- Children aged 2–11 pay 75–90% of adult fare on Indian airlines
- Infants under 2 pay ~10% of adult fare (lap seat)
- Children 12 and above pay full adult fare
- Unaccompanied minors aged 5–11 must use UM service (₹1,000–3,000 fee)
- Valid ID required for children 12+ on domestic flights
Last summer, my family planned a trip from Mumbai to Delhi, and I was surprised to learn that our 3-year-old needed a ticket, but at a discounted rate. Navigating child fares and documentation was tricky at first, but understanding airline policies made it easier. This guide covers everything you need to know about child flight tickets in India, including prices, discounts, age policies, and required IDs, to ensure a smooth family travel experience.
Table of Contents
- The Applicable Discount for Children
- What is the Fare for a Child on a Plane?
- What Age is Free for Kids on Flights in India?
- Valid ID Proof for Infants
- Do Airlines Charge Less for Children?
- Is There Any Discount for a Child in a Flight?
- How Much Cheaper Are Child Flights?
- What is the Airline Policy for Children?
The Applicable Discount for Children
In India, airlines like Air India, IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offer discounts for children aged 2–12. Typically, children receive a 25% discount on the base fare for economy class and up to 10% for business class on both domestic and international flights. Infants under 2 years pay around 10% of the adult fare plus taxes, without a separate seat. Discounts vary by airline, so check during booking.
What is the Fare for a Child on a Plane?
For children aged 2–12, fares are discounted, typically 25% off the adult base fare, plus taxes and fees. For example, on Air India, a child’s domestic economy ticket might cost INR 3,000–5,000 less than an adult’s, depending on the route. Infants under 2 pay a fixed fee (e.g., INR 1,250 on Air India domestic flights) or 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes, and must sit on an adult’s lap.
What Age is Free for Kids on Flights in India?
No child flies completely free in India. Infants under 2 years (up to 24 months) travel at a reduced rate, typically 10% of the adult fare or a fixed fee (e.g., INR 1,250 on IndiGo domestic flights), plus taxes, without a separate seat. Children aged 2 and above require a ticket at a discounted child fare.
Valid ID Proof for Infants
Infants (under 2 years) require age proof at check-in for both domestic and international flights. Valid documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Passport (mandatory for international travel)
- Hospital discharge summary
- Vaccination certificate
Without valid proof, airlines may charge the full adult fare. For domestic flights, an Aadhaar card is also acceptable.
Do Airlines Charge Less for Children?
Yes, airlines in India charge less for children. Children aged 2–12 receive a 25% discount on base fares for economy class and up to 10% for business class. Infants under 2 pay 10% of the adult fare or a fixed fee (e.g., INR 1,250 on Air India) plus taxes, without occupying a seat. Discounts may not apply to special promotional fares.
Is There Any Discount for a Child in a Flight?
Yes, airlines offer discounts for children. Air India provides up to 25% off for children aged 2–12 on economy class and 10% on business class. IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offer similar discounts, typically 25% on base fares. Infants under 2 pay a nominal fee or 10% of the adult fare. Always confirm during booking, as discounts vary by fare type.
How Much Cheaper Are Child Flights?
Child flights are typically 25% cheaper than adult base fares for economy class. For example, on a INR 10,000 adult base fare, a child’s fare might be INR 7,500, plus taxes. Business class discounts are smaller, around 10%. Infants pay INR 1,250 or 10% of the adult fare for domestic flights, saving significantly. Savings depend on the route and airline.
What is the Airline Policy for Children?
Airline policies for children in India prioritize safety and comfort:
- Infants (0–2 years): Must sit on an adult’s lap (one per adult). No separate seat is allowed. Pay 10% of adult fare or a fixed fee (e.g., INR 1,250). Bassinets are available on select flights (e.g., Air India’s Boeing 787), subject to availability.
- Children (2–12 years): Require a separate seat and discounted ticket (25% off base fare). Must be accompanied by an adult or use unaccompanied minor services if alone.
- Unaccompanied Minors (5–12 years): Airlines like Air India and IndiGo offer escort services for a fee (e.g., INR 2,500 on Air India). Children are assisted through check-in, security, and boarding.
- Documentation: Infants need age proof (birth certificate, passport). International travel requires a passport and, if traveling with one parent or guardian, a consent letter from both parents.
- Seating: Infants and children cannot sit in exit rows. Families are seated together when possible.
Check airline websites like Air India or IndiGo for specific policies.
Traveling with children in India is family-friendly with proper planning. Book early to secure discounts and bassinets, and ensure all documents are ready for a hassle-free journey. For more tips, visit Air India’s kids’ deals.
