Best Airline to Fly With Kids and Families: Know Which One to Opt For

Traveling with kids can be challenging. Especially for families with infants, long flights can feel like an eternity. Those cranky babies can quickly turn your happy trip into a stress. But some airlines serve specifically to families, making their trip more enjoyable.

These airlines have all the amenities and services curated to keep kids entertained and parents relaxed. From special seating to kid-friendly meals and in-flight entertainment, these airlines know the challenges of flying with little ones. So, if you’re planning a trip with your family, keep reading. We’ll tell you about the best airlines for families, highlighting the features that make them stand out and take the stress out of flying with kids.

Airlines that Serve Families with Kids

Choosing the right airline can greatly impact your experience. Check out some of the top airlines that serve families with kids. Choose as per your needs and then book your flight.

1. Alaska Airlines

It always ranks high for family travel. This airline offers peace of mind with its guarantee of seating children under 13 with an adult to company at no extra cost. Their system also automatically assigns seats together during booking. They serve children with kid-friendly meals and snacks. They also pre-board for families with young children and provide complimentary stroller and car seat check-in.

2. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a budget-conscious choice and an excellent option for families. Their free checked bags are a huge benefit, especially for those traveling with a lot of luggage. Pre-boarding allows you to get settled with your little ones before the general boarding rush. In-flight entertainment helps keep kids occupied during the journey. While they don’t assign seats, families can line up early during the boarding process to secure seats together.

3. Delta Airlines

It is known for comfortable seating and loyal service. It’s a great choice for families. They offer a complete entertainment system with various movies, shows, and games to keep children entertained throughout the flight. Spacious and comfortable seats make the trip even better.  For younger travelers, they have a lap seat policy for children aged two and under, with discounted prices available for those requiring their own seats.

4. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is also known for being a very budget-friendly option. It provides families with features like free Wi-Fi, which works as a lifesaver for long flights with kids feeling uneasy. Assigned seating stops the stress of running for seats together while boarding. The airline also offers a proper selection of snacks and drinks to keep kids happy and hydrated during the flight.

5. Emirates Airlines

This airline is known for its luxurious amenities, even in economy class. It offers children’s meals, activity packs, and even onboard entertainment channels specifically for kids. In addition, it has “Sky Nanny” services in which trained nannies can assist with caring for kids during the flight. However, if you are interested, you must pay for this service.

6. British Airways

British Airways was recently awarded the World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline title in 2024. It offers a variety of perks for families. They provide special infant seats with harnesses for babies up to 24 months old, allowing them to travel more comfortably without requiring an extra seat purchase. They also offer family check-in areas, priority boarding for families, child-friendly meals, and a decent selection of in-flight entertainment options to keep kids occupied.

7. Etihad Airways

Not only Emirates but Etihad Airways offers a luxurious travel experience with a focus on families. They provide children’s activity packs, dedicated kids’ meals, and in-flight entertainment systems with child-friendly content. Many of their airplanes also have play areas for children to enjoy their time and burn off some energy.

8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

This airline offers a “Family Package,” including extra legroom seats, priority boarding, and amenity kits for children. It also provides a variety of in-flight entertainment options for kids and, on some flights, special children’s meals. KLM also has a network of family-friendly airport lounges with play areas.

9. Singapore Airlines

Known for its fantastic service, Singapore Airlines offers a comfortable and stress-free flying experience for families. They provide activity packs and kids’ meals, and their in-flight entertainment system has a great selection of children’s movies and shows. For more comfort, they offer bassinets for infants and toddlers meals on request.

10. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers its passengers a unique “Skycouch” option in economy class. This allows families to transform a row of three seats into a makeshift bed, perfect for families with young children who need extra space to spread out and sleep. It also provides activity packs, dedicated children’s meals, and a good selection of in-flight entertainment for kids.

Amenities Offered by the Airlines for Kids

Airlines offer a variety of amenities to make flying with kids more enjoyable for both parents and children. We have mentioned some of the common amenities provided by the airlines listed below:

Tips for Flying with Children

To make your travel with the kids more enjoyable and less stressful, you must follow the tips we mentioned to help you better.

• Try to book your flight in advance, especially if you want to sit with your child.
• Many airlines allow families with young children to board the plane early. This gives you more time to get settled in with your child before the flight takes off.
• Pack a carry-on bag with everything you and your child will need for the flight. This will help you avoid checking bags and waiting at baggage claim.
• Pack enough snacks and drinks for your kid. Airplane food can be expensive, and your kid may not like it.
• Pack books, toys, or coloring supplies to keep your child entertained during the flight.
• Dress your child in layers so they can adjust to the temperature changes on the plane.
• Book seats with extra legroom or near the bulkhead.
• Talk to your child about what to expect at the airport and on the plane. Role-play security checks and taking off/landing.
• To avoid last-minute stress, give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate.
• Ensure you have easy access to liquids for young children and medications.
• Take advantage of early boarding to get settled and organized before the flight gets crowded.
• Pack a variety of activities, such as books, games, coloring supplies, and downloaded movies/shows for tablets.

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