February half-term is a short break with a lot of demand packed into it. Families head for the sun or the snow on the same few days, so the car parks fill sooner than you might expect for the middle of winter. Half-term also falls on different weeks in different parts of the UK, which spreads the rush in ways worth knowing. This guide covers the 2027 dates, the busiest days to fly, when to book, and how to make a winter getaway with children go smoothly.
February half-term 2027: the dates
Half-term is set by each council, and the UK does not all break up at once:
- Wales: Monday 8 to Friday 12 February 2027, across every council.
- England: most councils take Monday 15 to Friday 19 February 2027. A few areas break a week earlier, so check your own council's calendar.
- Scotland: it varies more by council. Edinburgh's schools break up on Friday 12 February and go back on Monday 22 February, the same week as most of England. Glasgow takes a shorter break, on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February.
Academies and independent schools sometimes set their own dates, so check your school's calendar before you book flights.
The busiest days to fly
No airport publishes a half-term forecast this far ahead, but the term dates show when families will travel. With the dates staggered, the rush comes in two waves:
- Friday 5 to Sunday 7 February: the start of the Welsh half-term, when families from Wales get away.
- Friday 12 to Sunday 14 February: the main getaway, when most of England and Edinburgh break up.
- Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February: the return for England and Edinburgh, when arrivals halls and car park shuttles are at their busiest.
If you can fly midweek, or a day either side of these weekends, you are likely to find the airport calmer.
When to book
- Book the parking when you book the flights. Half-term weeks cost more however early you book, but booking early gives you the widest choice. Compare every car park at your airport for your real dates, and see our guide to the cheapest time to book.
- Choose the flexible rate. Winter plans change: a child is unwell, a flight is retimed, the weather turns. A flexible booking can be cancelled up to 72 hours before arrival for a full refund. See the cancellation FAQs.
- Book to the return flight's arrival time. Winter weather can delay flights, so give yourself the full stay.
Which parking suits a family half-term trip
- Meet & Greet is worth pricing up for a family trip. You hand the car over at the terminal and walk in, with no car seats on and off a shuttle bus. Coming home, the car is brought to you, so there is no cold wait at a bus stop with tired children.
- Park & Ride is usually the cheapest for a week away. Allow the full 25 to 35 minutes from the car park to check-in on the busy weekends, because the shuttles are in demand.
The difference between the two is often smaller than people expect, and at some airports it is only a few pounds. Our Meet & Greet or Park & Ride guide compares them at the big airports, or compare your airport directly, for example Manchester, Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Getting away on the day
- Work out your leaving time properly. Start from your airline's bag-drop deadline, add the airport's advice and the car park transfer, then the drive. Some airlines' deadlines are now an hour before departure. Our how early to arrive guide walks through it.
- Allow for the weather. February mornings can mean ice, fog or snow. Keep a scraper and de-icer in the car, not the boot, and leave earlier if the forecast is bad. Our winter travel guide has more on cold mornings at the car park.
- Know the drop-off rules if someone is driving you. Most UK airports charge to stop outside the terminal, and several send the charge by post if you forget to pay online. Our drop-off charges guide has the rules and the free option at each airport.
- Pack hand luggage for the airport you are flying from. Some UK airports now let you keep liquids up to 2 litres in your bag, while others still have the 100ml limit, and the airport you fly home from may differ again.
For the rest of what to sort before a trip, from the day you book to the gate, see the Before You Fly checklist.
Frequently asked questions
When is February half-term 2027?
In Wales, Monday 8 to Friday 12 February 2027. Most councils in England take Monday 15 to Friday 19 February, as do Edinburgh's schools. Other Scottish councils vary: Glasgow's break is Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February. Check your own council or school.
How far ahead should I book half-term airport parking?
As soon as your flights are booked. Half-term weeks cost more however early you book, but booking early gives you the widest choice. A flexible rate lets you cancel up to 72 hours before arrival for a full refund if plans change.
What are the busiest days to fly in February half-term?
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 February 2027, when most of England and Edinburgh break up, and the return on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February. In Wales, the rush starts a week earlier, on Friday 5 to Sunday 7 February.
Is Meet & Greet worth it for a family half-term trip?
Often, yes. It avoids taking car seats and children on and off a shuttle bus, and the car is waiting when you land. At several airports it costs only a little more than Park & Ride, so compare both for your dates.
Sorted before you fly.
