Most people are aware that kids under two years old fly for free on domestic flights when not occupying a seat. However, did you know you could also get discounts on child airfare for kids two and older? Typically this savings is for kids 2-12 but some airlines offer the discount it up to 15 years old. Here’s everything you need to know about saving on child airfare, allowing you to travel more.
Child Airfare on Domestic Flights
As mentioned lap infants not occupying a seat fly for free on all domestic airlines. Just remember even though they’re free you still need to let the airline know they are flying. Here are tips for flying with babies.
Only 1 lap child per adult is allowed. If you are traveling alone with two children under the age of 2 you will have to purchase a seat for one of them. The age of “adult” is determined by the airline. Southwest allows lap infants to travel with anyone at least 12 years old, JetBlue with anyone at least 14 years old, while other airlines require the “adult” to be at least 18. If you would like to have your child sit in his/her car seat during the flight, occupying their own seat you will be required to pay for the seat.
Child Airfare on International Flights
Child Airfare for Kids Under 2
On international flights lap infants under the age of 2 not occupying a seat do not fly for free. At a minimum they are required to pay the taxes for the flight. Some airlines also charge 10% of the adult fare so be sure to check with the airline you are flying.
Child Airfare for Kids Over 2
International airlines really try to make flying with young children easy. This includes a discount for kids aged 2-11, the discount varies but is typically 10-25% off. Qatar Airways who we flew to Singapore with offered 25% off. Be sure to shop around if the adult fare is the same as one airline could give you a better savings on child airfare than another.
Forget Child Airfare, Kids Fly Free on These Airlines
When looking for deeper discounts on child airfare these airlines are making it nearly free with their kids fly free programs.
Frontier Airlines launched its Kids Fly Free Program in 2019 allowing kids 14 and under to fly free with a paying adult. While the program is called Kids Fly Free it doesn’t come without a yearly membership fee. In order to qualify for the free flights you must join Frontier’s Discount Den program which cots $59.99 a year. The offer is only available on Frontier’s domestic flights, international flights are excluded. You can read all the terms and conditions here.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) whom we flew to Denmark typically has a yearly kids fly free promotion. During this time you only pay taxes and fees for children. Better yet up to 8 children are allowed to be booked with this promotion for only one adult. The deal is usually for kids 11 and under.
Don’t Lose the Benefit of Paying for Child Airfare: Sign Your Kids Up For Frequent Flier Mileage Accounts
Once you start paying for your kids flights don’t forget to sign them up for every airlines frequent flier program. Some airlines like JetBlue allow you to pool your whole families points together. This will put everyone’s points into one account, accruing more quickly. Others you’ll each have separate accounts which makes it a little harder to book award flights. Mainly because you will have to call in to book as you can’t book for minors without an accompanying adult (assuming you’ll be using points to book your flight too). What we’re doing is not using our kids miles at all in hopes they’ll be able to use what they’ve accrued for a graduation trip or study abroad program.
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