Most airlines count babies as children up to 24 months. There are usually two ways to travel: the child sits on an adult’s lap or has their own seat. The cost depends on which option you choose, which route you fly, and which airline you travel with.
When it can be free
On some flights, babies traveling on a lap can travel with no ticket cost. Many airlines state that this may apply to domestic flights, while a fee is more often added on international trips.
At the same time, it is common for a cost to still be charged even when the child sits on the lap. Sometimes the price is zero, sometimes a large discount is given, depending on the destination and the airline’s rules.
Why it still often costs
Even if the ticket price itself is low or completely absent, taxes and fees may be added, especially on international trips. Some airlines state, for example, that lap infants on international flights need an infant ticket that costs around ten percent of the adult price, plus any airport taxes.
Low-cost airlines can also charge a fixed fee per segment, even if the child does not have their own seat.
Examples of what it can cost
The price for a lap infant can be free or heavily discounted, depending on the trip and conditions. You can always choose to book a separate seat for the child. Then the cost is often like a regular ticket, but it can be worth it if you want more space and better comfort.
Keep in mind that babies up to 24 months must travel on an adult’s lap with a special infant belt, or in an approved child seat that is strapped into the aircraft seat. This applies especially when the aircraft takes off and lands.
How to avoid surprises when booking
The most important thing is to always read the airline’s terms before you pay. Three things usually affect the price the most: whether the trip is domestic or international, whether the child sits on a lap or has their own seat, and whether the airline charges a fixed infant fee or a percentage of the adult price.