Best Airlines For Family Travel: Comfort And Convenience

Travelling with children can be challenging, so it's important to choose an airline that makes the experience as smooth as possible. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some airlines stand out for their family-friendly policies and amenities. These include American Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest, which offer perks such as family seating, early boarding, kids-fly-free deals, and in-flight entertainment options. British Airways has also been named the World's Most Family-Friendly Airline in 2024, offering dedicated family check-in facilities, priority boarding, and children's amenities. When choosing an airline, factors to consider include your home base, regular destinations, children's ages, and any airline status you may have.

Family seating policies

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued guidelines recommending airlines implement a policy that enables children aged 13 and under to be seated next to an adult family member or guardian, at no additional cost. However, only a few airlines have updated their customer service plans to comply with these guidelines. These include:

• American Airlines: Their policy states, "Our goal is to have families seated together. We guarantee children 14 and under will be seated adjacent to an accompanying adult at no additional cost, including Basic Economy fares."
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines guarantees "that children 13 and under will be seated next to at least one accompanying adult at no additional cost, including for Saver fares". Their programming automatically assigns children seats next to an adult from the same party.
• Frontier Airlines: Although passengers may not receive a seat assignment upon booking, they will be assigned one no later than the day before departure.
• United Airlines: United's new seat map technology "dynamically finds available adjacent seats at the time of booking". If adjacent seats are unavailable, customers can switch to a flight with adjacent seat availability free of charge.

Other airlines that have been recognised for their family-friendly offerings include:

• Southwest Airlines: Families with children under six can board together after group A, regardless of boarding position.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta takes family seating requests seriously and will honour them whenever possible.
• JetBlue Airways: The airline will automatically seat children aged 13 and under with an adult from the same booking, provided there is availability.

Kid-friendly meals

When travelling with children, it's important to be prepared for all eventualities, especially when it comes to food. Many airlines offer limited food options, and what is available may be expensive and unappealing to picky eaters. It's always a good idea to bring your own meals and snacks, but some airlines do provide kid-friendly meals and snacks that can be ordered in advance.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers kid-centric meals that should appeal to children between the ages of 2 and 5. Baby food is also available, and both types of meals should be requested at least 24 hours before your flight.

Air France

Air France offers special meals for children and infants on most intercontinental, long-haul flights. Kids between the ages of 2 and 8 will automatically receive a child's meal, which includes a salad, a main course (e.g. chicken and pasta with cheese), a pastry, apple juice, cheese and crackers, fruit compote, and a dessert for lunch or dinner. Breakfast includes two mini pastries, a yogurt drink or fruit juice, a compote, milk, and cereal. Children between 9 and 11 can also have this meal, but it must be requested at least 24 hours before departure. Parents of infants under 23 months can request baby cookies or jarred baby food up to 48 hours before departure, although the airline recommends bringing your own baby food and/or bottles.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers the Kid's Choice Picnic Pack, which includes turkey jerky, white cheddar puffs, applesauce, a granola bar, gummy bears, and a small toy. This can be pre-ordered online anywhere from two weeks to 20 hours before your flight.

Allegiant

Allegiant is an ultra-low-cost airline that charges extra for food and drinks. They offer the Deluxe Wingz Kids Snack Pack, which includes white cheddar puffs, turkey jerky, applesauce, fruit snacks, and cookies.

British Airways

British Airways offers meals for children and babies on long-haul flights, following a "Feed Kids First" policy. Child meals include pasta, chicken, sandwiches, veggie sticks, fruit, and snacks like chips, raisins, or a small chocolate bar. Jarred baby food is also available, but the airline recommends bringing your own. Meals should be ordered at least 24 hours in advance.

Delta

Delta plans to bring back kid-friendly meals on select flights, which will include French toast with scrambled eggs, fruit, and a blueberry muffin for breakfast, and cheese tortellini with marinara sauce, carrots and broccoli with ranch dressing, fruit, and graham cookies for lunch and dinner. These meals will be available on long-haul international flights and most domestic routes for customers flying in first class. They must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines provides complimentary child meals on most international flights in business class and the main cabin. Meals must be requested by calling the reservations department at least 48 hours in advance.

KLM

KLM offers a fun, travel-themed meal box with child-approved foods such as pasta, hamburgers, and fries on all intercontinental flights for kids ages 2 and up. Meals should be prearranged online at least 24 hours in advance.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has partnered with top chef Alexander Herrmann to develop aesthetically pleasing and nutritious meals for children. The complimentary meals are available on select flights and are intended for children ages 2 and older. They must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. Baby-appropriate foods like jarred food, mini Vienna sausages, and soups are also available without reservation.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines offers a Kids Snack Box on their in-flight menu for $5.50, which includes cookies, crackers, fruit snacks, candy, and a hand sanitizing wipe.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers child meals on flights longer than 2,000 miles where complimentary meal service is offered. For breakfast, kids can enjoy French toast with sausage, fruit, and a croissant. Lunch and dinner include kid-friendly favourites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit, dinner rolls, and desserts. These meals can be added when booking a ticket or added to an existing reservation at least 24 hours before departure.

Free stroller check-in

When travelling with a baby or toddler, the last thing you want to worry about is having to pay extra fees for bringing a stroller on board. While some airlines have a weight limit for gate-checked strollers, most major airlines will allow you to check a stroller and car seat for free in addition to your normal baggage allowance. Here are some tips for taking advantage of free stroller check-in when travelling with your family.

