First time abroad in 20 years, and first time with kids..please give me an idiots guide!

[MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel]

As the title says, it's our first time abroad in 20 years. 3 kids first time abroad ever(teens/tween). Things have changed so much from when we last went, so I need an idiots guide on what we need to do.

We're off to Tenerife in July from Luton Airport with easyjet.

Do we book seats? If so, how?
What about insurance?
How do people usually get to the airport and then back again after the holiday? (DH doesn't want to drive, We're in Milton keynes)
Insurance?
We have EHIC cards, presume we still don't need a visa as its been delayed?

What do we do once we get to the airport? Do you still queue at a desk to check in?
How early do you arrive?
Is there still rules on liquids and what goes in hand luggage/suitcases?

I know it's loads of questions, but I'm so nervous and worried I'll mess it up and screw up our first holiday in decades.

I feel like I literally need a check list and step by step guide of what to do. Flight times are 3pm out of Luton and then an 11am flight home if that's important. We have hotel transfers.

Please, someone take pity on this old, menopausal lady and talk me through this like I'm an idiot.

With easyJet you can check in 30 days before departure, which is reassuring as then you have your boarding passes by email/on the app.

Take some things for the kids to do on the flight, books, tablets or switch or something. I have a "half an hour before electronics" rule on planes for mine

Don't forget chargers and adaptors. A great tip is a multi plug extension lead, then just one adaptor. These are cheap bought beforehand and expensive at the airport.

Your gate will be shown about an hour before your flight, so you have time to walk to it.

Why does your DH not want to drive? Its by far the easiest option. You don't have to rely on a taxi turning up on time or being big enough or wait for it on the return.

EDITED - I have seen you have checked already

Passports - I guess they are relatively new if you haven't been abroad for ages but check your passports.

They need to have been issued in the last 10 years AND they need to be valid for at least 3 months after your day of departure

What are the passport rules for visiting the EU? - Which? News

Seats are bookable through easyJet, but you can just not bother, just log in a month before the flight to check in - you'll be allocated seats which may or may not be next to each other, will the kids mind?

Get ghic cards online now, plus buy a family travel insurance policy. If you have any medical conditions no matter how minor you must declare or they can refuse to pay out.

National express, train, minibus - price up your options but for 5 won't be cheap. I usually use a taxi but there's less of us.

Ehic had stopped, check expiration date, get ghic (see above)!

You check in online (opens a month beforehand). On arrival go to the bag drop machine and get a tag, it's self explanatory and staff can help as needed. Do check what luggage you are booked for and if you need more add it now, not at the airport where it costs far more. This is one area that has changed a lot, only small bags like handbags are automatically included.

How early do you arrive? Arrive 2 hours before departure, max 100ml liquid containers all in clear plastic bag as before (except a few airports have newer scanners but assume you need to separate.

Try not to worry, easyJet website is fairly clear and they are pretty helpful at the airport

And worth taking snacks with you if you are on a budget, take empty water bottles and fill up past security

And print all your outbound boarding passes, far easier with kids

OP, check if your mobile phone networks providers charge for texts and data outside the UK.
Some do, some like Lebara, don’t.

This is a great thread thanks to all
That have contributed! We're off to Cyprus from Newcastle Airport in June, first time abroad for me and dh for 7 years and first with our DDs.

We've got the kids a reusable bottle each - planning on taking these through security empty, then filling up from the water machines. Will I be OK taking one of those small juice pouches through with me in my hand luggage to put in the water bottles?

@merryandbrightdelight yes, you’ll need to put it into the bag for liquids and have it out of your hand luggage for scanning though.

Great, thank you!