Best Airline For Families (Guide)

When traveling with kids, it’s important to choose a family-friendly airline that caters to the needs of parents and children. In our comprehensive guide, we have reviewed the top airlines in the USA for family travel. We considered factors such as family seating policies, availability of kid-friendly meals, free stroller check-in, entertainment systems, and family-friendly options like pre-boarding and use of car seats. Based on our research, the best airlines for families in 2023 and beyond are American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose a family-friendly airline that caters to the needs of parents and children.
• Consider factors such as family seating policies, kid-friendly meals, and entertainment options.
• American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta are the top airlines for family travel in the USA.
• These airlines offer a range of family perks and services to make traveling with kids easier and more enjoyable.
• Whether you’re looking for affordability, comfort, or a comprehensive family experience, these airlines have you covered.

American Airlines: The Top Choice for Family-Friendly Flights

When it comes to family travel, American Airlines stands out as the ultimate choice for an unforgettable journey. They go above and beyond to provide exceptional services and amenities that cater to the needs of families, making them the preferred airline for family-friendly flights.

One of the key highlights of flying with American Airlines is their dedication to ensuring a delightful experience for young travelers. They understand that happy kids mean happy parents, which is why they offer a range of features designed to keep children entertained and comfortable throughout the flight.

Let’s explore some of the fantastic offerings provided by American Airlines to make family travel enjoyable and stress-free:

Kid-Centric Meals

American Airlines knows that kids have unique preferences when it comes to food. That’s why they offer a selection of kid-centric meals that cater to different taste buds. From fun-shaped sandwiches to flavorful snacks, their kid-friendly menu ensures that young travelers have a delightful culinary experience onboard.

In-Flight Entertainment

Keeping children entertained during a flight is essential to ensure a smooth journey. American Airlines excels in this aspect by providing a top-notch in-flight entertainment system that offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games suitable for kids of all ages. Whether it’s an animated adventure or an educational program, children will have plenty of options to keep them engaged throughout the flight.

Pre-Boarding and Lap Seat Policy

American Airlines understands the importance of convenience for families traveling with young children. They offer pre-boarding for families, allowing them to settle in and get comfortable before other passengers board. For infants under 2 years old, American Airlines has a lap seat policy, allowing them to travel free seated on a parent’s lap.

Stroller and Car Seat Check-In

Traveling with strollers and car seats can be cumbersome, but American Airlines makes it hassle-free. They provide free stroller and car seat check-in services, allowing parents to easily navigate the airport and ensure the safety of their little ones during the journey.

Guaranteed Family Seating

Nothing is more important than ensuring families are seated together. American Airlines prioritizes the comfort and convenience of families by automatically allocating seats the day before departure. Their advanced seating system guarantees that each child will be seated next to at least one adult, eliminating any worries of separation.

With American Airlines, families can embark on their travel adventures knowing that their children’s comfort and enjoyment are their top priorities. From delightful meals and captivating entertainment to pre-boarding and guaranteed family seating, American Airlines makes family travel a breeze.

Next, we’ll delve into another top airline that offers fantastic services for families – Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines: A Great Option for Family Travel

When it comes to family travel, Alaska Airlines is a great choice. They understand the unique needs of families and provide a range of services and amenities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone.

Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack

Alaska Airlines offers a Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack, filled with a variety of kid-friendly snacks. This pack ensures that children have tasty and nutritious options to keep them fueled throughout their flight.

In-Flight Entertainment

While Alaska Airlines doesn’t offer built-in entertainment systems, they make up for it with their extensive selection of over 800 TV shows and movies available for streaming on passengers’ personal devices. This allows families to enjoy their favorite entertainment during the flight.

Pre-Boarding and Free Stroller and Car Seat Check-In

For families traveling with young children, Alaska Airlines offers pre-boarding, allowing them to settle in and get comfortable before other passengers board. Additionally, Alaska Airlines provides free stroller and car seat check-in, giving parents peace of mind knowing their essential equipment will be safely transported.

Guaranteed Seating for Children

To ensure families can sit together, Alaska Airlines guarantees that children under 13 will be seated next to at least one adult. This ensures that families can enjoy the journey together and reduces any potential stress or inconvenience.

