American, Delta, United, Hawaiian, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines Ranked as The Best US Airlines for Family Travel This Year

Written By: Sara Alhariri

Sara Alhariri

I was a dedicated journalist to The US Sun, the Sun UK, the Irish Sun, and the Scottish Sun and a producer for Fox News Media for some time, too.My value is in sharing this content with my network on LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.—it will get the eyes of media executives who handle travel reporting on it immediately. It will bring more visibility to the brand for sure. Like reporting and PR in one.

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August 13, 2025 2:16 AM

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Also the best airlines for families to travel on are American, Delta, United, Hawaiian, Southwest, Jetblue and Alaska airlines given their great services designed for families. These giant airlines offer everything from free seat selection to early boarding to special in-flight entertainment for the little ones. Moreover, they have stroller and car seat check ins for free, kid meals at restaurants & strict car seating policy. These airlines are dedicated to simplifying travel and creating a more comfortable environment for families by offering stress-free journeys for parents and their little ones.

When it comes to flying with kids, family-friendly policies can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. Parents traveling with young children need to be sure that the airline they choose will accommodate their needs, whether it’s ensuring that seats are available together without extra charges or providing the necessary provisions for car seats and strollers.

In 2025, several airlines stand out for their family-friendly services, making family travel a little easier. AirAdvisor, a company focused on helping passengers receive compensation for cancellations and travel disruptions, recently published its list of the top U.S. airlines for families. The rankings are based on factors that directly impact families traveling with children. From seating policies to entertainment systems, here’s a breakdown of the best U.S. airlines for family travel in 2025.

1. American Airlines

American Airlines has consistently been a favorite for families, thanks to its comprehensive family travel services. The airline excels in offering family seating arrangements, ensuring that families are able to sit together without facing steep extra charges. American Airlines also offers excellent pre-boarding for families with young children, ensuring that parents have ample time to settle in with their little ones.

American Airlines stands out for its entertainment options, catering to children with a range of kid-friendly movies and shows. The airline provides free stroller and car seat check-in, alleviating the burden of carrying these bulky items through the airport. Additionally, American Airlines offers child meal options, making it easier for parents to feed their kids while in the air. The availability of bassinets and appropriate child restraint policies also makes the airline a preferred choice for families.

2. United Airlines

United Airlines is another top contender for family-friendly travel in the U.S. United offers excellent policies for families, including the ability to pre-select family seating without paying extra. The airline provides a variety of family-focused amenities, such as pre-boarding access and child-friendly meal options. United Airlines also allows families to check in strollers and car seats for free, which can be a huge relief for parents juggling multiple pieces of equipment.

United also offers in-flight entertainment systems with a selection of movies and games designed for children, making long-haul flights more enjoyable for little ones. The airline’s child restraint rules are also commendable, ensuring that kids are securely fastened during the flight. United’s ability to accommodate lap seats for infants adds another layer of convenience for families traveling with newborns.

3. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is known for its customer service and family-friendly policies, ranking high in AirAdvisor’s list of the best U.S. airlines for families in 2025. Delta’s family seating policies ensure that families are not charged extra for sitting together, a major advantage for those traveling with young children. The airline provides pre-boarding access, giving families extra time to settle into their seats and stow their belongings.

In terms of amenities, Delta offers free stroller and car seat check-in and a selection of child-friendly meals. The airline also provides in-flight entertainment, including a range of movies and games that cater to younger passengers. Delta’s child restraint rules are stringent, ensuring that all kids are safely seated during the flight. Furthermore, bassinets are available on certain long-haul flights, making it easier for families with infants.

4. Hawaiian Airlines

For families traveling to Hawaii or the Pacific Islands, Hawaiian Airlines is an excellent choice. Hawaiian Airlines is highly regarded for its exceptional customer service and policies specifically designed to enhance the travel experience for families. The airline offers free seat selection for families traveling together, allowing them to sit together without paying extra fees.

Hawaiian Airlines is also known for its excellent pre-boarding policies for families with young children, ensuring that they have ample time to settle in. The airline offers free stroller and car seat check-in, which is especially helpful for families traveling with young children. Hawaiian Airlines also provides child meal options, as well as in-flight entertainment that is perfect for younger passengers. The airline’s child restraint rules ensure that children are safely secured during the flight, providing parents with peace of mind.

5. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines remains a leading choice among U.S. carriers for family-friendly travel, offering excellent customer service and allowing families to sit together without incurring extra fees. The airline offers pre-boarding access for families, giving them the time they need to organize their children and stow necessary items before the rest of the passengers board.

Alaska Airlines also offers free stroller and car seat check-in, making it easier for families to travel with all the necessary equipment. Additionally, the airline provides child meal options and entertainment systems that cater to young passengers. The airline’s child restraint rules ensure that children are seated safely, and lap seat policies for infants make it easier for parents to travel with newborns.

6. JetBlue

JetBlue is another family-friendly airline that ranks highly on AirAdvisor’s list. Known for its spacious seating and excellent customer service, JetBlue offers families the ability to select seats together without additional fees. The airline’s pre-boarding policies make it easier for families to get settled and organized before the flight begins.

In terms of amenities, JetBlue offers free stroller and car seat check-in, ensuring that families can travel comfortably without having to worry about their child’s gear. The airline provides kid-friendly meal options and a selection of entertainment that caters to children. Additionally, JetBlue’s child restraint rules and lap seat policies ensure that children are securely seated during the flight, giving parents peace of mind throughout their journey.

7. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its flexible policies and excellent customer service, making it a top choice for families flying in the U.S. Southwest offers families the ability to select seats together without paying extra, which is a major advantage for those traveling with young children. The airline also provides pre-boarding access, ensuring that families have enough time to settle in before the flight begins.

Southwest offers free stroller and car seat check-in and provides children with kid-friendly meal options. The airline’s entertainment options cater to younger passengers, with movies and games designed for kids. Additionally, Southwest’s child restraint rules ensure that all children are safely secured during the flight, and lap seat policies make it easier for families traveling with infants.

Key Factors for Ranking Airlines for Families

The AirAdvisor survey ranked U.S. airlines based on eight key factors that directly affect family travel. These factors include:

1. Family Seating Policies: Ensuring families can sit together without paying extra is crucial for a positive travel experience. Airlines that offer families the option to select seats at no additional cost receive higher rankings in the survey.
2. Availability of Child Meals: Airlines that provide child-friendly meals cater to the needs of young passengers, making the journey more comfortable for families.
3. Free Stroller and Car Seat Check-In: Traveling with strollers and car seats can be cumbersome. Airlines that allow families to check these items for free offer great convenience.
4. Pre-Boarding Access: Families with young children need extra time to get settled. Airlines that offer pre-boarding access make it easier for parents to organize their children and belongings.
5. Entertainment Systems for Children: In-flight entertainment is a key factor for families. Airlines that provide kid-friendly movies, games, and other entertainment options rank higher.
6. Bassinet Availability: For families traveling with infants, the availability of bassinets on long-haul flights is an important factor. Airlines that offer bassinets provide a much-needed comfort for babies and their parents.
7. Child Restraint Rules: Ensuring that children are safely secured during the flight is a major concern for parents. Airlines with strict child restraint rules are ranked highly for safety.
8. Lap Seat Policies for Infants: For parents traveling with infants, the ability to have a lap seat instead of paying for a full seat is a major advantage. Airlines that allow lap seats for infants are ranked higher in the survey.

Major airlines offer family friendly services to families who fly within the US by the year 2025 From free seating to checked strollers, and family-friendly kids entertainment these airlines definitely make flying with the family smooth sailing. Up in the top league when it comes to family travel is American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, while other airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest also deliver very welcoming experiences for families.

Family-focused policies, such as free seat selection for those with children and child meal options allowed American, Delta, United, Hawaiian, Southwest JetBlue in 2019 to be named the best US airlines for families this year from Alaska Airlines. As a result, Asia provides the most family-friendly airlines that focus on guaranteeing a comfortable and convenient journey for families.

When taking a family vacation, it’s also important to choose an airline that appreciates the honest sounds of socks and is ready for anything that kids (or their parents) might need. The right airline can provide a much more convenient and smooth journey that improves the overall travel experience for families.