Our selection
Before you leave home
Hand luggage- ✓Nappies: 1-2 spare in case of surprises
- ✓A full change of clothes, in case of a leak or a spilled glass of water
- ✓A snack box with dividers: fruit, breadsticks (always a hit), cheese portions…
- 💬Keep sugar to a minimum or they will bounce off the walls on board.
- ✓A backup meal: a food pouch or fruit drink
- ✓Water — flying makes you thirsty
- ℹ️Security lets food and water for children through without any problem.
The entertainment backpack
Trip saver- ✓Books that are light and age-appropriate
- ✓Magnetic toys: a safe bet
- ✓Stickers, reusable ones ideally: they last much longer
- ✓Colouring pads or wipe-clean boards that do not stain (no felt-tips or paint)
- 💬If they are new, they entertain twice as long.
The family security check
T1 and T2- ✓In T1, on the right as you come in: look for the McDonald's sign
- ✓Shorter queue (families only), but slower: you must take out liquids and electronics and fold the pushchair for the scanner
- 💬Everyone moves at family pace: nobody rushing behind you.
- ✓Past the check there is a fenced area for little escape artists while you sort yourselves out
- ℹ️Free luggage trolleys with a car-seat cradle at check-in.
Play areas
T1 and T2- ✓T1: 4 areas, mostly on floor 3
- ✓T2: spread across zones A and B
- 💬The best way to burn off energy before boarding.
Changing and nursing rooms
T1- ✓6 baby-changing areas and 2 nursing rooms
- 💬A nappy change right before boarding makes take-off much easier.
Shops to pass the time
T1- ✓Tuc Tuc (kidswear and baby gear)
- ✓Imaginarium (toys)
- 💬If they enjoy browsing, you can pass the time while you wait and buy something if you feel like it.
Boarding: first or last?
Up to your family- ✓First: you secure overhead locker space and keep your bag close
- ✓Last: your child tires out longer outside the plane, and you may end up with no space nearby or waiting for everyone to get off to reach your bag
- 💬There is no right answer: it depends on your family.
How early to arrive?
2 hours- ✓Adults, 1-2 hours; with kids, better 2: security and finding the gate without rushing
- ✓The family check helps, but it can be slow
- ✓Allow time for the play areas and a nappy change before boarding
- 💬That extra hour is there so you do not have to rush.
Frequently asked questions
How early should you get to Barcelona Airport with kids?
Adults are advised to arrive 1-2 hours early. With small kids, allow at least 2 hours: the family security check can help because there are usually fewer people, but it can still be slow, and you will need time for the play areas, a nappy change before boarding and not rushing.
Is there a family security check at El Prat?
Yes, in T1 and T2. In T1 you will find it on the right as you come in, by the McDonald's sign. There is usually less queue because it is families only, although it moves more slowly than the regular check: you have to take out liquids and electronics and fold the pushchair for the scanner. In return, everyone moves at family pace.
Can you take baby food and water through security?
Yes, security lets food and water for children through without any problem. Bring your own: on board it is not always offered as often as a small child needs.
Where are the baby-changing rooms at Barcelona Airport?
T1 has 6 baby-changing areas: 3 on floor 1 and 3 on floor 3. Check the airport map (https://www.aena.es/es/map.html?ca=BCN) when you arrive to find the one closest to your gate.
Are there nursing rooms at Barcelona Airport?
T1 has 2 nursing rooms: one on floor 1 and one on floor 3, at the same boarding areas where the changing rooms are.
Where are the children's play areas?
They are spread across both terminals: T1 has 4 play areas, mostly on floor 3; in T2 they are spread across zones A and B.
Do you have to fold the pushchair at security?
Yes: at the family check they make you fold the pushchair, so count on taking your child out and folding it right there. You will also have to take out liquids and electronic devices, just like at the regular check.
Is it better to board first or last with kids?
There is no "right" answer, it depends on the family. Boarding first secures overhead locker space and keeps your toy or snack bag close by. Boarding last means your child spends more time tiring outside the plane, but you risk there being no space nearby and having to leave your bag far away, or waiting for everyone to get off to reach it.
Looking for plans with kids before or after the trip?
See the BabaMap map