10 Airlines That Make Flying With Kids Actually Enjoyable

You’ll find flying with kids becomes surprisingly manageable when you choose airlines like Southwest (free family boarding and no change fees), Emirates (4,000+ hours of entertainment plus infant kits), or Lufthansa (kids’ gifts and colorful meal trays). American Airlines automatically seats families together, while JetBlue offers free WiFi and seatback entertainment. Delta provides Disney content and unaccompanied minor tracking, Hawaiian serves hot meals with Moana movies, and Alaska Airlines creates magical Fantasy Flight experiences that transform ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures.

American Airlines: The Family Travel Champion

When you’re juggling car seats, diaper bags, and anxious little travelers, American Airlines emerges as your strongest ally in the skies. The airline earned the #1 U.S. ranking for families in 2025’s AirAdvisor study, and you’ll quickly understand why.

Their automatic seating system resolved 95% of family separation complaints last year—no more panicking about scattered seats. You’ll appreciate free stroller and car seat check-ins, plus kid-friendly meals for ages 2-12.

Pre-boarding lets you settle in without rushed chaos, while bassinets on select flights accommodate your tiniest passengers.

Their revamped boarding process reduced gate-checked bags by 25%, and connection-saving technology at hubs helps when you’re racing through terminals with kids in tow. The airline connects families to 350 global destinations, making it easier to reach your dream vacation spot or visit relatives anywhere in the world.

Lufthansa: World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline

What makes an airline truly understand families beyond just tolerating them? Lufthansa earned Skytrax’s 2025 “World’s Most Family Friendly Airline” award by genuinely prioritizing your needs.

You’ll board first—ahead of even business class passengers—giving you time to settle in without rushing.

Your kids will love the colorful meal trays featuring mascots “Lu” and “Cosmo,” complete with puzzles and activities. The chicken tenders and mac & cheese actually taste good, while healthy options keep everyone happy.

Entertainment includes DreamWorks movies like “Trolls” and age-appropriate games. Kids receive small gifts like gummy airplanes, sticker kits, or board games when crew members visit at the start of the flight.

You’ll save money too: children fly up to 25% less, and infants travel free on domestic German flights.

Flight attendants help install car seats, and Frankfurt Airport offers dedicated family check-in during holidays.

It’s extensive family care, not just basic accommodation.

British Airways: Premium Family Service Excellence

While Lufthansa dominates European family travel, British Airways brings premium touches that transform flying with children from stressful to sophisticated. You’ll appreciate the dedicated family check-in zone at Heathrow Terminal 5, where chaotic queues become manageable moments. Priority boarding means you’re settling in while others wait—crucial for securing overhead space and calming anxious little ones.

The airline’s thoughtful details shine through complimentary seat selection for up to nine passengers when traveling with infants, and their door-to-door pushchair service eliminates that awkward baggage carousel dance with tired children.

Pre-order children’s meals to avoid mealtime meltdowns, while crew members warm baby bottles on request. During holiday flights, festive Peggy & Leon packs keep kids entertained with Christmas storybooks and coloring activities.

United Airlines: Adventure-Ready Family Features

Though United Airlines mightn’t immediately spring to mind for family travel, their recent tech-driven innovations solve the most frustrating parts of flying with kids. You’ll automatically get free adjacent seating for children under 12, even on Basic Economy tickets. The system finds seats together without those dreaded manual agent calls.

The mobile app becomes your travel lifesaver—track your stroller’s exact location, get rebooking assistance through chat, and navigate airports with walk-time estimates. This automated seating process reduces the chaos and stress during boarding that families typically experience.

Your kids stay entertained with holiday movies like *Home Alone* on seatback screens, plus Starlink Wi-Fi for streaming their favorites.

During December, United operates magical Fantasy Flights to the North Pole for families in need, showing they understand travel’s about creating memories, not just reaching destinations.

Delta Air Lines: Consistent Comfort for Families

Delta Air Lines has built its reputation on reliability, and that consistency extends beautifully to family travel. You’ll appreciate their straightforward family seating policy that actually works – request seats together online, and if none are available, call reservations for real assistance.

Their $150 Unaccompanied Minor Program feels worth every penny with barcoded wristbands tracking your child’s journey and access to Delta Sky Zone lounges at select airports. Children under 2 years can travel as Infant-in-Arms at no cost within the U.S., making Delta particularly budget-friendly for families with babies.

What sets Delta apart is their commitment to kid-friendly entertainment. Over 30 hours of Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network content keeps children engaged, while the interactive Kids Map turns flight time into learning time.

