At the airport, adventure begins for the family's little ones before the aircraft even takes flight. There is a lot to see and experience when air travelling for the first time, from the departures hall and security control to playrooms and finally the aircraft itself. Children can go through check-in, security control and passport control together with their parent.
1. Passport for the child
Children must have their own passport when travelling. There may also be other documents required by the destination country, such as a visa. Up-to-date information on travel documents is available from the airline and the authorities of the destination country.
2. Prams and pushchairs
At the airport, you can find pushchairs to help make your trips more convenient. The pushchairs are suitable from about 6 months of age, when the child can sit securely in the chair. At times, there may be long distances to cross in the terminal, so pushchairs make it much easier to move around. For younger babies, it is recommended to bring a baby carrier or your own folding pushchair. Folding pushchairs or prams can be brought on Finnair flights as part of the permitted amount of hand baggage. Remember to check the size and weight limits for hand baggage.
Pushchairs and prams that go in the plane's cargo hold must be packed in a protective bag. Plastic bags for pushchairs and safety seats are provided at check-in, but it is important to note that these may not protect against all bumps during transport in the hold. Alternatively, you can purchase or rent a separate protective bag, in which you can pack your pushchair or pram at home before arriving at the airport.
3. Security control can make a child nervous
The airport has a separate security control line for families with children, which provides more space for using the services. The children's own line is intended for children under school age and their families travelling with them. Going through security control can make the youngest members of the family nervous, but children can use the services together with their parents. Children can also take a dear soft toy with them to security control. It may be a good idea to prepare your child for putting their toys in the scanner during security control.
Baby food can be passed through security control, where it must be taken out of hand baggage for the duration of the security control. You may carry the amount of baby food and liquids you will need during your flight in your hand baggage. A baby is considered to be a child under two years of age who travels on an infant ticket and who does not have a seat on board.
4. Baby changing facilities and play areas
You can make the start of the journey more fun at the airport's play areas, where the miniature airport and nature themes entertain little adventurers before the flight. There are play areas at gate 16 and gate 20. The Christmas Cabin, which delights the whole family all year round, is always open at gate 40.
You can change your baby's nappy at the airport's toilet facilities using either a separate baby changing room or a baby changing station located in the toilet facilities. The airport also has dozens of more spacious, accessible toilet facilities, and some have a separate children's toilet. You can check the locations of all facilities on the airport map in the terminal or online.
6. Mealtime with the family
There are dozens of restaurants at the airport offering food that children love. You can also heat your own baby food and warm bottles at the airport's restaurants and cafés. For slightly older children, you can ask for suitable meals directly from restaurants. You may also come across familiar fairy tale characters, such as the ones at Moomin Coffee!
6. Small activities for the aircraft
It is a good idea to bring fun activities and entertainment on board, such as activity books, drawing equipment and favourite toys. The airport's book and toy stores offer many popular products for the flight. Don't forget to pack your family's own favourite snacks to enjoy on the journey.
