Traveling with Kids? Check Out the World’s Top Family-Friendly Airlines

Air travel with children can be daunting, but certain airlines ease the journey by providing families with special amenities and conveniences. While this isn't always the case in the U.S., many international airlines still allow early boarding for families with young kids. On long-haul flights, most full-service carriers (as opposed to budget or charter airlines) typically provide infant bassinets, children’s meals, and a designated kids' section on the in-flight entertainment—at the very least. To help families enjoy a smoother flying experience, we’ve compiled a list of airlines that excel in offering the best services and amenities for travelers with kids.

1. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic

Ideal for: Infant seating options

While it’s common for airlines to provide lie-flat bassinets on long-haul flights, most limit their availability to infants up to six months old. This leaves parents of babies aged 7 to 24 months to navigate flights of six hours or more with their little ones on their laps. However, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer specialized infant seats with five-point harnesses for babies weighing up to 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs) and 11 kg (24.25 lbs), respectively. This setup accommodates most infants up to 24 months, allowing parents to travel more comfortably without needing to buy an extra seat.

2. Air New Zealand

Best for: Economy class lie-flat seating

Adventurous parents might be aware of fly beds, a niche market for products that extend the area of economy seats with a footrest extension, allowing young kids to lie flat. There are two main types: the kids’ suitcase extension, like the JetKids by Stokke Bedbox, and the inflatable variant, like the FlyAway Kids Bed. However, Air New Zealand simplifies travel by offering the Skycouch, a row of economy seats with adjustable footrests that lift to create more space, making it easier for smaller children to lie down. The clever design also allows older children and even adults to stretch out across several seats for added comfort.

Not flying to or from New Zealand? Other airlines have also embraced the Skycouch concept on select routes, including Azul (Brazil), Air Astana (Kazakhstan), Air Austral (France), and All Nippon Airways (Japan).

3. Turkish Airlines

Best for: Friendly crew and a popular choice among travelers

Within the Bébé Voyage community of traveling parents, Turkish Airlines receives high praise. Beyond offering kids’ meals and entertainment, Alena Gladilina de Covaria, a Russian Ukrainian mother residing in Poland, highlights the standout feature: “The crew genuinely enjoys being around children.” Funda Erol Unver shares her experience: “When you travel solo with one or more children, they look after them while you dash to the bathroom or enjoy your meal. The pilot and crew always prioritize the kids.” Lauren Keller, an American lawyer living in Italy and mother to a three-year-old, confirms this: “The announcement began with ‘Ladies, gentlemen, and beautiful children . . .’”

4. Lufthansa

Best for: A seamless flight and airport experience

Flying isn’t just about the time spent in the air; the airport experience plays a vital role, too. While Lufthansa may not provide sky couches or five-point harness infant seats, the airline excels at its airport hubs, particularly Munich and Frankfurt. Family priority lanes at every security checkpoint can be a game changer if your kids aren't fans of waiting in long lines. The time saved at security allows little ones to enjoy various themed playgrounds or use the coloring and puzzle books available at information desks. For Keller, who often faces four- to five-hour layovers, spending that time in these family-friendly airports “makes all the difference.” Onboard, the airline features kids' entertainment channels, amenity kits, and specially designed meals.

5. Korean Air

Best for: Adorable kids' amenity kits and friendly service

Korean Air offers child amenity kits filled with delightful games and toys, as well as kid-sized headphones for enjoying in-flight entertainment. Faith Azul-Evia, a mom and school physical therapist from New York City, shares, “I’ve flown with them from JFK solo twice with my three-year-old, and I felt truly supported. The flight attendants even kept an eye on my child while I used the restroom.” A touch of kindness can significantly ease a parent’s travel experience.

6. Air France

Best for: Most notable improvements

Juliet Perrachon, a French American mother of two living in New York, observes that “Air France has made significant strides in recent years. I recall flying with them when my kids were young and feeling somewhat unwelcome. However, about five years ago, they began focusing much more on children, and the crew has been friendly and attentive to my kids.” Nik Loukas, founder of Inflight Feed, an online resource for airline meals, adds that “on flights departing Paris, they automatically serve organic kids’ meals to children aged two to six, which is rare among airlines.”

7. Jet2

Best for: Affordable family travel

Don't think that family-friendly service is exclusive to full-service airlines; the British low-cost carrier, Jet2, is highly praised by families. British academic Ruth Nic Cuinnleis shares, “I’ve traveled solo with two kids of varying ages on their flights, and they have supported me throughout the journey. As a disabled person, their assistance has been exceptionally helpful.”

8. Southwest

Best for: Domestic flights within the U.S.

Although many U.S. airlines have room to improve, “Southwest is great for kids,” says Diana Shipman, a mother of two and director of an international development NGO in the D.C. area. The airline’s unique approach means that it does not assign seats, which can actually benefit families; those traveling with “small children (age six and under) are allowed to board after the first group, giving them a chance to sit together and settle in,” according to the airline's policy. Additionally, Southwest permits two free checked bags of up to 50 lbs each. Travelers who earn a Southwest Companion Pass through points can reduce travel costs significantly, as the second passenger flies free.