Petition launched for dedicated family lounges at UK airports
Call to improve airport facilities for families with children
A campaign has been launched calling for UK airports to provide dedicated family lounges, to make flying with children easier.
It follows research which reveals more than a third of parents feel airports across the country do not do enough to cater for them and their children.
What should an airport family lounge include?
Those surveyed said they would like family lounges to include a soft play area, more family seating and an area for them to relax while children play.
Parents would also like to see a film zone playing children’s movies, a napping zone and a kitchenette to heat up or prepare food, plus an interactive educational area about airports and aeroplanes.
Luxury villa specialist Oliver’s Travels launched the petition for family lounges following their own poll, along with research carried out by survey consultants Censuswide.
One in five people surveyed said that trying to keep the family entertained is one of the most stressful parts of the airport process.
And 95 per cent of parents think that a dedicated family lounge would improve their experience at UK airports.
Three out of four families even said they would be willing to pay up to £45 per family for entry.
Oliver’s Travels owner Oliver Bell hopes the petition will encourage UK airports to cater to the needs of families after finding that 90 per cent feel they are the least considered travellers.
“The airport is the first stage for our families beginning their holiday experience,” he said.
“We want to ensure that families have the best overall holiday experience and our research clearly shows that airports play an integral role in making that happen, with families nationwide reinforcing that it impacts on the overall enjoyment of their holiday.
“We want to work collectively with the wider travel industry to improve and develop the family travel offering and experience, from families leaving the house to arriving at their chosen villa, and are looking forward to seeing more airports pledge their commitment and consider implementing aspects of this across the UK.”
To sign the petition click here.