AirTran Airways
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 2 and younger.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment No. The discount air carrier only offers free XM Satellite Radio.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.
American Airlines
Pre-boarding No. Passengers may elect to pay $10 per person to join the first boarding group in coach.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Flights longer than four hours provide free movies on overhead TVs, which may not always provide the best views or interest children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers weighing less than 20 pounds. Others must be checked with baggage.
Continental Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger after first class and elite passenger boarding.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Satellite TV and in-flight movies are shown on overhead TVs, which may not always provide the best views or interest children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers only. Others must be checked with baggage.
Delta -- The Family-Friendly Standout!
Pre-boarding Yes. Delta gets our praises for allowing families with children of all ages to board first, even before first and business class passengers.
Kids Meals Yes. For less than $5 Delta provides a kids' plate that is a PB&J sandwich with fruit and veggies.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Many flights have seatback TVs with On-Demand channels with children's programs. These cost $1 per episode or $6 for a bundle; satellite TV, when available, is free with children's networks. However, not all flights offer seatback TVs. Airline wings are also available to children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.
Frontier Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 5 and younger, after priority boarding.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Many flights have seatback TVs with On-Demand channels with children's programs. These cost $6 for 24 channels. Movies are available for $8 each.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.
JetBlue
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 2 and younger.
Kids Meals No meals offered. Free snacks offered.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment DirectTV programming offered for free on seatback TVs, with children's programming available.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.
Southwest Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger after elite, full-fare and early-check in fliers. Early check in is $10 per person, each way.
Kids Meals No meals offered. Free pretzels and peanuts offered.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment No entertainment, although coloring books and airline wines may be available.
Stroller Gate Check Yes.
United Airlines
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger after priority boarding, which can be purchased in advance.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment In-flight movies are free and shown on overhead TVs, which may not always provide the best views or interest children.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers only. Others must be checked with baggage.
U.S. Airways
Pre-boarding Yes, for families with children 4 and younger.
Kids Meals None specifically. Snacks and sandwiches are available.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment None.
Stroller Gate Check Yes; collapsible strollers only. Others must be checked with baggage.
See Unaccompanied Minors Rules & Regulations for airline policies on children traveling alone.
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