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Is a child plane ticket cheaper?

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. Are there kids options on the in-flight menu?



In 2026, the answer depends heavily on the route and the specific airline. For domestic flights within the US and many short-haul European routes, "child" tickets for ages 2–11 are often the same price as adult fares, though infants under 2 (lap children) typically pay only 10% of the base fare plus taxes. On international long-haul routes, however, many legacy carriers still offer a "Child Discount," which is usually between 25% and 33% off the adult base fare. Some budget airlines, like Norwegian, may offer child tickets at 75% of the adult fare plus airport taxes. It is a common myth that children always get 50% off; in reality, total costs for children are often quite close to adult prices because taxes and fees (which make up a large portion of the ticket price) are usually charged at the full rate regardless of the passenger's age. Always check if a "Young Adult" category exists for those aged 12–15, as some carriers provide slight breaks for this group.

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Child Ticket Age and Price 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). Some airlines offer tickets for young adults, which are usually for passengers aged between 12—16.

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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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Price of Child Tickets Many airlines will only charge between 50% to 80% of an adult ticket, for a child flight ticket. This means that children's tickets are often cheaper than adult tickets, meaning that you'll save money on flights.

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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 up to age 2 are eligible to fly free on the lap of a paying adult. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends infants travel in an airline-provided bassinet or a properly secured car seat, most of which are certified for airplane use.

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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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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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Ticket fares for babies and children On domestic flights, infants under the age of two often fly for free if seated on their parent's lap, and some airlines charge a (discounted) fare. On international flights, airlines often charge 10% of the adult ticket price.

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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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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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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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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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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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If your child is big enough to do so (around 4 years and 40 lbs), you can have them sit buckled on the airplane seat. Bring a belt positioning device such as the RideSafer Travel Vest or BubbleBum in your carry-on bag for your car travels once you land.

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