Advice & Info for Flying with Children
- Trusted Choice
- Secure Booking
Flying
with children
Information on all air travel with kids and infants, including top tips and FAQs.
Air travel with kids
Worried about flying with children? Buy flights with Alternative Airlines and we'll make it stress-free. This page breaks down the different things that airlines can offer for passengers flying with children, including infants and babies. When booking your ticket, if you have any special requests or any other queries on air travel with kids, please contact Alternative Airlines and we will contact the airline for you.
FLYING WITH BABIES
It's important to understand airline policies when it comes to flying with babies, as every carrier has different rules and fares. Discover the best airlines using our airline comparison table in our guide to flying with babies - FAQs and top tips included!
FLYING WITH CHILDREN
On long-haul flights, most airlines offer in-flight entertainment with a dedicated children's section, which will include a selection of games and children's tv shows and films. The majority of airlines have in-flight menus that cater to children, although you may need to contact the airline in advance to order your kids' meal in advance.
Child Ticket Age and Price
Most airlines count any person between the ages of 2—11 as a child. You're required to purchase a seat for children, although in most cases they're considerably cheaper than the price of an adult ticket (between 25—33% cheaper). Some airlines offer tickets for young adults, which are usually for passengers aged between 12—16. Find out how to book a flight ticket for a child.
FLYING WITH CHILDREN
FAQS
Can I bring a pushchair or buggy on my flight?
Yes. Most airlines allow for passengers to bring at least one pushchair or buggy onto their flight, free of charge. However, the pushchair or buggy must fit within the maximum weight and dimensions that the airline state.
Can I book a flight for an unaccompanied child?
Only some airlines allow you to book flights for unaccompanied children. Please give us a call if you want to book a flight for an unaccompanied child.
What are the in-flight entertainment options for my child?
All airlines appreciate that children can get bored on long-haul flights. That's why they offer in-flight entertainment options specifically for children. These include a number of kids tv shows and films, as well as kid-friendly games.
What if there are no available seats together with my child?
Unfortunately, on the rare occasion that there are no available seats together with your child, there's nothing the airline can do. You'll either have to sit apart from your child or look for another flight. With airlines who offer it, we highly recommend paying the extra fee to select your seats when you buy your plane tickets to avoid disappointment. Find out how to pre-book your seat with Alternative Airlines.
What age is a child ticket?
The age range for a child ticket can differ from airline to airline, so it's best to check with us or the airline itself. Most airlines class a child ticket as between the ages of 2—11. However, others will class anyone under the age of 16 as a child. Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, offer young adult tickets, which range between the ages of 12—15.
How much does a child ticket cost?
The price of a child ticket will differ from airline to airline. Some airlines offer discounted prices for children, whereas others have a flat fare for adults and children. On average, discounted airline tickets for children are around 25—33% cheaper than adult tickets.
Are there kids options on the in-flight menu?
Yes. Most airlines will offer food for children on their in-flight menus. Many airlines will require you to book your child's food separately from your own at least 24 hours in advance from the day of your flight.
What are the best airlines for flying with kids?
There are many factors which can make an airline more suitable for families, such as priority boarding and food and entertainment options.
Tips For
Flying with children
Here are some tips that will make any parent's journey that much easier.
Be prepared
It might seem obvious, but the importance of preparing for flights with children can't be overstated. Pack extra clothes and wet wipes. There's nothing worse than a messy child and nothing to clean them up with.
Variety
Bring a selection of toys and books. Flights can be long, and although most airlines offer fantastic in-flight entertainment for kids, keeping your child occupied with a variety of toys or books will make the time go much quicker for them.
Ask for help
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Cabin crew and ground staff will be more than happy to help you carry baggage and with anything else you need.
Child Free Flights
Flying without children and want peace and quiet? Take a look at our page on child free flights and find out which airlines offer child free zones
Flying with Children News
May 2019
Travelling as an Unaccompanied minor to and from Namibia
In May 2019, in order to negate the threat of child trafficking, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Namibia changed the laws of travelling as a child. For more information, see our Air Namibia page if you're a parent/guardian travelling with a child.
From May 2019, all unaccompanied minors will need to provide a number of documents in order to be allowed to travel. These documents include:
1. Proof of consent for a parent or legal guardian, which can be in the form of a letter or affidavit.
2. A letter from the person who is will be collecting and accommodating the child. This letter must include the address of where the child will be staying along with details on how to contact this address.
3. A copy of ID or a valid passport and visa/permanent residence permit of the person who will be collecting and accommodating the child.
4. Contact details of the parent(s) or the legal guardian(s) of the child
