Travelling with kids? Here’s how to stay calm amid the school holiday airport chaos

Delays, cancellations and child meltdowns are in full swing as airports brace for the peak of school holiday chaos, but there are ways to minimise the madness.

Delays at Sydney T2 domestic airport terminal over the Queens birthday long weekend earlier this month was a sign of things to come as the NSW school holiday period approaches. Picture John Grainger

Travel can be stressful at the best of times, but with huge queues, flight cancellations and tired children in tow, it can be downright brutal.

That’s the scenario currently facing Australian families as airports and airlines struggle to cope with staff shortages and bumper school holiday crowds.

More than two million travellers are expected to pass through Melbourne and Sydney airports over the winter break, which began this week for state schools in Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Holidays will kick off for NSW, ACT and WA on Monday.

Chaos had already begun at Queensland airports on Friday as frustrated passengers waited in endless baggage and security queues, only for some to be told their flight had been cancelled and no alternative flights were available.

“I’d already paid for my accommodation and had had two flights cancelled, so I ended up losing hundreds of dollars because the hotel wouldn’t offer a refund at such late notice,” said Kat Sare, a mum who was travelling to Sydney to visit family and friends.

The Sunshine Coast executive said the scene at the regional airport on the final day of the Queensland school term was “chaos”. “People were sitting on the floor because there were no seats available, and there were so many flight delays and cancellations,” she said.

“I can’t imagine what it will be like when the other states start their holidays too.”

Currently, passengers are being advised to arrive at the airport about two hours before a domestic flight, and three hours if flying internationally.

While more disruption is expected over the coming weeks, psychologist Danni Zhang advised parents with young children to plan for potential delays – and family meltdowns.

“Have a family meeting prior to travelling,” she suggested, which could help manage expectations and discuss worst-case scenarios such as long wait times and delays.

“Correct expectations will already help to regulate emotions, (as) people don‘t like negative surprises.”

If there is a delay, Ms Zhang recommended parents devise a plan which included a positive incentive for kids, for example “if there is a delay for more than two hours, then the whole family gets to eat McDonalds,” she said.

“Finally, plan a reward when you arrive at the destination if everyone behaves well. This is for adults as well, who can also get cranky.”

Travel expert David Goldman advised passengers to check-in online where possible and ensure any Covid or travel-related paperwork was prepared before arriving.

“I’m off on Friday with my son and I know it’s going to be hectic. Obviously booking outside of peak periods if you can is advisable … but even leading up to Christmas and into next year, there’s already such a huge demand,” he said.

Considering some many of us have had to wait months, and in some cases years, to get on a plane and take a family holiday, Mr Goldman believed it was important to keep calm and if possible, embrace the chaos.

“I think it’s a good idea to get it in your mind that you just have to be patient and remember that ultimately we’re all able to get off the island – or away from our day to day lives – and have those wanderlust experiences again,” he said, “because we all know what it’s like to not have that opportunity.”