A Guide to Parking with Kids at Valencia Airport

Traveling with kids can be a rewarding yet sometimes stressful experience, particularly when it comes to navigating airports. If you're flying out of Valencia Airport (Aeropuerto de Valencia or Manises Airport) and need parking, the process can seem overwhelming, especially when you have children to think about. This comprehensive guide will cover all the essential aspects of parking with kids at Valencia Airport, including the types of parking available, tips for making the experience smoother, and some useful travel hacks.

Understanding Parking Options at Valencia Airport

Valencia Airport offers several parking options designed to accommodate different needs, including long-term and short-term parking, express drop-off, and private off-site parking services. Before you book, it's helpful to understand the pros and cons of each type of parking, especially when you have kids with you.

1. Short-Term Parking (P1)

This parking option is ideal if you're just dropping off or picking someone up. Located right in front of the terminal, short-term parking (P1) at Valencia Airport is incredibly convenient, especially when you're traveling with children who might be impatient or prone to wander.

Advantages for Families:

• Proximity to the terminal means no long walks with children.
• Elevators are available to move from different levels, making it easier to navigate with strollers or luggage.
• Secure environment with surveillance cameras.

Challenges:

• Can be pricey if you intend to park for extended periods.
• Limited parking spaces during peak travel hours may lead to waiting times or hunting for spots.

2. Long-Term Parking

If you’re planning an extended trip, the long-term parking option is generally more economical. Located slightly farther from the terminal, it offers shuttle services that take you directly to the terminal.

Advantages for Families:

• Budget-friendly option for extended trips.
• Shuttle buses have space for luggage and accommodate strollers, making the journey to the terminal manageable.
• Availability of larger parking spaces, which can be helpful if you’re using a bigger family vehicle.

Challenges:

• Shuttle buses can be crowded during peak times, which may not be ideal if your kids are tired or restless.
• You need to allow extra time for shuttle transfers, which can be stressful when managing kids and luggage.

3. Express Drop-Off Zone

Valencia Airport offers an express drop-off zone where you can park for free for the first 10 minutes. This is perfect if you're simply dropping off someone or need a very short stop.

Advantages for Families:

• No need to park or exit the car—just a quick stop to drop off kids and luggage.
• You can stay with your kids and assist them with getting out of the car quickly and safely.

Challenges:

• Limited to 10 minutes, so if you need more time to say goodbye or help your children get organized, this may not be enough.
• Can get congested, which may lead to stressful situations, especially when you're trying to unload kids and luggage quickly.

4. Off-Site Parking

Several private parking companies offer off-site parking services near Valencia Airport. These services often come with perks such as valet service, additional security, and competitive prices.

Advantages for Families:

• Many services offer valet parking, which means you don't have to worry about parking your car—just drop it off at the terminal.
• Some companies provide additional services such as car washing or vehicle maintenance during your trip.
• Prices are generally lower than on-site airport parking.

Challenges:

• You’ll need to use a shuttle service to get from the off-site parking location to the terminal, which may not be ideal if your kids are impatient or if you have a lot of luggage.
• It requires planning ahead to coordinate pick-up and drop-off times with the parking company.

Tips for Making Parking Easier with Kids

1. Pre-Book Your Parking Spot

When traveling with kids, the last thing you want to do is drive around searching for parking. Pre-booking your parking spot can eliminate this stress. Both the airport's long-term and off-site parking providers offer online booking, and you can often get better deals by booking in advance.

2. Pack Smart and Use Family-Friendly Luggage

Make sure your luggage is easy to transport, especially if you have more than one child. A backpack-style diaper bag can be a lifesaver, freeing up your hands for strollers or holding your child’s hand. Avoid overpacking; airports can be overwhelming for kids, and the less you have to carry, the better.

3. Arrive Early

Always allow for extra time when traveling with children. Arriving at Valencia Airport earlier than usual will give you ample time to find a parking spot, get everyone organized, and navigate through security without feeling rushed. This is especially important if you're using long-term parking or an off-site provider, where shuttle times need to be factored in.

4. Use the Express Drop-Off Wisely

If you have a partner or another adult with you, consider using the express drop-off zone for a quick stop. One adult can stay with the car while the other handles luggage and checks the kids in. This way, you don’t have to worry about parking at all.

5. Utilize Family-Friendly Services

Many airports, including Valencia, offer family-friendly services such as priority check-in lines for families with young children, family restrooms, and designated play areas. These can make your journey through the airport a little smoother, so take advantage of them if they’re available.

Safety Considerations When Parking with Kids

When parking with kids at the airport, safety should always be a priority. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Hold Hands in Parking Lots

Airport parking lots can be busy, and children can be unpredictable. Always hold your child’s hand when walking through the parking lot, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

2. Use Child Locks

If you're parking in a busy area or using the express drop-off, make sure to activate the child locks on your car doors to prevent your child from opening the door unexpectedly.

3. Stay Alert in Shuttle Areas

When using shuttle services, keep a close eye on your children, as these areas can be chaotic. Hold their hands while boarding and disembarking the shuttle, and make sure they are securely seated while on the bus.

4. Car Seat Considerations

If you’re traveling with young children who need a car seat, make sure it’s easily accessible in case you need to transfer them to another vehicle, such as a shuttle or taxi.

Final Thoughts

Parking at Valencia Airport with kids doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By understanding your parking options and planning ahead, you can make the process as smooth and seamless as possible. Whether you're using the airport’s on-site parking facilities or opting for an off-site service, always allow extra time and prioritize safety to ensure a positive experience for both you and your children.

Typography is the art and technique

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable and appealing when displayed. The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point size, line length, line-spacing (leading), letter-spacing (tracking), and adjusting the space within letters pairs (kerning).