Know Your Airline's Stroller Policy

While most major airlines offer free stroller check-in, it's always a good idea to check your airline's policy before your trip. For example, American Airlines allows free stroller check-in, but has a weight limit of 20 lbs (9 kg). Air Canada also offers free stroller check-in but recommends the use of small, collapsible umbrella-type strollers. Emirates, on the other hand, has no weight limit and will even provide strollers for families upon arrival in Dubai. Knowing your airline's policy in advance can help you avoid any last-minute surprises or additional fees.

Take Advantage of Gate Checking

Gate checking your stroller is a convenient option offered by many airlines. This means you can use your stroller up until you board your flight, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. Gate checking is usually free of charge and can make travelling with a baby or toddler much easier. However, it's important to note that some airlines may require you to check your stroller at the ticket counter if it exceeds a certain weight limit.

Protect Your Stroller with a Travel Bag

While gate checking is convenient, it's important to remember that strollers can sometimes be handled roughly by baggage handlers. To protect your stroller from damage, consider investing in a padded travel bag. This will not only keep your stroller clean but also provide some extra cushioning in case of rough handling. If you don't want to purchase a travel bag, you can also pad your stroller with items like diapers, blankets, or a cuddly toy.

Be Prepared for Layovers or Connections

If you have a layover or a connecting flight, it's important to know that your stroller may not always be available to you during your layover. In some cases, your stroller may be checked through to your final destination, especially if you are transferring to a different airline. This means you may have to carry your child and your luggage during your layover. If this is a concern, consider bringing a baby carrier or sling that you can use during your layover.

Ask for Help if Needed

If you're travelling alone with a baby or toddler, don't be afraid to ask for help. Many airlines and airports offer assistance to families travelling with young children. This could include helping you with your luggage, providing a stroller or wheelchair, or even escorting you through the airport. It's always worth asking if you need assistance, as most airlines and airports are happy to accommodate families.

In-flight entertainment

JetBlue

JetBlue offers complimentary Wi-Fi and personal TVs at every seat, with a range of entertainment options including live DirecTV, movies, and SiriusXM radio. Kid-friendly programming includes channels such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Animal Planet. JetBlue also provides an unlimited snack basket in the galleys after the main service.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi entertainment on passengers' personal devices, with a separate Kids Zone stream that includes audio stories, kid-appropriate movies and TV shows, and educational content like ABCmouse. The airline also offers standard drinks and light snacks at no extra charge, as well as pre-order options with kid-friendly choices like the Kid's Choice Picnic Pack.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers reasonably priced Wi-Fi ($8) and free inflight streaming entertainment. The airline also provides family boarding for families with children under 6, allowing them to board between groups A and B to ensure they can easily get seats together.

Delta

Delta offers a comprehensive entertainment system with a suite of kids' programming, including movies and shows from Disney, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon. The airline also provides free onboard bassinets (SkyCots) for babies up to 20 pounds and 26 inches in length.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers a top-notch in-flight entertainment system with various options that will appeal to children. The airline also provides kid-centric meals and baby food upon request, which should be made at least 24 hours before the flight.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers a children's travel kit with a puzzle, an activity book, and crayons to keep young passengers entertained. They also have kid-centric programs available on their seat-back entertainment system and offer free snacks, including mini natural fruit bars.

Pre-boarding options

Pre-boarding can be a huge advantage for families travelling with young children. Here are some airlines that offer pre-boarding options for families:

American Airlines

American Airlines is the largest airline in the USA based on scheduled passengers. It offers pre-boarding for families with children under 2, and guarantees that children will be seated next to at least one adult from their travelling party. The airline also provides bassinets on select flights, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. American Airlines allows lap infants to fly at no charge, but children 2 years and older must have their own seats.

Delta

Delta is known for being the most comfortable and dependable airline in the US. It offers pre-boarding for anyone who needs extra time, including families travelling with strollers or car seats. Delta also strives to seat family members together upon request. The airline provides a comprehensive entertainment system and snacks and meals that children will enjoy.

United Airlines

United Airlines allows pre-boarding for families with children under 2 and does not charge a fee for booking seats together if the children are under 12. The airline also offers bassinets on some international flights, which can be pre-booked. United provides a children's travel kit with puzzles, activity books, and crayons, as well as kid-centric programs on its seat-back entertainment system.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines guarantees that children under 13 will be seated with at least one adult on the same reservation at no additional cost. The airline offers priority pre-boarding for families with children under 2. It also has a streaming service with over 800 options for TV shows and movies, but passengers must bring their own devices.

Southwest Airlines

As a low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines offers a generous pre-boarding option for families, with two adults allowed to board ahead of most passengers if travelling with children 6 years old or younger. The airline also provides free stroller and car seat check-in, and lap seats for children under 2.

JetBlue

JetBlue offers pre-boarding for families with children up to the age of 2. The airline will automatically seat children 13 and under with an accompanying adult when booked on the same reservation. JetBlue provides in-flight entertainment tailored to children's preferences, including cartoons and live TV. It also offers free snacks and drinks, including juices, water, granola bars, and animal crackers.

Frequently asked questions