With free Delta Sync Wi-Fi on 75% of their fleet and revamped colorful kids’ meals, Delta consistently delivers the comfort families need.

Emirates: Luxury Family Travel Experience

When you’re ready to elevate your family travel experience, Emirates delivers luxury that doesn’t forget the little ones. You’ll find over 4,000 hours of entertainment with 250 dedicated kids’ channels on the industry’s largest Economy screens—perfect for keeping restless toddlers engaged during long flights.

The airline’s thoughtful touches shine through infant kits containing everything from diaper cream to plush toys. Plus, they offer baby bassinets for under-twos with advance booking.

You won’t struggle with meal planning either; specially prepared baby food and whey-based formula come standard. Kids’ meals are automatically included for children over two. Emirates also provides free Wi-Fi for all passengers, ensuring parents can stay connected and access additional entertainment options during the flight.

With priority boarding, family seating arrangements, and changing tables in every bathroom, Emirates earned its “World’s Best Airline” recognition by making family travel genuinely stress-free.

Hawaiian Airlines: Island-Style Family Hospitality

Hawaiian Airlines brings that signature aloha spirit to family travel, making your journey to the islands as welcoming as your destination. You’ll appreciate their no-cost family seating policy for children under 14, which you can request during booking or check-in. Gate agents actively help rearrange seats if needed, so don’t stress if you weren’t seated together initially.

Families with toddlers under 2 get priority boarding, giving you extra time to settle in without rushed passengers behind you.

The hot meals on every flight are a game-changer – no more packing excessive snacks or paying premium prices for basic food. Flight attendants are friendly and accommodating, often engaging with families and children throughout the journey.

Their kid-friendly entertainment featuring Disney favorites like “Moana” and “Frozen” keeps little ones engaged during longer flights to paradise.

Alaska Airlines: Creative Kids Entertainment Solutions

Alaska Airlines turns the dreaded “Are we there yet?” question into a distant memory with their impressive entertainment arsenal designed specifically for young travelers. You’ll find over 1,000 movies and TV episodes streaming directly to your devices through their free onboard Wi-Fi.

The Kids Zone section really shines here – it’s not just thrown-together content, but carefully curated shows from partners like Rebel Girls and Vooks that actually engage children.

What sets Alaska apart is their hands-on approach. When you purchase the Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack on longer flights, you’re getting Wikki Stix Play Packs that keep little hands busy from takeoff to landing.

Add complimentary coloring books and those coveted pilot wings, and you’ve got multiple backup plans when screens lose their appeal. The airline also hosts an annual Fantasy Flight that transforms a regular journey into a magical North Pole adventure for children in need.

JetBlue Airways: Free Entertainment and WiFi for Families

Why settle for patchy WiFi and expensive entertainment when JetBlue delivers both absolutely free? You’ll find high-speed Fly-Fi at every seat, letting your kids stream movies while you browse social media without worrying about connection fees.

The seatback entertainment system offers dozens of live TV channels and movies on flights over two hours, with kid-friendly options that’ll keep little ones engaged.

What really sets JetBlue apart is their family-focused approach. Up to six family members can watch content simultaneously, and your child under 13 is guaranteed to sit with you at no extra cost.

With the most legroom in coach, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary snacks, you’re getting an at-home entertainment experience at 35,000 feet. JetBlue was the first major U.S. airline to offer free Wi-Fi on all flights, setting the industry standard that other carriers are still trying to match.

Southwest Airlines: Flexible Family-Friendly Policies

When unexpected changes derail your family travel plans, Southwest Airlines becomes your safety net with policies that actually work for parents. You won’t pay change fees when your toddler gets sick or schedules shift unexpectedly—something other airlines charge heavily for. Your fare credit stays valid for a full year, giving you real flexibility.

Family boarding happens between A and B groups regardless of your assigned position, so you’ll sit together without paying extra fees. Two adults can accompany children six and under, making the process less stressful. Understanding Southwest’s unique procedures helps you avoid the confusion that catches many inexperienced family travelers off guard.

You’ll get two free checked bags per person, including kids, plus free gate-checking for strollers and car seats. If you’re traveling with an infant under two, they’ll fly free on your lap with just a birth certificate.

The Sum Up

You’ll find traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful when you choose the right airline. I’ve seen countless families arrive at their destinations happy and refreshed instead of frazzled. Whether you’re drawn to Southwest’s flexible policies or Lufthansa’s kid-friendly amenities, you’re investing in peace of mind. Don’t let fear of flying with children hold you back from creating memories—these airlines truly understand what families need.