With the holidays just around the corner, many families will be packing their bags to go and visit their loved ones. Although this is a very exciting time, it can also be stressful for parents who will be traveling with their children. This is especially true if those parents plan on flying to go and see their friends and family. If you’ve gone on an airplane with your children before, you know that it isn’t always the easiest task.
Fortunately, there are many airlines nowadays that cater to families, and try to make the flying experience go as smoothly as possible for them. So, if you’re someone who is looking to book flights for the upcoming holiday travel season, but aren’t sure which airline is going to be the best for you and your family, we have you covered. Our team has done extensive research to find the best family-friendly airlines that make traveling with kids easier.
The 5 Best Family-Friendly Airlines
Delta Airlines
The first airline to make our list, Delta Airlines, strives to ensure that families are happy and taken care of while traveling. For starters, Delta will do everything they can to make certain that families with young children are all able to sit together and enjoy their flight. Another benefit of flying with Delta is that children 2 years of age or younger can travel for free on domestic flights, if they sit on an adult family member’s lap. Additionally, Delta has a wonderful selection of onboard entertainment, including family-friendly movies, TV shows, and games.
Southwest Airlines
If you’re looking to fly on an airline that ensures the safety, comfort, and happiness of families, Southwest could be the airline for you. The airline allows adults who are accompanying children under 6 years old to board the plane before general boarding. This means that you and your child can get settled in and find your seats early. Additionally, Southwest offers free in-flight entertainment that you and your family are sure to enjoy.
American Airlines
American Airlines does a wonderful job of making families (especially families with young children) happy while onboard. The first thing they do is try their best to seat families with young children next to one another. If for some reason, the entire family cannot sit together, children will be guaranteed a spot by at least one of the adults. Some other notable things that American Airlines does is allow strollers to be checked at the gate for free, and families traveling with children under 2 can request early boarding.
United Airlines
The next airline that makes traveling with kids easier is United Airlines. For starters, United Airlines allows families who are traveling with children under the age of 2 to board with the pre-boarding group. On top of that, the airline has partnered with Sesame Workshop to create their very own Child’s Travel Kit that’s filled with activities, crayons, and puzzles.Â
Alaska Airlines
Many families think that Alaska Airlines only flies to and from Alaska, but that’s simply not the case! The airline flies to many different destinations, and is a wonderful option for families. When you fly on Alaska Airlines with your kids, any children 13 years of age or younger will be guaranteed a spot next to an adult. Further, they provide a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment, and even allow you to check your stroller at the gate for free.
Tips For Flying With Children
Check the Expiration Date on Your Passports
Although most families will be flying domestically for the holidays, maybe you’re one of the few families that plan to travel internationally. If this is the case, you’ll need to check the expiration date on your passport and on your child’s passport. If you find that any of your passports will be expiring soon, you should get them renewed as soon as possible on our website. Waiting to renew your passport may cause you to miss your international vacation, so get started right away!
Book a Night Flight
Booking an early morning flight may not be the best call if you’re traveling with your little ones. Mornings are already tough for most children, so they could end up being more cranky and irritable during a morning flight. Instead, book a night flight if possible. This way, your child will already be tired because they will be flying around the time they’d typically go to bed.
Board Early
Getting settled into your seats is a crucial part of having a smooth and successful flight. An easy way to do this is to try and board the airplane early. Many airlines will allow families to board before general boarding, so don’t be afraid to ask if you can do this. Once you get on the plane, find your seats and inform the crew if you’ll need anything during your flight.
Pack Entertainment
Keeping your children entertained is the best way to get through a flight without any hassle. The more you can distract your kiddos, the better. To do this, bring your own entertainment, and plenty of it. We suggest taking along a tablet with your child’s favorite shows or movies, some travel-sized board games, crafts, books, and whatever else your child enjoys.
Bring Your Child’s Favorite Comfort ItemÂ
Flying on an airplane can be somewhat of a scary experience for children, especially if it’s their first time flying. To help make the flight more enjoyable, bring their favorite comfort item along with you. Whether your child has a favorite blanket or special stuffed animal, having a comfort item along for the ride will allow your child to relax and feel less anxious.
Don’t Forget Snacks
The last thing you want is a hungry child on an airplane. We’ve been there, and it’s not a fun situation to be in. Though it’s true that airlines usually provide you with snacks and refreshments, these items may not be suitable for your little one. So, to ensure that they have something to enjoy that will help them stay calm and happy, bring your own TSA-approved food and drinks. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Will you be traveling with your children to visit your loved ones this holiday season? If so, are you traveling domestically or internationally?
