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Do children get discount on flights?

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.



Yes, children do get discounts on flights in 2026, but the amount depends on their age and the airline's specific policy. Infants under the age of 2 typically fly for free on domestic flights if they sit on an adult's lap, or for 10% of the adult fare plus taxes on international routes. For children aged 2 to 11, many full-service international carriers (like British Airways or Lufthansa) offer a "Child Fare," which is usually 75% of the adult base fare. However, it is important to note that most low-cost carriers (like Ryanair, Spirit, or Southwest) do not offer a child discount; everyone over the age of 2 pays the same standard fare. In 2026, some airlines have also introduced "Family Fares" or bundles that include free seat selection for families to ensure they sit together. While the base fare might be discounted, taxes and surcharges—which can make up a large portion of a 2026 ticket price—are rarely discounted for children, meaning the final "out-of-pocket" savings may be less than the initial 25% discount suggests.

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How much does a child ticket cost? The price of a child ticket will differ from airline to airline. Some airlines offer discounted prices for children, whereas others have a flat fare for adults and children. On average, discounted airline tickets for children are around 25—33% cheaper than adult tickets.

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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age. Want your child to earn miles for their SkyMiles account.

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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that is 2 years old or older. Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age.

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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).

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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***If you're flying with toddlers car seat on the plane, the car seat can not be in an aisle seat. ***ALL children over the age of 2 require their own seat no matter of their size. SO, if you're flying with a 2-year-old, they will need their own ticket and their own seat and their own seat belt.

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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.

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Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.

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When traveling internationally, it's a good idea to get a consent letter from the parents indicating that you have their permission to travel with your grandchildren. Most likely no one will ask you for it, but you'll be glad to have a hard copy on you in a scenario where you can't get in touch with them.

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However, statistically speaking, a seat close to an exit in the front or rear, or a middle seat in the back third of the plane offers the lowest fatality rate. That said, flying is still the safest form of transport.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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Before she even asks, so that she won't ask as soon as the fasten seatbelt sign goes on.
  1. Keep her fed and hydrated so she's less likely to get grumpy. ...
  2. Distract and entertain. ...
  3. Calm your little one. ...
  4. Calm yourself. ...
  5. Introduce yourself to your neighbors at the start of the flight. ...
  6. As kids get older, teach and pre-teach.


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Babies age two and under can fly free on domestic U.S. flights with one paying passenger as long as they sit in the passenger's lap. It is safer for a child to ride in a car seat in the plane, and if you prefer that option, you'll need to pay full fare for a seat for the baby regardless of age.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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Flying with an infant or young child first class could mean paying an additional 'lap charge', and this can differ depending on which airline you go with. Some airlines are not always upfront about this charge, so if it's advertised as free, you could incur some steep fuel surcharges.

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