A Single Traveler vs. A Family Traveler
A single traveler often doesn’t care about the airline that operates the flight. The requirements are usually minimal: comfortable seats, delicious food, polite staff, and a media system. What else do you need on a long flight? But everything changes when a young family has to fly with a child. You need to consider everything: the presence of a bassinet, the ability to take a stroller on board, early boarding, and much more. Which airline should you choose if you have to fly to the USA? Which carriers are suitable for traveling with children? The rating of American Airlines is ideal for traveling with a family, which will help answer this question.
Ranking the Best US Airlines for Family Travel
The Points Guy, an American organization, annually ranks the best US carriers. This year, they once again summed up the results of the year and identified American airlines that are suitable for people traveling with families. The final report takes into account federal government statistics, publicly available transportation rules, and traveler reviews. Many factors were taken into account when determining the winners.
Factors Considered
- Free choice of seats
- Punctuality
- Possibility to use the “priority boarding” service
- Comfort and size of the seats (ability to fit a child car seat in it)
- Entertainment available
- Baby food and snacks
- Route network
- Terms of bonus programs
- Additional discounts for early booking
- Additional fees (how much the airline charges on average for baggage and changing airline ticket details)
- Possibility of flight for an unaccompanied minor
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Best US Airlines for Family Travel
1. JetBlue Airways
The first place in the list of the best airlines for family travel was JetBlue Airways. If passengers care about the size of the seats, onboard entertainment, WiFi, and a convenient bonus program, then this is the carrier to choose. The route network is quite developed, so you can fly not only to US cities but also move to another continent. In addition, JetBlue is widely known to the American public for its free snacks.
2. Southwest Airlines
Last year’s winner, Southwest Airlines, is also very comfortable for family travel. Free baggage, a developed route network, and a convenient bonus system were the main reasons why the carrier came in second place. The media system and food, according to The Points Guy, are also worthy of praise. However, the reason Southwest lost its title of the best was the inability to book a flight six months in advance. Even cheaper carriers provide this service.
3. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines has significantly improved its performance this year and expanded its route network. Flight delays are extremely rare, and the number of destinations has increased significantly. However, the main advantage is the larger seats, which can be selected at no additional cost. They easily accommodate a child car seat. In addition, the bonus system allows the entire family to earn miles.
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4. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines stands out for its varied food and comfortable seats that can be selected at no extra cost. The carrier lost points due to the lack of free entertainment and a limited route network. International flights are rarely served by the airline, so getting to another continent with Alaska is quite problematic.
5. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines only got the fifth place in the ranking of family airlines. It is good in almost everything: accumulated miles do not expire, the route network is quite extensive, and the distribution of seats (for family bookings) is carried out according to a clear scheme. Families are allowed to sit together, even though the service “seat selection” is a paid service. Nevertheless, the carrier lost precious points for the cost of baggage and a high additional fee for canceling a flight.
6. United Airlines
United Airlines came in 6th place. They received bonus points for the opportunity to purchase priority boarding, a convenient children’s menu, and a media system. In addition, the carrier’s planes can fly to almost any part of the world. However, the carrier is still far from first place. The reason for this is the paid choice of seat in economy class, an inconvenient loyalty program, and small seats.
7. American Airlines
American Airlines has a lot to work on. Despite its fairly well-developed route network, there are quite a few downsides. First, tickets become significantly more expensive during school holidays. You can choose a seat in the economy class cabin for an additional fee. In addition, the carrier removes media systems built into the backs of seats and has one of the least convenient priority boarding procedures on board an airplane.
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8. Frontier Airlines
Low-cost airline Frontier offers almost all additional services for a fee, the route network is very underdeveloped, and few people outside the United States have heard of it. However, the carrier still made it into the rating of the best airlines for families due to its convenient bonus program. Elite card holders can take advantage of a permanent promotion, under which children fly for free.
9. Spirit Airlines
Spirit is an ultra-low-cost airline. It made it into the rating due to its cheapest fares. The route network is developed, but not as good as Delta. Passengers will not receive free snacks on board, but they will receive entertainment. Seat selection and baggage allowance are also paid. The bonus system is very inconvenient. Miles expire within 90 days. Despite this, Spirit still made it into the top 10 due to additional bonuses awarded in honor of festive events.
10. Allegiant Airlines
Rounding out the top ten is Allegiant. This airline does not offer any affordable entertainment, free food, or other extras. However, the carrier made it into the rating due to its unique route network, which allows you to get from the US to other countries without a transfer and at a very reasonable price.
