When you travel with kids you need to know what to expect. We found a list of the best airlines for kid friendly travel and some of the common things the do and do not provide. I think toddlers are the hardest age to travel with, because they need space to move around and yet it is difficult to keep them out of trouble. Sometimes they get fussy and tired and throw major tantrums.

The Best Airlines for Kid Friendly Travel

Not all airlines are equal when it comes to services they provide to families. While one may allow a family to board before the rest of the passengers, others charge for that helpful honor. Some airlines have entertainment to keep the kids entertained, while you’ll want to bring your own for others. Here’s a roundup of popular U.S. airlines and what they offer families.

AirTran Airways
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 2 and younger.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment No. The discount air carrier only offers free XM Satellite Radio.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.

American Airlines
Pre-boarding No. Passengers may elect to pay $10 per person to join the first boarding group in coach.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Flights longer than four hours provide free movies on overhead TVs, which may not always provide the best views or interest children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers weighing less than 20 pounds. Others must be checked with baggage.

Continental Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger after first class and elite passenger boarding.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Satellite TV and in-flight movies are shown on overhead TVs, which may not always provide the best views or interest children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers only. Others must be checked with baggage.

Delta — The Family-Friendly Standout!
Pre-boarding Yes. Delta gets our praises for allowing families with children of all ages to board first, even before first and business class passengers.
Kids Meals Yes. For less than $5 Delta provides a kids’ plate that is a PB&J sandwich with fruit and veggies.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Many flights have seatback TVs with On-Demand channels with children’s programs. These cost $1 per episode or $6 for a bundle; satellite TV, when available, is free with children’s networks. However, not all flights offer seatback TVs. Airline wings are also available to children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.

Frontier Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 5 and younger, after priority boarding.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Many flights have seatback TVs with On-Demand channels with children’s programs. These cost $6 for 24 channels. Movies are available for $8 each.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.

JetBlue
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 2 and younger.
Kids Meals No meals offered. Free snacks offered.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment DirectTV programming offered for free on seatback TVs, with children’s programming available.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.

Southwest Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger after elite, full-fare and early-check in fliers. Early check in is $10 per person, each way.
Kids Meals No meals offered. Free pretzels and peanuts offered.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment No entertainment, although coloring books and airline wines may be available.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.

United Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger after priority boarding, which can be purchased in advance.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment In-flight movies are free and shown on overhead TVs, which may not always provide the best views or interest children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers only. Others must be checked with baggage.

U.S. Airways
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment None.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers only. Others must be checked with baggage.

See Unaccompanied Minors Rules & Regulations for airline policies on children traveling alone.

Parents have to be prepared for anything when traveling with little ones. It can be a big happy adventure or a big noisy disaster.  Most of the time family vacations are a little of both! I think this list is good starting point if you are traveling with children, however you’ll probably need to do some more research. Read up on the best airlines for kid friendly travel found on the Family Vacation Critic.

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