Booking Flights for Families
Book multi-passenger itineraries under a single reservation number to ensure you are seated together and avoid split-booking complications. Always prioritize direct flights during off-peak hours to minimize the risk of missed connections and mid-travel meltdowns.
- Search for tickets as a group. Enter the total number of travelers (adults and children) in a single search. Do not search for adults and children separately, as this may result in different booking classes or missing seat availability for the whole family.
- Verify airline child policies. Check the airline's specific policy on 'lap infants.' If your child is under 2, you can often fly them for free domestically, but you must still add them to the ticket as a 'lap infant' so they have a boarding pass.
- Select seats immediately. Do not leave seat selection to chance. Pay the extra fee to choose your seats at the time of booking to ensure at least one adult is next to each young child. If the system separates you, call the airline immediately after booking.
- Register your loyalty numbers. Add every family member’s frequent flyer number to the booking. Even children earn miles, and having everyone on one record makes managing the flight much easier.
- Should I pay for a seat for my under-2 child?
- It is safer to use a FAA-approved car seat in their own purchased seat. If you use a lap infant, they have no place to sit during turbulence.
- What if the airline assigns us seats far apart?
- Most airlines are now required by federal mandate or internal policy to seat children under 14 next to an accompanying adult at no extra cost. Call customer service if the booking site doesn't allow it.