Best flights/airlines for families
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- Airlines will always try to sit children with their parents (subject to check-in)
- Some airlines will allow travel for unaccompanied minors. Please email us to check.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
- Most airlines will let infants travel with their parent(s) for free. However some airlines will charge up to 10% of the adult ticket price. Click on 'Price Breakdown' to find out more.
- If you are pregnant, but due before the flight departure date, please contact us once your baby is born and has a name. We can then add him/her to your ticket.
- Infants will not be given a seat. The airlines expect parents to travel with them on their lap.
- Airlines regard infants as being under 24 months old.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
The Best Airlines for Families
Discover the best airlines for those flying as a family including travel advice for families.
Flying with a family
If you are flying with your family, you may encounter some problems that mean you require additional planning, patience and cooperation from the airline. However, with our guide to the best airlines for family flights, you are sure to find an airline that suits you, whether you are travelling with a young family or large family.
Read on to discover what makes an airline good for families, and for the best airlines that provide the best service and experience for families.
For more tips and travel advice about flying with children, see our page on air travel with kids. Alternatively, for general information and FAQs about flying as a family, including information about what Alternative Airlines can do for family flights, see our page here.
What makes an airline
family-friendly?
Advance Seat Assignments
No Baggage Fees
Route Network
Family-friendly mileage policies
Early family boarding
Comfortable seats
Child-friendly food and drink
Child-friendly in-flight entertainment
On-time arrival rate
No lap fees
On-board cots
Taking a pushchair for free
The Best Airlines for Family Flights
Emirates
Emirates has been ranked as the best airline for families by a number of sources. Typically rated well for its fun entertainment options for children, with things like toys and goodie bags. They also have great child-friendly meals on board, with typical items including snack boxes, chicken bits and pasta. Emirates are also great for parents, with comfortable seats allowing for a relaxing flight, with also family services meaning travel at the airport is made a lot easier.
Qatar Airways
Onboard Qatar Airways flights, families can enjoy fun amenities, with crayons, puzzles and games there to keep children entertained on board. Qatar Airways also offer family priority boarding, options for bassinet seats and also amenity kits which help with infants such as bottles, baby food, diapers. The business class makes flying with Qatar Airways even more family-friendly, with adjusting moveable walls and screens meaning you can either have an individual pod, or transformed into a private family quad.
British Airways
British Airways is a great option for families, with both European flights but also transatlantic flights and also those further afield. Onboard, passengers can enjoy priority boarding, premium children's entertainment and priority eating for children. In addition, at the British Airways hubs of London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports, there is a fantastic kids zone with play areas and other entertainment.
Lufthansa
This European carrier is the best airlines for families in terms of food offered. The children's menu is extremely family-friendly, even for fussy eaters, keeping both kids and parents happy when flying.
Southwest Airlines
Not only is this airline a great option for low-cost flights, but this is also a good option for domestic fliers in the US. The airline offers families priority boarding, no bag fees and no change fees. This priority boarding is particularly good for flights where there are no assigned seats, as you can choose your seats whilst the plane is still empty.
JetBlue
Another great option for families travelling domestically within the US, JetBlue offer a points pooling system, meaning that up to 7 friends or family members can combine flying points to reach awards quicker. In addition, the airline has great records for its on-time arrivals, and also have a wide route network.
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