+1(844)696-1925

What Is the Age Limit for a Child in Flight?


Navigating the Skies: A Parent's Guide to Stress-Free Air Travel with Kids

When traveling by air, airlines have specific policies for defining the age limit for a child. Here’s a breakdown of these guidelines to help you understand what qualifies as a “child” in flight and the relevant rules:

Infants (Under 2 Years Old)

  • Definition: An infant is a child below the age of 2 years (24 months) at the time of travel.
  • Seating: Infants typically travel on an adult’s lap and are secured using an infant seat belt provided by the airline.
  • Ticketing: Most airlines charge a nominal fee or a percentage of the adult fare for infants, but the rules may vary.

Children (2 to 12 Years Old)

  • Definition: A child is someone aged 2 years to under 12 years at the time of travel.
  • Seating: Children must have their own seat and require a full ticket.
  • Special Assistance: Airlines often offer assistance for unaccompanied minors in this age group, with specific guidelines for their travel.

Travel for Unaccompanied Minors

  • Most airlines allow children aged 5 to 12 years to travel alone under their Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service, which includes supervision throughout the journey.
  • For children below the age of 5 years, airlines generally do not permit unaccompanied travel.

ID Proof Requirements

For children, airlines usually require a government-issued ID, such as:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport (for international travel)
  • School ID (depending on airline policies)

Additional Considerations

  1. Meals: Child-friendly meals can be requested on most airlines in advance.
  2. Entertainment: Some flights offer kids’ entertainment kits or child-friendly content on in-flight screens.
  3. Baggage Allowance: Infants and children often have different baggage allowances, so check your airline’s policy beforehand.

Conclusion

Airlines consider anyone under the age of 12 as a child, with specific provisions for infants (under 2 years). Understanding these age limits and rules helps ensure a smooth travel experience for families. Always confirm with the airline for the latest policies and guidelines related to children before booking your tickets.

Safe travels!

Read More

Where To Find Flight Number? How To Check It?

How to Download the Boarding Pass for IndiGo: A Step-by-Step Guide