Free Flights in India: Who Gets Them—and What’s the Catch?

A pilot’s family takes a holiday. An Olympic champion receives free flights. A cricketer travels with the team. A passenger books a ticket using points. They might all describe the journey as “free”—but the arrangements can be very different.

Some people receive complimentary flights, discounted travel or tickets paid for by someone else. There is no general entitlement to free commercial flights in India. The important questions are who qualifies, who pays the remaining charges and whether the passenger has a confirmed seat.

Here is what “free flights” can mean for airline employees, their families, sporting champions, frequent flyers and parents travelling with babies.

Last reviewed: October 8, 2026. Employee benefits, fares and promotional offers depend on their individual terms.

On This Page

• Who Gets Free or Discounted Flights?
• Do Pilots’ Families Fly Free?
• The Catch With Standby Travel
• Do Olympic Medalists Fly Free?
• Do Cricketers Get Free Flights?
• Do Babies Under Two Really Fly Free?
• Are Flights Booked With Miles Free?
• Promotional Tickets and Giveaways
• How to Check the Real Cost
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Gets Free or Discounted Flights in India?

Traveller or Booking Type	What the Benefit May Be	The Catch
Airline employees and eligible family members	Staff travel privileges, including discounted or concessionary tickets.	Eligibility, charges and confirmation rules depend on the employer and benefit.
Selected sporting champions	A specific airline reward or promotional travel commitment.	It applies to named recipients and defined terms, not automatically to every athlete.
Cricketers travelling on team business	Travel arranged or paid for by the relevant organisation.	The player may not pay personally, but the journey still has a payer.
Frequent flyers redeeming points	An award ticket purchased using accumulated rewards.	Points have value; cash taxes and fees may remain.
Promotional winners	A complimentary ticket, refund or travel voucher.	Booking windows, selection rules, caps and exclusions can apply.
Infants travelling on an adult’s lap	An infant fare or fee rather than a normal occupied-seat fare.	No separate seat does not necessarily mean no charge.

“Free to the passenger” and “a zero-cost airline ticket” are different things. A sponsored journey, a discounted standby ticket and a points redemption should not be treated as the same benefit.

Do Pilots’ Families Get Free Flights in India?

They can receive airline travel benefits, but there is no universal promise of free, confirmed flights. The details depend on the airline’s employment policy and the particular travel arrangement.

For example, IndiGo’s careers page advertises unlimited discounted standby tickets for employees and eligible family members on domestic and international travel. The important words are discounted, standby and eligible.

Air India’s cabin crew careers page advertises travel privileges for employees and their families across the Tata Group airline network. That public description does not establish a universal zero-fare entitlement, a guaranteed seat or identical benefits for every role.

Does “Family” Include Parents, Spouses and Children?

The employer’s definition controls. Before planning a trip, the employee should check which relatives are eligible, whether they must be registered, and whether age, dependency or other conditions apply.

Do not assume siblings, friends or every extended-family member qualify. Nor should a benefit advertised by one airline be applied to another airline’s pilots or cabin crew.

Do staff always pay taxes and fuel surcharges? Avoid a blanket claim. The amounts payable—and whether any charges are waived or covered—depend on the specific staff ticket and employer policy. Check the final staff-booking quotation.

The Catch With Standby Travel: You May Have to Wait

A standby arrangement does not provide the same certainty as a confirmed booking. Clearance depends on available space and the applicable priority rules.

Imagine planning a weekend visit, then discovering that the flight you hoped to take has filled up. A low ticket cost is less useful if you need a hotel, another airport transfer or a replacement flight to get home on time.

When It Can Be Useful

• You can travel on different days or flights.
• You have somewhere affordable to stay if plans change.
• You can accept uncertainty about the return journey.

When Certainty Matters More

• You are attending a wedding, examination or appointment.
• You have a separately booked onward flight.
• An extra night away would create significant expense.

For time-sensitive travel, compare a confirmed fare with the total possible cost of standby disruption. Ask whether the particular staff benefit is standby or confirmed before making other non-refundable bookings.

Do Olympic Medalists Fly Free in India?

Some have received airline rewards, but winning an Olympic medal does not create an automatic industry-wide free-flight entitlement.

Neeraj Chopra: IndiGo’s Offer Was for One Year

Following his Tokyo Olympic gold medal, IndiGo announced unlimited free travel for Neeraj Chopra from August 8, 2021, to August 7, 2022. That was a dated offer to a named athlete—not a lifetime benefit or an ongoing offer for all medalists.

Source: IndiGo’s August 2021 announcement.

What About Lifetime Free Flights?

Contemporaneous reporting described Star Air offering lifetime free travel to India’s Tokyo Olympic medal winners. Treat this as a historical announcement; it does not establish the current booking conditions, eligible routes or treatment of taxes.

Source: Condé Nast Traveller’s August 2021 report.

Always check the date behind a “free flights for life” headline. A news report about a particular winner does not establish a benefit available to every champion—or to the public.

Do Cricketers Get Free Flights in India?

Being a cricketer does not by itself provide a free personal ticket on every airline. Team travel can be organised and funded separately from a player’s personal holidays.

For a documented example, BCCI’s published June 2022 payments include expenditure on air tickets for a senior men’s team tour. This illustrates the distinction: travel paid for by the cricket organisation can cost the player nothing personally while still being paid airline travel.

Source: BCCI’s published payment statement.

A player may also have an individual sponsorship or promotional arrangement. Its benefits depend on that agreement. Photographs of a team in business class do not establish that the airline carried them free.

Do Babies Under Two Really Fly Free?

Do not assume so when booking flights in India. An infant can be charged even when travelling on an adult’s lap without occupying a separate seat.

This is where the phrase “no ticket needed” can be particularly misleading. Your baby must still be included in the reservation, and the applicable infant charge and documentation requirements must be checked.

IndiGo Infant Charges

IndiGo publishes infant fees, including route-specific international airport charges, and states that pre-booked infant charges are offered at discounted rates. The amount can depend on the route, cabin and booking circumstances.

Use the current IndiGo infant information and the price displayed for your itinerary. Do not rely on one old domestic fee for every journey.

Air India Infant Charges

Air India also publishes infant fares. Its June 2026 domestic tariff lists an Economy infant base fare of ₹2,000 plus applicable taxes, fees and charges. Other cabins and international journeys can have different pricing.

Source: Air India’s published domestic tariff. Confirm the final amount for your booking rather than treating this example as a universal infant price.

No separate seat does not mean free travel. Add the infant before comparing the total family fare, and check age eligibility for every flight if a birthday falls during the trip.

For planning help, read Flying With Children: A Practical Travel Guide.

Are Flights Booked With Air Miles Really Free?

Points can reduce the cash you need to pay, but an award ticket is not automatically a zero-cash ticket.

Air India’s Maharaja Club FAQs state that applicable taxes and fees are paid separately on award flights. They also explain that certain complimentary ticket vouchers waive the base fare while taxes, surcharges and other levies remain payable.

Compare the cash fare with the points required and the final cash payment. Points used today are also points you cannot use for a later booking.

Illustrative example: A flight costs ₹6,000 in cash. An award option requires 8,000 points plus ₹1,500. You save ₹4,500 in immediate cash, but spend 8,000 points. That is a redemption decision, not a completely free ticket.

Our Air Miles in India guide explains earning, redemption and comparing value.

Can Ordinary Travellers Win Free Flights?

Yes, an airline promotion can provide a ticket benefit to selected customers. The headline, however, may describe a capped refund or voucher rather than an unrestricted ticket.

Example: IndiGo’s 2026 Anniversary Promotion

IndiGo advertised 20,000 free tickets under its 20th-anniversary campaign, with a benefit capped at ₹10,000 per PNR. The qualifying booking window was August 4–6, 2026, through specified direct channels.

That booking window has ended. This is an example of how a promotion works, not an offer readers can enter by making a new booking today. Source: official anniversary campaign terms.

The words “per PNR” matter. A family reservation can contain several travellers, so a booking-level cap should not be mistaken for a separate allowance for every passenger.

Questions to Ask Before Entering a Promotion

• Is the booking or entry window still open?
• Is the benefit guaranteed or limited to selected participants?
• Does it cover the full ticket, only the base fare or a capped amount?
• Is the limit per person, ticket or booking reference?
• Are taxes, baggage and other extras included?
• What happens if the winner cancels or changes the booking?

How to Check Whether a “Free Flight” Saves Money

1. Identify the benefit. Is it a staff concession, award ticket, voucher, reimbursement or promotional prize?
2. Check eligibility. Confirm the named traveller, permitted relatives, routes and dates.
3. Check seat status. Find out whether the ticket is confirmed or dependent on standby clearance.
4. Read the final payment breakdown. Include taxes, booking charges, baggage and any necessary extras.
5. Check the conditions. Review expiry, changes, cancellation and what happens if the benefit cannot be used.
6. Compare the complete trip cost. Include possible hotels, transfers and replacement travel.

Free Seat Selection Is a Different Benefit

A seat-selection fee concerns choosing where you sit. A waiver of that charge does not pay for the flight itself. The same distinction applies to complimentary meals, lounge access, Wi-Fi or extra baggage.

Explore our Free Airline Services and Perks in India guide for those separate benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pilots’ spouses and children always fly free?

No. Their eligibility and charges depend on the airline’s staff policy. Confirm whether the particular benefit provides discounted, complimentary, standby or confirmed travel.

