Best airlines for families

The friendly skies have become chillier for families in recent years as airlines cancel pre-boarding, charge for seats together and even rollout kid-free zones.

Here's how some of the airlines popular with Canadians measure up.

A version of this article appeared in our April 2013 issue with the headline "Airline report," p.76.

WestJet offers:

— sense of humour
— strollers and car seats (or a playpen) checked for free
— families pre-board
— free live seatback TV (but you pay for movies)
— seat selection charge

Get more information here: WestJet

Air Transat offers:

— family check-in counters at most airports
— families pre-board
— airport strollers in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver
— strollers and car seats checked for free
— kids' frequent-flyer program

Get more information here: Air Transat

Air Canada offers:

— free on-demand seatback TV
— small strollers and car seats checked for free
— fee for seat selection in economy class ($31 and up one way)
— charge for lap infants travelling internationally (10 percent of adult fare)

Get more information here: Air Canada

Southwest Airlines offers:

— pre-boarding for families with children under five
— strollers of any size can be checked at the gate
— lap infants fly free
— known for its fun attitude with attendants prone to singing or rapping

Get more information here: Southwest Airlines

Lufthansa offers:

— activity kits
— healthy, fun kids meals
— free seat selection, which is set up so families can snag spots for bassinettes
— kids' frequent-flyer program
— charge for lap infants (10 percent of adult fare)

Get more information here: Lufthansa

British Airways offers:

— feed-kids-first policy
— free seatback entertainment
— activity kits
— free seat selection when flying with an infant
—  charge for lap infants (10 percent of adult fare)

Get more information here: British Airways

Flying can be fraught with frustration. Check out what these major airlines offer families, and perhaps your next trip will be a bit more fun.