Build in slack nobody else needs
A connection time that would be comfortable for a solo adult traveler is often tight with children, simply because stroller navigation, bathroom stops, and unpredictable pacing all take longer than expected.
Find the family-friendly zones early
Many larger airports have designated play areas or quieter family zones away from the busiest gates — locating one early in a long layover gives children somewhere to burn energy before a confined flight.
Boarding order is a tool, not just a rule
Families are frequently invited to board ahead of general boarding at many airlines — using that window deliberately, rather than waiting until the last call, avoids rushing down a jet bridge with children in tow.
Questions people ask
Should strollers go through security assembled or folded?
Policies vary by checkpoint, but folding collapsible strollers before reaching the X-ray belt generally moves things along faster than negotiating it at the front of the line.
Is it worth seeking out a family security lane?
Where one exists, yes — these lanes are typically slower-paced and staffed with more patience for the extra steps involved in traveling with small children.