Watching your little one enjoy the excitement of flying makes your trip even more special. When you book cheap tickets to India from USA, Airlines have specific age policies to ensure the safety and comfort of young travelers. At Tripbeam, we have simplified these policies to make your trip to India effortless. We help you understand who qualifies as a “child” in air travel and the rules you need to know. Let’s look at the maximum age for a child to fly.
The Age Guidelines For “CHILD” Passengers & Their Relevant Policies
Here’s an overview of the rules defining a child in air travel to clarify things for you. Also, if you are on a work trip, find affordable business class flights to India from USA only on Tripbeam.
Infants (Less Than 2 Years Old)
Definition:- A child who is under two years old (24 months) at the time of the flight is defined as an infant.
Seating:- Infants are typically seated on an adult’s lap and fastened with a seat belt designed for infants.
Ticketing:- Airlines usually charge a nominal fee or a percentage of the adult ticket price, though policies differ.
Children (Ages 2 to 12)
Definition:- A child is defined as a passenger aged 2 to 12 years at the time of flight.
Seating:- They must have an assigned seat and will need a full ticket.
Special Assistance:- Unaccompanied minors in this age range often qualify for special services, with clear policies regarding their travel.
Age Limits for Young Passengers (Beyond 12 Years)
Definition:- After the age of 12, children generally qualify as teenagers or young adults, and most airlines consider them to be in the adult fare category. However, airlines may offer specific services or discounts for passengers between 12-18 years, like “young adult” or “teen” categories.
Ticketing:- Teenagers (12-18) often need to book an adult ticket, though some airlines offer a special fare for young adults.
Services:- Airlines may offer special assistance or teenage-friendly services, like ensuring safety during solo travel or providing entertainment suitable for older children.
Unaccompanied Minor Travel Rules
Most airlines provide an Unaccompanied Minor/UM service for minors aged 5 to 12, which includes necessary monitoring throughout the trip.
Children under the age of five are usually not allowed to travel alone.
Required ID Proof for Children
Airlines often request a government-issued ID for children, including:
- Birth certificate
- Passport (for international travel)
- School ID (subject to specific airline policies)
Safety and Comfort Tips for Children in Flight
- Safety Features:- Infant seat belts are standard on airlines, and bassinets are available for longer flights, which allows newborns to sleep pleasantly and safely.
- Child Safety Seats:- If flying with a toddler or a young child, you may opt to bring a certified child safety seat to use during the flight. Airlines allow this but always confirm with the airline beforehand.
- Comfort Tips:- To reduce discomfort caused by the cabin’s dry air, keep your child hydrated throughout the flight.
If you have a lengthy flight, plan to book a seat near the wings, where turbulence is felt less.
Other Factors to Consider
Food Choices:- You can request special meals for children on many airlines in advance.
Entertainment:- Some airlines provide entertainment for kids or kid-friendly content on in-flight screens.
Baggage:- Infants and children may have varying baggage requirements, so verify the airline’s policy before you leave.
Airline-Specific Policies
Every airline may have varied policies regarding age restrictions, child seating plans, and unaccompanied minor services. Additional information can be found on the airline’s website or by contacting customer service. Some airlines may provide more amenities or special services for children, such as priority boarding, whilst others may charge additional money for specific services, such as supplying an infant seat.
Bottom Lines
When you’re prepared flying with an infant or child can give you mental peace. Additionally, you can check airline policies and prioritize your little one’s comfort and safety. So, if you have plans to travel to India with your little passenger, plan your itinerary and get last minute flights to India from USA with Tripbeam today.