Booking flights for families with children
Book multi-passenger reservations as one single PNR (Passenger Name Record) to ensure the airline keeps your family together if there is a delay or cancellation. Use incognito mode to search, but always finalize your booking directly on the airline’s website to avoid third-party service fees and booking complications.
- Search as a group. Always input the exact number of adults, children (ages 2-11), and infants (under 2) in your search. Prices for children are often lower on international flights, and infants sitting on laps require a specific 'lap infant' fare category.
- Select seats immediately. Do not rely on the airline to assign seats at the gate. Pay the extra fee to select your seats during the booking process. Aim for a row of three or four; if your family is larger, book seats directly behind one another to ensure you stay in the same section.
- Verify airline child policies. Check the airline's website for 'minor' rules. Some carriers allow one free piece of equipment (stroller or car seat) to be checked at the gate, while others have strict weight or size limits. Know these before you arrive at the airport.
- Check the aircraft configuration. Use a tool like SeatGuru to view the specific plane layout. Avoid seats near bathrooms, which are high-traffic areas, and look for rows with bassinet compatibility if you are traveling with an infant.
- Should I book a lap infant or their own seat?
- If you can afford it, always book a seat. It is significantly safer, allows you to use a FAA-approved car seat, and gives you more space for long flights.
- What if the system splits our seats?
- Call the airline immediately after booking. If you booked on one reservation, they can usually manually adjust your seats to be together, even if the website shows no availability.