Calculate airline infant fare costs for lap and seat tickets on domestic and international flights. Includes bassinet request and car seat options.
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.
New parents are often surprised by international infant fare costs and the hidden expenses of flying with a baby. This calculator clarifies the fare structure and compares lap vs. seat options, helping you budget accurately for baby's first flight. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
Lap Infant (domestic) = Free | Lap Infant (intl) = Adult Fare × 10% × Segments | Seated Infant (intl) = Adult Fare × 75% × Segments | Seated Infant (domestic) = Adult Fare × 100% × Segments
Result: $240
Adult fare: $1,200. International lap infant rate: 10%. Infant fare per segment: $120. Across 2 segments: $120 × 2 = $240. No bassinet fee (complimentary). Total: $240.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.