Does a 3 year old need a plane ticket?

Yes, a 3-year-old generally requires their own flight ticket and seat. Airlines typically consider children above the age of 2 as individuals who need separate seating arrangements. It's essential to purchase a ticket for your 3-year-old to ensure they have a designated seat for the flight.



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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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We're here to take you and your family wherever you need to go. 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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Can a child fly free on their 2nd birthday? No. After the age of 2, your child will need to purchase their own seat. Some airlines offer discounts for younger passengers, however, in many cases (especially when booking with miles or points) you will be responsible for paying the full fare for your child's seat.

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If your child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a non-legal guardian, they will require a Child Travel Consent signed by both parents or legal guardians. A Child Travel Consent is sometimes called a letter of permission to travel.

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While we do not offer child fares, a little one under two years old may be carried free of charge (taxes apply outside U.S.) when traveling with an adult (12 years of age or older) as a lap baby.

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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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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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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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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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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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