The Top Airlines for Families

The Points Guy (TPG) has joined forces with travel expert Summer Hull after acquiring her popular blog, Mommy Points.

Kicking off this new venture, TPG and Hull have released a new report ranking airlines for their family-friendly features.

The Best Airlines for Family Travel in the U.S. measured airlines' family booking friendliness taking into consideration advanced seat reservations, baggage fees, route network, family boarding, kids food, in-flight entertainment, on-time arrivals, mileage policies and more.

Southwest's policies and route network launched the airline to the number-one spot. There are no bag fees or change fees, an extensive route network and the Southwest Companion Pass. Rewards Points are also easy to use.

Coming in at number two is JetBlue. The airline is also a great option for families and edged out Southwest in onboard amenities, including seat comfort, in-flight entertainment and snacks, according to the report. However, Southwest's more robust network and on-time arrivals gave it the win.

Delta took the number-three spot, making the grade with a solid onboard product, a good on-time arrival rate and free Biscoff cookies, according to the report.

Hawaiian offers a fabulous product for families, but with a limited network it wound up in the number-four spot. The airline offers larger than average economy seats, free advance seat assignments, early boarding for families, a good on-time arrival rate and more.

Alaska Airlines' on-time arrivals, baggage handling, customer satisfaction scores and best-in-industry frequent-flyer program give the airline an advantage but a lack of in-flight entertainment options and high-priced ancillary fees landed Alaska at number five in the TPG rankings.

Families with young children should take note of United Airlines super friendly family boarding policy, says the Points Guy. The airline has one of the best early boarding policy of all of the US airlines, allowing families with children under age 2 board even before first class.

One of the strikes against United is the number of variations within United's fleet and fares, meaning families don't know exactly what to expect in the air, says TPG.

TPG rankings found that American lags behind other airlines when it comes to family travel. A major drawback was the limited availability of standard complimentary seat assignments as well as consistent early boarding for families.

For families looking to save money, Frontier topped the list of ultra-low-cost airlines in the report. Families can save money but expect to pay for seat assignments, all bags, drinks, snacks, etc.

As an ultra-low-cost carrier, there are virtually no amenities with Spirit Airlines for families, and their awards program is difficult to use, notes the report, which means that families can save with the airline but should "do their homework" before they fly.

Allegiant came in number 10 on the list and is another low-cost airline that, while offering a unique route network, will mean fees for seats, bags, food and beverages and more.