In the realm of air travel, some airlines stand out from the competition by prioritizing the needs of families. Navigating air journeys with young children can be challenging, as routines and schedules may be disrupted. However, this article aims to provide an updated list for 2023, offering valuable insights into various carriers' family-oriented services and policies. Discover which airlines go above and beyond to cater to the youngest flyers and their parents, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience. Join us as we explore the top major airlines that excel in family travel.

 Airlines that go above and beyond to accommodate families

 Emirates

Emirates, a renowned airline, provides several accommodations for infants and children. Infants under two years can travel on an adult's lap or in a bassinet at a discounted fare. Children aged two to 11 occupy their own seats with a discounted fare, though specific details are not mentioned on the airline's website.

To facilitate a seamless travel experience, Emirates offers complimentary strollers near their check-in desks at Dubai International Airport. Families also enjoy priority boarding, and passengers can bring both a pushchair and a carry cot free of charge.

Onboard, Emirates caters to the needs of babies with amenities like milk formula, bottles, and Ella's Kitchen organic baby food. For older children, special meal options are available to accommodate dietary restrictions. Additionally, the airline provides a selection of kids' specific in-flight entertainment to keep young travelers entertained throughout the journey.

Plush toys in the form of Lewis the Lion, Peek U Panda, Ernie the Penguin and Savannah the Elephant are also on board to keep your little one company, and the airline provides travel-themes activity kits in collaboration with Lonely Planet.

 Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, a notable competitor among Gulf carriers, prioritizes the comfort and enjoyment of its young passengers. The airline offers free seat selection and child-specific entertainment through its in-flight entertainment system. It provides kids' meals that cater to various allergens, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Infants up to two years of age traveling on a parent's lap are eligible for infant fares. Additionally, Qatar Airways allows one stroller or collapsible carry cot per infant, free of charge. The airline goes the extra mile by offering plush superhero toys from its Kids Club and providing interactive travel packs with crayons, stickers, and educational materials.

For parents seeking a brief respite, children aged five to 11 have the option to travel in a different cabin on the same flight as their accompanying adult, allowing for some independent travel while ensuring their safety and comfort. Qatar Airways strives to make the journey as pleasant and convenient as possible for both children and their families.

 ANA

ANA offers a reduced child’s fare and several additional amenities for the youngest travelers. The Japanese carrier allows lap infants under two years of age to fly at 10% of the adult fare, and infants can fly at 75% of the adult fare if occupying a seat. Children aged two up to 11 years are ticketed at the child’s fare, which is 75% of the adult fare.

Bassinets are provided by advance request on certain aircraft on international flights, though not in the first class cabin. Meals designed specifically for babies and children are available by advance request (24 hours prior to departure), and the airline also carries a limited amount of paper diapers on board. Children are also provided with original ANA toys.

 Etihad Airways, another UAE-based airline, offers special accommodations for infants and children. Infants under two years of age traveling on an adult's lap or in a bassinet are eligible for an infant fare. Children aged two to 11 years have a child's fare, although specific details are not provided on the airline's website. To cater to the needs of young travelers, Etihad offers baby food upon advance request.

 Etihad

Etihad has partnered with Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to provide themed goodies and entertainment for kids. Children between the ages of three and eight receive a cozy fleece blanket, while nine- to 13-year-olds receive a Scooby-Doo backpack and passport holder. In-flight entertainment includes a selection of Warner Bros. cartoons and movies to keep children entertained throughout the flight. Etihad Airways strives to create an enjoyable and memorable travel experience for families, providing both comfort and entertainment for young passengers.

 Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines allows lap infants to fly at 10% of the adult fare, and children aged two to 11 years fly at 75% of the adult fare. Hot water is available onboard for cleaning baby bottles, as are baby blankets. The carrier provides JAL-branded original toys to child passengers and offers a variety of kid-appropriate entertainment options via its Wi-Fi, video service.

 Lufthansa

Lufthansa also stands out for its family accommodations. Lap infants fly free within Germany and are ticketed at 10% of the adult fare on all other routes. Children aged two to 11 years fly at 75% of the regular adult fare. Bassinets are available by advance request on all of Lufthansa’s long-haul flight aircraft, though fees may apply depending on booking class.

Children receive a logbook on their first flight. Once the logbook is full, they receive a “fantastic pilot’s certificate.” Young travelers can also observe the aircraft up close from the pilot’s viewpoint during take-off and landing via external cameras on certain long-haul aircraft.

 Qantas

Qantas makes our top-tier list for its innovative services for children. The Australian carrier allows lap infants to fly free within Australia, and they are ticketed at 10 % of the adult fare on international routes. Bassinets are available on certain aircraft and may be requested at check-in.

Zones at select Australian lounges boast kids’ furniture and meals, and kids can even play dress-up in mini cabin crew outfits. The airline’s “Joey Club” themed characters appear on kids’ kits that include an aircraft window-shaped etch-a-sketch and an activity booklet.

 Air Canada

Air Canada makes the list not only for offering reduced fares and onboard amenities, but also providing dedicated family check-in areas at select airports. Lap infants under the age of two years fly free on domestic flights, and only the ticket taxes apply for flights between Canada and the United States. However, you cannot bring a carrycot or stroller for free.

For international flights, infant tickets are 10% of the adult fare. Children over two years are ticketed at the adult fare on domestic flights or on flights between Canada and the United States. Children between two and 12 years fly at a reduced child’s fare on international flights not in the United States.

Bassinets are available and assigned by advance request on a first-come, first-served basis on certain aircraft. Air Canada does not charge a fee for seating adults and children under 14 years of age together. Children also receive a special luggage tag and activity books for the journey.

 Additional airlines offering discounts or services for families

Air France offers discounts for young flyers, including 90% off fares for lap infants. Children aged two or older are discounted at 20% on short-haul flights and 33% on medium and long-haul routes. Bassinets are available only on long-haul flights. Baby kits are provided only for certain fare classes, but organic baby food and kids’ meals are available in the economy cabin.

American Airlines allows lap infants to fly at no charge. Children two years and older must have their own seats and are ticketed at the adult fare. If passengers do not choose seats at the time of booking, the airline will assign seats within a few days so that youth under 15 years are seated next to at least one adult with whom they are traveling. Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on certain aircraft, but not in the first or business class cabins.

British Airways offers an infant fare for lap infants and a child’s fare for kids flying in their own seat, but the carrier’s website does not provide specifics as to the discount. Kids’ meals are available by advance request, and tinned baby food is available on long-haul flights. Notably, British Airways’ Executive Club Household Account allows adults and children in the same household to pool their reward's currency to later redeem for upgrades.

Delta Air Lines allows lap infants to fly free, and children two years of age and older are subject to discounts that vary by country. The carrier’s website states that it “strives to seated family members together upon request.”

Finally, Virgin Atlantic makes the list for allowing lap infants to fly at 10% of the adult fare and setting special fares for children aged two to 11 years and young adults aged 12 to 16 years. Bassinets and cots may be available upon request. The carrier offers kids’ meals for travelers two to 12 years old, and various entertainment options for youth via seat televisions.

Airline fare discounts and amenities are subject to change and may not be available in all situations, so it is wise to check with the airline directly before booking your next family adventure.