Affordable and Family-Friendly

Alaska Airlines combines affordability with family-friendly services, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. With their commitment to providing exceptional service, Alaska Airlines ensures that families can travel with ease.

Southwest Airlines: Family Travel on a Budget

When it comes to family travel on a budget, Southwest Airlines is an excellent choice. As a low-cost carrier, Southwest offers affordable fares without compromising on service and convenience.

One of the advantages of flying with Southwest Airlines is their family-friendly policies. They prioritize families by offering pre-boarding, allowing them to board ahead of most other passengers. This gives families with young children the opportunity to settle in and get comfortable before the rush begins.

Southwest Airlines also understands the importance of keeping the little ones happy during the flight. On flights over 175 miles, they provide kid-friendly snacks that are sure to satisfy those hungry tummies. From cookies to pretzels, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Parents can rest easy knowing that Southwest Airlines encourages the use of child restraints. If your child has their own seat, you can bring an FAA-approved child restraint system on board to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the flight.

However, it’s important to note that Southwest Airlines does not offer advanced seat selection. Families may need to upgrade their boarding positions to increase their chances of sitting together. While this may incur an additional cost, it eliminates the stress of separating from loved ones during the journey.

Overall, Southwest Airlines is a fantastic option for families looking to travel on a budget. With their low fares, pre-boarding for families, kid-friendly snacks, and support for child restraints, Southwest makes family travel accessible and enjoyable for all.

Delta: An Excellent Choice for Comfortable Family Travel

When it comes to comfortable and enjoyable family travel, Delta Airlines is a top contender. Delta understands the unique needs of families and strives to provide an exceptional experience for parents and children alike.

One of the key features that sets Delta apart is their lap seat policy for children aged 2 and under. This means that parents can have their little ones seated on their laps during the flight, providing a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for both the child and the parent.

Delta also offers a wide range of kid-friendly meals, ensuring that young travelers have tasty options to choose from. Whether it’s a classic mac and cheese or a healthy fruit salad, Delta’s kid-friendly meals are sure to keep your little ones satisfied throughout the journey.

For families with young children, pre-boarding is available, allowing them to get settled on the aircraft before other passengers. This gives parents the opportunity to prepare their space and ensure a smooth and hassle-free flight experience from the start.

Delta understands the importance of keeping families together during the flight. They make every effort to seat families together whenever possible, ensuring that parents and children can enjoy the journey side by side. This provides peace of mind for parents and creates a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Moreover, Delta offers a comprehensive entertainment system on their flights, keeping both kids and adults entertained throughout the journey. From movies and TV shows to games and music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Lastly, Delta goes the extra mile to accommodate families traveling with strollers, car seats, or infant seats. Advanced boarding is provided to ensure that families have enough time to stow their belongings and secure their seats. This added convenience makes traveling with young children a breeze.

With their commitment to providing a comfortable and family-friendly travel experience, Delta Airlines is an excellent choice for families. Whether you’re embarking on a short domestic trip or a long international adventure, Delta’s amenities and services cater to the unique needs of families, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all.

Delta’s Family-Friendly Services:

Conclusion

When planning a family vacation, choosing the best airline for your family is crucial. Consider important factors like family seating policies, kid-friendly meals, entertainment options, and pre-boarding to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey. After careful research, we have identified the top airlines that cater to families, providing a range of services and perks designed to enhance the travel experience for both kids and parents.

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta have emerged as the best airlines for family-friendly flights. These airlines prioritize the needs of families and offer a variety of amenities to make traveling with kids easier. From kid-centric meals and in-flight entertainment to pre-boarding and guaranteed family seating, these airlines go the extra mile to provide exceptional experiences for families.

Whether you are looking for affordability, comfort, or a comprehensive family-oriented experience, these airlines have you covered. Choose the airline that best suits your family’s needs and embark on a memorable vacation with top-notch services tailored for families. Traveling with kids can be a breeze when you select one of these family-friendly airlines.

Make your family vacation unforgettable by selecting one of the best airlines for family travel. With their child-friendly airline services, family perks, and commitment to providing a family-oriented experience, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta are the ideal choices for your next family getaway. Enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable journey with your loved ones, creating precious memories along the way.