Calculate child airline fares based on age-specific discount rates. Compare child ticket costs with adult fares for under-2, 2-11, and 12+ age groups.
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 tool 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.
Child fare policies vary by airline, route, and booking class. This calculator gives you a quick baseline estimate so you know roughly what to expect before searching specific airlines. It is particularly useful for budgeting family trips with children of different ages. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
Child Fare = Adult Fare × Discount Rate | Under 2 (domestic lap): free | Under 2 (international): 10% of adult | Ages 2–11: 75% of adult (intl) or 100% (domestic) | 12+: 100% of adult
Result: $1,200 for 2 children
Adult fare: $800. Child age 5 on international flight: 75% discount rate. Child fare = $800 × 0.75 = $600. For 2 children: $600 × 2 = $1,200. Savings vs adult fares: $400.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.