Best airline for long-haul flying with kids
You just can't go past Singapore Airlines if you're flying with really young kids - the service is amazing. They're quick to help get the kids comfortable, make sure you've got prioritized meals, warmed up milk, etc.
humbucker Here's my list of airlines I've taken the kids on in order kid friendliness:
* Qantas
* Thai
* Air New Zealand
* Southwest
* United
evanb8 I agree - Singapore Airlines is awesome. I don't think hosties are *meant* to take care of your kids, but I've seen the Singair hosties taking more than one baby for a wander around the plane to give parents a break.
vivekw Lufthansa of old was great - and horrible. I remember when they gave me a "kid's meal" of mini-frankfurters. I ended up sick for the entire duration of the 20-hour flight (and I never got airsick as a kid!). On the plus side, the hostesses were incredibly nice to me and gave me a whole row to myself to lie down on. I've heard that their service has gone way downhill, though.
lcfranks Just flew US to UK on United and it was pretty terrible. They don't have bassinets - instead they have these little bags you put on the floor at your feet. Terrible idea generally and particularly if you also have a 2.5 year old running around. So we had to hold baby the whole way... we wont fly United again (although the staff were plenty nice).
We've had great experience with Qantas and BA a year or so ago.
My husband had an amazing experience on Virgin America - one of the flight attendants helped him get our sick 1 year old to sleep while he had a kip. Amazing!
annebe9554 We've done several trips with Emirates over the past 5 years or so and we have always found them very friendly and helpful to families. Our kids, now 10 & 13 love flying Emirates.