Child Free Flights
Flying without children and wanting peace and quiet? Take a look at our page on child-free flights and find out which airlines offer child-free zones
Advice & Info for Flying with Children
Information on all air travel with kids and infants, including top tips and FAQs.
Where from?
Where to?
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Passengers & Class
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
Air travel with kids
Are you worried about flying with children? Buy flights with Alternative Airlines, and we'll make it stress-free. This page breaks down the different perks that airlines can offer for passengers flying with children, including infants and babies. When booking your ticket, if you have any special requests or any other queries on air travel with kids, please contact Alternative Airlines, and we will contact the airline for you.
Flying with babies
It's important to understand airline policies when flying with babies, as every carrier has different rules and fares. Discover the best airlines using our airline comparison table in our guide to flying with babies - FAQs and top tips included!
Flying with children
On long-haul flights, most airlines offer in-flight entertainment with a dedicated children's section, which will include a selection of games and children's TV shows and films. Major airlines like Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer the best in-flight entertainment for children. The majority of airlines have in-flight menus that cater to children, although you may need to contact the airline in advance to order your kids' meals in advance.
Child ticket age and price
Most airlines count any person between the ages of 2—11 as a child. You're required to purchase a seat for children, although in most cases they're considerably cheaper than the price of an adult ticket (between 25—33% more affordable). Some airlines offer tickets for young adults, which are usually for passengers aged between 12—16. Find out how to book a flight ticket for a child.
Tips for flying with children
Travelling with children can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some invaluable tips that will significantly ease the journey for any parent:
Be prepared 🎒
While it may sound like common sense, the importance of thorough preparation for flights with children cannot be emphasised enough. Pack essentials like extra clothes, snacks and wet wipes in your carry-on bag. There's nothing worse than dealing with a messy child on a flight and not having the necessary supplies to clean them up quickly. Being prepared for such situations can save you from unnecessary stress.
Entertainment 📚
Long flights can be particularly challenging for children, so it's essential to keep them entertained. While many airlines offer fantastic in-flight entertainment for kids, bringing a selection of toys and books is a great idea. Children can become easily bored, and having a variety of distractions at hand will not only keep them engaged but also make the flight time pass more quickly for them. Consider bringing their favourite stuffed animals, colouring books, or electronic devices loaded with kid-friendly content.
Ask for help 👩✈️
Parents often feel hesitant to ask for assistance, but it's important to remember that cabin crew and ground staff are there to make your journey as smooth as possible. Don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. Cabin crew members are trained to assist with various tasks, from carrying baggage to providing extra blankets or pillows. They understand the challenges of travelling with children and are usually more than willing to lend a hand, ensuring a more comfortable experience for both you and your little ones.
Airlines that allow kids to fly for free
While it's pretty much standard that those under two years old don't have to purchase a seat to fly, some airlines let kids fly for free even after they turn two years old. Make sure to always check the airline's website to see which promotions are available.
Frontier Airlines
The only airline that consistently allows kids to come aboard without paying is Frontier Airlines. Its Kids Fly Free program lets kids up to 14 years old fly for free when accompanying a paid adult on a reservation.
Scandinavian Airlines
Scandinavian Airlines often has promotions in which children under the age of 11 have free base airfare when flying with an accompanying adult.
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Norwegian is the cheapest airline for flying with infants. It allows infants (0-24 months of age) to fly for free, or at 10% of adult fares on some international flights. Children aged between 2 to 11 years on the date of their return flight or single flight, travel on a child ticket, at 75% of the adult fare, plus any airport taxes.
Best airlines for children: baggage allowance
When it comes to essential bulky equipment such as pushchairs, travel cots and car seats, most airlines offer two items to be taken onboard free of charge – but restrictions on size and weight vary.
- British Airways ranks top for child-related baggage allowance. The airline offers 23kg free hold luggage as standard as well as extra hand luggage for onboard essentials.
- Emirates is a great option, offering 10kg of hold luggage as standard, plus an additional 5kg hand luggage for little ones.
- United Airlines offers a free hold luggage allowance for children: 1 pushchair + 1 car seat + 23 kg of hold luggage.
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Flying with Children FAQs
Can I bring a pushchair or buggy on my flight?
Yes. Most airlines allow passengers to bring at least one pushchair or buggy onto their flight, free of charge. However, the pushchair or buggy must fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline states.
Can I book a flight for an unaccompanied child?
Only some airlines allow you to book flights for unaccompanied children. Please give us a call if you want to book a flight for an unaccompanied child.
What are the in-flight entertainment options for my child?
All airlines appreciate that children can get bored on long-haul flights. That's why they offer in-flight entertainment options specifically for children. These include several kids' TV shows and films, as well as kid-friendly games.
What if there are no available seats together with my child?
Unfortunately, on the rare occasion that there are no available seats together with your child, there's nothing the airline can do. You'll either have to sit apart from your child or look for another flight. With airlines that offer it, we highly recommend paying the extra fee to select your seats when you buy your plane tickets to avoid disappointment. Find out how to pre-book your seat with Alternative Airlines.
What age is a child ticket?
The age range for a child ticket can differ from airline to airline, so it's best to check with us or the airline itself. Most airlines class a child ticket as between the ages of 2—11. However, others will class anyone under the age of 16 as a child. Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, offer young adult tickets, which range between the ages of 12—15.
How much does a child ticket cost?
The price of a child ticket will differ from airline to airline. Some airlines offer discounted prices for children, whereas others have a flat fare for adults and children. On average, discounted airline tickets for children are around 25—33% cheaper than adult tickets.
Are there kids options on the in-flight menu?
Yes. Most airlines will offer food for children on their in-flight menus. Many airlines will require you to book your child's food separately from your own at least 24 hours in advance from the day of your flight.
What are the best airlines for flying with kids?
There are many factors which can make an airline more suitable for families, such as priority boarding and food and entertainment options. If you are looking for airlines that offer the best inflight entertainment then head over to our page. Otherwise, we suggest visiting our page on the best airlines for family travel before you book.
What are items to consider packing when flying with kids?
- Medication
- Suncream
- Colouring books
- Wet wipes
- Toys
- Snacks
- A blanket