What age can my child fly for free?

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.



On most commercial airlines in 2026, children under the age of two years old (infants) can fly for free as "lap children" on domestic flights, meaning they sit on an adult's lap rather than in their own seat. For international travel, you usually still have to pay the taxes and a small percentage of the adult fare (typically 10%) for a lap infant. Once a child turns two, they are legally required to have their own purchased seat. However, some budget-friendly airlines like Frontier offer "Kids Fly Free" promotions for children aged 14 and under on select dates if you are a member of their discount programs. To stay grounded and avoid fees, always check the specific "lap child" policy of your airline at the time of booking, as you must still register the infant on the ticket even if the fare is $0. If you prefer the safety of a car seat, you must buy a full-priced seat regardless of the child's age.

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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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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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Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can't travel alone under any circumstances.

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Lap child policy. Who qualifies as a Lap Child? One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried as a Lap Child when traveling with an adult (12 years of age or older). Each adult may travel with one Lap Child.

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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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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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Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly domestically but do need a passport for international flights. You can also bring breast milk or formula through security, even if your child isn't with you. But, be sure you meet TSA guidelines.

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Your child's height and weight 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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Changes of clothes: You can never be too prepared—one for you, one for your toddler. Toys: Books, stuffed animals, or simple puzzles are safe bets. Sippy cups: Bringing an empty sippy cup is beneficial if your toddler uses one, as the flight attendant can fill it during drink rounds.

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Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches) Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

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Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

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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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The best time to fly with kids While you can't always fly at the optimal time (based on your child's age, that is), it's great when you can. The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three.

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Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel abroad. Newborn babies, infants, and toddlers all need a passport to leave and enter another country. Just as if an adult was applying for a passport, babies must have Form DS-11 filled out and submitted.

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