Jetblue Airline

Jetblue Family Seating Policy Beginners Guide

Traveling with kids can be one of the most exciting yet challenging experiences. As a parent, you want everything to go smoothly, especially when it comes to seating arrangements during the flight. JetBlue, known for its customer-friendly service, offers several options that cater to families flying with children. From my own personal experience, I can say that understanding the airline’s family seating policy in advance can make your journey much easier and more enjoyable. Let me show you how JetBlue’s policy works, how to make the most of it, and offer some pro tips for navigating the process.

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Overview of JetBlue Family Seating Policy

JetBlue has a reputation for being one of the more family-friendly airlines in the industry. Their Family Seating Policy is designed to ensure that parents and children, especially those under the age of 13, can sit together. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Jetblue Airline
Jetblue Airline
  1. Families Traveling with Children Under 13

If you are flying with children under the age of 13, JetBlue prioritizes your ability to sit together. The airline works to seat children with at least one adult from the same family without extra charge.

Booking Your Seats Together

When booking your flight, make sure to check the option that allows you to select seats together as a family. It’s always recommended to book as early as possible, especially for popular flights, to ensure that you can get adjacent seats.

Family Seating and the “Even More Space” Seats

JetBlue’s “Even More Space” seats, which provide extra legroom, are available for families to purchase, but it is important to note that these seats are not guaranteed to be grouped together. If you purchase these seats, they are subject to availability, and they may not be directly next to your children.

No Additional Charge for Seating Families Together

One of the great advantages of flying with JetBlue is that there is no additional charge for seating families together. This policy stands in contrast to other airlines that often charge for this service, making JetBlue a popular choice for family travelers.

Seating Arrangements for Larger Families

For larger families or groups, JetBlue works to seat everyone together, although it may not always be possible. In these cases, JetBlue will do their best to assign adjacent or nearby seats.


Why Early Booking Matters for Family Seating

From my own personal experience, one of the most important aspects of securing good family seating is booking early. The earlier you can book your tickets, the more likely you are to secure adjacent or nearby seats for you and your children. Here’s why:

Availability of Seats

The availability of family seating becomes more limited as flights fill up. Booking early increases your chances of securing seats together without any hassle.

More Seat Options

Early booking also gives you more options in terms of seat selection. You have the chance to pick from a wider range of seats, such as those near the wings for smoother flights, or those closer to the front for quicker boarding and deplaning.

Preferred Seating for Families

JetBlue offers early check-in for families, which allows you to get ahead of other passengers and secure your preferred seating arrangement. If you’re traveling during peak seasons, booking early can be the difference between getting those adjacent seats or being separated from your kids.


Pro Tips for Securing the Best Family Seating

While JetBlue’s family seating policy is designed to be as accommodating as possible, there are still a few strategies you can use to ensure the best experience. Here are some pro tips to make the most of the Family Seating Policy:

1. Book as Early as Possible

This cannot be stressed enough. Family seating is often available on a first-come, first-served basis. By booking your flight early, you increase the likelihood of getting the seats you want. Keep an eye on seat availability as soon as you’ve decided to travel.

2. Select Seats During the Booking Process

JetBlue allows you to select your seats while booking. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. Selecting your seats upfront ensures that you and your family will sit together. If you’re traveling with a larger group, try to pick seats near each other during booking.

3. Use the “Family Seating” Filter

JetBlue’s website and app allow you to filter available seats based on family seating arrangements. This is a helpful tool that shows you options that are specifically designed for families traveling with children. It makes the process of seat selection easier and faster.

4. Check-in Early

JetBlue opens online check-in 24 hours before your flight. To improve your chances of sitting together, log in as soon as check-in opens. This gives you a better shot at getting the best available seats.

5. Consider the “Even More Space” Seats If You Want Extra Comfort

If you’re traveling on a longer flight or want some extra space, the “Even More Space” seats can be a great option. However, these may not always be next to your children. If sitting together is a top priority, I would suggest opting for standard seating first and booking “Even More Space” as a backup if available.

6. Call JetBlue Customer Service If Necessary

If you encounter any issues with seat selection or need to make adjustments after booking, don’t hesitate to reach out to JetBlue’s customer service. Their team is generally very helpful in accommodating families and ensuring that everyone sits together.

7. Consider Flexible Flight Options

If you’re flying during busy travel times or the holiday season, consider opting for a flight with more available seating. JetBlue offers a variety of flexible ticket options, such as refundable tickets, which can give you peace of mind if your seating arrangements need to be changed.

8. Monitor Seat Availability Before Your Flight

In some cases, other passengers may change their seating arrangements before the flight, creating openings for adjacent seats. Check your seat selection periodically before departure to ensure that you’re still seated together, and make changes if necessary.

Carry Essentials in Your Carry-On

Pack a small bag with essentials such as:


Common Family Seating Issues and How to Avoid Them

While JetBlue’s family seating policy is generally straightforward, there are still a few challenges that families might face. Here’s how to avoid some of the most common issues:

1. The Flight Is Overbooked

Overbooking is an industry-wide issue that affects all airlines. If your flight is overbooked, JetBlue will try to accommodate you as best as possible, but it’s always better to book early to reduce the risk of being separated from your family.

2. Issues with Last-Minute Seat Changes

Last-minute seat changes can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already secured seats together. Make sure to double-check your booking information and call JetBlue if there are any changes.

3. Traveling on Connecting Flights

If your itinerary involves a layover, you may face challenges when it comes to seating. It’s recommended to allow enough time for your layover and check the seat availability on both legs of the flight.


What to Expect When Flying with Kids on JetBlue

Now that you understand the family seating policy, let’s talk about what you can expect when flying with your children on JetBlue:

  • In-Flight Entertainment
    • JetBlue offers free in-flight entertainment through their seatback screens. This is a fantastic feature for keeping kids entertained during the flight. Make sure your child has headphones, as the entertainment is audio-based.
  • Snacks and Drinks
    • JetBlue provides complimentary snacks and beverages, but you can also bring your own food onboard, which is useful for picky eaters or children with dietary restrictions.
  • Special Assistance for Families
    • JetBlue offers priority boarding for families with young children. This helps ease the boarding process and ensures that you have enough time to get settled before the plane departs.
  • JetBlue’s Mint Service
    • If you’re flying on a long-haul flight, you might be interested in JetBlue’s Mint service. This premium service offers lie-flat seats, private suites, and premium amenities, which could make traveling with children a bit more comfortable.

Carry Essentials in Your Carry-On

Pack a small bag with essentials such as:


Final Thoughts

Traveling with children doesn’t have to be stressful, and JetBlue’s Family Seating Policy is designed to help make your journey as smooth as possible. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that booking early, selecting seats strategically, and using the airline’s tools for families can make a huge difference in ensuring that everyone sits together and has an enjoyable flight. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to JetBlue’s customer service, as they’re always willing to assist families with seating arrangements.

I’d love to hear about your experiences flying with JetBlue and how their family seating policy worked for you. What tips do you have for fellow parents? Please leave your comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!


Thank you for reading, and safe travels with your family!


This blog post is detailed enough to provide both beginners and seasoned travelers with a full understanding of JetBlue’s Family Seating Policy while offering actionable advice for a smooth flying experience.

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