ASTA Members Rate Family-Friendly Airports

Alexandria, Va., March 5, 2007 —In a recent survey of ASTA members asking which airports they ranked as the most family-friendly, Orlando International Airport, with 41.7 percent of the vote, was a the clear winner. For those families traveling abroad, London’s BAA Heathrow Airport was ranked number one in being all about the kids.

“With the emphasis on families, more and more parents are choosing to take their children with them, not just to see grandma, but on international vacations,” said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president and CEO. “Anyone who has traveled with small children knows what a life-saver a family-friendly airport can be.”

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (4.6%) came in a distant second but with two play areas, complete with TVs and board games, as well as a dinosaur exhibit and a children’s art gallery, parents may find their children wanting to visit the airport rather than the playground.

Tied for third were Denver International Airport and Tampa International Airport (3.6%). Both offer designated play areas, and for those who live in the Tampa area, birthday parties complete with a scavenger hunt. Charlotte Douglas International Airport was ranked fourth.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with multiple, spacious play areas each featuring a mock airplane, an air traffic control tower and luggage-style seating, tied with Detroit Metro Airport, which features four play areas, for fifth place (3%).

Most “Family Friendly” Domestic Airport

Most “Family Friendly” International Airport

The most family-friendly international airport was London’s BAA Heathrow Airport, which garnered 24.6 percent of the votes. The airport offers special rooms for feeding and changing infants, as well as a variety of age-appropriate play areas. For older children, there’s a flight simulator game and arcade stations scattered throughout the airport. Younger children might enjoy the free coloring books and crayons that are dispensed at the information desks.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport came in second with an 18.4 percent share. Not surprising given the airport’s designated play areas featuring slides, wagons and Legos. Older children can test their memory with educational computer games or kick back with a little Nintendo. Frankfurt with its multiple play areas came in third with 8.3 percent.

London’s Gatwick Airport was ranked fourth. Like its neighbor, Heathrow, Gatwick offers several play areas and video arcades scattered throughout the terminals. In fifth place was Singapore’s Changi Airport’s whose Family Zone includes nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations and a washing area, as well as a playpen for toddlers and a corner where parents and children can watch cartoons.

Most “Family Friendly” International Airport

ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.