Got kids? These airlines make family travel a dream

If you’re avoiding flying with kids, these airlines are about to make you think again.

Keeping children entertained aboard a flight can be challenging without activities to keep them occupied. Picture: Qatar Airways

As unpredictable as life is, there are a few things that one can bet on. Death, taxes, and the fact that travelling with children — specifically those under the age of 10 — will almost always be a nightmarish experience. Wrangling suitcases and plane tickets, boarding times and terminals is a challenge in and of itself without small humans to keep an eye on, but once you throw children into the mix, now that’s a whole other kettle of fish.

Whether you’re keeping it within the country or are a brave soul gearing up to take your youngsters abroad, air travel with kids is enough to challenge even the most seasoned of flyers. Check-in and security is one thing, but crossing the threshold of that aircraft is when the fun really begins. From air pressure wreaking havoc on little ears to snacks that aren’t up to par and a shortage of on-board entertainment to keep them occupied, there is no shortage of curveballs to contend with when flying with kids.

In-flight entertainment when travelling with children is essential. Picture: Emirates

But alas, air travel with children needn’t be such a chore! There are a number of airlines out there that have heard your cries of distress loud and clear when attempting to wrangle children aboard a lengthy flight, and are here to help. In their latest World Airline Awards, SkyTrax have dedicated an entire category to the airlines making travelling with children a breeze. Ranking airlines based on a number of factors, including the provision of family seating together, dedicated family check-in facilities, and the availability and quality of children’s meals, amenities, toys and activity packs, and child specific on-board entertainment, SkyTrax has determined the 10 airlines doing child-friendly travel the best. So before you forego an overseas adventure in favour of a 14-hour interstate car journey to accommodate the little ones, read on for the airlines that promise to have your (and your kids’) backs.

The top airlines prioritise seating families together when travelling with children. Picture: Qatar Airways

10. British Airways

British Airways snuck into the top 10. Picture: British Airways

9. EVA Air

One of Taiwan's biggest airlines also claimed a spot on the list. Picture: EVA Air

8. Etihad Airways

Etihad achieved high marks for their child-friendliness. Picture: Etihad Airways

7. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic claimed a spot in the top 10. Picture: Virgin Atlantic

6. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines placed runner-up on the list. Picture: Japan Airlines

5. ANA All Nippon Airways

A second Japanese airline made the top 10. Picture: ANA All Nippon Airways

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways made the list's top five. Picture: Qatar Airways

3. Emirates

Economy class on Emirates. Picture: Emirates

2. Singapore Airlines

Economy class on Singapore Airlines. Picture: Singapore Airlines

1. Air Canada

Air Canada claimed top spot on the list. Picture: Air Canada