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Are kids priority boarding?

Depending on their ages and which airline you have chosen, some airlines invite families to board in front of everybody else, while others allow those with kids to slide in somewhere between elite passengers and regular coach-flying folk.



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US Airline Family Boarding Policies American Airlines: Families with young kids can board before the first class and elite members upon request only. The child's maximum age is at the discretion of the gate agent.

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All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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The current U.S. airline family boarding policies are: Alaska Airlines: Families with children younger than 2 can board at the beginning of the process, before first-class and elite customers. American Airlines: Families with children board before first-class and elite members upon request only.

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Most airlines allow children to fly in business and first and even provide extra amenities to make the flight extra special.

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Malaysia Airlines' decision to keep babies out of its first-class section on certain flights is as courageous as it is controversial. It acknowledges the fact that its premium cabin is an experience meant primarily for adult passengers.

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Don't hesitate to ask for accommodations.
Early boarding helps him stay calm, he explains, because standing in line in the jet bridge is intensely stressful for him. It's a simple request: He just asks for priority boarding at check-in, and “80 percent of the time,” he says, the airline is happy to grant his request.

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In theory, if you identify as someone who needs additional time or assistance to get into your seat, the airline should not have any say on whether or not your claim is valid. You can request preboarding at the gate. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

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Infants - 7 days to under age 2: Proof of age (a photocopy of birth certificate, health card or passport) Children - under age 18: An original birth certificate, health card, passport (photocopies are not acceptable).

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Flight Centre's tips for travelling with kids summarises the conundrum well: “Priority boarding can go two ways,” they warn. “[It] can allow you extra time and space to settle the kids into their seats. It also lengthens the amount of time in cabin confinement.

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Priority Pass Membership
You pay a yearly fee and either get free or discounted entry to the lounge depending on what membership you buy. The problem with Priority Pass is that you have to pay for guests and that usually includes children older than 2.

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You're more likely to be caught if you try to board with the first group or two. Unless the gate agent is a real jerk, or you are, the worst that can happen is that you'll be told to wait for your own group.

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If you need your carry-on bag during a long layover or prefer not to wait at a late-night baggage claim after a long day of flying, then purchasing a priority boarding upgrade may be well worth it. In essence, purchasing priority boarding is staking claim to readily accessible overhead bin space.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder An individual with ongoing ADHD will not (by definition) be able to complete pilot training. Medication used for this disorder is normally disqualifying.

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Don't hesitate to ask for accommodations. It's a simple request: He just asks for priority boarding at check-in, and “80 percent of the time,” he says, the airline is happy to grant his request. You can also do small things to make travel situations more bearable.

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But just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to travel in less comfort or style. Most airlines allow children to fly in business and first and even provide extra amenities to make the flight extra special.

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While it's clear that some people don't want babies to be allowed in first class, the current reality is that babies of all ages are allowed in first class on virtually all airlines and in virtually all cabins. So it's fine to “want” things to be different, but that's just the reality.

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The World's Most Family Friendly Airlines 2023
  • Air Canada.
  • Singapore Airlines.
  • Emirates.
  • Qatar Airways.
  • ANA All Nippon Airways.
  • Japan Airlines.
  • Virgin Atlantic.
  • Etihad Airways.


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