Can cabin crew receive family travel benefits too?

Yes. Air India publicly advertises family travel privileges for cabin crew, while IndiGo advertises employee and eligible-family standby discounts. Benefits are not exclusive to pilots.

Does an airline employee’s pass guarantee a business-class seat?

Do not assume so. Cabin eligibility, available space and confirmation depend on the particular staff arrangement.

Can I buy a staff travel pass from someone online?

Do not assume a staff benefit is transferable or available for public resale. Verify eligibility and permitted booking channels directly with the airline before paying anyone.

Do all Olympic medalists receive lifetime flights?

No automatic entitlement applies across airlines. A specific reward must be checked against its named recipients, duration and conditions.

Do cricketers pay for their own holidays?

Personal travel depends on the individual’s arrangements. Team-funded travel does not establish free private travel for the player or family.

Can a baby travel without being added to the booking?

Do not leave an infant off the reservation. Tell the airline when booking and confirm the applicable charge, age requirements and documents.

Can a flight really cost a passenger nothing?

Yes, if a complimentary arrangement or another payer covers the entire payable amount. But the word “free” alone does not establish that all charges are covered.

Is a free upgrade the same as a free flight?

No. A complimentary upgrade changes the cabin or seat provided for an existing journey. It does not establish that the original ticket was free.

Is a zero-base-fare ticket completely free?

Not necessarily. Check the final amount payable, including any taxes, fees and extras, before describing the ticket as free.

Related Guides: What Is Actually Included?

• Free Airline Services and Perks in India
• Air Miles in India: How to Earn, Redeem and Get Better Value
• Free Airport Lounge Access in India
• Do Indian Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals?
• Is Food Free on IndiGo Flights?
• Free Wi-Fi on International Flights to India
• Do Airlines Provide Free Blankets and Pillows?
• Are Gate-Checked Bags Free?

Do Airlines in India Provide Bassinets for Infants?

Yes, bassinets are available on some flights serving India, but you must check your exact flight and operating aircraft. Air India offers complimentary infant bassinets subject to availability. IndiGo’s general service does not provide them, but its Norse-operated flights have a specific bassinet service.

An infant ticket does not automatically reserve a bassinet. You need to request the service, confirm a suitable seat and check whether your baby meets the equipment’s size and weight requirements.

Last checked: September 18, 2026.

Before paying for your flight: Ask whether bassinets are available on your flight number, travel date and cabin. Confirm your baby’s eligibility and how the associated seat is assigned. A request remains subject to availability and operational changes.

On This Page

• Which airlines provide bassinets?
• Requesting a bassinet on Air India
• IndiGo and the Norse-operated exception
• Baby weight, age and size limits
• How to request a bassinet
• Bassinet costs and infant fares
• When a bassinet can be used
• Preparing for the flight
• Frequently asked questions

Which Airlines Provide Baby Bassinets on India Routes?

Airline or service	Published position	What parents should check
Air India	Complimentary bassinets, subject to availability	Exact flight, cabin, compatible seat and infant limits
IndiGo general service	General travel guidance says bassinets are not provided	Whether your flight falls under a different operating arrangement
IndiGo flights operated under wet/damp lease from Norse	Three complimentary bassinets per aircraft, subject to availability	Advance request and eligibility under the Norse-specific policy
Emirates flights serving India	Bassinets available subject to aircraft, availability and safe fit	Published maximum of 11 kg and applicable dimensions
Other airlines	Do not assume the service is offered	Obtain confirmation for the specific flight before relying on a bassinet

Official references: Air India infant FAQ, IndiGo general travel tips, IndiGo Norse FAQ and Emirates special-assistance FAQ.

Aircraft configuration matters more than a broad label. Do not assume every international flight has bassinets, every domestic flight lacks them, or every bulkhead row has mounting positions.

Can You Request a Baby Bassinet on Air India?

Yes. Air India says passengers can request a complimentary bassinet during booking, at airport check-in or through its customer support portal. Availability is limited, so request it early rather than waiting until boarding.

Its family travel page specifically highlights bassinets on long-haul journeys. For a domestic flight, ask about the actual aircraft and cabin instead of assuming the general service applies.

The reviewed FAQ does not provide a universal numerical bassinet weight or length limit. Ask Air India to confirm the limits for your flight; do not apply another airline’s specifications.

Does IndiGo Provide Bassinets on International Flights?

There is an important exception to IndiGo’s general no-bassinet guidance. Its Norse-specific FAQ lists three bassinets: one in Stretch and two in Economy. It states that they are free, require an advance request and are intended for infants under two years weighing up to 12 kg.

Contact IndiGo early to confirm that your flight uses this service and to clarify the request deadline. The same FAQ prohibits passengers from bringing personal bassinets or baby beds onboard.

Do not extend these provisions to all IndiGo flights. Use the Norse-operated flight FAQ for the specific service and reconfirm if the aircraft changes.

What Are the Age, Weight and Size Limits?

Being under two years old does not automatically make a baby suitable for a bassinet. “Infant” is a ticket category; bassinet eligibility is an equipment and safety assessment.

Ask the airline about:

• Maximum permitted weight
• Usable length and width
• Any age or developmental restrictions
• Whether the baby must fit with legs comfortably extended
• The crew’s final assessment onboard

For example, Emirates specifies up to 11 kg and requires a safe fit; it may refuse use if the baby must bend their legs to fit. Its limit is not an Air India limit. See Emirates’ bassinet conditions.

How to Request a Bassinet on a Plane

1. Check before booking: Give the airline your proposed flight number, date and cabin.
2. Add your infant: Make sure the baby is included in the reservation.
3. Provide travel-date details: Give the baby’s date of birth and expected weight and length.
4. Request the bassinet explicitly: Buying an infant ticket or a front-row seat is not the same thing.
5. Clarify the seat: Ask whether a compatible position is assigned, requested or still pending.
6. Save the response: Keep the request reference and any written confirmation.
7. Recheck each flight: Include connecting and return sectors, especially after schedule or aircraft changes.
8. Confirm at check-in: Then follow the cabin crew’s instructions onboard.

Message you can send: “I am travelling with an infant on flight [number] on [date], booking reference [PNR]. My baby will be [age], approximately [weight] kg and [length] cm. Does this aircraft and cabin offer a bassinet? Please confirm eligibility, request status, the compatible seat and any associated charges.”

Request early, but do not assume every airline allocates bassinets strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask how allocation works for your flight.

Are Baby Bassinets Free? Do Infants Fly Free?

A free bassinet does not mean a free infant ticket. Air India and the Norse-specific IndiGo service describe the bassinet itself as complimentary, subject to availability.

Check the full booking price separately, including the infant fare, applicable taxes and any seat-selection charges. Do not assume the accompanying adult’s seat is free simply because the bassinet is.

IndiGo’s special-assistance policy specifies a fee per sector for lap infants. Akasa Air also lists a per-sector infant fee in its infant policy.

If the child turns two during the trip, contact the airline before booking to confirm how the return journey must be ticketed.

Is a Bassinet a Safety Seat?

No. A bassinet is not a substitute for an approved child restraint. It cannot be relied on for the entire journey. Follow crew instructions about removing and securing your baby during takeoff, landing, turbulence and other restricted periods.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exploring a separate seat with an appropriate approved restraint for safer air travel. However, airline acceptance differs: IndiGo’s standard infant policy and Akasa Air’s policy require lap travel and do not permit booking an infant’s own seat. Confirm the operating carrier’s rules before buying or bringing a restraint.

Sources: AAP family travel guidance, IndiGo infant rules and Akasa Air infant rules.

Prepare for the Flight Even If You Request a Bassinet

Plan for periods when the bassinet is unavailable. Keep nappies, wipes, spare clothing and feeding supplies accessible, including enough for delays.

Check our guides to baby food on Indian flights and carrying baby formula. Bring the age documents required by the airline and the baby’s passport and other entry documents for international travel.

What if your baby cries?

Check feeding, nappy and comfort needs. Feeding or a pacifier may help with ear-pressure discomfort when safe and consistent with crew instructions. Ask the crew for assistance if needed. Do not give medicine simply to make a baby sleep without medical advice.

What is the safest age for a baby to fly?

An airline’s minimum accepted age is not a medical recommendation. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises waiting until around two to three months when possible. Discuss travel with your paediatrician, particularly for a premature baby or one with heart, lung or other health concerns.

Source: AAP guidance on flying with babies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a bassinet at airport check-in?

Air India permits requests at check-in, but availability may already be limited. Requesting earlier gives the airline more opportunity to arrange a suitable position.

Does booking a bulkhead seat guarantee a bassinet?

No. Confirm that the seat has a bassinet position and that the service request has been recorded. Not every front-row seat supports one.

Are bassinets available on domestic flights in India?

Do not assume availability. Ask the airline about the specific aircraft, cabin and service on your domestic flight.

Can my baby use a bassinet throughout an overnight flight?

No. Sleep can be interrupted when the crew requires the baby to be removed and secured. Plan for those periods even on overnight services.

Can I bring my own portable bassinet?

Do not assume permission to carry an item also permits using it onboard. Obtain airline approval for the exact product. IndiGo’s Norse-specific policy prohibits personal bassinets and baby beds onboard.

Which airline is best for flying with a baby?

Compare the exact itinerary: travel time, connections, bassinet availability, infant seating policy and total price. An airline’s general family-friendly reputation does not confirm the equipment on your flight.

