You can call the airlines' reservation line and let them know you're all part of one family group—most of the time the agent can link the reservations or make a note that will identify you as a family within the seating system. Arriving at the airport early can help ensure families sit together.

To ensure your seats are together on a plane in 2026, the most effective strategy is to book early and select your seats during the initial purchase. If you missed that window, many airlines release additional seat blocks exactly 24 to 48 hours before departure when online check-in opens. For families traveling with children under 12, many US and EU airlines now have "Family Seating" policies that automatically attempt to seat one adult next to the child for free, though you should still verify this in the app. If all else fails, you can try the "Neighbour Free" seat upgrade options offered by some carriers like Etihad or Air India. As a last resort, arriving at the gate early and speaking politely with the gate agent can sometimes result in a reshuffling, but you should never rely on the kindness of strangers to swap seats once you have boarded the aircraft.