Planning a stress-free airport day with children in Tenerife comes down to two things: generous buffer times and a simple, repeatable routine. Add confirmed transfers (and the right child seat), pack “snack insurance,” and you’ll avoid most of the day-of meltdowns—especially on early departures from Costa Adeje.

This guide covers what to do the night before, how early to leave, where to meet your driver, and what to do when delays or tired kids derail the plan.

Start with the right buffer times (and make them kid-proof)

If you only do one thing: build more time than you think you need. Kids don’t “run late,” they create surprise tasks (toilets, spills, lost soft toys) that add up fast.

At Tenerife South Airport (TFS), Aena’s general guidance is to arrive 2 hours before domestic/Schengen flights and 3 hours before non-Schengen flights. Use that as your airport-arrival target, then add your transfer time on top. (Aena also notes the terminal is closed to the public from 23:00 to 04:00, with access limited mainly to passengers in the two hours prior to departure.)

• Your “arrive at airport” target: 2 hours (domestic/Schengen) or 3 hours (non-Schengen).
• Add transfer time: hotel-to-airport drive time + parking/shuttle time if applicable.
• Add a kid buffer: 20–40 minutes for unpredictable stops.

A simple rule that works: pick a single “leave the hotel” time and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment. When kids sense negotiation, everything slows down.

Confirm transfers, child seats, and meeting points (Tenerife-specific)

Transfers are where Tenerife airport days usually go wrong—especially with children—because a “normal” pickup becomes complicated if you need a child seat, have lots of luggage, or you’re leaving before sunrise from Costa Adeje.

Use a written confirmation (WhatsApp is fine) for these essentials:

• Pickup time (include your flight time and target airport-arrival time).
• Pickup address and exact pickup spot (hotel entrance name, reception, barrier gate, etc.).
• Number of passengers and ages of children.
• Child seat type needed (infant carrier, Group 1, booster) and whether the provider supplies it.
• Luggage count (especially strollers).
• Driver contact and backup contact.

Terminal meeting points: If you are being met at the airport (arrivals), agree on a single, obvious landmark and a time window. Tenerife airports have designated information/meeting point services listed by Aena, and arrivals areas can get noisy and crowded at peak times.

Taxi/transfer reliability note: If you’re relying on an on-demand taxi at a busy time, consider pre-booking instead. Tenerife does have app-based options through partners like SIXT ride-hailing, but availability can still vary by area and time, so a reservation for family travel is usually calmer.

Managing early departures from Adeje: Early flights can mean very early wake-ups. Build a backup plan in case a child gets sick or you need to change plans at 03:00. If you need a public-transport fallback, TITSA’s night route 711 and daytime airport-connected routes (like 111/40 depending on direction) are commonly used by travelers, but schedules vary—always check the latest timetable before relying on it.

The night-before plan: set the stage for a calm morning

The easiest airport mornings are “boring” mornings. That starts the night before.

• Pack one suitcase completely and zip it closed.
• Lay out airport outfits as a single stack per child (including socks and a light layer).
• Pre-fill water bottles (empty if required for security rules, then refill after).
• Charge devices and download offline content.
• Put passports/IDs, boarding passes, and transfer confirmation in one pouch.
• Pre-book breakfast: hotel takeaway, a banana + yogurt, or a simple sandwich.

Family tip that pays off: Keep one “airport-only” item (a small toy, sticker book, or fidget). Novelty buys you time during the slow parts like check-in and queues.

Pack the essentials: snacks, layers, and a tiny routine

For Tenerife, layers matter. It might be warm in Adeje, but you can get chilly in air-conditioned terminals, on the plane, or if you’re traveling early or late.

Snacks (non-negotiable): aim for a mix of “slow snacks” (that take time to eat) and “fast comfort” (when moods crash).

• Slow snacks: crackers, fruit pouches, dried fruit, cereal bars.
• Fast comfort: a small treat you can ration.
• Protein: cheese sticks, nuts (if safe), ham sandwich.
• Hydration: empty bottles for security, then refill after.

Layers checklist:

• Light jacket or hoodie per child.
• Spare T-shirt for each child (spills happen).
• Spare socks (cold feet trigger complaints fast).
• Compact blanket or large scarf for naps.

Create a simple airport routine: kids relax when they know what comes next. Keep it the same every trip.

• Toilet stop before check-in.
• Snack after security.
• Water refill.
• Choose seats and do one calm activity.

If you forget something, Tenerife South has kid-focused shops and convenience options in the terminal, including children’s toy shops listed on Aena’s site.

At the airport: the calm sequence from curb to gate

Aim to reduce decisions. “What should we do now?” is where stress sneaks in.

• Step 1: Everyone uses the toilet as soon as you enter the terminal.
• Step 2: Check-in (or bag drop) as early as possible.
• Step 3: One adult handles documents; one adult handles kids and bags.
• Step 4: Security: remove jackets and prep liquids/electronics early.
• Step 5: Snack + water immediately after security.
• Step 6: Find your gate and “camp” nearby.

At Tenerife South (TFS), Aena publishes the basic passenger flow (check-in desks on the ground floor, then security and onward to boarding). Use screens early to confirm the correct check-in area and gate, then stop moving as much as you can.

Pro-parent move: don’t board last with kids unless you have to. Boarding last can mean standing in a cramped jet bridge with tired children. If your airline offers family boarding, use it.

Contingency planning: delays, tired kids, and “everything went wrong” moments

Contingency planning is not pessimism. It’s what makes the day feel easy.

Build a two-track plan: “Best case” and “Delay case.” You’ll feel calmer because you already know what you’ll do.

• Best case: toilet → check-in → security → snack → gate → calm activity.
• Delay case: snack now → rotate activities → micro-walks → second snack → quiet corner → reset.

Mini toolkit for tired kids:

• A 10-minute show downloaded offline (for emergencies only).
• Stickers or a small notebook.
• One comfort item (small blanket, soft toy).
• Wet wipes and a plastic bag for mess.

If your transfer runs late: call your provider immediately and ask for a new ETA in minutes, not “soon.” If you’re heading to TFS very late at night, remember Aena notes the terminal closure window (23:00–04:00) and plan access accordingly.

If you need help: Aena provides assistance services and clearly signposted meeting points at airports, which can be useful when traveling with reduced mobility or when you need extra support moving through the terminal with children and baggage.

What to ask before booking (transfers, taxis, and family-friendly logistics)

• Can you provide the correct child seat/booster for my child’s age and weight?
• Is the seat included in the price, and will it be installed before pickup?
• What exact pickup point do you use at my hotel/apartment (name the entrance)?
• What exact airport drop-off or meeting point do you use (arrivals vs departures, which door)?
• What happens if my flight time changes—can we adjust pickup time last-minute?
• Do you have a backup driver/vehicle if there’s a delay or issue?
• Can you confirm luggage capacity for stroller + suitcases?

A simple way to book help in Tenerife (without sending 10 messages)

If you’d rather not compare providers one-by-one while juggling kids, you can post a single request on AskTenerife and let local transfer and family-logistics providers come back with their best options. It’s also a good way to confirm child seat availability and pickup details in writing before travel day.

Ready to plan the calm version of airport day? Submit your request at asktenerife.es to get the best offers within 1 hour.