What if the bassinet is unavailable after I request it?

Ask the airline about the available seating arrangements and follow its infant-travel policy. Do not improvise a bed on the floor or assume an unapproved product can replace the airline’s bassinet.

Airline Seat Selection Fees: How to Avoid Paying & When It’s Worth It

You found a cheap flight, reached the seat map—and suddenly the airline wants another ₹500, ₹1,500 or even several thousand rupees just to choose where you sit. The good news is that paying a seat-selection fee is usually optional. If your ticket is confirmed and you skip paid seat selection, the airline will normally assign you an available seat without charging a seat-selection fee.

What has changed is the price. Indian airlines now divide aircraft into standard, preferred, front-row, extra-legroom and premium seat zones, and some of the best seats can cost thousands of rupees per passenger per flight.

This guide explains how to avoid unnecessary seat fees, when paying is actually worthwhile, what happens if you select nothing, current Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Air India Express policies, and why several popular seat-selection tips circulating online are now outdated.

Table of Contents

• Do You Have to Pay to Select a Seat?
• What Are Airline Seat Selection Fees?
• What Happens If You Don't Select a Seat?
• Indian Airline Seat Fee Comparison
• Air India Seat Selection Fees
• IndiGo Seat Selection Fees
• SpiceJet Seat Selection Fees
• Akasa Air Seat Selection Fees
• Air India Express Seat Selection
• How to Avoid Seat Selection Fees
• Look for ₹0 or Free Seats
• Should You Wait Until Check-In?
• Can You Get a Better Seat at the Gate?
• Do Families Have to Pay to Sit Together?
• When Is Paying for a Seat Worth It?
• Which Economy Seats Are Worth Paying For?
• Seat Fees on Long-Haul Flights
• What Changed on U.S. Airlines?
• Are Seat Selection Fees Refundable?
• Seat Selection Mistakes to Avoid
• Bottom Line
• Related Flight Booking Guides
• Official Sources
• Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have to Pay to Select a Seat on a Flight?

Usually no. Paying allows you to choose a specific seat. If you skip the paid seat map, the airline normally assigns you an available seat without a seat-selection charge.

That distinction is important:

• Paying for the flight buys transportation and a seat on the aircraft.
• Paying for seat selection buys greater control over which available seat you receive.

If you do not care whether you get a window, aisle or middle seat, paying extra can often be avoided entirely.

IndiGo's current policy makes this unusually clear: preferred seating is an optional add-on, and passengers who do not buy one can choose an available free seat or receive a seat assignment at airport check-in.

What Are Airline Seat Selection Fees?

Airlines increasingly divide Economy cabins into several paid zones.

You may see names such as:

• Standard Seat
• Preferred Seat
• Front Row
• UpFront
• Extra Legroom
• Emergency Exit
• Prime Seat
• SpiceMax
• A+
• Premium Seat

These seats can have the same basic Economy service while costing very different amounts to reserve.

Airlines charge more for seats passengers tend to value most:

• Window seats
• Aisle seats
• Front rows
• Exit rows
• Extra-legroom rows
• Seats allowing faster deplaning

A seat-selection charge is normally an ancillary fee, not an additional airfare. That distinction can also matter if you later cancel your flight because airfare and seat-fee refund rules may differ.

What Happens If You Don't Select a Seat?

If you click Skip, Continue without seat selection or otherwise decline the paid seat map, one of several things can happen:

• A free seat may become available during online check-in
• The airline may automatically assign you a seat
• Your boarding pass may initially show no seat number
• A seat may be assigned at the airport
• A final assignment may happen at the gate

You are giving up control over the location—not giving up your confirmed reservation.

The trade-off is uncertainty. A solo traveler may be perfectly happy with a random assignment. A couple, family or tall passenger may decide that paying for a particular seat is worth avoiding that uncertainty.

Indian Airline Seat Selection Fee Comparison

Seat fees are dynamic and can vary by aircraft, route, season, fare family and seat availability. The ranges below reflect current published structures rather than a promise that every flight will display exactly the same price.

Airline	Current Seat Pricing Structure	Free Option?
Air India	Domestic Standard about ₹250–₹350; preferred/front/extra-legroom seats can cost considerably more	Depends on fare and available seat
IndiGo	Standard ₹200–₹1,700; extra legroom ₹1,000–₹2,000; UpFront ₹1,999–₹2,999 domestic	Yes, when free seats are available; otherwise free assignment
SpiceJet	Some rear/middle seats free; paid preferred seats vary by aircraft and can exceed ₹1,500	Yes on selected seats
Akasa Air	Some rear middle seats ₹0; many regular seats ₹300–₹900; premium/extra-legroom seats can reach ₹2,000–₹5,000	Yes on selected seats
Air India Express	Depends heavily on fare bundle and seat category	Standard seats included with some higher fares

Vistara should no longer appear in current Indian airline comparisons. Vistara merged into Air India in November 2024, so older articles listing it as a separate operating airline are outdated.

Air India Seat Selection Fees

Air India currently divides seats into categories including:

• Standard
• Preferential
• Emergency Exit / Extra Legroom
• Front Row

On current domestic itineraries, Air India's published seat prices broadly run:

Air India Domestic Seat	Current Published Range
Standard	₹250–₹350
Preferential	₹450–₹600
Emergency Exit / Extra Legroom	₹600–₹900
Front Row	₹900–₹1,300

International seat prices can be substantially higher.

For example, on India–USA routes, Air India's current published seat prices can reach roughly $75–$89 for front-row and certain extra-legroom seats.

Air India charges seat fees per flight segment. If you travel San Francisco–Delhi–Bengaluru, a paid seat on the international flight does not automatically pay for a preferred seat on the Delhi–Bengaluru segment.

IndiGo Seat Selection Fees

IndiGo now publishes particularly clear pricing for its Seat Select service.

IndiGo Seat Category	Domestic	International
Standard Seat	₹200–₹1,700	₹200–₹2,000
Emergency Extra Legroom	₹1,000–₹2,000	₹1,000–₹5,000
UpFront Seat with Upgrade	₹1,999–₹2,999	₹1,999–₹9,999
Stretch Seat	Included with qualifying Stretch products	Included with qualifying Stretch products

The most useful wording on IndiGo's current policy is this:

You do not have to buy a preferred seat. IndiGo says passengers can select an available free seat or receive a seat assignment free of charge at airport check-in.

That is the answer many travelers are looking for when the booking screen seems to show nothing but paid seats.

SpiceJet Seat Selection Fees

SpiceJet pricing varies significantly by aircraft.

On several Boeing 737 layouts, current published charges include:

• Some rear middle seats at ₹0
• Ordinary rear seats around ₹200–₹400
• Window and aisle seats farther forward around ₹400–₹550
• Front and premium rows above ₹1,000
• Some preferred seats around ₹1,599–₹1,799

SpiceMax seats are priced separately and can cost considerably more, particularly on international routes.

Scroll through the entire SpiceJet seat map before paying. The expensive front rows can make it appear that every seat costs money even when some rear seats are free.

Akasa Air Seat Selection Fees

Akasa Air's current seat map is another good example of why you should look all the way to the rear of the aircraft.

Depending on the Boeing 737 configuration:

• Some rear middle seats cost ₹0
• Rear window and aisle seats can cost roughly ₹300–₹400
• Mid-cabin seats can run ₹400–₹900
• Extra-legroom A+ seats can cost around ₹1,500–₹3,000
• Some wider A++ seats can reach ₹5,000

Akasa demonstrates an important seat-fee trick: "free seat selection" may exist, but only for a handful of less desirable seats.

Air India Express Seat Selection

Air India Express increasingly bundles seat selection with fare families rather than treating every fare identically.

On current domestic fare structures:

Fare	Seat Selection
Xpress Lite	Paid
Xpress Value	Paid
Xpress Classic	Complimentary Standard Seat
Xpress Flex	Complimentary Prime, Standard and Flex Seats

This creates an important booking decision.

A fare that initially costs slightly more may include:

• Seat selection
• Checked baggage
• Meal
• Lower change fees

Compare the total trip price, not just the first number in the search results.

How to Avoid Airline Seat Selection Fees

There is no secret code that unlocks every premium seat for free. But there are several legitimate ways to avoid paying unnecessarily.

• Skip seat selection during booking. If you don't care where you sit, don't pay simply because the seat map appears.
• Search the entire seat map for ₹0 seats. Free seats are often concentrated toward the rear or in middle positions.
• Check again when online check-in opens. The mix of available seats can change.
• Accept automatic assignment. This is the simplest strategy for solo travelers who don't care about seat location.
• Use fare-bundle benefits. Some higher fares include seat selection and may cost less than buying every add-on separately.
• Use elite-status benefits when available. Frequent flyers can receive preferred-seat privileges depending on airline and status.
• Check credit-card or airline membership benefits. Some programs include seat benefits or fare-bundle perks.
• Compare the total fare across airlines. A ₹500 cheaper flight stops being cheaper if you add ₹900 for a seat and another ₹1,500 for baggage.

Look for ₹0 or Free Seats Before Paying

This is particularly useful on Indian airlines.

The first part of the seat map usually contains the most expensive seats:

• Row 1
• Front cabin
• Exit rows
• Extra-legroom seats

Keep scrolling.

