- Children under 12 (domestic): No photo ID required
- Children 12+ (domestic): Valid photo ID required (same as adults)
- All passengers (international): Valid passport mandatory
- Infant ticket: Required — typically 5–10% of adult fare + taxes
- Unaccompanied minors: Age 5–12 on domestic flights; advance booking required
- Age proof for infants: Birth certificate, passport, or Aadhaar
- OCI/NRI children: Foreign passport + OCI card required
- Authority: DGCA, individual airline policies
- ID Requirements for Minors on Domestic Flights
- ID Requirements for Minors on International Flights
- Flying with Infants in India
- Unaccompanied Minors — Traveling Alone
- Non-Parent Adults Traveling with Children
- OCI / NRI Children — Special Requirements
- Unaccompanied Minor Policy by Airline
- Documents Needed — Age Group Summary
- Pro Tips for Families Flying in India
- Frequently Asked Questions
ID Requirements for Minors on Domestic Flights in India
India's domestic flight ID rules for children are more relaxed than many countries. Here is the breakdown by age group:
| Age Group | ID Required for Domestic Flight? | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–2 years) | No photo ID; age proof needed | Birth certificate, passport, Aadhaar |
| Child (2–11 years) | No photo ID required | Birth certificate, school ID, Aadhaar (if available) |
| Child (12–17 years) | Photo ID required (most airlines) | Aadhaar, passport, school photo ID |
| Adult (18+) | Government-issued photo ID required | Aadhaar, passport, driving licence, voter ID |
ID Requirements for Minors on International Flights
All passengers including infants must have a valid passport for international travel to or from India. There are no exceptions:
- Newborn to adult: All require a valid passport for international flights
- Indian children born abroad: May apply for an Indian passport at the Indian Embassy/Consulate in their country of birth
- OCI card holders: Must carry their OCI card (or PIO card) alongside the relevant foreign passport
- Children with dual nationality: Enter/exit India on their Indian passport where eligible; check current rules as India generally does not recognize dual citizenship
- Visa requirements: Foreign national children require the same visa as adults unless their nationality qualifies for visa-free entry or e-Visa
Flying with Infants in India
An infant is defined as a child under 24 months on the date of travel. Key rules for flying with infants on Indian airlines:
- Infant ticket required: Infants do not fly free. Book an infant ticket at the time of purchasing adult tickets. Most airlines charge 5–10% of the adult base fare plus airport taxes.
- Lap infant: Infants travel on a parent's lap — no separate seat is included with the infant ticket. Each adult can have only one infant.
- Age proof: Carry the birth certificate, passport, or Aadhaar to prove the child's age. Airlines may verify this at check-in, especially if the infant appears close to 24 months.
- Infant baggage allowance: Most airlines offer a small free checked baggage allowance for infants (typically 10 kg on domestic routes).
- Feeding supplies: Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are exempt from the 100ml cabin liquid rule on all Indian flights.
Unaccompanied Minors — Traveling Alone on Indian Flights
Unaccompanied minor (UM) service allows children to travel without a parent or guardian, with the airline providing escort and supervision:
| Airline | UM Age Range | UM Fee (approx.) | Advance Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 5–12 years (domestic) | ₹1,500–2,000 per flight | 48 hours |
| IndiGo | 5–14 years (domestic) | ~₹2,000 per flight | 48 hours |
| SpiceJet | 5–12 years (domestic) | ~₹1,800 per flight | 48 hours |
| Akasa Air | Check with airline | Varies | 48 hours |
| International airlines | Usually 5–15 years | USD 50–150 per sector | 72 hours |
- Book UM service in advance when purchasing the ticket — it cannot be added last-minute at the airport
- Fill UM forms provided by the airline, including pickup contact details at the destination
- Drop off at the airport — airline staff will escort the child through check-in, security, boarding, and to the destination pickup contact
- Pickup contact must present valid photo ID to collect the child at the destination
- Children under 5 cannot travel unaccompanied on any Indian airline
Non-Parent Adults Traveling with Children
Grandparents, relatives, or other adults can travel with children on Indian domestic flights without the child's parents. While not legally mandated, carry documentation to avoid complications:
OCI / NRI Children — Special Requirements
Children of NRIs or OCI cardholders have specific documentation requirements at Indian airports:
| Child's Status | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Indian passport holder (NRI child) | Valid Indian passport; OCI/PIO card if applicable |
| OCI cardholder (foreign passport) | Foreign passport + OCI card (both required) |
| PIO cardholder | Foreign passport + PIO card (or convert to OCI) |
| Dual nationality child | Check current rules — India generally requires Indian passport for Indian citizens |
| Child of Indian father/mother (foreign citizen) | Foreign passport + appropriate visa |
Unaccompanied Minor Policy by Airline
For full UM details visit: Air India Unaccompanied Minors | IndiGo Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Documents Needed — Age Group Summary
| Situation | Documents to Carry |
|---|---|
| Infant on domestic flight | Birth certificate or Aadhaar (for age verification) |
| Child (2–11) on domestic flight | No ID required; Aadhaar/birth cert recommended |
| Child (12–17) on domestic flight | Aadhaar, school ID, or passport (photo ID required) |
| Any child on international flight | Valid passport (mandatory); OCI card if applicable |
| Unaccompanied minor | Aadhaar/passport + advance UM booking + UM form |
| Child with non-parent adult | Birth certificate + relationship proof + parental consent letter |
| OCI cardholder child | Foreign passport + OCI card (both mandatory) |
Pro Tips for Families Flying in India
- Get a Baal Aadhaar card for your child as early as possible. The blue Aadhaar (Baal Aadhaar) is available from birth and is the simplest, most widely accepted child ID at Indian airports. It works for domestic flights, age verification, and many other purposes. Enrol online at UIDAI or at the nearest Aadhaar centre.
