What age is a child free to fly in India?
Many parents often wonder “up to what age a flight ticket is free” or what is the minimum age for a flight ticket in India. Whether you’re flying with an infant or a child under 5, understanding the age-specific rules for flight bookings can save both time and money. Airlines in India categorize passengers by age, and the pricing for flight tickets varies significantly depending on whether you’re booking for an infant, child, or adult.
Infant vs. Child vs. Adult: Understanding Age Categories
To determine if a flight ticket is free for a child, it’s important to know the airline’s age classifications:
- Infants (0 to under 2 years): Usually do not occupy a separate seat and travel on an adult’s lap. They are not charged full fare but may be subject to a nominal fee.
- Children (2 to under 12 years): Require their own seat and are generally charged a reduced fare, although not always. Some airlines charge 10–30% of adult fare.
- Adults (12 years and above): Pay the full adult fare.
So, the minimum age for flight ticket purchase begins when a child turns 2 years old.
Note: An infant must be under 2 years old on the date of travel. If the child turns 2 before a return trip, that leg may require a full child fare.
✳️ Some airlines require infants to be at least 7 days old to travel.
Is Flight Ticket Free for Child Under 2 Years?
For domestic flights in India, infants under 2 years old often pay only a small fixed fee instead of a full fare. However, it is not completely free. For example:
- IndiGo charges ₹1750 per infant per sector.
- Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet apply similar nominal fees.
Even though it’s common to ask “how many age child free in flight”, in reality, most airlines offer only partial concessions, not full waivers.
On international flights, airlines usually charge 10% of the adult fare plus taxes for an infant who does not occupy a separate seat.
Flight Ticket for Child Under 5: Is There Any Discount?
There is a misconception that flight ticket for kids under 5 is free. In truth:
- Children aged 2 to 5 require their own seats.
- They do not fly for free and are generally charged a child fare, which may be slightly less or sometimes equal to adult fares.
- If you’re wondering is flight ticket required for 3 year old or is flight ticket required for 2 year old, the answer is yes both require a separate seat and a paid ticket.
Flight Charges for Infants in India (Domestic & International)
- On domestic routes, infants are charged a flat fee, usually ranging from ₹1250 to ₹2000.
- On international routes, airlines may charge 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes.
Thus, if you’re researching flight charges for infants in India, it depends on the airline and whether the flight is domestic or international.
Domestic Flight Child Age Limit Rules in India
For domestic flights, the age limits for ticketing are standardized across most airlines:
- 0–2 years: Infant
- 2–12 years: Child
- 12+ years: Adult
If you’re asking flight ticket for 1 year old in India you do not need a full fare ticket, but you must pay the infant fee and register the infant while booking.
Baggage Allowance and Free Items for Infants
- Infants typically get 10 kg check-in baggage allowance.
- Most airlines allow free carriage of strollers, baby bags, bottle bags, or car seats.
- For longer routes, bassinets may be provided free of charge (subject to availability).
Can You Book a Separate Seat for an Infant?
Yes, you can opt to purchase a seat for an infant. In this case:
- A child seat or airline-approved restraint device (CRS) is mandatory.
- You will be charged the child fare instead of the infant fee.
- Lap infants are not permitted in exit row seats.
Seat Selection Rules for Children
As per DGCA guidelines, children under 12 must be seated next to at least one accompanying adult. Airlines cannot charge extra for ensuring this proximity if the family is booked under the same PNR.
However, to select preferred seats (like window or aisle), seat selection fees may still apply unless automatically assigned.
Documents Required for Infant or Child Travel
Airlines typically require:
- Birth certificate or passport to verify age.
- Vaccination card may be asked for international routes.
- Aadhaar card is acceptable.
- DigiLocker digital IDs are valid on domestic flights.
Make sure the documentation matches the booking details.
Airline-Specific Infant and Child Ticket Policies
Each airline may apply fare rules and policies differently:
- IndiGo: ₹1750 per infant. No special child discount after 2 years.
- Air India: Infant fee varies. Offers UMNR (Unaccompanied Minor) service for children aged 5–12.
- Vistara: May offer discounted child fares on select routes.
- SpiceJet: Similar infant fee. No extra discount for children.
- Go First: Charges apply per sector for infants; no child-specific fare.
Unaccompanied Minors: Rules and Fees
For children traveling without parents:
- Air India accepts children aged 5–12 years as Unaccompanied Minors.
