Is a child ticket cheaper?

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.



In the airline industry of 2026, a "child ticket" (usually for ages 2 to 11) is often 10% to 25% cheaper than an adult fare on international routes, though this varies significantly by carrier. On domestic flights, the price difference is often negligible, as children occupy a full seat and taxes remain largely the same. For infants under 2 traveling on a parent's lap, the "lap child" fare is typically just 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. While the base fare may be slightly lower for children, they are usually subject to the same baggage fees and seat selection costs as adults, making the total "all-in" price only marginally different on many low-cost carriers.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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Children aged 5 – 12 years: For most airlines children aged between 5 and 12 years old (15 for some airlines e.g. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic) can fly alone using the airline's Unaccompanied Minor Service. Usually an adult fare must be paid.

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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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When flying with kids, especially babies and toddlers, the fewer stops, the better. Whenever possible, purchase a direct flight so you don't have to deal with additional headaches like rushing to make connecting flights, delayed layovers, multiple takeoffs, and increased risk of lost luggage.

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You can choose to keep your baby or toddler in your lap if she's under 2. But children 2 and older have to sit in their own seats. In that case, both the FAA and AAP strongly recommend using a car seat or approved harness (booster seats aren't allowed).

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Travel Restrictions and Required Documentation Is your child two years old? Or turning two years old en route? If yes, then a seat is required to be purchased for all flights in which your child is 2 years old.

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Friends or acquaintances may tell you that age verification is not required for your lap child, but that is absolutely not true. While children don't need an ID for TSA, to fly as a lap infant and document to the airline that they are indeed under 2 years old, you need to be prepared.

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Children under the age of 16 do not need to show identification when travelling on domestic flights. The adult they are travelling with must travel with photographic identification and be able to confirm their identity.

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