Family-Friendly Facilities at Valencia Airport: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers with Children

Valencia Airport, known as Aeropuerto de Valencia or Manises Airport, is a key gateway to Spain’s picturesque Mediterranean coast. While it's relatively small compared to other European airports, it caters to a diverse range of travelers, including families with children. In recent years, airports have been working hard to ensure that traveling with young children is as stress-free as possible. Valencia Airport is no exception, offering a variety of family-friendly facilities designed to make the experience smoother, more comfortable, and enjoyable for families.

Whether you are heading to the beach, exploring Valencia’s famous City of Arts and Sciences, or simply transiting through the airport, here's an in-depth look at the family-friendly facilities you can find at Valencia Airport.

1. Priority Check-in and Security Lanes

One of the most stressful parts of air travel, especially with children, is navigating through check-in and security. Valencia Airport provides dedicated priority check-in desks for families with young children. These counters are designed to help families skip long lines and make the check-in process faster and smoother.

Additionally, the airport offers family-friendly security lanes. These lanes are designed to accommodate parents with strollers, baby carriers, and other items that need special handling. Airport staff are generally very understanding and helpful, ensuring that families pass through security checks with ease.

2. Baby Changing Facilities

Traveling with infants and toddlers requires access to clean, comfortable baby changing rooms. Valencia Airport is well-equipped in this regard, offering baby changing facilities throughout the terminal. These rooms are available in both the arrivals and departures areas and are located close to restrooms for convenience.

Each baby changing room is equipped with changing tables, sanitizing supplies, and waste disposal units for diapers, allowing parents to comfortably tend to their children’s needs. The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate parents with strollers and carry-on bags, making the process hassle-free.

3. Breastfeeding Rooms

Valencia Airport understands the need for privacy and comfort when it comes to breastfeeding. Dedicated breastfeeding rooms are available, providing a quiet, serene environment for nursing mothers. These rooms offer comfortable seating, privacy screens, and are located near the baby changing facilities for added convenience.

These rooms also serve as an ideal space for bottle-feeding or calming young infants who may be feeling overwhelmed by the bustling airport atmosphere.

4. Children’s Play Areas

Keeping children entertained while waiting for a flight is a challenge for many parents. Luckily, Valencia Airport offers dedicated play areas for children. These zones provide a safe, secure space where children can burn off some energy before boarding.

The play areas feature soft play equipment, interactive toys, and seating areas for parents. They are located in both the departures lounge and boarding areas, allowing families to relax while keeping an eye on their children. The presence of these play areas can significantly reduce the boredom that comes with long waits at the airport, ensuring that children remain entertained and parents get a little downtime.

5. Family-Friendly Dining Options

Finding suitable dining options for young children at airports can often be a struggle. However, Valencia Airport provides several family-friendly eateries that cater to the tastes of both adults and children.

In the departures lounge, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes offering kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and baby food heating services. Establishments like Dehesa Santa María and Upper Crust provide healthy, child-appropriate meals, making it easier for families to find nutritious food options. Parents can also request specific dietary requirements, and the staff is usually happy to accommodate these needs.

For quick snacks or drinks, vending machines throughout the airport also stock bottled water, juices, and child-friendly snacks.

6. Stroller and Luggage Assistance

One of the most helpful services offered at Valencia Airport is the availability of stroller rentals. For families who may have checked in their strollers or prefer to travel light, the airport provides strollers free of charge at various points, including near the entrances of the terminal and departure gates. This service ensures that parents can move through the airport with ease, especially when handling luggage and small children.

Additionally, there are luggage carts available at no cost for transporting bags and other travel gear. This makes navigating through the airport much simpler for families traveling with multiple bags and children.

7. Family Assistance Desks

Valencia Airport has family assistance desks located in the terminal to help families with any questions or concerns they may have. Whether it’s finding the nearest baby-changing facility, locating your departure gate, or getting directions to a restaurant, the staff at these desks are trained to assist families and ensure they have a smooth journey.

These desks are also helpful if you need assistance with lost items, medical emergencies, or general travel advice. The family assistance desk personnel are often multilingual, ensuring that international travelers can communicate easily.

8. Medical Services

The airport offers medical services that can assist families in case of emergencies. A first-aid center is available in the terminal, and staff are trained to handle various situations, including medical care for infants and young children. This facility is particularly reassuring for parents traveling with young children who may require medical attention for minor illnesses or injuries.

The airport staff are trained in first aid, and there are defibrillators located throughout the terminal for emergencies. For serious medical issues, the airport can coordinate with local hospitals, ensuring quick and efficient care.

9. Accessible Restrooms and Facilities

Valencia Airport offers fully accessible restrooms for people with reduced mobility, which are also useful for families traveling with children in strollers. These restrooms provide enough space for parents to maneuver strollers and accommodate toddlers who may need help using the facilities. Additionally, elevators are wide enough for strollers, and there are ramps and walkways to facilitate easy access throughout the terminal.

10. Fast Track Boarding for Families

Many airlines at Valencia Airport offer fast track boarding services for families with young children. This service allows families to board the plane ahead of other passengers, giving them extra time to settle in and store any necessary travel gear. Fast track boarding is available at both domestic and international departure gates, making it easier for families to get comfortable before the flight.

Conclusion

Valencia Airport provides a host of family-friendly services and facilities designed to make traveling with children easier and more enjoyable. From dedicated play areas and baby-changing facilities to stroller rentals and family-friendly dining options, the airport aims to meet the unique needs of families at every stage of their journey. These facilities help minimize the stress often associated with traveling with children, allowing families to focus on enjoying their trip to or from Valencia.

By prioritizing the comfort and convenience of families, Valencia Airport ensures that it remains a top choice for family travelers, making family vacations a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.