Many airlines offer discounts for children, which is usually considered ages 2-11. Some of the discounts vary and are not available for every route.
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Child Ticket Age and PriceMost airlines count any person between the ages of 2—11 as a child. You're required to purchase a seat for children, although in most cases they're considerably cheaper than the price of an adult ticket (between 25—33% cheaper).
Typically, children above the age of 2 require their own seat and will need a flight ticket. While some airlines may allow children under 2 to travel for free on domestic flights when sitting on an adult's lap, it's recommended to purchase a separate seat for their comfort and safety.
Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight.
To prove your child's age to an airline, one of the following documents will suffice: Child's passport (how to get a U.S. passport for an infant and things to know about children's passports) Child's birth certificate. Child's immunization form or other medical records may also work domestically.
Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).
12-18 Months OldOne year olds are often highly mobile yet totally uncontrollable, making for a potentially dangerous travel combination. At this age, children are still too young to understand and follow instructions, so discipline is ineffective.
A parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together.
Travel Restrictions and Required DocumentationIs your child two years old? Or turning two years old en route? If yes, then a seat is required to be purchased for all flights in which your child is 2 years old.
Toddlers aged two years and above will require their own seat on the plane. Before their second birthday, toddlers can sit on your lap for free. However, some parents buy an extra seat for their toddler if money allows – especially for longer flights.
On most major airlines, kids must be at least five years old to fly alone, yet recently, infants as young as 11 months have been seated away from their parents.
Related: Why you should travel while your baby is an infantIf you have a trip that spans your child's second birthday, only the outbound flight will be free. On the return flight, you will be required to purchase your now-2-year-old a seat with a one-way ticket.