One question comes up repeatedly when families plan a trip: what age is fly for free to fly? While airlines often promote free travel for young children, the rules behind that “free” seat vary depending on the airline and the type of flight. Let’s unpack what this means and how you can make the most of it when booking flight tickets online.
The General Rule: Under 2 Flies Free – But There’s a Catch
If your child is under two years old, they typically fly free on domestic routes, as long as they’re seated on your lap. But this policy rarely includes taxes, surcharges, or extras like baggage. Many airlines charge up to 10% of the adult fare for lap infants for international travel.
You’ll usually need to notify the airline at booking, and in some cases, especially for international routes, a separate infant ticket must be issued. Some airlines require you to call to complete bookings with a lap infant.
Should You Book a Seat for a Child Under 2?
Though babies under two can fly for free without a seat, some parents still opt to purchase one. Using an FAA-approved car seat allows the baby to rest safely and gives everyone more space. On long-haul flights, this option is often worth it.
If you’re traveling with twins or more than one child under two, each lap infant must be accompanied by a separate adult. In that case, at least one seat must be booked regardless of the infant’s age.
Child Fare vs. Full Fare: What Happens After Age 2?
Airlines require a paid seat once your child turns two—no exceptions. You must enter their birthdate during the booking process, and the system automatically applies the correct fare. Even if your child turns two during the trip, a seat is required for both directions.
Some international airlines offer reduced fares—usually 10% to 25% off the adult price—for children ages 2 to 11. These discounts often apply to long-haul routes and are rarely advertised prominently. Most domestic carriers charge full fare starting at age two.
Flying with Older Kids: Discounts Disappear
By the age of 12, most airlines charge adult fares. At the same time, some international carriers provide limited child discounts for kids ages 2–11, but budget airlines and U.S. domestic routes often do not.
Seasonal promotions like “kids fly free” can appear but are limited to specific dates, routes, or loyalty program members. If you’re part of a frequent flyer program, watch for email alerts and member-only offers.
Tips for Booking Free and Discounted Child Flights
Always compare how different airlines handle child and infant fares. Some include extra perks or charge less for taxes, while others might have strict seat rules or higher fees. Flexible search tools can help you find the most cost-effective options.
When entering passenger details, make sure the child’s birthdate is accurate. That determines the fare and eligibility for lap seating. Confirm that the site properly accounts for infants and children if you’re booking through a third-party platform.
Consider combining airline loyalty programs or credit card rewards. Some cards offer companion passes or allow point redemptions for child tickets. These strategies can reduce or eliminate the cost of a child’s seat.
Watch out for hidden infant charges on international routes. Even with a base fare of $0, taxes and fees can add up quickly, especially on longer flights.
Airline Rules for Infants and Children
U.S. carriers like Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines allow lap infants under 2 to fly free on domestic routes. International rules differ:
- Delta charges 10% of the adult fare for lap infants on international flights.
- United has a similar policy and recommends carrying proof of age.
- Southwest allows two free checked infant items, like a stroller and car seat.
- American Airlines applies taxes and surcharges for lap infants on overseas flights.
- JetBlue restricts lap infants from flying in Mint class but offers early boarding.
Among international carriers:
- Emirates and Qatar Airways charge 10% of the adult fare for infants. They offer bassinets and priority boarding for families.
- Lufthansa has a 10% infant fare rule and offers bassinets on long-haul routes.
- Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet charge flat fees per segment and typically don’t allow car seats without a booked seat.
Always confirm an airline’s specific age cutoffs. Some go by the child’s age on the departure date, others by age at the end of travel. If your child turns two during the trip, you’ll likely have to book a seat for the entire itinerary.
How to Save Money When Flying with Kids
Use flexible travel dates to avoid peak fares. Flying a day earlier or later can cut costs dramatically. Also, avoid weekends and school holiday rushes.
Enroll in loyalty programs to earn miles even when traveling with children. Booking flights with credit card points can unlock discounts or even complete redemptions for kids over age two.
Fare alerts for “kids fly free” promotions are rare but valuable. Airlines like Frontier and Southwest occasionally offer these deals to reward members. Signing up for newsletters and using flight tracking apps can help you catch them.
Always check the full cost of a lap infant ticket—especially for international flights—before confirming. That “free” fare could still come with $100+ in fees.
Flying with Kids Using Miles
Lap infants don’t usually earn miles unless a separate seat is purchased. However, children with their seats can join frequent flyer programs, and some airlines let families pool points into one account.
Booking award tickets for children may require the exact miles as adults, but you’ll save significantly on total fare. Taxes and fees will still apply, especially on international routes.
Plan early. Award seats for families go quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Choosing Seats When Flying with Kids
Bulkhead seats are best for families with infants, especially if the airline provides bassinets. You’ll often need to call the airline to request these.
Some carriers charge extra for family seating—even in economy class—so booking early increases your chances of sitting together. If you can’t select seats online, call to request child-friendly arrangements.
Early boarding makes the entire experience less stressful. Most airlines allow families to board first to get settled before the rush.
Airport Tips for Families
Smaller airports often make travel with kids easier due to shorter lines and quicker transitions. Look for family lanes at security and kid-friendly facilities like play zones.
Strollers and car seats can usually be checked at the gate for free. Confirm with your airline to avoid surprises.
Pack a carry-on with essentials: snacks, diapers, wipes, spare clothes, and small toys. Even short flights can feel long without the right items within reach.
FAQs
What documentation do I need to show for a child flying for free?
You must bring a birth certificate or passport to prove your child is under 2. Airlines may check this at the gate or during check-in, especially if your child looks older than their age.
Can I add a lap infant when booking flight tickets online?
Yes, most airline websites allow you to add a lap infant during booking. However, you may need to call the airline to confirm or complete the booking for some international flights.
Do lap infants get a baggage allowance?
Usually no. But most airlines allow you to check a stroller and a car seat at no cost. Always check your airline’s infant baggage policy before flying.
What if my child turns two during the trip?
You must purchase a separate seat for the child for the entire journey, even if the outbound flight occurs before their birthday. Airlines base fare requirements on the child’s age during travel, not booking.
Are there discounts for children over age 2?
Some international airlines offer discounted child fares for passengers aged 2–11. These discounts are rare for domestic flights and may not appear on third-party booking platforms.
Can I use frequent flyer miles for children’s tickets?
Yes. You can use miles to book seats for children, and many airlines allow children to have their mileage accounts. Some programs even let families pool points.
Are there car seat rules when flying with infants or toddlers?
Yes. If you book a seat for your child and plan to use a car seat, it must be FAA-approved. Not all airplane seats accommodate car seats, so check the airline’s seating guidelines first.
Do all airlines allow bassinets for babies?
Not all. Long-haul flights on full-service airlines may offer infant bassinets, but you must reserve these early. They are usually installed in bulkhead rows and given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can a child under 2 fly for free on international flights?
Only sometimes. Many international airlines charge 10% of the adult fare plus taxes for lap infants. Always check the exact fare breakdown before confirming your booking.
Can two adults travel with two infants for free?
Airlines allow only one infant per adult if an adult accompanies each infant. If you’re traveling alone with two babies under 2, you’ll need to purchase a seat for one of them.