Depending on airline and aircraft, you may find:

• ₹0 middle seats
• Free standard seats included with your fare
• Much cheaper seats toward the rear

Never assume "all remaining seats are paid" until you have examined the entire seat map.

Should You Wait Until Online Check-In?

Waiting can save money, but it is not guaranteed to produce a better seat.

If you're traveling alone and don't care where you sit, waiting is usually low risk.

If you're traveling with:

• A spouse you definitely want to sit beside
• Young children
• An elderly parent
• A traveler needing assistance
• A very tight connection

the certainty of advance seat selection can be worth more than the fee.

Checking in early does not guarantee a free window or aisle seat. On a full flight, the remaining free assignments may be middle seats.

Can You Get a Better Seat for Free at the Gate?

Sometimes—but do not build your entire strategy around it.

Gate agents may need to move passengers because of:

• Family seating
• Aircraft changes
• Passengers requiring assistance
• Broken seats
• Operational requirements
• Unfilled premium rows

A polite request can occasionally produce a better seat.

But airlines now generate significant revenue from premium seating, so an empty extra-legroom seat is not automatically a free upgrade.

The gate method is a gamble, not a guaranteed seat-fee hack.

Do Families Have to Pay for Seats to Sit Together?

This requires more careful wording than many travel websites use.

United States

It is not accurate to say every U.S. airline is already universally required to seat every child under 13 next to a parent for free in every circumstance.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has pushed airlines toward fee-free family seating and maintains a Family Seating Dashboard showing which airlines make a formal commitment.

Currently, airlines including Alaska, American, Frontier, Hawaiian and JetBlue make the DOT-listed commitment to seat a child age 13 or under adjacent to an accompanying adult without an additional seat fee, subject to specific conditions.

Other airlines may have family-seating practices without making that same dashboard commitment.

Do not intentionally leave a child's seating until the gate based on an outdated claim that every U.S. airline is legally obligated to rearrange passengers for you. Check the airline's current family-seating policy before booking.

India

Indian airline family-seating rules and practices differ by carrier, booking and aircraft availability.

If sitting together is important, especially with a young child, check the seat map early rather than assuming neighboring seats will remain available.

For more detail, see Kids Under 12 Must Sit with Parents on Flights and How Families Can Get Seats Together on a Plane.

When Is Paying for Seat Selection Worth It?

Pay When...

• You absolutely need two or more people sitting together
• You are traveling with a young child or elderly parent
• You are tall and want guaranteed extra legroom
• You strongly dislike middle seats
• The flight is long-haul
• You need to sit near the front for a tight connection
• A particular seat materially improves your comfort

Skip When...

• You are traveling alone
• You genuinely do not care where you sit
• The flight is very short
• Your fare already includes free selection
• Your loyalty status provides the seat benefit
• Free seats remain available on the seat map

Which Economy Seats Are Worth Paying For?

Seat Type	Main Advantage	Main Disadvantage	Worth Paying?
Extra Legroom	More knee and leg space	Can be expensive	Often on long flights
Exit Row	Usually substantially more legroom	Eligibility requirements; some seats have limited recline	Often for tall travelers
Front Row	Fast deplaning and more space on some aircraft	Expensive; storage restrictions can apply	Useful for connections
Front Economy	Faster exit	Often same legroom as cheaper rows	Depends on connection
Window	View and wall to lean against	Harder to access aisle	Personal preference
Aisle	Easy access to toilet and cabin	Passengers and carts pass beside you	Useful on long flights
Rear Middle	Often cheapest or free	Least desirable location	Great if saving money is priority

Exit Row Does Not Always Mean Reclining Luxury

Exit-row seats can provide excellent legroom, but travelers should check the exact aircraft.

Some exit-row seats:

• Have restricted recline
• Are near toilets
• Have fixed armrests
• Require bags to be stored overhead during takeoff and landing

Passengers must also satisfy the airline's emergency-exit eligibility requirements.

Are Seat Fees Worth It on Long-Haul Flights?

This is where my answer changes.

Paying ₹800 for an aisle seat on a 60-minute flight is difficult to justify for many travelers.

Paying extra to avoid a middle seat on a 14-hour India–USA flight can be completely different.

Think about the seat fee as a cost per hour. A $60 seat on a 12-hour flight costs $5 per hour of additional comfort. The same $60 fee on a 90-minute flight costs $40 per hour.

Long-haul seat selection can be worthwhile for:

• Tall passengers
• Older travelers
• People who frequently use the toilet
• Travelers who need to sleep
• Families who need guaranteed adjacent seats
• Passengers with a short onward connection

What Changed With Seat Selection on U.S. Airlines?

Several claims in older seat-fee articles are now obsolete.

Southwest No Longer Uses Open Seating

This is one of the biggest changes.

Southwest ended its famous open-seating model for travel from January 27, 2026.

Southwest now uses assigned seating with:

• Standard Seats
• Preferred Seats
• Extra Legroom Seats

Most fares allow seat selection at booking, while Southwest's Basic fare generally receives a Standard seat assignment at check-in unless another benefit applies.

JetBlue

JetBlue has also changed its fare structure.

Its current Base fares do not include seat selection. Travelers can pay to select a seat or receive an assignment before departure.

Standard and Flex fares include seat selection.

Delta

Delta has renamed Basic Economy as Delta Main Basic.

Main Basic does not include normal advance seat selection. Seats are generally assigned after check-in, although paid assignment may be available.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska's Saver fare does not include normal advance seat selection. Seats are assigned at check-in unless the traveler purchases an eligible seat upgrade.

The lesson: don't choose an airline based on an old reputation for "free seats." Seat policies are increasingly tied to the specific fare family you purchase.

Are Airline Seat Selection Fees Refundable?

Not always.

This is another reason not to pay for a seat casually.

Refund treatment can depend on:

• Whether you cancel the flight
• Whether the airline cancels the flight
• Whether the aircraft changes
• Whether the airline can provide an equivalent seat
• The airline's specific seat-product terms
• Whether you voluntarily move to another seat

For example, airfare and seat selection can be treated as separate purchases.

A refundable airline ticket does not automatically mean every optional seat-selection charge follows the same refund rules.

We cover this issue in detail in Airlines Stole My Seat Money—Here’s Why.

Seat Selection Mistakes to Avoid

1. Paying Because You Think Seat Selection Is Mandatory

In most cases it isn't. Look for a Skip or Continue option.

2. Looking Only at the First Few Rows

The most expensive seats are intentionally prominent. Scroll down for cheaper or free seats.

3. Assuming a Window Seat Is Automatically Better

A window beside an engine, missing window or restricted-recline row may not be worth paying extra for.

4. Paying for a Front Seat Without Checking Legroom

"Preferred" can simply mean a better location. It does not necessarily mean more space.

5. Assuming Paid Seat Numbers Are Guaranteed Forever

Aircraft substitutions and operational changes can result in seat reassignment.

6. Assuming Seat Fees Are Automatically Refundable

Check before paying, especially if your plans may change.

7. Using Outdated Airline Information

Two particularly outdated examples are:

• Vistara as a separate Indian airline
• Southwest as an open-seating airline

Bottom Line

Airline seat-selection fees are usually optional. If you don't care exactly where you sit, skipping them is one of the easiest ways to reduce the real cost of a flight.

But paying can make sense when:

• You need guaranteed adjacent seats
• You are traveling long-haul
• You want extra legroom
• You need an aisle or window
• You have a tight connection
• You are traveling with children or an elderly parent

For Indian domestic travelers, the biggest practical trick is simple:

Scroll through the whole seat map before paying. IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa can still have free or much cheaper seats even when the first rows shown cost ₹1,000–₹3,000 or more.

And always compare the final trip cost:

airfare + seat + baggage + meals + other add-ons.

The airline displaying the cheapest fare in Google Flights is not necessarily the airline that will be cheapest after checkout.

Related Flight Booking Guides

• Airlines Stole My Seat Money—Here’s Why
• 10 Proven Hacks to Score the Cheapest Flights to India
• Are Flight Tickets Refundable in India? Airline Refund Policies Explained
• Best Time to Book Flights to India
• India Flight Fare Drop After Booking: Can You Get the Difference Back?
• India Domestic Airline Ticket Taxes and Fees: Full Fare Breakdown
• Child Flight Tickets in India: Fares, Discounts & Airline Rules
• How Families Can Get Seats Together on a Plane
• Kids Under 12 Must Sit with Parents on Flights
• Why Seat 11A Is the Luckiest Seat on a Plane After Air India Crash

Official Airline Sources

• Air India — Preferred Seat Selection and Current Pricing
• IndiGo — Fees and Seat Select Pricing
• IndiGo — Seat Select
• SpiceJet — Current Fees and Seat Charges
• Akasa Air — Seat Selection
• Air India Express — Fare Options and Seat Inclusions
• Southwest — Assigned Seating
• JetBlue — Fare Types and Seat Selection
• Delta — Main Basic Seat Assignment
• Alaska Airlines — Saver Fare Seat Rules
• U.S. Department of Transportation — Airline Family Seating Dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to pay for airline seat selection?

No. Seat selection is usually an optional service. If you skip it, the airline will normally assign you an available seat at check-in, at the airport or at the gate.

What happens if I don't select a seat while booking?

Your ticket remains valid. Depending on the airline and fare, you may be offered a free seat later or receive an automatic seat assignment before boarding.

Can I get a free seat on IndiGo?

Yes. IndiGo currently says passengers who do not want to purchase preferred seating can select an available free seat or receive a seat assignment free of charge at airport check-in.

