6 Airlines That Allow Kids to Fly for Cheap (or Even Free!)

published Mar 14, 2019
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To be blunt, flying with little ones can be stressful. You’re constantly on edge about whether they’ll throw a tantrum or get sick, then worry creeps in about how others surrounding the scene will react, plus this stress doesn’t come cheap as children over the age of 2 are usually charged as adults. Luckily, the key word is “usually” here, as some airlines have made this process a little less nerve-wracking through providing deals for kids, leaving your wallets—and hearts—a little more full.

From flying free for certain times of the year to providing discounted tickets, these air carriers are the ones to check when flying with tykes. See below for each company and what the exact deal is, then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight more than usual.

The deal: Twice a year, this sustainable flag carrier for Scandinavia offers a “Kids Fly Free” deal that allows kids from ages 2 to 11 to travel for free, other than taxes that come with any ticket. The dates for this year have yet to be announced, so keep checking their website for updates. But even when this promotion isn’t occurring, SAS provides up to a 25 percent discount for children on select trips.

The deal: Earlier this year, Frontier announced that children 14 and under can fly for free during select dates. This offer is only valid for member of the airline’s savings club, Discount Den, which is a $60 annual fee, but free flights for a year might be worth the small cost. The children must be flying with an adult, and one child can get the discount per adult.

The deal: This airline flies to five countries from the U.S. (Australia, Belgium, France, New Zealand, Tahiti Islands) and often provides free flights to children as part of family specials. Right now, Air Tahiti Nui is holding a four-family deal (two children tickets for two paying adults) flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to various Islands in Tahiti. The only cost per child is the carrier taxes from $102 to $132.

The deal: Offering child fare on domestic and international flights, future passengers have to call the airline to confirm the discount for specific flights. This deal is applicable for accompanied children ages 5 to 11 and for those unaccompanied from ages 2 to 4.

The deal: Get 25 percent off international flights for children ages 2 to 11. This deal can be for young ones traveling with a passenger 15 years old and up, as well as children jetting off on their own, with special arrangements made.

The deal: Same as the above, Emirates also offers a 25 percent ticket discount for ages 2 to 11. However, the airline requires that children travel with an adult or they will pay the applicable adult fare.