Kids Flying

[Neeranam]

Does anyone know what age a kid can be to get a discounted fare?

I know that one gave me a fare about 25% of the adult one for under 2s.

Are they all the same, must be under 2?

[slimdog]

Generally airlines have two discounts for children

Less than 24months - Can be upto 90% discount + any tax's

Less than 12 Years - Can be upto 50% discount + any tax's

In the first case, the child will not be allocated a seat, and will be expected to share a seat with an adult. Also generally the child will not be given any baggage allowance, although the airlines will allow extra carry-on baggage for the mother.

Hope this helps

[TRIPxCORE]

Here are the rules from one major US airline. Surely the rules among the airlines are similar but to be sure, check out the individual airlines website.

Infants and toddlers

Infant fares

One child less than 24 months of age may travel free within the US and between the U.S. and Canada when accompanied by an adult. Applicable taxes for travel to and from Canada apply.

For travel outside the US and Canada, a ticket must be purchased. Often a discounted fare will apply, depending on the international destination. One adult customer traveling with more than one infant must purchase an adjacent seat for each additional child, at the applicable fare. Additional children must be properly secured in their seats. A passenger must be at least 15 years old to hold an infant as a lap child.

Booking a seat for an infant

There are two options when traveling with an infant (child under 2 years of age) within the United States, Canada, San Juan and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Lap child

For travel between these destinations, infants are not required to occupy a seat. However, the reservation must be documented as having an infant in seat. If you decide to fly with an infant in your lap, book your reservation on united.com and then contact United Reservations to advise that an infant will be traveling on your itinerary.

Child in seat

For travel between these destinations, infants can travel in a seat by purchasing a ticket at 50% of the applicable adult fare. To purchase tickets for infants traveling in seats, please contact United Reservations at 1-800-United-1 (1-800-864-8331).

For some international travel, an infant is required to have a ticket to travel as a lap child. If a seat must be purchased, children's fares are offered based on your destination. You must call United Reservations to reserve international travel for infants.

Car seats

You may use an approved infant car seat on board the aircraft when you purchase a seat for your child. The seat must conform to all applicable U.S. motor vehicle safety standards.

If manufactured after February 1985, the car seat should also be certified for use in aircraft. You should seat your child in car seats for takeoff, landing and during turbulence.

The following child restraint devices may not be used on board the aircraft: booster seats, belly belts which attach to adult seat belts only, and vests or harnesses which hold the infant to the chest of the adult.

Bassinets

Bassinets are provided, free of charge, on all international aircraft (747, 767 and 777). When confirming your reservations, you may request a seat in an appropriate location for bassinet usage. These bassinets are large enough to hold a child up to approximately six months old. They may not be used for takeoff, landing, or any time the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated.

Bottles

Time permitting, the flight attendant will be happy to warm bottles for you. However, we do not carry formula on board, and we do not carry baby food unless you have requested a special baby meal prior to the flight.

Changing tables and diapers

We recommend that you have an adequate supply of diapers for your trip Changing tables are available on certain types of aircraft. Your flight attendant will direct you to the proper lavatory.

Seating

If you are traveling with an infant or any child under 15 years old, you cannot sit in a designated exit row, in keeping with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Only one infant per each grouping of seats on the aircraft is acceptable due to the availability of oxygen masks.

General information

We recommend that you bring your child's favorite toy, coloring books and storybooks. We also recommend that you give your child something to eat or drink when the plane is taking off and landing. This may help alleviate ear pain caused by the pressure as the cabin adjusts to the altitude.

[Neeranam]

Thanks guys.

Last time KLM were wonderful with that crib thing they put on the wall and the hostesses went out their way to look after the kids.

Mr Core, I ain't going to the states but I presume all are much the same.

[think_too_mut]

Back in May, a friend travelled from Zurich to BKK with 1 year old child.

Thai quoted him 400US$ and no seat. Swiss did it for 200$, also no seat.

[mijan246]

depends where you are going to. Royal Brunei discount up to age 17 if accompanied by an adult.