Infant Fare Calculator

About the Infant Fare Calculator

Flying with an infant under two years old comes with unique fare rules. On domestic U.S. flights, infants can sit on a parent's lap for free. International flights, however, charge roughly 10% of the adult fare for a lap infant. If you want a dedicated seat for your baby (recommended for safety), you pay the full child fare — typically 75–100% of the adult price.

Beyond the fare itself, parents should budget for extras like bassinet requests (usually free but limited), gate-checked car seats, and in some cases, premium seating that guarantees bassinet hooks. Long-haul carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines provide complimentary bassinets in economy, but bulkhead seats fill up fast.

The Infant Fare Calculator helps new parents estimate the true cost of flying with their baby, comparing lap infant and seated infant options side by side so you can make the right choice for your family and budget.

When This Page Helps

Infant fares sound simple until the airline, route type, and seat decision change the total. Laying out lap versus seat costs in one place makes the tradeoff easier to budget before the booking turns into a series of airline-specific surprises.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter the adult fare price for your route.
2. Select whether the flight is domestic or international.
3. Choose lap infant or own seat option.
4. Add bassinet request cost if applicable.
5. Enter the number of flight segments.
6. Review total infant travel cost.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Book lap infant tickets by calling the airline directly — most online booking engines do not support infant fare selection.
• Request a bassinet as early as possible; bulkhead seats with bassinet hooks are limited and first-come, first-served.
• A lap infant ticket does not guarantee checked baggage — check the airline's policy; some allow a stroller and car seat at no charge.
• For long-haul flights over 6 hours, consider buying a seat for your infant with an FAA-approved car seat for safety and comfort.
• International lap infant tickets sometimes include a 10 kg baggage allowance — verify with your airline.
• If your child turns 2 during the trip, you need a child ticket for the return flight at the higher fare.

Lap Infant vs. Own Seat: The Cost-Safety Tradeoff

A lap infant ticket is significantly cheaper but offers no protection during turbulence. The FAA reports that unrestrained children are at higher risk of injury during unexpected turbulence events. For flights under 3 hours, many parents accept the lap option; for long-haul flights, the seat investment provides peace of mind.

Hidden Costs of Flying with an Infant

Beyond the ticket, budget for diapers, formula, baby food, and comfort items for the flight. Gate-checked strollers and car seats are free on most airlines, but special baby luggage (travel cribs, etc.) may count toward baggage limits.

Best Airlines for Infant Travel

Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Japan Airlines consistently rank highest for infant amenities, offering complimentary bassinets, baby meals, and amenity kits. Budget airlines typically offer none of these extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do infants fly free on domestic flights?

  Yes, one lap infant under 2 flies free per ticketed adult on domestic U.S. flights. The infant does not get a seat or checked baggage. Additional infants with the same adult require a purchased seat.

• How much is an international infant ticket?

  International lap infant tickets cost approximately 10% of the adult fare. On a $1,200 adult ticket, the infant fare would be around $120 per segment. Some airlines charge a flat fee instead.

• Should I buy a seat for my infant?

  The FAA recommends a separate seat with an FAA-approved car seat for all children. While not required for under-2s, a purchased seat provides far better safety in turbulence and is more comfortable on long flights.

• How do I request a bassinet on a flight?

  Call the airline after booking to request a bassinet for bulkhead seats. Bassinets are free but limited (usually 2–4 per cabin section). Airlines set weight/length limits, typically 11 kg and 70 cm.

• What documents does my infant need to fly?

  Domestic flights: a birth certificate or passport as proof of age. International flights: the infant needs their own passport. Some countries require additional documentation like visa or parent consent letters.

• What happens if my baby turns 2 during the trip?

  The fare is based on the child's age on the date of each flight. If your child is 1 on departure but 2 on return, the outbound leg uses infant fare and the return requires a full child fare ticket.