Do I have to pay extra to sit with my young children?

No, major US airlines are required to seat children 13 and under next to an accompanying adult at no extra charge. However, you might not get your preferred location (aisle, front of plane, etc.) without paying for seat selection.

What if we get separated despite booking together?

Contact the airline immediately after booking if seats weren't automatically assigned together. If issues persist, arrive at the gate early and ask gate agents for help. They can often resolve seating problems that customer service couldn't fix.

Should I buy a seat for my lap infant?

For flights over 3 hours or international flights, yes. While lap infants fly free domestically, having a dedicated seat with a car seat is safer and more comfortable. Many airlines offer discounted infant seats (usually 50% off adult fare) when purchased in advance.

When should I select seats if I'm willing to pay?

Select seats immediately after booking for the best selection. Seat maps become more limited as the departure date approaches. If you're flexible on location, you can wait and pay lower fees closer to departure, but risk being separated.

How to Book Airline Seats for Families with Kids

Book directly with airlines rather than third-party sites to access family seating options. Most airlines automatically seat children under 14 with adults for free, but you should verify seat assignments 24 hours before departure. For guaranteed adjacent seats or preferred locations, pay for seat selection during booking.

Book directly with the airline. Use the airline's official website instead of third-party booking sites. Airlines often restrict family seating tools and free adjacent seating policies to direct bookings. You'll have access to seat maps and family-specific options that don't appear on Expedia or Kayak.
Add children to your reservation immediately. Enter each child's age accurately when booking. Airlines use this information to automatically apply family seating policies. Children under 2 can fly as lap infants for free domestically, but you'll need to purchase a seat for longer international flights for safety and comfort.
Check automatic seat assignments. Most major US airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest) automatically seat children 14 and under next to an adult family member at no extra charge. After booking, check your reservation to confirm seats were assigned together. If not, call the airline directly.
Pay for seat selection if needed. For guaranteed adjacent seats or preferred locations (front of plane, extra legroom, aisle access), pay for seat selection during booking. Expect to pay $15-50 per seat depending on the route and seat type. This is worth it for long flights or if you have specific needs.
Check in exactly 24 hours before departure. Set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight. Even with seat assignments, airlines sometimes make changes. Check in immediately when the window opens to secure your seats and address any last-minute separations with gate agents who have more flexibility.
Arrive at the gate early. Get to your gate 45-60 minutes before boarding starts. If your family got separated despite your efforts, gate agents can often fix seating issues before boarding begins. They have access to seats that weren't available during online check-in.

Do I have to pay extra to sit with my young children?: No, major US airlines are required to seat children 13 and under next to an accompanying adult at no extra charge. However, you might not get your preferred location (aisle, front of plane, etc.) without paying for seat selection.
What if we get separated despite booking together?: Contact the airline immediately after booking if seats weren't automatically assigned together. If issues persist, arrive at the gate early and ask gate agents for help. They can often resolve seating problems that customer service couldn't fix.
Should I buy a seat for my lap infant?: For flights over 3 hours or international flights, yes. While lap infants fly free domestically, having a dedicated seat with a car seat is safer and more comfortable. Many airlines offer discounted infant seats (usually 50% off adult fare) when purchased in advance.
When should I select seats if I'm willing to pay?: Select seats immediately after booking for the best selection. Seat maps become more limited as the departure date approaches. If you're flexible on location, you can wait and pay lower fees closer to departure, but risk being separated.