When I first traveled with my two young kids on a domestic flight from Mumbai to Delhi, I was nervous about whether we'd be able to sit together. The thought of my 4-year-old being seated rows away was stressful! Thankfully, India's family-friendly boarding policies made the experience smooth and worry-free. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about family boarding and seating policies in India, including specific airline rules and DGCA mandates, to help you plan your next family trip with confidence.
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Rules of Family Boarding in India
While specific family boarding policies might vary slightly between individual airlines operating in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated certain rules to ensure families with young children can sit together. Here’s a breakdown of the general rules and considerations:
- Seating Guarantee for Families with Young Children
Indian airlines are required to ensure that children up to 12 years of age are allocated seats next to at least one of their parents or guardians. This means families with young children should not be required to pay for seat selection to ensure they sit together, provided they are traveling on the same booking.
- Children and Infants Categorization
Infants: Typically defined as children between 7 days and 2 years old on the date of travel.
Children: Typically categorized as those between 2 and 12 years old on the date of travel.
Young Passengers: Generally referring to those between 12 and 18 years old.
- Infants and Seating
Infants (under 2 years old) usually do not require their own seat and can travel on an adult’s lap. A fee, often a percentage of the adult fare plus taxes, is typically charged for infants flying on a lap. Only one infant is allowed per adult for lap travel. If traveling with more than one infant under two, a seat must be purchased for each additional infant. Several airlines in India offer bassinets for infants free of charge on request, subject to availability. Infants (including those in car seats) are generally not allowed to sit in exit rows, nor directly in front or behind them.
- Unaccompanied Minors
Rules regarding children traveling alone (unaccompanied minors) are separate and vary by airline. This usually applies to children aged between 5 and 12, according to Air India. Parents or guardians need to submit specific forms and fulfill other requirements for unaccompanied minors. Children younger than 5 years old are generally not allowed to travel alone.
- Young Passengers (12-18 Years Old)
These individuals are usually considered adults for ticketing purposes. While they can travel alone, special handling services are often available upon request by a parent or guardian.
- Identification Requirements
For infants under 2 years old, a birth certificate or hospital discharge papers are generally sufficient as ID proof for domestic flights. Children between 2 and 12 years old typically require a school ID card, Aadhaar card, or a birth certificate for domestic travel. For international travel, passports are mandatory for infants and children.
Important Considerations: It’s always recommended to check the specific policies of the airline you are flying with for the most up-to-date information on family boarding, infant travel, unaccompanied minors, and required documentation. Consider arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight to allow for check-in procedures, security screenings, and any unexpected delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family preboard with me?
Yes, most airlines in India allow families with children under 12 to preboard to ensure they can settle in comfortably.
Can families with children board first?
Yes, families with young children (typically under 12) are often allowed to board first as part of family boarding policies.
What is Air India's family boarding policy?
Air India allows families with children under 12 to preboard and ensures they are seated together at no extra cost, per DGCA guidelines.
What is IndiGo's family boarding policy?
IndiGo permits families with children under 12 to board early and ensures seating together without additional fees, in line with DGCA rules.
What are the rules for boarding a domestic flight?
Domestic flight boarding in India follows DGCA guidelines, prioritizing families with children under 12 for preboarding and ensuring they sit together.
Do you get priority boarding with children?
Yes, families with children under 12 typically receive priority boarding to facilitate a smoother boarding process.
What is a first then board for parents?
“First then board” refers to the priority boarding offered to parents with young children, allowing them to board before general passengers.
Additional Resources
- Air India: Travelling with Infants and Children
- First Time Flyer Guide: Essential Tips for New Flyers
- Airline Family Seating Dashboard
- Reddit: Domestic flight travel with family for the very first time!
- Flying with Kids in India Domestic Flights & Family Boarding
- Why Zone Boarding Feels Unfair
- Kids Under 12 Must Sit with Parents on Flights – No Extra Fees!
- Travel Documents Required for Infant or Child Under 2
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