Child Fare Calculator

About the Child Fare Calculator

Airlines apply different fare rules based on a child's age, and understanding these rules can save families hundreds of dollars per trip. Children under 2 can fly as lap infants for free on domestic flights or 10% of the adult fare on international flights. Children aged 2–11 typically pay 75–100% of the adult fare depending on the airline. At age 12, children are considered adults for ticketing purposes.

The Child Fare Calculator takes the adult fare and the child's age to compute the expected child ticket price based on standard airline discount policies. For families with multiple children of different ages, you can calculate each child's fare individually and sum the results for a total family airfare estimate.

This calculator is especially useful for international travel where child discounts are more common and significant. Domestic U.S. flights rarely offer child discounts, so the calculator also indicates when full adult fare applies.

When This Page Helps

Child fare rules vary widely by airline, route, age band, and booking type. This page gives you a rough baseline so you can estimate family airfare before checking individual carrier rules in detail. It is most useful when you are budgeting trips with children of different ages and need an early planning number rather than a final booking quote.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter the adult fare price.
2. Enter the child's age.
3. Select the flight type (domestic or international).
4. Enter the number of children at this age.
5. Review the estimated child fare and total children's cost.
6. Repeat for children of different ages if needed.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Book early — child fares are based on the adult fare at time of booking, and fares go up closer to departure.
• On domestic U.S. flights, children 2+ almost always pay full adult fare; no child discount applies.
• Lap infants under 2 fly free domestically but must have a ticket on international flights (usually 10% of adult).
• Some airlines offer unaccompanied minor service for ages 5–14, but it costs $100–$300 per segment on top of the fare.
• Consider booking a seat for your lap infant for safety, even though it costs more, especially on long flights.
• Check if the airline offers family boarding — it does not save money but makes travel easier with young children.

Understanding Airline Child Fare Policies

Airline child fare policies are among the least standardized in the industry. Full-service international carriers like Lufthansa, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines consistently offer 25% child discounts on international routes. Budget airlines almost never offer child discounts.

Family Travel Budgeting Tips

For a family of four with two children under 12 flying internationally, child discounts save roughly $200–$800 per round trip. Multiply this across multi-city itineraries and the savings become substantial. Always check the specific airline's policy.

Age Verification at the Airport

Airlines may request proof of age for children receiving discounted fares. Carry a birth certificate or passport to avoid issues at check-in. The child's age at the date of travel (not booking) determines the applicable fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

• At what age do children pay full fare?

  Children aged 12 and over are considered adults for airline ticketing. Most domestic U.S. airlines also charge full fare for children aged 2+. International airlines are more likely to offer child discounts for ages 2–11.

• Do lap infants fly free?

  Domestic U.S. flights allow one lap infant under 2 per adult to fly free. International flights typically charge 10% of the adult fare. No seat is provided — the child sits on the parent's lap.

• What is the typical child discount on international flights?

  Most international airlines offer 25% off adult fares for children aged 2–11, meaning the child pays 75% of the adult fare. Some airlines offer up to 33% off. Discount availability varies by fare class.

• Should I buy a seat for my under-2 child?

  The FAA recommends but does not require a separate seat with an FAA-approved car seat for children under 2. A purchased seat costs the full child fare but provides much better safety and comfort on long flights.

• Do child fares include checked baggage?

  Generally yes — child tickets include the same baggage allowance as adult tickets in the same fare class. Lap infant tickets typically do not include checked baggage but may include a stroller or car seat.

• Are child fares refundable?

  Child fares follow the same refund and change policies as the adult fare class selected. If you booked a non-refundable fare, the child ticket is also non-refundable, though airlines may offer credit for future travel.