges.
• Airport Facilities: Some airports provide stroller rentals, play areas, family restrooms, and baby care rooms.
• Airport Wi-Fi & Charging Stations: Many airports provide free Wi-Fi, allowing kids to stream videos or play games. Charging stations ensure that devices stay powered.

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7. How to Claim Compensation for Flight Delays or Cancellations

Once you’ve managed the immediate situation, it’s time to claim compensation if eligible. This process can be complex, but services like AirHelp simplify it by handling claims on your behalf. To improve your chances of success:

• Keep all travel documents: Boarding passes, booking confirmations, and receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay.
• Request a written statement from the airline explaining the reason for the delay or cancellation.
• Document everything: If the delay caused you to miss a connecting flight or resulted in additional costs, keep records of all receipts and expenses.

Using AirHelp can speed up the process, as they assess your case, submit claims on your behalf, and only charge a fee if you receive compensation.

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8. Rebooking & Alternative Travel Options

If your flight is canceled, you have several options:

• Accept an alternative flight offered by the airline.
• Request a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
• Book with another airline if necessary and claim reimbursement later (if the delay qualifies under passenger rights regulations).

For significant delays, consider alternative transportation, such as trains or rental cars, if feasible.

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9. Stay Positive & Keep Kids Engaged

A flight delay or cancellation isn’t ideal, but your response can shape how your children handle the situation. Maintain a calm and positive attitude, make the experience fun where possible, and use the extra time to bond as a family. Whether it’s enjoying an unexpected meal together, playing games, or discovering new parts of the airport, a little flexibility goes a long way.

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Conclusion

Flight delays and cancellations can be stressful, especially when traveling with kids. However, being prepared, knowing your passenger rights, and finding creative ways to keep children entertained can make the experience more manageable. If eligible, claiming compensation through services like AirHelp ensures that you get what you’re entitled to, helping to turn an unfortunate delay into an opportunity for reimbursement. By staying proactive, patient, and resourceful, you can turn a frustrating situation into a smoother travel experience for the whole family.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.