Travelling as a family can be a source of great stress for the parents. However, these sources of stress can be eliminated once you reach the airport. Really. The reason is simple. Some airports are just more humane than others. Which means that some airports are more family-friendly and can make any family travel experience a walk in the park.

This is my second time travelling out of Montreal Trudeau (YUL) as a family. Except this time, I’m travelling with 2 babies! A three-year old boy, a four-month old girl, my wife and loads of luggage. So here are 6 reasons why Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) makes for a great airport for families.

Reason 1: Underground parking in terminal (HotelParc)

Montreal Trudeau has an extensive parking offering. However we wanted to take out all the stress of walking and transfers. So we opted for the underground parking lot: HotelParc. It’s located in the terminal! So all we had to do is load up the cart and take the elevator to the ground floor where you can either access the US check-in desks or the Marriott Hotel. It’s a great way to access the terminal and have all the time in the world to pack the family baggage on the cart.

Tip: You can book in advance your parking spot and get discounts with CAA, Aeroplan or Air Transat.

Reason 2: Oversize baggage

We had 2 strollers and 2 baby car seats. That’s considered an oversize luggage. So we had to walk a few steps to the Oversize Baggage section to drop them. The section is located between the staff security entrance and the Royal Air Maroc check-in desks. It’s a quick process, just present your boarding pass and drop the luggage in the x-ray machine and you’re all set.

Reason 3: Priority queue

It’s rush hour, trans-Atlantic flights were ready to fly back to their European destinations. Also Aéroport de Montréal has seen a significant growth in destination offerings. The security queue was moving but long. As a family we had priority access at lines 1, 2, 3 and 4. They are located in checkpoints A & C which are shared with Elite status and other VIP status travelers.
The whole process took less than 10 minutes: from the wait to picking up our stuff.

Reason 4: Nursing rooms

There’s no more value for a travelling family then a nursing room. A baby needs some quiet when breastfeeding or even for a simple diaper change. Montréal Trudeau offers that service before and after the security lines. A fully- functional nursing room with a couch, large table, a sink as well as a microwave oven. That’s on top of the changing tables that are available in most washrooms across the airport. This had a tremendous value for us for sure.

Reason 5: Enhanced airport food offering

With the airport’s commercial expansion came also a significant growth in food offering. Montréal Trudeau has close to 50 restaurants and cafés across all areas. If you have a choice issue in life, you won’t have one in the terminal.

Tip: We were taken aback by the rush time crowd. Don’t hesitate to sit at a table and order. Restaurants give priority to sitting customers. Take away won’t make it faster or less stressful.

Reason 6: Play area at all gates and free wifi

I was surprised to see a small play area for small children at our gate. I was curious, so I went for a walk and I noticed that most gates do have one. I was impressed. Although families have priority boarding with their airlines, the wait at the gate can be a bit stressful for the parents who attempt to calm the kids.
Don’t hesitate to walk around the terminal newer section, play areas are bigger and more convenient to pass time. From there on you are all set to embark happy with your Montreal Trudeau experience!

Conclusion

There’s nothing an efficient airport when it comes to providing more comfort to traveling families. Some fake it, others do it convincingly and Montreal Trudeau is one of them. Multiple services spread across the terminals with proper signage.