Start your family vacation stress-free

Tickets, terminal, take-off

May 21, 2026

Traveling by plane is exciting, especially for young passengers. The run-up to the trip is often hectic, as many parents can attest: there are checklists to complete, last-minute errands to run, and suitcases to pack. If you're heading on vacation from Munich Airport, you can count on a wide range of family-friendly services designed to make your time before boarding as pleasant and relaxed as possible.

Discover our top tips for flying with children to ensure your journey is as comfortable as can be.

A few weeks before departure

Especially during the peak holiday season, passengers arriving by car are advised to reserve their parking spot at Munich Airport online in advance. This avoids the stress of searching for a parking spot and guarantees a spot within walking distance. The P5, P7, and P20 parking garages are particularly close to the terminals. And if plans change at short notice, don't worry: thanks to free cancellations and modifications up until shortly before entry, families can stay completely flexible.
Book your parking spot online in advance

In addition to their own identification documents, parents should also check the expiration dates on their children's documents well in advance. As a general rule, every traveler requires their own valid travel document. The specific type of document needed depends on your destination. To be safe, verify the entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
The German missions abroad

When children travel with only one parent or with adults who don't hold legal custody, a written parental consent form signed by both legal guardians is required. Without it, departure may be denied. If minors are flying completely unaccompanied, airlines at Munich Airport offer a specialized escort service upon request. A dedicated staff member will guide your child through check-in and security, and escort them all the way onto the aircraft.

Tip: Since escort models and age limits vary by airline, please contact your carrier well in advance to arrange the exact assistance your child needs.
Further helpful information

One day before departure

Experienced parents know that good preparation is half the battle. To avoid the last-minute rush on departure day, check in online the day before. You can download your digital boarding passes straight to your smartphone or print them out at home. Securing your preferred seats early, such as window seats or rows with extra legroom, is highly recommended when traveling with children.
Online check-in

Families living near the airport can take advantage of the day-before check-in service offered by several airlines. You can drop off your luggage the evening before your flight, allowing you to start your journey the next day stress-free with just your carry-on bags. You'll need to bring: all passports or IDs, as well as your flight tickets.

Packing your carry-on bag mindfully will get you through security lines much faster. Be sure to follow current hand-luggage regulations. Parents are allowed to bring baby food or medications needed for the flight in their carry-on baggage. Keep these items easily accessible, as they must be presented separately at the security checkpoint.
Carry-on luggage, liquids and checked baggage regulations

More travel tips

Carry-on packing tips for families

  • Stuffed animal, blanket
  • Warm socks
  • Sticker book, coloring book, crayons
  • Small toys
  • Baby food, bottles, favorite snacks
  • Pacifier for babies, chewing gum for children to help with ear pressure
  • Diapers, wet wipes
  • Extra clothes for children and parents
  • Bag for dirty clothes and diapers
  • Any necessary medication

Off on vacation! Departure day

Even though keeping kids entertained during a wait isn't always easy, make sure to arrive at the airport early. Traveling to the airport, checking in your luggage, and going through security takes time. Additionally, expect potential delays or traffic jams on the roads and the S-Bahn. Tip: Allow for some extra time, but don't arrive at the terminal before the airline's check-in counters actually open. Check with your airline beforehand to confirm their opening times.

Passengers traveling with children up to the age of seven on Lufthansa can use a check-in counter reserved exclusively for families. Parents can drop off large strollers at the oversized baggage counter in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; buggies can be checked-in like regular luggage. Convenient: Free rental buggies and strollers are available in both public and security areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and can be used all the way to your departure gate. Child seats and infant carriers can be checked as oversized baggage. Some airlines allow these seats to be used as restraint systems on board.

Another plus for parents: Families can get through security and passport control more quickly at Munich Airport. Travelers with small children and pregnant women can use the fast-track lanes in Terminal 1. Additionally, both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer a dedicated family entrance to security. On-site staff help travelers quickly find the right lanes. The airport also features dedicated baby changing rooms for privacy, lowered sinks for children, and spacious family restrooms across various terminal areas.

Still got some time before boarding?

The airport has plenty of play areas where the little ones can burn off some energy before takeoff. These include the Kids Area in Terminal 1, which is equipped with foosball, a slide, a digital gaming table, interactive wall games, a bouldering wall, and a race track.

Prefer digital entertainment? Kids can pass the time with six unique digital airport games. Simply scan the QR code displayed on the screens at the gates with your device, or click directly on the teaser to gain access to our games.

Forgot something important?

Forgot your toothbrush or wet wipes? Lost a pacifier? Running low on sunscreen or travel snacks? If you're missing something just before your flight, there are plenty of shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, and drugstores at the airport to help. You'll find everything a family needs for their vacation, from diapers and baby food to toys and children's books. Kids will especially love the Lego stores in T1 and T2, Vedes in T2, the FC Bayern stores in the Munich Airport Center, T1, and T2, and the Deutsches Museum Shop in T2.

Overview of shops at Munich Airport

Our airport restaurants and cafés also offer many family-friendly options for both small and large appetites, from a quick sandwich to special children's menus.

More services at the airport