United Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines: Which Is Better for Families With Kids?

Undoubtedly, flying with young children can be challenging. But with some planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. When choosing an airline for your family trip, there are a few things to consider. 

Price is always a significant factor, but if you’re flying with kids, you’ll also want to consider seat availability, in-flight entertainment options, and the airline’s policies on carry-on luggage and food.

So, which is the better option for families traveling with young children when comparing United Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines? We’ve deep-dived into United Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines to help you make the best decision for your family.

Seating

There’s no doubt that both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer great seating options for families. But which airline is better when it comes to accommodating families?

United Airlines offers a variety of seating options for families, including Economy Plus seats with extra legroom and priority boarding. You can also take advantage of the airline’s Family Pre-Boarding program, which allows families with small children to board the plane early.

Alaska Airlines also offers a variety of seating options for families, including Economy Plus seats and preferred seating. Families can also take advantage of the airline’s Family Boarding program, which allows families with small children to board the plane early.

Alaska Airlines offers more comfortable seating than United Airlines. On Alaska Airlines, you’ll find wider seats with more legroom and recline. There is also a power outlet at every seat to keep your devices charged during your flight.

Meanwhile, United Airlines offers thinner seats with less legroom and little to no recline. While some power outlets are available on United Airlines flights, they are not at every seat. So, if you’re looking for a more comfortable flight, Alaska Airlines is the better choice.

Price and Destinations

There are many things to consider when booking air travel for a family. But perhaps the two most important factors are price and destination. So, which airline is best for families?

Alaska Airlines offers a variety of fares for families, including several “Kids Fly Free” promotions. On the other hand, United Airlines does not have any specific promotions for families flying to Alaska. However, United offers various discounts and deals for families flying to other destinations.

Alaska Airlines is generally cheaper than United Airlines. For example, a round-trip ticket from Seattle to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines costs around $540, while the same ticket on United Airlines costs about $150 more.

Regarding destinations, Alaska Airlines offers more flights than United Airlines. Alaska Airlines also flies to more destinations within the US than outside the country. For example, Alaska Airlines flies to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, while United Airlines only flies to Anchorage.

So, if you’re looking for the best deal on air travel for your family, Alaska Airlines is probably your best bet. However, United Airlines may be a better choice if you’re looking for more flight options and destinations.

Classes

Alaska Airlines and United Airlines offer different classes for families. Alaska Airlines has a First, Business, and Economy class, while United Airlines has a First, Business, Economy Plus, and an Economy class. Both airlines offer great amenities for families, but there are some differences between the two.

Alaska Airlines First class offers families a private suite with a bed and a TV. Families in Business class enjoy a lie-flat seat and access to the United Club. Economy class will give families a standard seat with no extra perks.

United Airlines’ First and Business class tickets offer families similar perks as Alaska Airlines. However, their Economy Plus class offers families a seat with more legroom than standard economy. Their Economy class offers families a standard seat with no extra perks.

So, what’s the verdict? Alaska Airlines is the better choice if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck. If you’re looking for the best experience possible, United Airlines is the best option. Whichever airline you choose, you’re sure to have a great experience.

Baggage

Comparing United Airlines and Alaska Airlines’ baggage policies can be confusing, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know when traveling on these two airlines with kids.

United Airlines

• Each passenger is allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag.
• Checked baggage fees start at $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag.
• There are no free checked bags for children under two years old.

Alaska Airlines

• Each passenger is allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag.
• Checked baggage fees start at $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag.
• Children under two years old can travel with one free checked bag.

If you are flying with a family of four and want to check two bags, United Airlines would charge you $25. So, for two bags, the total cost would be $50. On the other hand, Alaska Airlines offers a fee of $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. Therefore, checking two bags with Alaska Airlines would cost $70. 

So, United Airlines is the cheaper option if you are flying with a family of four and want to check two bags.

However, Alaska Airlines is the cheaper option if you are only traveling with a carry-on bag. The airline charges $25 for a carry-on bag, while United Airlines charges $30. It all depends on your particular situation when deciding which airline is cheaper.

Carry-on Policy

United Airlines is known for its strict carry-on baggage policy, which can be a hassle for families traveling with young children. 

On the other hand, Alaska Airlines offers a convenient family check-in service that allows families to check their carry-on bags together. This service makes it much easier for families to keep track of their belongings and avoid having to check in separately.

Check-in Experience

Alaska Airlines is considered one of the best airlines for families traveling with young children. The airline offers a variety of perks and amenities that make flying with kids easier, including early boarding for families with small children, free checked baggage for infants, and complimentary strollers and car seats.

On the contrary, United Airlines does not offer special benefits or services for families traveling with young children. Families are not given priority boarding and must pay the standard checked baggage fees for all passengers, including infants. 

United also does not provide complimentary strollers or car seats, meaning parents will have to either bring their own or rent them at the airport.

Alaska Airlines offers a much better check-in experience for families traveling with young children. The airline’s special benefits and services make it easier and more convenient for parents to travel with their kids.

Food and Drinks

Alaska Airlines is known for its generous food and drink options, especially for families. On average, Alaska Airlines passengers can expect to receive about three meals and two snacks on long-haul flights. 

The airline offers a variety of hot and cold entrees, which you can pre-order, as well as several kid-friendly options. Kids can choose between various drinks, such as juices, sodas, and water.

On the other hand, United Airlines’s food and drink options are not as varied for families. On average, each passenger on United Airlines can expect to receive only two meals and one snack daily. 

The airline also offers a limited selection of hot and cold entrees and a limited number of kid-friendly options. Soft drinks offered to kids include juices, sodas, and water.

Alaska Airlines is the best choice for families looking for varied food and drink options. If you are traveling with a family and value food and snack options, choose Alaska Airlines.