How much does IndiGo charge for seat selection?

Current domestic Standard Seats range from about ₹200 to ₹1,700. Emergency extra-legroom seats range from about ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, while UpFront seats can cost ₹1,999 to ₹2,999 domestically. International charges can be higher.

How much does Air India charge to select a seat?

Current domestic Standard Seats are roughly ₹250–₹350, preferential seats around ₹450–₹600, extra-legroom seats around ₹600–₹900 and front-row seats roughly ₹900–₹1,300. International pricing varies by destination.

Does Akasa Air have free seats?

Yes. Akasa's current seat maps show some rear middle seats at ₹0 on several aircraft configurations. Window, aisle, front and extra-legroom seats generally cost more.

Does SpiceJet have free seat selection?

Some SpiceJet aircraft currently have selected rear seats with no pre-booking charge. Other seats can cost from a few hundred rupees to more than ₹1,500 depending on location, aircraft and route.

Is it cheaper to choose a seat during check-in?

Not necessarily. Some free seats may become available or the airline may assign one automatically, but premium seats may remain chargeable. Waiting is best for passengers who are flexible about where they sit.

Can I get an aisle or window seat for free by waiting?

Possibly, but there is no guarantee. If aisle and window seats remain available when assignments are made, you may receive one. On a full flight, you may instead receive a middle seat.

Are seat-selection fees worth paying?

They can be worth it on long flights, for extra legroom, for travelers who strongly prefer an aisle or window, for families who need certainty, or when sitting near the front helps with a tight connection.

Do U.S. airlines have to seat children with parents for free?

Do not assume every airline follows an identical rule in every situation. The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a Family Seating Dashboard showing airlines that formally commit to adjacent seating for children age 13 or under and an accompanying adult without an extra fee, subject to conditions.

Does Southwest still have open seating?

No. Southwest moved to assigned seating for travel beginning January 27, 2026. Most fares now allow seat selection at booking, while Basic passengers generally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in unless another benefit applies.

Is Vistara still an option for free seat selection in India?

No. Vistara ceased operating as a separate airline after merging into Air India in November 2024. Current seat-selection comparisons should use Air India's policies instead.

Are paid seat-selection fees refundable?

Sometimes, but not automatically. Refund rules depend on the airline, why the flight or seat changed, whether you cancelled voluntarily and whether the airline failed to provide the paid seat or a comparable replacement.

What is the easiest way to avoid paying a seat fee?

If you are traveling alone and do not care where you sit, simply skip paid seat selection and accept the airline's free assignment. Also check the full seat map because some airlines still display ₹0 seats toward the rear.

Child Flight Tickets in India: Fares, Discounts & Airline Rules

Does a child pay full price for a flight in India? Sometimes yes. The old idea that every child automatically gets 25% off is no longer a safe rule to use. Air India currently advertises child discounts of up to 25% on eligible fares, but several low-cost airlines price children much closer to—or the same as—ordinary passenger fares.

Infants under 2 are different. They normally travel on an adult's lap and pay an infant fee instead of buying a regular seat. Once the child reaches age 2, a separate seat is required.

The important lesson is to compare the final child price shown at checkout, not assume that selecting "Child" will automatically cut 25% from the adult ticket.

Table of Contents

• Does a Child Pay Full Price in India?
• Infant, Child and Adult Age Rules
• Child Fare Comparison by Airline
• Air India Child and Infant Fares
• IndiGo Child and Infant Fares
• SpiceJet Child and Infant Fares
• Akasa Air Child and Infant Fares
• Air India Express Child Fares
• Do Babies Fly Free in India?
• When Does a Child Need a Separate Seat?
• What ID Does a Child Need?
• Children Flying Alone
• Are There Family Discounts?
• How to Pay Less for a Child Ticket
• Common Child-Ticket Mistakes
• Bottom Line
• Related Family Travel Guides
• Official Airline Sources
• Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Child Pay Full Price for Airline Tickets in India?

Sometimes. There is no India-wide rule requiring airlines to give children a fixed 25% discount. Air India currently offers eligible children up to 25% off the base airfare, while some other Indian airlines use ordinary or dynamically priced fares for children aged 2 and older.

This means a family searching the same Mumbai–Delhi flight could see:

• A genuine child discount on one airline
• A child fare only slightly below the adult price on another
• Exactly the same basic airfare as an adult on another
• Different taxes, fees and promotional discounts

That is why statements such as "all children in India pay 75% of the adult fare" are misleading.

Always enter the child's correct date of birth during booking and compare the final price before payment.

Infant, Child and Adult Age Rules

Most major Indian airlines broadly divide younger passengers this way:

Age on Travel Date	Typical Classification	Seat
Under 2 years	Infant	Usually travels on accompanying adult's lap
2 to under 12 years	Child	Separate seat required
12 years and above	Generally booked in adult passenger category	Separate seat required

Age is normally determined on the date of travel. If your baby is 23 months old on the outbound flight but turns 2 before the return flight, the return journey may need to be booked as a child with a separate seat.

Child Fare Comparison: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet & More

Airline	Child Age	Child Pricing	Infant Pricing
Air India	2 to under 12	Up to 25% off eligible base fares	Flat fare; Economy domestic currently starts at ₹2,000 one way
IndiGo	2 to under 12	No blanket 25% child discount should be assumed; check booking price	Separate fixed infant fee per sector
SpiceJet	2+	Current policy applies passenger/adult fare from age 2	₹1,899 per domestic sector
Akasa Air	2+	Fare shown during booking; no universal 25% child discount advertised	Infant fee applies per sector
Air India Express	2 to under 12	Separate child fare category; price varies by flight and fare	Infant fare applies for children under 2

Do not compare percentages alone. Airline fares are dynamic. A discounted child base fare can sometimes end up surprisingly close to an adult ticket after taxes and fees are added.

Air India Child and Infant Fares

Air India is currently the clearest major Indian airline offering a specific child concession.

Air India advertises up to 25% off the base airfare for eligible children on domestic and international Air India-operated flights.

The child concession applies to children aged 2 to under 12 years on the date of travel.

Important conditions include:

• Discount is on the base airfare, not necessarily the entire ticket price
• Actual discount can vary
• Seats under the concession are subject to availability
• It applies on Air India-operated flights rather than every codeshare
• The current published concession is for qualifying Indian nationals who are permanent residents of India
• Identification and date-of-birth documentation are required

Air India Infant Fare

Air India now publishes flat one-way infant fares instead of relying on the old generic "10% of adult fare" explanation.

Cabin	Domestic / Nepal / Sri Lanka / Maldives / Bangladesh
Economy	₹2,000
Premium Economy	₹2,500
Business	₹3,750
First Class	₹5,000

The infant does not receive a separate seat and must travel on the accompanying adult's lap.

Air India's old "infant pays around 10%" rule is no longer the best way to describe current pricing. Check the current flat infant fare applicable to your cabin and route.

IndiGo Child and Infant Fares

IndiGo classifies passengers aged above 2 and under 12 as children.

However, parents should not assume the old claim that every IndiGo child automatically receives a 10% or 25% discount.

IndiGo uses dynamic pricing, and its current public child-travel information does not support a universal statement that children always pay 75% or 90% of the adult fare.

For IndiGo, search the flight with the child included and use the price shown during booking.

IndiGo Infant Fare

Children under age 2 travel as infants on an adult's lap.

IndiGo's current fee schedule lists a separate domestic infant fee per sector. Because airline ancillary fees can change, confirm the amount displayed during booking before payment.

IndiGo requires proof of age for an infant, which may include:

• Birth certificate
• Mother's hospital discharge summary
• Vaccination certificate
• Passport

If the required age proof cannot be produced, IndiGo states that the applicable full fare can become payable and travel remains subject to seat availability.

SpiceJet Child and Infant Fares

SpiceJet's current published policy is particularly important because it contradicts many older child-fare articles online.

SpiceJet currently says adult/passenger fares apply to passengers aged 2 years and above.

Therefore, do not expect an automatic 25% child discount simply because the passenger is 3, 6 or 10 years old.

SpiceJet Infant Fee

For a domestic flight, SpiceJet currently lists an infant fee of ₹1,899 per sector for an infant who does not occupy a separate seat.

Infants must generally be:

• Older than 7 days
• Under 2 years old on the date of travel
• Accompanied by an adult
• Carried on the adult's lap

Valid proof of age is required.

Akasa Air Child and Infant Fares

Akasa Air also separates infants from older children during booking, but parents should not assume a permanent 25% child discount.

Akasa frequently uses dynamic fares and promotional offers that can apply to adult and child passenger categories.

Akasa Infant Rules

Akasa does not permit infants aged 7 days or younger to travel.

For an eligible infant:

• An infant fee applies per sector
• No separate seat may be booked for the infant
• The infant must sit on an adult's lap
• Only one infant is permitted per accompanying adult
• Proof of age is required

Akasa currently also provides an additional hand-baggage allowance of up to 7 kg for an infant, which is worth considering when comparing family travel options.

Air India Express Child and Infant Fares

Air India Express uses separate passenger categories for infants and children.

Its current booking information identifies:

• Infants: under 2 years
• Children: generally ages 2 to under 12

The actual child fare can vary by route, flight and fare family, so it is better to check the booking result than publish a permanent percentage discount.

This is another reason the old claim that every Indian airline gives children 25% off should be removed.

