What is the cost of infant flights?

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.



The cost of flying with an infant (children under 2 years old) varies significantly between domestic and international travel. On domestic flights within many countries (like the U.S. or UK), a "lap infant" typically travels for free or for a nominal flat fee (like taxes only). However, for international flights, airlines generally charge approximately 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes and fees for a lap child. If you prefer your infant to have their own seat for safety or comfort, you must purchase a "Child" fare, which is usually 75% to 100% of the adult price. Some low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair or IndiGo, may charge a fixed infant fee (e.g., €25 or ₹1,500) regardless of the adult fare. Always bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, as failing to prove the child is under 2 can result in being forced to pay a full-price last-minute fare at the gate.

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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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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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You can either add the lap child at the time of booking or you can call at a later date and add the child. Note that even after your child has been born, most airlines have minimum age requirements to fly, usually starting at 7 days old. Check with your airline to confirm how young your baby can be when they fly.

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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.

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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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Do babies fly for free? Children under two years old can fly for free domestically on most airlines when carried onboard as a lap child. If you want to buy your baby their own seat, you'll need to book them a ticket.

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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.

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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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Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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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.

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Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it's always best to come prepared.

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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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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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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.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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