Trusted Choice
- Airlines will always try to sit children with their parents (subject to check-in)
- Some airlines will allow travel for unaccompanied minors. Please email us to check.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
- Most airlines will let infants travel with their parent(s) for free. However some airlines will charge up to 10% of the adult ticket price. Click on 'Price Breakdown' to find out more.
- If you are pregnant, but due before the flight departure date, please contact us once your baby is born and has a name. We can then add him/her to your ticket.
- Infants will not be given a seat. The airlines expect parents to travel with them on their lap.
- Airlines regard infants as being under 24 months old.
- The fare is based on the child's age on the date of travel.
- More detailed information can be found here Traveling with children
National Flag Carriers
- 65,000 happy customers
- Rated 4.5 Stars. Based on 3,581 service ratings over the past year
- Dedicated customer service team on hand to help
- Secure payments
- 65,000 happy customers
- Rated 4.5 Stars. Based on 3,581 service ratings over the past year
- Dedicated customer service team on hand to help
- Secure payments
National Flag Carriers
Search and buy flights on the flag carriers of the world with Alternative Airlines. Continue reading to discover more about national airlines below.
What is a national flag carrier?
A flag carrier airline is an airline which is subsidised or owned by the country in which they are registered. The airline often seeks preferential rights or privileges by the government for international operations.
In the past, the term national airline or national carrier was known to be airlines which were owned by the government, and therefore associated with the national identity of the country. However, these days, it can refer to any airline with a strong connection to its home country, regardless of if it is government-owned. Therefore, not all flag carriers are owned by the government, as many have become private companies.
Flag carriers hold a certain amount of significance in the aviation industry, in terms of both financially and symbolically. Previously, the airlines that were owned by the government were considered great for international trade and national defence. Some passengers will still opt to fly with their national flag carrier for the sense of pride that it gives them when they see the familiar tail of the aircraft on the runway. Also, some passengers will sometimes choose to fly with flag carriers over other airlines, due to the image that they are safer and less likely to encounter financial difficulties.
What are the Flag Carriers of the world?
The table below summarises the flag carrier airlines, with the country that they are owned by and/or represent.
Flag Carrier
FAQs
What countries do not have a flag carrier?
Currently, the following sovereign countries do not have a national flag carrier airline:
- Andorra
- Barbados
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Vatican City
Why does the USA not have a flag carrier?
The USA used to have an unofficial flag carrier, Pan American World Airways, from 1927. However, in 1991, the airline experienced bankruptcy and so ceased operations. This also coincided with the deregulation of airlines in 1978, which meant airlines in the United States increased, meaning more competition of domestic and regional airlines.