At What Age Can a Child Fly Free in India?

Do not assume infants fly free.

Although an infant under 2 normally does not occupy a separate passenger seat, Indian airlines generally charge an infant fee.

Examples include:

• Air India flat infant fares
• IndiGo infant fee per sector
• SpiceJet infant fee per sector
• Akasa Air infant fee per sector

"No seat" does not mean "no fare." A lap infant usually still needs to be added to the reservation and a fee must be paid.

For a detailed baby-ticket guide, see Airline Tickets for Babies and Infants in India.

At What Age Does a Child Need Their Own Airline Seat?

Once the child reaches 2 years old, major Indian airlines generally require the child to have their own booked seat.

Infants younger than 2 typically travel on an adult's lap under the airline's infant policy.

Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo and Akasa specifically state that an infant cannot simply be given a normal extra seat under the infant booking category.

What If the Child Turns 2 During the Trip?

This is an easy mistake on round trips.

Suppose:

• Your child is 23 months old flying Delhi to Bengaluru
• The family stays for six weeks
• The child turns 2 before the Bengaluru to Delhi return flight

The outbound flight may qualify for infant treatment, while the return flight must be booked as a child occupying a seat.

Always enter the actual date of birth when booking a trip that crosses the child's second birthday.

What ID Does a Child Need for a Domestic Flight in India?

There is no good reason to arrive at the airport without documentation simply because the passenger is a child.

Requirements can differ depending on age, whether the child is accompanied, and the airline.

Infants

Carry proof of age. Commonly accepted documents can include:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Vaccination certificate
• Mother's hospital discharge summary, where accepted

Older Children

Useful documents for domestic travel can include:

• Aadhaar
• Passport
• School photo ID
• Other airline-accepted proof of identity or age

IndiGo's domestic travel-document guidance says an infant or minor accompanied by a parent or guardian with valid identification may not separately require identity proof under its general rule. However, infant age proof is still required when travelling under the infant category.

Practical advice: Carry the child's Aadhaar, passport, school ID or birth certificate anyway. It is much easier than arguing about documentation at check-in.

For international travel, a valid passport is normally mandatory for the child or infant, along with visas or other destination-specific documents where applicable.

See Does a Minor Need Identification to Travel?.

Can a Child Travel Alone on an Indian Flight?

Yes, but the rules and fees vary substantially by airline.

Airline	Typical Solo-Child Age	Current Domestic Service
Air India	Young children travelling alone	Full applicable fare plus ₹5,000 handling fee on domestic sectors
IndiGo	5 to 12	Flying Solo service; currently ₹4,999 domestic
SpiceJet	5 to under 12	Unaccompanied Minor service; currently ₹2,500 domestic
Air India Express	5 to 12	Mandatory UM service when travelling alone; not offered on some connecting itineraries

IndiGo Flying Solo

IndiGo currently requires children aged 5 to 12 travelling without a companion aged 18 or older to use its Flying Solo service.

Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Older minors can have different rules, so check the airline for the child's exact age.

Air India

Air India's unaccompanied-minor service currently charges the applicable travel fare plus a handling fee. For domestic travel, the published handling charge is currently ₹5,000 per sector.

Parents or guardians must also complete the required documentation and airport handover procedures.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet considers children aged 5 to under 12 travelling alone to be unaccompanied minors and currently lists a domestic service charge of ₹2,500 each way.

Do not buy a normal ticket for a 7-year-old and simply send the child to the airport alone. The required unaccompanied-minor service generally must be arranged in advance.

Read our detailed guide: Children Travelling Alone on Indian Flights.

Do Indian Airlines Offer Family Discounts?

Sometimes, but a family discount is different from a child fare.

Akasa Air, for example, currently has a Family and Friends Fare for qualifying groups of four to nine passengers travelling on eligible direct domestic flights.

That type of group fare can sometimes produce better family savings than searching specifically for a children's discount.

Airlines also periodically run promotional codes that apply to both adult and child passenger categories.

When travelling as a family of four or more, compare the normal fare, child fare, promotional fare and any family/group fare. The lowest option may not be labelled "child discount."

How to Pay Less for Child Flight Tickets in India

• Enter every passenger's correct age. This allows the booking system to display any applicable child or infant fare.
• Compare at least two airlines. One airline's child discount can still produce a higher total ticket than another airline's ordinary fare.
• Compare the final total, not just base fare. Taxes and fees can narrow the apparent discount.
• Check Air India's child concession. Eligible families may receive up to 25% off the base airfare.
• Search family fares. Akasa and other airlines may occasionally offer group or promotional pricing.
• Book early during school-holiday periods. Dynamic fares can rise quickly during summer holidays, Diwali, Christmas and other peak travel dates.
• Check baggage before comparing prices. A slightly higher ticket may include more baggage and cost less overall.
• Consider seat costs. Families who need specific adjacent seats should include paid seat-selection costs in the comparison.

Common Mistakes Parents Make With Child Flight Tickets

Assuming Every Child Gets 25% Off

This is probably the biggest outdated claim surrounding Indian child airfare.

Air India currently provides an explicit discount on eligible child fares. That does not mean IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Air India Express automatically duplicate the same percentage.

Thinking Infants Fly Free

Lap infants normally pay a fee even though they do not receive their own seat.

Forgetting Proof of Age

Without acceptable age proof, an airline can refuse to treat the passenger as an infant and may require a different fare, subject to seat availability.

Booking an Infant Who Turns 2 Before the Return Flight

A child who turns 2 during the trip may require a child booking and seat on the return sector.

Assuming Child Fare Means Free Seat Selection

Paying for a child's ticket does not always guarantee free selection of a particular window, aisle or preferred seat.

For family seating issues, see Kids Under 12 Must Sit with Parents on Flights and How Families Can Get Seats Together on a Plane.

Bottom Line

A child does not automatically get a 25% airline discount in India.

The current situation is more complicated:

• Air India: eligible children aged 2 to under 12 can receive up to 25% off the base fare
• IndiGo: children have their own passenger category, but do not assume a blanket 25% discount
• SpiceJet: current policy applies regular passenger/adult fares from age 2
• Akasa Air: check the live child fare and promotional options rather than assuming a permanent percentage discount
• Air India Express: child fares exist, but pricing varies by flight and fare
• Infants under 2: generally pay a separate infant fee and travel on an adult's lap

The best rule is simple: enter the child's real age, compare the final family total across airlines, and never assume that "child ticket" automatically means "cheap ticket."

Related Family Travel Guides

• Airline Tickets for Babies and Infants in India: Parent Guide
• Airline Says Your Child’s Ticket Has No Seat: What Parents Should Do Fast
• Airline Seated Child Away? Parent Rights
• Flying With Babies and Children in India
• Flying With Kids in India: Domestic Flight Rules
• Travel Documents Required for Infant or Child Under 2
• Does a Minor Need Identification to Travel?
• Children's Baggage Rules: Flying With Kids
• Infant Baggage Allowance in India: Strollers, Diaper Bags and Formula Rules
• Can You Take a Stroller on Indian Flights?
• Can You Carry a Car Seat on Indian Flights?
• Best Seats When Flying With a Baby in India
• Baby Ear Pain During Takeoff and Landing
• Children Travelling Alone on Indian Flights
• Parental Consent Letter for Child Travel
• Family Boarding and Seating Policies in India

Official Airline Sources

• Air India — Child and Infant Concessionary Fares
• Air India — Travelling With Infants and Children
• Air India — Young Passengers and Minors
• IndiGo — Infant Travel Rules
• IndiGo — Flying Solo / Unaccompanied Minors
• IndiGo — Domestic Travel Documents
• SpiceJet — Infant and Child Travel
• Akasa Air — Infant Travel
• Akasa Air — Family and Friends Fare

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a child pay full price for airline tickets in India?

It depends on the airline. Air India currently offers eligible children up to 25% off the base fare. SpiceJet currently applies passenger fares from age 2, while other airlines use their own child and dynamic pricing rules.

Does Air India give children a discount?

Yes. Air India currently advertises up to 25% off the base airfare for qualifying children aged 2 to under 12 on eligible Air India-operated domestic and international flights, subject to its concession conditions and availability.

Does IndiGo give a 25% child discount?

Do not assume a universal 25% discount. IndiGo classifies children aged above 2 and under 12 separately, but the safest approach is to enter the child's age and use the fare displayed during booking.

Does SpiceJet charge children the adult fare?

SpiceJet's current published policy says passenger fares apply from age 2. Infants under 2 who do not occupy a seat are charged a separate infant fee.

Can babies fly free on domestic flights in India?

Normally no. Infants under 2 generally travel on an adult's lap but still pay an infant fee. The amount differs by airline.

What is the Air India infant fare on a domestic Economy flight?

Air India currently lists a flat one-way infant fare of ₹2,000 in Economy for domestic travel and certain nearby international destinations. Check the booking page before purchase because fares and conditions can change.

At what age does a child need their own seat?

Once a child reaches age 2, major Indian airlines generally require a separate booked seat. Infants under 2 normally travel on an accompanying adult's lap.

What happens if my child turns 2 before the return flight?

The child can qualify as an infant on the outbound sector while requiring a child ticket and separate seat on the return sector after turning 2. Enter the correct date of birth when booking.

What documents should I carry for a child on an Indian domestic flight?

Carry appropriate proof of identity and age. Depending on the airline and age, this may include Aadhaar, passport, school photo ID or birth certificate. Infants should have acceptable proof of age even when travelling with a parent.