- Always carry the birth certificate, even for older children. For children who don't have Aadhaar yet or whose age may be questioned, a birth certificate is the simplest, universally accepted age proof at Indian check-in counters.
- Book infant tickets at the time of purchase — not later. Infant tickets on Indian airlines must be booked before departure. Adding an infant after an adult ticket is purchased requires calling the airline and can be time-consuming. Some airlines have limited infant capacity per flight.
- Request a bulkhead seat for international flights with infants. Bulkhead seats have more legroom and bassinet availability. Request at booking — these fill up fast. On Air India wide-body flights (787, 777), bulkhead seats are in rows 11–15 on most configurations.
- Book UM service at least 48 hours in advance — not on the day. Airlines will not accept UM bookings on the day of travel. Call the airline as soon as you know a child will be traveling alone. Have the destination pickup contact details ready when booking.
- For international travel, ensure the child's passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel dates. Many countries refuse entry to travelers whose passports expire within 6 months, regardless of the length of stay.
- Carry all family documents in a single organized folder. Create a dedicated travel document folder with: adult IDs, child's birth certificate, Aadhaar/passport, infant ticket confirmation, and any UM forms. Go through it the night before travel.
- Check-in early with young children. Families with infants and small children get priority boarding on most Indian airlines. But you need to be at the airport early to benefit — aim for 2.5–3 hours before domestic departure with young children.
Related Articles
- Hand Baggage Allowance in India — Cabin bag limits for all passengers.
- Airport Security in India: 10 Items You Must Remove — Security rules at Indian airports.
- Domestic Airlines in India: Websites & Baggage — All airlines with direct links.
- FAQs on India Baggage Rules 2026 — Comprehensive travel Q&A.
- Will Airlines Deliver Lost Luggage in India? — What to do if baggage is lost.
- Do India Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals? — Food options for families.
Official External Resources
- DGCA Passenger FAQ — Official DGCA guidance on passenger rights, unaccompanied minors, and family travel on Indian flights.
- Air India Unaccompanied Minors Policy — Air India's official UM service guidelines, fees, and booking process.
- IndiGo Unaccompanied Minor Policy — IndiGo's official policy for children traveling alone on domestic routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do minors need ID to travel on domestic flights in India?
Children under 12 do not need a photo ID on domestic Indian flights. Carry a birth certificate, Aadhaar, or school ID for age verification. Children 12–17 should carry a photo ID (Aadhaar or passport). Passports are mandatory for all international flights.
What ID does a child need to fly domestically in India?
Under 12: no photo ID required; carry birth certificate or Aadhaar for age verification. Ages 12–17: Aadhaar, passport, or school photo ID. All ages for international: valid passport.
Can a child travel alone on Indian domestic flights?
Yes, using the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. Available for ages 5–12 (or 5–14 on IndiGo). Book at least 48 hours in advance; fees are approximately ₹1,500–2,000 per sector. Children under 5 cannot travel alone.
What documents do I need to fly with a baby in India?
Book an infant ticket (5–10% of adult fare + taxes), carry birth certificate or Aadhaar for age verification. Baby formula and food are exempt from the 100ml rule. Request bulkhead/bassinet seats in advance for international flights.
Does an infant need a ticket on Indian domestic flights?
Yes. Infants under 2 years require a paid infant ticket — typically 5–10% of adult fare plus taxes. Infants travel on a parent's lap with no separate seat. Each adult can have one infant only.
What is the Unaccompanied Minor policy on IndiGo?
IndiGo allows unaccompanied minors aged 5–14 years on domestic routes. Book at least 48 hours in advance. Fee is approximately ₹2,000 per flight. Staff escort the child from check-in to the destination pickup contact.
Does a child need a passport to fly domestically in India?
No. Passports are not required for domestic Indian flights. An Aadhaar card, birth certificate, or school ID is sufficient for age verification. Passports are mandatory for all international travel.
Can grandparents travel with grandchildren without parents on Indian flights?
Yes. Carry the child's birth certificate, proof of relationship, and a notarized parental consent letter. For international travel, a parental consent letter is strongly recommended and may be required by immigration.
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