Save Money on Flights When Traveling with Kids (Expert Tips)

Flying with kids can be stressful and expensive, but knowing the right airline policies, discounts, and booking tricks can help you save money and make the journey smoother. If you're wondering when it's cheapest to fly with children, or how airlines price tickets for different age groups, this guide will give you expert tips on getting the best deals and avoiding unexpected costs.

How Airlines Price Tickets for Children (And When You Get Discounts)

Airlines don’t price all children’s tickets the same way—they use different categories:

✔ Infants (Under 2 Years Old): The cheapest way to fly with a baby!
✔ Children (2 to 11 Years Old): Get some discounts but require their own seat.
✔ Children 12+ Years Old: Pay full adult fares—knowing this can help you plan ahead.

Infants Under 2 Years Old: Almost Free (But There’s a Catch)

For babies under 2, many airlines offer significant discounts—or even completely free tickets—especially for domestic flights. However, there’s a downside:

• No Seat: Infants must sit on a parent’s lap unless you buy a separate seat.
• No Checked Baggage: Most airlines don’t include a baggage allowance for infants.
• Bassinet Seats: Some airlines provide baby bassinets on long-haul flights, but you need to reserve them in advance.

💡 Expert Tip: If you want more comfort, consider paying for an extra seat for your baby (especially for long-haul flights). Some airlines offer discounted fares for infants with their own seat, so always check the pricing before booking!

Children (2-11 Years Old): Discounted, But Not Free

Once a child turns 2, they require their own seat, which means paying a percentage of the adult fare. Standard airlines usually offer a 25-30% discount on child fares, but low-cost airlines charge full price for kids over 2.

• Luggage Allowance: Kids in this age range get the same baggage allowance as adults on full-service airlines.
• Low-Cost Carriers: Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air do NOT offer child discounts—you’ll pay the same as an adult ticket.

💡 Expert Tip: If flying with a 2-year-old, compare budget airlines vs. full-service airlines. Sometimes, with baggage and food included, full-service airlines may end up being a better deal than low-cost carriers!

Kids 12+ Years Old: Full Price Like an Adult

Once a child turns 12, airlines charge full adult fares—even though they’re still a minor. This is why planning trips before they turn 12 can help families save significantly on airfare.

💡 Expert Tip: If you’re flying with a 12-year-old and younger kids, check family fares on some airlines—they might offer special deals when booking multiple child tickets together.

Flying With Kids on Budget Airlines: What You Should Know

Low-cost airlines operate differently from full-service airlines when it comes to child pricing.

• Infants (Under 2): Instead of a percentage discount, budget airlines charge a fixed fee per flight leg (e.g., Ryanair €25 per flight, Wizz Air €30 per flight).
• Children Over 2: No discounts—kids pay the full price just like adults.

💡 Expert Tip: If traveling with a baby under 2 on a budget airline, compare the infant fee vs. an extra seat—sometimes booking an extra seat is more cost-effective, especially if you find a sale fare!

Can Children Fly Alone? Unaccompanied Minor Policies & Fees

If your child needs to fly alone, airlines provide Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Services, ensuring they are looked after by airline staff.

✔ Children 5-11 Years Old: Can travel alone but must use the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor Service (this costs extra).
✔ Children 12-17 Years Old: Can usually travel alone without UM service, but it’s available for an additional fee if parents prefer it.

💡 Expert Tip: The Unaccompanied Minor fee varies—some airlines charge as much as $150 per flight leg, so always check this when comparing ticket prices!

How to Get the Best Flight Deals When Traveling With Kids

Aside from age-based discounts, there are extra ways to save money on flights with children:

Book Early for Cheaper Fares

Airfares tend to increase the closer you get to departure, so booking 3-6 months in advance gives you the best prices.

💡 Expert Tip: If you miss early booking deals, check for last-minute sales on Tuesday afternoons when airlines often release fare discounts.

Use Airline Loyalty Programs for Free Flights

Many airlines allow kids to earn frequent flyer miles—but parents often forget to sign them up. Programs like Miles & More, SkyMiles, or Avios let children accumulate miles that can be used for future flights.

💡 Expert Tip: Even if your child only flies occasionally, sign them up! Over time, their miles can add up to free flights.

Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Fees

With baggage fees getting higher, knowing what’s included in your ticket can save you hundreds of dollars:

✔ Full-service airlines: Kids get a free baggage allowance.
✔ Budget airlines: Kids get NO free baggage (even if they get a seat).

💡 Expert Tip: If flying a budget airline, pack strategically using carry-ons to avoid extra luggage fees!

Consider a Stopover to Reduce Costs

Direct flights are more convenient, but adding a stopover can significantly cut ticket prices—especially for long-haul flights.

💡 Expert Tip: Some airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates offer free hotel stays on long layovers—turning a stopover into a mini family vacation!

What’s the Best Way to Save on Kids' Flights?

✔ Best Age to Travel Cheap: Under 2 years old (infants fly for free or very low cost).
✔ Best Airlines for Discounts: Full-service carriers (not budget airlines) offer up to 30% off for kids under 12.
✔ Best Booking Strategy: Buy early for the lowest fares, compare family discounts, and consider stopovers to reduce costs.
✔ Best Way to Earn Free Flights: Sign kids up for frequent flyer programs and use miles for future tickets.

Flying with kids doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—with the right strategies, airline policies, and booking tricks, you can cut costs and make family travel easier. Safe travels!

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