How to book flight for 3 year old?

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.



Booking a flight for a 3-year-old is straightforward but differs significantly from booking for an infant. Because your child is over 2 years old, they are legally required to have their own assigned seat; they can no longer travel as a "lap child." When booking online in 2026, you simply select the "Child" (usually ages 2–11) category during the passenger selection phase. Most international airlines offer a reduced "Child Fare," which is typically 75% to 80% of the adult base fare, plus taxes. You will need to provide their full name and date of birth exactly as it appears on their passport or birth certificate. It is also recommended to choose your seats in advance to ensure you are seated together, and remember to request a "Child Meal" at least 24 hours before departure, as these are often more kid-friendly than standard cabin options.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

Accompanied children ages two through 11 may purchase the applicable Child Fare for the flight (does not apply to unaccompanied children ages five through 11). Please contact us via phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to confirm if a child fare is available for a specific flight.

MORE DETAILS

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?

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Although airlines allow for children under 2 to sit on a parents lap, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommends for all young children to sit in a FAA approved car seat at all times during a flight.

MORE DETAILS

Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

MORE DETAILS

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Personal item should be of proper size to fit under the seat in front of you. A jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, duty free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) do not count towards your carry-on allowance.

MORE DETAILS

The TSA's liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person, or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat. The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Customers with children are allowed to check one stroller and one car seat without charge. This allowance applies to any type of stroller and/or car seat and is in addition to the regular baggage allowance. Customers may check the stroller and car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.

MORE DETAILS