When planning air travel with children, understanding the child fare policies and airline rules for infants and minors becomes essential. Whether you're flying domestically within India or booking international flights through Travarc.in, being aware of child ticket pricing, baggage allowances, and boarding procedures can save you from last-minute confusion and extra costs.
Infant Fare Policies (0 to 2 Years Old)
For infants below two years of age, most airlines in India require the child to sit on the accompanying adult's lap. Infants are not allocated a separate seat. The standard fare for an infant typically ranges between ₹1,250 to ₹1,750 per sector for domestic flights. For international flights, this amount increases and varies depending on the destination and airline. Infants are usually charged around 10% of the applicable adult fare plus taxes for international journeys. It’s important to book infant tickets accurately on Travarc.in and inform the airline if you’re carrying additional infant equipment like strollers or car seats.
Child Fare Policies (2 to 12 Years Old)
Children between 2 to 12 years old require a full seat booking. On most low-cost airlines, like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Go First, children above two years are charged the full adult fare without any discount. However, full-service carriers like Air India offer child fare discounts. For domestic flights, Air India provides around a 25% discount on the base economy class fare for children. On international routes, Air India offers a 10% discount for business and first-class travel and up to 25% off on economy fares for children within this age group. Always check the latest child fare while booking on Travarc.in, as discounts and policies may change depending on the season and route.
Unaccompanied Minor Fare (5 to 12 Years Old Traveling Alone)
Airlines classify children between 5 to 12 years traveling without a guardian as Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). Special services, extra care, and supervision are provided to these minors from check-in until they are handed over safely at their destination airport. Booking for UMs must be done in advance and requires the completion of specific airline forms.
The additional Unaccompanied Minor service fee varies by airline. For domestic flights within India, the UM fee typically ranges between ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 one way. For international routes, this fee increases significantly, ranging from ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 or more, depending on distance and destination. Parents or guardians booking through Travarc.in should ensure that they add the UM service at the time of booking to avoid last-minute airport charges.
Airline-Specific Overview for Child and Infant Fare Policies
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IndiGo Airlines:
Infants pay a fixed fee of around ₹1,750 per sector domestically. No fare discounts for children aged 2-12. UM service fee is approximately ₹4,999 for domestic routes and ₹9,999 for international sectors. -
SpiceJet Airlines:
Infants are charged about ₹1,750 per domestic sector. No discounts for child tickets between 2 to 12 years. Unaccompanied Minor fees average ₹5,000 for domestic flights. -
Air India:
Offers 25% child fare discount on economy class tickets and a 10% discount on business and first-class fares for children between 2-12 years. Infants are charged about 10% of the adult fare for international routes. The Unaccompanied Minor service fee starts at ₹5,000 for domestic flights and ranges from USD 100 to USD 150 for international flights. -
Vistara:
Infants charged approximately ₹1,500 per sector domestically. Full adult fare for children aged 2-12 with no discounts on most routes. UM service available on request with charges varying by route. -
Go First:
Similar to IndiGo and SpiceJet with no child fare discounts. Infants pay a lap fee per sector.
Important Documentation for Traveling with Children
When flying with a child or infant, ensure you carry:
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copyright or school ID (for domestic travel)
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copyright and visa (for international travel)
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Signed consent letter if the child is traveling with one parent or guardian for international flights
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Completed Unaccompanied Minor forms, if applicable
During booking on Travarc.in, there’s an option to add traveler details for children and infants, ensuring correct fare calculation and pre-requested airline services.
Baggage Allowance for Children and Infants
Baggage allowances for infants are usually lower than standard adult allowances. Many airlines allow one stroller or car seat free of charge for infants. Full-service airlines may offer up to 10 kg baggage allowance for infants, while children aged 2-12 generally get the same baggage allowance as adults. Always review the baggage section while booking on Travarc.in for airline-specific rules.
Tips for Parents Booking Flights with Children on Travarc.in
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Book Early: Infant and child fare rules are subject to availability and change, especially during peak seasons.
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Add UM Services During Booking: If your child will travel alone, add Unaccompanied Minor services while booking on Travarc.in to avoid high airport counter charges.
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Check Baggage Policies: Infant and child allowances differ by airline.
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Confirm Seat Preferences: Pre-select seats for better convenience, especially for families with small children.
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Monitor Fare Deals: Sign up for fare alerts on Travarc.in to get notifications on discounted child fares or family travel deals.
Conclusion
When traveling with infants or children, knowing airline-specific fare policies is crucial for budgeting and planning. From infant lap fees to child discounts and Unaccompanied Minor service charges, each airline follows different pricing structures. By booking through Travarc.in, you get transparent fare breakdowns, the ability to compare multiple airlines, and the option to add all necessary child services at the time of booking.
Whether it’s a short domestic trip or an international journey, trust Travarc.in to help you find the best flight deals for your family.