Do toddlers pay full price when flying?

Child Ticket Age and Price Most 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).



In 2026, airfare for toddlers depends primarily on their age and whether they occupy a seat. Infants under 2 (lap children) typically fly for free on domestic U.S. flights, though they may still incur small security fees. On international routes, lap infants are usually charged 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. However, once a child turns 2, they are legally required to have their own seat and are classified as a "Child" passenger. While some airlines offer a "child discount" (often 25% off the base fare), many major carriers and low-cost airlines now charge toddlers the full adult price for a seat. Always check the specific "Passenger Type" at checkout, as the era of significant discounts for toddlers is fading in the 2026 travel market.

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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.

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Lap infants United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and many others have similar policies for domestic flights, with a cutoff age of 2 years old. On international flights, there is no fare for lap infants, but fees may apply. In most cases, you'll need to add the infant to the adult's ticket.

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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.

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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.

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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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Related: Why you should travel while your baby is an infant If 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.

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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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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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Infants under 2 years old can travel at no charge in the lap of their parent (any age), or an accompanying adult 16 years or older traveling in the same cabin. We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants less than 7 days old require a 'Passenger Medical' form to be completed before your flight.

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More often than not, you'll need to pay 10% of the regular fare. This price will be valid until your baby reaches his/her second birthday. This rate does not give you the right to have a separate seat for your child; he or she will fly as a LAP INFANT.

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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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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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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.

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It is an FAA regulation that children aged 2 and older require their own ticket and seat. I recommend buying a ticket even for children under the age of 2 and strapping them into an airline approved carseat.

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How can I add my child's ticket to an existing flight booking? Unfortunately, a child cannot be added to an existing booking. You will need to book a separate ticket for your child with the airline directly. Did you find this article helpful?

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