Flight Delayed? Here’s What Parents of Young Children Need to Know (and Do!)

If you’ve ever faced a flight delay while travelling with little ones in tow, you’ll know it’s a whole new level of stress. Keeping a toddler entertained in an airport for hours is no easy feat—especially if the delay comes with little warning.

But don’t worry—we’ve put together some parent-friendly tips to help you stay calm, informed and (possibly) even compensated while you wait.

1. Stay Alert for Airline Updates

First things first—if your flight is delayed, keep checking your email and text messages. The airline should send updates about the reason for the delay and how long you’ll be waiting. If you haven’t heard anything, head to the airline’s app or information desk for clarification.

Staying in the loop will help you make decisions more easily—whether that’s heading to a quieter corner for snack time or exploring options for compensation.

2. Know Your Rights (Yes, You Could Be Owed Money!)

Many parents don’t realise they may be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed—especially when the reason is within the airline’s control (like staffing issues or mechanical faults).

Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, you could be entitled to between €250 and €600 depending on your flight distance:

* Short flights (under 1,500 km) – €250 (e.g. London to Edinburgh)
* Medium flights (1,500–3,500 km) – €400 (e.g. London to Athens)
* Long flights (over 3,500 km) – €600 (e.g. London to Tokyo)

If you arrive at your destination more than three hours late, you could be eligible. Even before that, if your delay is over two hours, you should be offered free food and drinks at the airport—and if your delay stretches beyond five hours, you may request a full refund or a rebooking.

3. Ask (and Record) the Right Questions

When travelling with young children, information is power—and peace of mind. Visit the airline desk or airport information point to ask:

* Why is the flight delayed?
* How long is the expected wait?
* Is the delay the airline’s responsibility?

If the delay is due to something the airline controls, you’re more likely to be eligible for compensation—so it’s worth asking for the reason in writing. This could help your case later if you need to make a claim.

4. Take Action (While the Kids Colour!)

If you do meet the criteria for compensation, start gathering documents at the airport—boarding passes, booking details, and any written updates from the airline. Some parents find it helpful to snap photos of departure boards and delay announcements too.

If it’s all too much to manage in the moment (understandable when juggling snacks, toys, and nap schedules), make a note to follow up at home—claims can usually be submitted online later.

Bottom Line

Travelling with babies or toddlers is challenging enough—so when delays happen, it’s important to know your rights and take steps to make the situation more manageable. With a little preparation (and a lot of snacks), you might even turn that delay into something positive.