Drama-Free Flights with Children
Does a Minor Need Identification to Travel?
How to Keep Kids Occupied on a Plane
Does a Child Pay Full Price for Airline Tickets in India?
Airline Tickets for Babies and Infants in India
Travel Documents Needed for Infant or Child Under 2
Parental Consent Letter for Child Travel
Consent Letter for My Child to Fly Alone
Travelling with Infants in Flight
Child Fare Comparison: Indian Airlines 2026
| Airline | Child Age | Child Fare | Infant Fare | UM Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 2–11 yrs | 75% of adult | 10% (lap)/child fare (seat) | Yes, ₹1,500–3,000 |
| IndiGo | 2–11 yrs | 75–90% | 10% of base fare | Yes, fee applies |
| SpiceJet | 2–11 yrs | 75% | 10% of adult fare | Yes, fee applies |
| Akasa Air | 2–11 yrs | 75–90% | 10% of base fare | Not available |
| Air India Express | 2–11 yrs | 75% | 10% of adult fare | Not available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a child pay full price for airline tickets in India?
No, children aged 2–12 pay a discounted fare, typically 25% off the adult base fare, plus taxes. Infants under 2 pay 10% or a fixed fee (e.g., INR 1,250).
What is the flight ticket price for a child in India?
Children aged 2–12 pay ~25% less than adult base fares (e.g., INR 7,500 vs. ₹10,000), plus taxes. Infants pay INR 1,250 or 10% of adult fare on domestic flights.
At what age is a flight ticket free in India?
No tickets are free. Infants under 2 pay 10% of the adult fare or INR 1,250 plus taxes, without a seat. Children 2+ require a discounted ticket.
What is valid ID proof for infants?
Valid IDs include birth certificate, passport, hospital discharge summary, or vaccination certificate. Aadhaar is acceptable for domestic flights.
Do airlines charge less for children?
Yes, airlines charge 25% less on base fares for children aged 2–12 and 10% or a fixed fee for infants under 2, plus taxes.
Is there any discount for a child in a flight?
Yes, children aged 2–12 get up to 25% off economy base fares and 10% off business class. Infants pay 10% or a fixed fee (e.g., INR 1,250).
How much cheaper are child flights?
Child flights are ~25% cheaper than adult base fares (e.g., INR 2,500 less on a INR 10,000 fare). Infants save more, paying INR 1,250 or 10% of adult fare.
What is the airline policy for children?
Infants (0–2) pay 10% or INR 1,250, sit on laps. Children (2–12) get 25% off, need seats. Unaccompanied minors (5–12) get escort services. IDs are required.
Frequently Asked Questions: Child Flights India
Does a child pay full price for airline tickets in India?
Children aged 2–11 years typically pay 75–90% of the adult fare on Indian domestic flights. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. Infants under 2 years pay 10% of the adult fare for a lap seat or child fare if a separate seat is booked.
What is the child fare on IndiGo domestic flights?
IndiGo charges a discounted child fare of approximately 75–90% of the adult base fare for children aged 2–11 years. Children 12 and above pay full adult fare. Infants under 2 pay approximately 10% of the adult base fare for a lap seat.
What ID does a child need to fly domestically in India?
Children under 12 on domestic Indian flights do not need a government-issued photo ID. Accepted proof of age includes birth certificate, passport, school ID, or Aadhaar card. Children 12 and above may be required to carry a valid photo ID.
Can a child travel alone on Indian domestic flights?
Children aged 5–11 can travel as Unaccompanied Minors (UM) on most Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. UM service must be booked in advance and requires guardian escorts to and from the gate. Children under 5 cannot travel alone.
Does Air India offer child discounts on flights?
Yes. Air India offers discounted child fares for passengers aged 2–11 years on both domestic and international routes. Infants under 2 travel at approximately 10% of the adult fare for a lap seat or at the child fare if a separate seat is required.
At what age does a child need their own seat on an Indian flight?
Infants under 2 years can travel as lap infants without a separate seat, paying approximately 10% of the adult fare. Once a child turns 2, they are required to have their own seat and are charged the child fare rate.
Are there family discounts on Indian domestic flights?
Indian airlines do not typically offer specific family discount packages on domestic routes. However, child fares are automatically applied for passengers aged 2–11. Some airlines occasionally offer promotional family fares — check the airline website at booking.
Can infants fly free on Indian domestic flights?
Infants under 2 years do not fly free but pay a reduced fare of approximately 10% of the adult base fare on Indian domestic flights. This applies for lap travel only. If a separate seat is required, the full child fare applies.
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