Buying Airline Tickets For Children

If you are traveling with a child or purchasing an airline ticket for a child who will be flying unaccompanied, there are several things you should take into consideration.  Depending on whether you will be traveling with the child or the child will be traveling alone will dictate the fare for the child. 

Also, though each airline can set their own policies for children’s air fare, there are some rules that are fairly consistent between all the major airlines.  Some of the details may vary such as age distinctions but there are some general rules that most airlines follow when booking airline tickets for children.

A child can often fly on an airplane for free if the child is twenty four months of age or under during the time of the flight.  The child must, however, be seated on the parent’s lap during the trip in order to take advantage of this.  However, many parents choose to purchase a seat for the child so they do not have to worry about holding a child for the duration of the flight.  This is especially true if the flight is a long one.  Most airlines have special rates for seats that will be occupied by an infant twenty four months or less in age.  Although the seat will be occupied, it also will not be necessary for a flight attend to care for the child or use food and drinks which will save the airline a bit of money. 

Children from age two years to twelve years old will typically be given a child’s air fare.  Children from thirteen through seventeen may be given a youth air fare.  The fare is not guaranteed to be below the cost of an adult fare but they generally are available for a slight discount.  For family travel, this can be especially beneficial in order to save some money.  You should always check both online and offline prices to get the best ones possible.  Most online booking agencies are not allowed to book children’s fares if they are not accompanied by an adult.  In order to do this, you will have to contact the airline of choice directly and typically via telephone. 

Most airlines will not accept unaccompanied children under the age of five but this age may vary.  There are also usually restrictions on the types of flights that can be booked.  Children who are unaccompanied usually are not allowed to book connecting flights or anything that has a layover.  Direct flights are the only allowed format.  However, some airlines will allow connecting flights for older unaccompanied children.  During the flight, the flight attendants make sure the child’s needs are cared for and they pick up and release the child only to authorized personnel or parents.  Because of this added attention, sometimes an additional charge is required.  This can be as much as fifty dollars each way.  While this may seem expensive, it is often worth having the convenience of allowing a child to fly to their destination to visit relatives or friends.