At What Age Does Child Fare Apply on Airplanes?
Flying as a child is an invaluable experience—one that allows kids to interact with diverse people and see beautiful sights they might not otherwise experience in daily life.
Even if they don’t remember every detail when they grow up, these early adventures can have a positive impact on their development.
So, the burning question is: From what age to what age can you purchase child fare tickets when flying?
In this article, we break down the essential points regarding child fares on airplanes.
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At What Age Does Child Fare Apply on Airplanes?
Flying: From What Age Can Children Board?
Children can board an airplane as early as 8 days after birth. From 8 days old until 2 years of age, they are classified as infants. Infants in this category can travel for free—so long as they sit on an adult’s lap. (Note that some airlines may charge a fee.)
For infants traveling with an accompanying adult, up to two infants are permitted per adult: the first infant travels on the adult’s lap for free, while the second infant must have a seat reserved and will be charged a child fare.
Booking a Seat for Infants
Even if a child under 2 years old is allowed to travel on an adult’s lap, you have the option to reserve a separate seat using the child fare.
This can be especially beneficial during long flights, as sitting on an adult’s lap for extended periods can be tiring for both the child and the parent.
Some airlines also offer baby bassinets for infants under 10 kg; however, these are limited in number and might be unavailable during peak travel times. In such cases, it's best to arrange your reservation in advance.
【Domestic Flights in Japan】 Child Fares with JAL & ANA
For domestic flights in Japan on Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), children aged 3 to 11 years are eligible for a child discount fare. This fare is generally set at 75% of the regular adult fare.
A point to note is that this discount is applied only to the regular adult fare, meaning that if you also apply other adult fare discount programs (such as early-bird or advance purchase offers), the final fare for an adult might actually be lower than 75% of the standard fare.
It’s important to compare the final prices when booking tickets.
【Domestic Flights in Japan: LCCs (Low-Cost Carriers)} Child Fares
For the three major LCCs—Jetstar, Peach, and Spring Japan—no distinct child fare is offered. Children aged 2 and older are charged the same fare as adults.
If an infant (child under 2) is traveling without a seat (on an adult's lap), both Jetstar and Spring Japan charge a fee of 1,500 yen per one-way trip.
【International Flights from Japan】 Child Fares with JAL & ANA
For international flights on JAL and ANA, children between the ages of 2 and 11 are typically charged 75% of the adult fare. *some fares may vary slightly
For infants under 2 years old, if they travel without an assigned seat, the fare is calculated as 10% of the adult fare. However, if you reserve a seat for the infant, then the infant fare rates apply instead.
◎ Summary
In summary, the age range and pricing for child fares differ significantly between infants and older children. Infants (8 days old to 2 years) can generally travel free on an adult’s lap—with an option to reserve a seat at an additional cost—while children aged 2 or 3 and above are subject to specific child fare rates, which vary by airline and route.
Be sure to compare the final prices carefully, as the child fare isn’t always “cheaper” when extra discounts available for adult fares are taken into account.
Keep these points in mind to create wonderful memories of your travels with your children by air!