- UMNR fee is ₹5,000 for domestic and up to $150 for international travel.
- A declaration form and ID verification are required.
Plane Ticket for Child: Booking Tips
If you’re booking a plane ticket for child, here’s how to optimize your purchase:
- Always declare the infant or child while booking.
- Book early as infant/child quotas may fill quickly.
- Carry essentials like feeding bottles, extra diapers, toys, and baby wipes.
- Feeding during takeoff and landing can ease ear pressure for infants.
- Use lap belts or ask crew for infant seatbelt extenders.
Summary of Ticketing Rules by Age
| Age Group | Seat Required | Fare Type | ID Required |
| 0–2 yrs (Infant) | Optional | Infant Fee (Flat/10%) | Yes |
| 2–12 yrs (Child) | Yes | Child Fare (10–30% or full) | Yes |
| 12+ yrs (Adult) | Yes | Full Fare | Yes |
Whether you’re planning a vacation or flying for an emergency, knowing the air ticket free for child age limit, flight ticket age limit, and domestic flight child age limit ensures a smooth booking process. This guide empowers parents to make informed decisions and avoid last-minute surprises.
Always check the latest airline-specific policies before booking to stay updated and avoid paying more than necessary.
Best Airlines to Fly During COVID-19 & Smart Times to Book
Flying with infants during uncertain times? Safety matters. Among the Best Airlines to Fly During COVID-19 were Vistara and Air India known for their strict hygiene protocols and enhanced safety kits for families.
Timing your booking also matters. Ever wonder:
Is It Better to Buy Flight Tickets on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
- Black Friday: Bigger discounts, especially on family fares
- Cyber Monday: Great for flash deals, but more limited
Both events offer a chance to save especially when you’re buying multiple tickets for a family trip.
Conclusion:
Understanding the airline policies around child and infant airfares is essential for smooth and cost-effective travel. While infants under 2 years often pay only a nominal fee, children aged 2 and above require their own seats and tickets and there is no universal “free age” beyond infancy. Each airline has its own rules for infant charges, seat assignments, baggage allowances, and required documents.
To avoid surprises at the airport and make informed decisions when booking, always double-check the airline’s guidelines and age categories. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, knowing the Minimum Age for Flight Tickets and related policies ensures you book the right fare for your child and travel worry-free.
For more detailed travel insights and updates, visit AerolineaTelefono your trusted source for airline policies and flight booking tips.
FAQ
Can I carry a stroller for my infant on a domestic flight in India?
Yes, most Indian airlines allow you to carry a stroller or collapsible pram free of charge, which can be checked in at the gate or carried up to the aircraft door, depending on the airline policy.
Do airlines in India provide bassinets for babies during flights?
Select full-service airlines like Air India and Vistara provide bassinets for infants on long-haul flights. These must be requested in advance and are subject to availability and seating class.
Is infant travel insurance mandatory for domestic flights in India?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for infants on domestic flights, but it is advisable for international travel or in cases where baggage or trip coverage is a concern.
Are diaper bags counted as part of the cabin baggage allowance for infants?
Most airlines allow one additional diaper bag or small baby bag for free, separate from the adult’s cabin baggage allowance, especially when traveling with an infant.
Can I change the name or age of a child passenger after booking a flight?
Airlines may allow corrections to name spellings or age adjustments if supported by valid documentation, but changes are subject to airline policy and possible service fees.
What happens if my child turns 2 just before the return flight?
If your infant turns 2 years old before the return journey, a separate seat must be booked for that leg of the trip, and the child will be charged the applicable child fare.
Can a single adult fly with more than one infant on Indian flights?
No, Indian airlines typically allow only one infant per adult passenger. For multiple infants, another accompanying adult is required for safety compliance.
Do kids under 12 get automatic seating next to their parents?
Yes, under DGCA rules, children under 12 must be seated adjacent to a parent or guardian at no extra cost, provided the family is booked on the same PNR.
Can I bring formula milk or breast milk through airport security?
Yes, formula, breast milk, and sterilized water for infants are allowed in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed the standard liquid limit, but must be declared at security.
Is an Aadhaar card enough as ID proof for a child on a domestic flight?
Yes, an Aadhaar card or birth certificate is accepted as valid ID for infants and children during check-in for domestic travel within India.
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