Standard Airline Child Policy

 Infants (0–2 years)

  • Age: Under 2 years at the time of travel
  • Seating:
    • Can travel on an adult’s lap (lap infant)
    • Optional: purchase a separate seat (recommended for safety)
  • Fare:
    • Domestic: Usually free or very minimal fee
    • International: ~10% of adult fare + taxes
  • Baggage:
    • Often 1 extra cabin bag or checked bag allowed
    • Stroller/pram usually free
  • Documents:
    • Passport required for international travel
    • Some airlines may ask for proof of age

 Children (2–11 years)

  • Must occupy their own seat
  • Fare:
    • Discounted fare (typically 50–75% of adult fare) or sometimes full fare depending on airline
  • Baggage:
    • Same allowance as adults in most cases
  • Meals:
    • Special child meals can be requested

 Young Passengers / Minors (12–17 years)

  • Usually treated as adults for ticketing
  • Can travel alone without mandatory assistance
  • Optional Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service available

 Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Policy

  • Age range:
    • Mandatory: Typically 5–11 years
    • Optional: 12–17 years
  • Service includes:
    • Airline staff supervision
    • Escort during boarding, transit, and arrival
  • Fees:
    • Extra fee applies (varies by airline & route)
  • Restrictions:
    • Often not allowed on connecting flights (depends on airline)

Infant Facilities

  • Bassinet (sky cot) available on long-haul flights
  • Priority boarding for families
  • Baby meals and milk warming (on request)

 Important Notes

  • Age is calculated on the date of travel, not booking
  • One adult can usually travel with one lap infant only
  • Safety seats must be airline-approved
  • Policies may differ between airlines like Air India, Emirates, or British Airways

❓ Airline Child Policy – FAQ

1. What age is considered an infant in airlines?

Infants are children under 2 years old on the date of travel.

Your Questions, Answered

Infants are children under 2 years old on the date of travel. International: Passengers can enter the terminal up to 8 hours before their international flights. However, the check-in counter for international flights opens 4 hours before the Scheduled Time of Departure (STD).

Yes. Even if traveling on a lap, a ticket must be issued (usually at a reduced fare). IndiGo (all series excluding flight numbers between 5000-5999 series). SpiceJet (all series excluding flight numbers between 8000-8999 series). Akasa.

Yes, but you must pay a child fare and use an approved child restraint seat.

Domestic: Free or minimal fee International: Around 10% of adult fare + taxes

Typically includes: 1 cabin bag or checked bag 1 stroller or pram (free)

No, policies vary slightly between airlines, so always check with the specific airline before booking.