Do children fly free?

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).



Generally, children do not fly for free in 2026 once they reach 2 years of age. For children aged 2 to 11, most airlines charge a "child fare," which is typically 75% to 100% of the adult ticket price, and they are required to have their own seat. The only children who fly "free" (or for a very nominal fee) are infants under 2 years old who travel as "lap children." On domestic U.S. and UK flights, lap infants usually fly for $0, though you still have to register them on the ticket. On international flights in 2026, even lap infants usually cost about 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. Some low-cost carriers (like Ryanair or Spirit) charge a flat "infant fee" (around $30–$40) regardless of the route. Once a child turns 12, they are legally considered an "adult" by almost all airlines and must pay the full fare. Always remember to bring a birth certificate for lap infants to prove they are under the age of two.

People Also Ask

?Parents of children over the age of 2 are typically required to pay the full adult fare for their kids. ? Whereas kids fly free with an accompanying adult if they are sitting on the adult's lap and are under 2, they would then be considered a lap infant.

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A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

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You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.

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Lap infant fares on international flights Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

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A baby must be under two years of age to qualify as a lap infant. Once your infant turns 2 years old, they will be considered a child and will need to travel in their own seat.

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The most important thing to note is that infants are welcome above the age of 3 days old and can fly as lap children until they turn 2 — just be sure to bring proof of age. Additionally, your lap child will be allowed to bring 1 diaper bag, 1 car seat, and 1 stroller for no extra cost. Checked bags are not included.

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If a child turns 2 years during the trip, they need to have a child ticket instead of infant ticket, due to the seating on the return flight.

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As from 2 years old, children need a seat and will pay around 70-75% of a full ticket.

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One child over 14 days old and under two (2) years of age not occupying a seat may be carried free of charge when traveling with someone 12 years of age or older. If you plan to travel with an infant as a Lap Child, you must pay the taxes and fees that apply to the international portion of the infant's itinerary.

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A baby under two years of age can fly for free in the U.S. and Canada when they sit on the lap of a parent. If your child is 2 years and older, you are required to buy a seat for them. If your child turns two during a trip, they can fly on your lap on the way there, but must return home in a paid seat.

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Age requirements
A child between the ages of three days old until their second birthday is considered a lap infant. There is no cost to add lap infants to a reservation. If the child has their second birthday between the outbound and return flight, a seat will need to be purchased for the return flight.

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Parents/guardians should remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in their arms through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier through the walk-through metal detector. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.

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Absolutely! The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) strongly encourage bringing your baby's infant car seat on board. It protects against turbulence and keeps your little one safe in their seat, so they're not trying to explore the plane.

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Each airline will have its rules about who can sit where, but a bulkhead seat is generally considered an excellent option for families traveling with young children. The bulkhead is at the front of the cabin and sitting in those seats usually guarantees you some extra leg room.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

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This often means that a newborn should not fly until they're three to six months old. However, these dates can vary greatly from child to child. Some pediatricians will allow some babies as young as one month old to fly internationally. Always check with your pediatrician.

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