Entertainment and Wi-Fi Options

Alaska Airlines is great for families looking for entertainment and Wi-Fi options. The airline offers more traditional in-flight entertainment but doesn’t have as many connectivity options.

If you’re flying with young children, Alaska Airlines is a better option since they offer an extensive in-flight entertainment system that includes TV shows, movies, and games. United Airlines doesn’t have as many entertainment options, but they offer various meal and snack choices.

Alaska Airlines is the better choice if you’re looking for an airline that offers both traditional in-flight entertainment and modern Wi-Fi options. However, United Airlines is a better option if you’re looking for an airline with more food and drink options.

Assistance for Families With Disabilities

There are many airlines, but two stand out when it comes to assisting families with disabilities. United Airlines offers various services for families with disabilities, including pre-boarding assistance, wheelchair assistance, and in-flight entertainment options. They also have a dedicated phone line for customer service inquiries related to disabilities.

Alaska Airlines also offers pre-boarding and wheelchair assistance, but they go further by providing Braille and large-print reading material on select flights. The airline also offers complimentary headsets for those with hearing difficulties. They also have a dedicated customer service line for disability-related inquiries.

Both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer reliable services to make travel easier for families with disabilities. However, Alaska Airlines seems to have a slight edge on in-flight accommodations and customer service options.

Safety

There is no doubt that families want to feel safe when traveling, and both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are committed to providing a safe experience for all passengers. 

However, Alaska Airlines is the clear winner on safety records compared to United Airlines.

Alaska Airlines has an excellent safety record, with only two fatalities in its history. On the other hand, United Airlines has had nine fatal accidents since 1970. Alaska Airlines also has a better record of mechanical issues and delays. So if you’re looking for the safest option for your family, Alaska Airlines is the best option.

Customer Service

Having a family can be wonderful, but it also comes with challenges, especially when traveling. That’s why United Airlines and Alaska Airlines dedicate themselves to making your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible with their excellent customer service.

It’s no secret that customer service is vital to airline passengers. It’s one of the travelers’ most important factors when choosing an airline. So how do United Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines compare in terms of customer service?

Alaska Airlines has an excellent reputation for customer service and consistently gets ranked as one of the world’s best airlines for this aspect. On the other hand, United Airlines has a below-average rating regarding customer satisfaction. On the other hand, Alaska Airlines is known for its customer-friendly policies.

The airline doesn’t charge change fees and is generally more flexible when it comes to things like cancellations and re-bookings. So if you’re looking for an airline that will give you and your family a great experience, Alaska Airlines is the way to go.

United Airlines understand that traveling with young children can be difficult. So their staff is always there to help in any way. Their customer service representatives are always happy to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have. They can also offer travel tips and advice to help you make the most of your trip.

Whether you’re flying with United Airlines for business or pleasure, the airline will strive to make your experience pleasant. However, United Airlines has a reputation for being tough on customers. The airline has been criticized for its rigid rules and lack of flexibility, especially when it comes to things like change fees and cancellations.

Travel Credit Cards

There’s no doubt that having a travel credit card can make family vacations more affordable. But which card is the best for your family? Trying to decide between the great options offered by United Airlines vs. Alaska can be tricky. Here’s a look at how the cards compare.

United Airlines Travel Credit Card

Are you a frequent flyer with United Airlines? If so, you may be interested in their travel credit cards. With these cards, you can earn valuable rewards points that you can redeem for free travel on United and other airlines. Plus, you’ll get exclusive benefits like priority boarding and no foreign transaction fees.

The United Airlines travel credit cards come with a few perks that can be valuable for travelers. First, you’ll earn two miles per dollar spent on all United Airlines purchases, which can add up quickly if you’re a frequent flyer.

You’ll also get a free checked bag when you use your card to book your flight. Using the card also comes with priority boarding privileges. Plus, there’s no foreign transaction fee, so it’s an excellent option for travelers who frequently fly abroad.

Alaska Airlines Travel Credit Card

Alaska’s travel credit card is a great way to save money on your next trip. The card offers many benefits that can help you save money on your next flight, including a $100 statement credit after your first purchase, 2 miles on all Alaska Airlines purchases, and no foreign transaction fees.

Both cards have their pros and cons. The United Airlines card has a lower annual fee and higher earning potential, while the Alaska Airlines card has a bigger bonus and more perks.

So, which one is the best for your family? It depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you fly with your fly, often choose Alaska Airlines. And if you prefer to transfer your miles to other airlines, then the United Airlines card may be a better option.

Loyalty Programs

United Airlines’ MileagePlus program and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan both have pros and cons. United Airlines’ MileagePlus program is more generous on flying rewards, but Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan offers more benefits for families that often travel together. Here’s a closer look at United Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines loyalty programs:

United Airlines’ MileagePlus Program

Here’s what you can expect from the United Airlines loyalty program:

Pros

• More generous rewards for flying
• More airline partners to choose from

Cons

• No award chart, so it can be tougher to understand how many miles you need for a free flight.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Here are the main things to know about the Alaska Airlines loyalty program:

Pros

• Companion fare every year with no blackout dates
• Kids fly free on select flight
• Easy to understand award chart

Cons

• Fewer airline partners to choose from

So which program is suitable for your family? That depends on your travel habits. 

If you fly United Airlines often and don’t mind a little extra work to figure out how many miles you need for a free flight, then the MileagePlus program is a great choice. But if you prefer the simplicity of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan and the ability to fly your family for free on select flights, that might be the better option.

So, United Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines – Which Is Best?

So, which between Alaska Airlines and United Airlines is better for families traveling with kids? Of course, it depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you’re looking for an airline that offers a safe, reliable, and affordable travel experience, Alaska Airlines is a great choice.