Can a 7-year-old fly alone in India?

Yes on airlines that offer an unaccompanied-minor service, but the service generally must be booked in advance. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India Express have specific solo-child procedures.

How much does IndiGo charge for an unaccompanied child?

IndiGo currently lists its Flying Solo service at ₹4,999 for a domestic sector. Children aged 5 to 12 travelling without an adult generally need the service.

How much does Air India charge for an unaccompanied minor?

Air India currently lists a ₹5,000 domestic handling fee in addition to the applicable full travel fare for an unaccompanied minor.

Are family fares cheaper than child fares?

Sometimes. Akasa Air, for example, offers a Family and Friends Fare on qualifying domestic bookings of four to nine passengers. Always compare the final family total rather than assuming a child-specific discount will be cheapest.

Baby Ear Pain During Takeoff and Landing

Babies often cry during takeoff or landing because rapid cabin-pressure changes can create uncomfortable pressure behind the eardrum. The discomfort is usually temporary, but babies cannot intentionally yawn or “pop” their ears as easily as adults.

Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or offering a pacifier can encourage swallowing and help equalize the pressure. Ear pain is usually more noticeable during descent and landing, especially when a baby has a cold, nasal congestion, fluid behind the eardrum or a recent ear infection.

This guide explains why babies’ ears hurt on flights, when to start feeding, whether a pacifier helps, how long airplane ear lasts and which warning signs need medical attention.

Quick answer: Offer your baby the breast, a bottle or a pacifier during takeoff and especially during descent. Keep the baby reasonably upright while feeding, allow frequent swallowing and never give decongestants, antihistamines or pain medicine for a flight unless your pediatrician has advised it for your baby.

Table of Contents

• Why Do Babies’ Ears Hurt on Flights?
• Is Ear Pain Worse During Takeoff or Landing?
• Signs Your Baby Has Airplane Ear
• How to Relieve a Baby’s Ear Pressure
• Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding
• Does a Pacifier Help?
• When Should You Start Feeding?
• Should the Baby Be Held Upright?
• Should You Wake a Sleeping Baby?
• Flying With a Cold or Ear Infection
• Should You Give Medicine Before Flying?
• Can Flying Damage a Baby’s Eardrum?
• How Long Does Airplane Ear Last?
• When Should You Contact a Doctor?
• Can a 3-Month-Old Baby Fly?
• Before-the-Flight Checklist
• Takeoff and Landing Checklist
• What Parents Should Not Do
• Related Baby Flight Guides
• Medical Sources
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Babies’ Ears Hurt on Flights?

The air pressure inside an aircraft cabin changes as the plane climbs and descends. The middle ear also contains air, and the pressure on each side of the eardrum needs to remain reasonably balanced.

A small passage called the Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Swallowing helps this tube open so that air can move and pressure can equalize.

Babies are more likely to experience difficulty because their Eustachian tubes are:

• Smaller than those of adults
• Narrower and more easily blocked
• More horizontal in position
• More affected by colds, mucus and middle-ear fluid

When the pressure cannot equalize quickly, the eardrum stretches inward or outward. This can produce pressure, muffled hearing and pain known as airplane ear or ear barotrauma.

Airplane ear is not the same as an ear infection. Pressure changes do not normally create an infection, although an existing infection or congestion can make flight-related pain worse.

Do Babies’ Ears Hurt More During Takeoff or Landing?

Ear discomfort can occur during both takeoff and landing, but it is often worse during descent.

Flight Stage	What Happens to Pressure	What Parents May Notice
Takeoff and climb	Cabin pressure gradually decreases as the aircraft climbs.	The baby may become unsettled, swallow repeatedly or cry briefly.
Cruising altitude	Cabin pressure becomes relatively stable.	Pressure discomfort commonly improves.
Descent and landing	Cabin pressure increases and air must move back into the middle ear.	Pain may be stronger because blocked Eustachian tubes may not open easily.

Landing is usually the critical period. Have the bottle, pacifier or breastfeeding setup ready before the descent begins rather than waiting until the baby is already crying in pain.

Signs Your Baby Has Airplane Ear

A baby cannot explain that the ears feel blocked, so parents must look for behavioral clues.

Possible signs include:

• Sudden crying during climb or descent
• Pulling or rubbing an ear
• Repeated swallowing
• Refusing the breast or bottle because of discomfort
• Becoming unusually restless
• Turning the head from side to side
• Waking suddenly as the aircraft descends
• Settling soon after the plane levels off or lands

Crying alone does not prove that the baby has ear pain. A baby may also be hungry, tired, overstimulated, cold, hot or uncomfortable in the seat.

How to Relieve a Baby’s Ear Pressure From Flying

The most useful action is to encourage swallowing while cabin pressure is changing.

Depending on the baby’s age and routine, you can:

• Breastfeed
• Offer a bottle
• Offer a pacifier
• Give an older baby small sips from an age-appropriate cup
• Hold the baby in a reasonably upright feeding position
• Keep the baby calm enough to suck and swallow
• Offer several shorter feeds rather than one large feed

Prepare before descent: Keep the bottle, expressed milk, formula, burp cloth and pacifier within reach. You may not be able to open the overhead bin once the seat-belt sign is on.

Does Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding Help Baby Ear Pain?

Yes. Sucking and swallowing help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure behind the eardrums.

You can use:

• Direct breastfeeding
• Expressed breast milk in a bottle
• Infant formula
• An age-appropriate drink for an older baby

Do not try to make the baby finish a large feeding solely for ear pressure. Repeated small swallows may be enough.

Breastfeeding during pressure changes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises nursing during takeoff and landing to help protect a baby from ear pain caused by cabin-pressure changes.

Plan your clothing and seat position so that you can feed comfortably. Keep a burp cloth available because feeding during a bumpy descent may result in spit-up.

Bottle-feeding during pressure changes

Keep the baby reasonably upright rather than feeding completely flat. Make sure milk fills the nipple so the baby does not swallow excessive air.

Never prop a bottle and leave the baby unattended. Hold both the baby and bottle securely.

Do not feed against active resistance. If the baby is coughing, choking, turning away or too distressed to coordinate sucking and swallowing, pause, settle the baby and try again safely.

Parents carrying milk or formula can review:

• Can I Carry Baby Food and Formula on Indian Flights?
• Can I Carry Breast Milk on Indian Flights?
• Carrying Baby Formula on Flights in India

Does a Pacifier Help a Baby’s Ears on a Plane?

Yes. A pacifier encourages sucking and repeated swallowing, which may help the Eustachian tubes open.

A pacifier can be particularly useful when:

• The baby is not hungry
• The baby has recently completed a feeding
• A bottle cannot be prepared quickly
• The parent cannot breastfeed at that moment
• The baby normally uses a pacifier for comfort

Bring more than one clean pacifier in case one falls onto the aircraft floor. A pacifier clip attached according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions may help, but never use a long cord around the baby’s neck.

A pacifier helps through swallowing—not by physically “pulling” pressure from the ear. It may reduce discomfort, but it cannot guarantee that a congested ear will equalize.

When Should You Start Feeding During Takeoff and Landing?

Timing matters. Feeding too early may leave the baby full or asleep before the main pressure change begins.

During takeoff

• Prepare the feeding while the aircraft taxis.
• Begin when the aircraft starts its takeoff roll or begins climbing.
• Continue while the baby is interested and safely swallowing.

During landing

• Listen for the crew’s descent announcement.
• Prepare the bottle or breastfeeding position early.
• Begin when you notice the aircraft descending or approximately 20–30 minutes before landing.
• Offer a pacifier if the baby finishes feeding before the pressure change is complete.

Do not delay feeding until touchdown. The most noticeable pressure change often occurs during the descent before the wheels reach the runway.

Should You Keep a Baby Upright During Takeoff and Landing?

A reasonably upright feeding position may make swallowing easier and reduce the chance of choking or milk flowing too quickly.

However, aviation safety instructions come first. Follow the cabin crew’s directions and use the child-restraint arrangement approved for your booking and aircraft.

When possible:

• Support the baby’s head and neck
• Keep the face visible
• Do not feed while the baby is lying completely flat
• Do not loosen an approved restraint contrary to crew instructions
• Stop feeding if turbulence makes it unsafe

Pressure comfort does not override restraint safety. During unexpected turbulence, securing the child safely is more important than continuing a feeding.

Should You Wake a Sleeping Baby for Takeoff or Landing?

Babies swallow less frequently while sleeping, so a sleeping baby may be less able to equalize pressure.

However, you do not necessarily need to wake a baby who is sleeping comfortably and showing no sign of pain.

A practical approach is:

• Keep a pacifier or bottle ready
• Watch for stirring, grimacing or crying
• Offer sucking as soon as the baby begins waking
• Gently wake the baby if previous flights caused severe ear pain
• Avoid fully stimulating an otherwise comfortable baby unnecessarily

For a baby who repeatedly experiences severe pain, discuss a personalized flight plan with the pediatrician before travel.

Can a Baby Fly With a Cold or Ear Infection?

A cold, nasal congestion, sinus infection or middle-ear infection can block the Eustachian tubes and make pressure equalization more difficult.

Contact your pediatrician before flying when the baby has:

• A current or recent ear infection
• A fever
• Severe nasal congestion
• Fluid draining from an ear
• Persistent ear pulling with distress
• Recent ear surgery
• Recent placement of ear tubes
• Breathing difficulty
• A chronic heart or lung condition

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to ask the child’s doctor about flying after an ear infection or ear surgery, particularly when it occurred within the previous two weeks.

Do not assume that a baby is fit to fly merely because the airline accepts the booking. Airline age rules and medical fitness are separate questions.

Should You Give a Baby Medicine Before Flying?

Do not give medication solely to prevent airplane ear without advice from your baby’s pediatrician.

Decongestants and antihistamines

The CDC reports that antihistamines and decongestants have not been shown to provide a useful benefit for preventing flight-related ear pain in children. Some products are unsafe for infants and young children.

Do not give:

• Over-the-counter decongestants
• Cold and cough medicines
• Antihistamines to make the baby sleepy
• Adult nasal sprays
• Someone else’s prescription medicine

Infant pain medicine

A pediatrician may occasionally recommend an age- and weight-appropriate pain reliever when a baby has a history of significant ear discomfort or another medical reason.

Parents should confirm:

• The correct medicine
• The correct dose for the baby’s current weight
• Whether the medicine is suitable for the baby’s age
• When it should be given
• Whether another medicine contains the same ingredient

Never estimate an infant dose. Do not give aspirin to a baby or child, and do not give ibuprofen to a young infant unless the child’s healthcare professional specifically approves it.

Can a Baby’s Eardrum Be Damaged During a Flight?

Serious injury is uncommon, but a large unresolved pressure difference can occasionally cause ear barotrauma.

Possible complications can include:

• Fluid behind the eardrum
• Temporary muffled hearing
• Bleeding behind the eardrum
• A perforated or ruptured eardrum
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Rare injury to deeper ear structures

The risk may be higher when the baby has severe congestion, an ear infection or an existing ear problem.

Most crying during landing does not mean the eardrum has ruptured. Ordinary pressure pain usually improves soon after the aircraft lands and cabin pressure stabilizes.

How Long Does Baby Ear Pain Last After Flying?

For most babies and children, pressure pain improves within a few minutes after the aircraft levels off or lands.

A blocked or muffled feeling can sometimes last longer while the Eustachian tube gradually opens. Mild symptoms may persist for several hours, especially when the child has congestion.

Symptom Pattern	What It May Mean
Crying stops shortly after landing	Typical temporary pressure discomfort
Mild fullness for a few hours	Pressure may still be equalizing, especially with congestion
Persistent severe pain	Needs medical advice
Ear drainage, blood or sudden hearing change	Needs prompt medical assessment
Fever or continuing distress	Could indicate an infection or another condition

Call a healthcare professional if the baby remains in significant pain after the flight, appears unable to hear normally, develops fever, has fluid or blood coming from the ear, becomes very dizzy or seems unusually ill.

When Should You Contact a Doctor?

Seek medical advice promptly when the baby has:

• Severe ear pain that does not improve
• Blood, pus or clear fluid draining from the ear
• Noticeably reduced response to sound
• Loss of balance or unusual dizziness
• Repeated vomiting with dizziness
• Fever
• Persistent inconsolable crying
• Swelling or redness behind the ear
• Symptoms that continue into the next day

Urgent medical care is appropriate if the baby appears seriously unwell, has trouble breathing, is unusually difficult to wake or has another emergency symptom.

Should a 3-Month-Old Baby Fly on a Plane?

Most healthy, full-term 3-month-old babies can travel by air. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that waiting until approximately 2–3 months is preferable when possible because newborns have immature immune systems and airports expose them to crowds and respiratory infections.

Ask the pediatrician before flying when the baby:

• Was born prematurely
• Has a heart or lung condition
• Requires oxygen
• Has a current respiratory illness
• Has a current or recent ear infection
• Had recent surgery
• Has difficulty feeding or gaining weight
• Has another significant medical condition

Airlines also set minimum ages for newborn travel. Check the operating airline’s policy and any medical-certificate requirement.

Read How Early Can Infants Fly? Newborn Airline Rules and Safety Tips.

Before-the-Flight Checklist

• Ask the pediatrician about recent ear infections, congestion or surgery.
• Check the airline’s minimum infant age.
• Reserve an appropriate seat or approved child restraint where possible.
• Pack sufficient breast milk, formula or baby food for delays.
• Bring at least two clean pacifiers.
• Keep bottles and nipples easy to reach.
• Pack a burp cloth and extra clothing.
• Carry any pediatrician-approved medicine in cabin baggage.
• Bring prescriptions and medical information.
• Choose a feeding plan for takeoff and descent.
• Avoid scheduling a full feeding too close to takeoff when possible.
• Keep essentials out of the overhead bin during descent.

Takeoff and Landing Checklist

• Prepare early: Have the bottle or pacifier ready before the aircraft begins moving.
• Encourage swallowing: Breastfeed, bottle-feed or offer the pacifier during pressure changes.
• Hold safely: Support the baby’s head and neck and follow crew instructions.
• Use an upright feeding angle: Avoid feeding the baby completely flat.
• Watch breathing and swallowing: Pause if the baby coughs, chokes or struggles.
• Stay calm: Use a quiet voice, gentle touch and familiar comfort routine.
• Burp when practical: Swallowed air can add to discomfort.
• Try again during descent: Landing often produces more pressure pain than takeoff.
• Do not force food: Use a pacifier when the baby is not hungry.
• Observe after landing: Confirm that the baby settles and responds normally.

What Parents Should Not Do

• Do not give decongestants without medical advice.
• Do not use antihistamines to make the baby sleep.
• Do not give adult cold medicine.
• Do not place cotton buds or objects inside the baby’s ear.
• Do not use ear drops unless a healthcare professional recommends them.
• Do not force-feed a distressed or choking baby.
• Do not blow forcefully into the baby’s nose or mouth.
• Do not attempt an adult pressure-popping maneuver on an infant.
• Do not ignore drainage, bleeding or persistent hearing problems.
• Do not unfasten an approved child restraint contrary to crew instructions.

Final recommendation: For most babies, the safest practical approach is simple: plan a feed or pacifier for takeoff and descent, keep the baby comfortably upright, avoid unapproved medication and obtain medical advice when the baby has an ear infection, severe congestion or persistent symptoms.

Related Baby Flight Guides

• Flying With Babies and Children in India
• How Early Can Infants Fly?
• Airline Tickets for Babies and Infants in India
• Infant Baggage Allowance in India
• Diaper Bag Rules on Indian Flights
• Can I Carry Baby Food and Formula on Indian Flights?
• Can I Carry Breast Milk on Indian Flights?
• Can You Carry Baby Water on Flights in India?
• Can You Carry a Car Seat on Indian Flights?
• Can You Take a Stroller on Indian Flights?
• Do Airlines in India Provide Bassinets for Infants?
• Travel Documents Required for an Infant or Child

Medical Sources

• CDC: Traveling Safely With Infants and Children
• CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Flying With Baby
• KidsHealth: Flying and Your Child’s Ears
• MedlinePlus: Traveling With Children
• MedlinePlus: Ear Barotrauma

Frequently Asked Questions

Do babies’ ears hurt during takeoff or landing?

They can hurt during both, but discomfort is often worse during descent and landing. The increasing cabin pressure can be difficult to equalize when the baby’s small Eustachian tubes are blocked or slow to open.

How do I relieve my baby’s ear pressure from flying?

Encourage swallowing by breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or offering a pacifier during takeoff and descent. Keep the baby reasonably upright and follow all cabin-crew safety instructions.

Does a pacifier help a baby’s ears on a plane?

Yes. Sucking on a pacifier encourages repeated swallowing, which may help the Eustachian tubes open and balance middle-ear pressure.

Why is ear pain worse during flight landing?

During descent, cabin pressure increases. Air must move through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear, which can be difficult when the tube is narrow or blocked by congestion.

Can a baby’s eardrum rupture during a flight?

A perforated eardrum from pressure changes is possible but uncommon. Seek medical attention for severe persistent pain, bleeding, ear drainage, dizziness or an apparent hearing change.

How long does baby ear pain last after flying?

Typical pressure pain improves within minutes after landing. Mild fullness may last for several hours, especially with congestion. Persistent or severe symptoms need medical advice.

Are airplanes bad for babies’ ears?

Air travel is not generally harmful to the ears of a healthy baby. Temporary pressure discomfort is common, but serious ear injury is rare.

Should I wake my baby during landing?

You may gently wake a baby who has a history of flight-related ear pain so that the baby can feed or suck on a pacifier. A baby sleeping comfortably without distress does not always need to be awakened.

Can a baby fly with an ear infection?

Flying with an ear infection can cause greater pain and may increase the risk of pressure injury. Ask the baby’s pediatrician before the trip, especially when the infection occurred within the previous two weeks.

Should I give my baby a decongestant before flying?

No, not unless the baby’s healthcare professional specifically directs it. Decongestants and antihistamines have not been shown to prevent airplane ear in children and may be unsafe for infants.

Can a 3-month-old baby fly on a plane?

Most healthy, full-term 3-month-old babies can fly. Consult the pediatrician first if the baby was premature or has an ear infection, respiratory illness, heart condition, lung condition or other medical concern.

How long does airplane ear last?

Most airplane-ear discomfort resolves within a few minutes after pressure stabilizes. A blocked sensation can last several hours, but severe pain, drainage or symptoms continuing into the next day should be medically assessed.