Planning a family getaway and stuck on one simple question: does your baby need a ticket? You’re not alone. For many parents booking flights across India, the rules around infant fares, lap seating and child
tickets can feel confusing. Here’s a clear, quick guide to what Indian airlines allow and when you’ll need to pay up.
Children Under 2 Years: The “Lap Infant” Rule
If your child is under 24 months, they are classified as an infant. That means they do not get a separate seat and must sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap for the entire flight. Infants are not exactly free, but they do travel at a reduced fare.
For example, Air India offers discounted infant fares on base tickets: 10% of the adult base fare in economy and 25% in business and first class, on both domestic and international routes.
Low-cost carriers follow a fixed-fee model. IndiGo charges ₹1,750 as an infant fee for domestic travel. On international routes, it varies by sector (₹3,500 for India–Colombo and ₹4,000 for India–Bangkok), as per its website.
Important to note: infants must always be accompanied by an adult, and airlines limit the number of infants allowed per flight.
Do You Need To Book A Separate Seat For An Infant?
No. Infants under two years cannot occupy a separate seat. Airlines do not allow booking an extra seat under the infant category; they must travel on an adult’s lap.
Once your child crosses the 24-month mark, this changes instantly.
What Documents Do You Need To Book An Infant Ticket?
Airlines require valid proof of age to confirm infant eligibility. Accepted documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Mother’s hospital discharge summary
- Vaccination certificate
- Passport
For international travel, a passport is mandatory. If you fail to provide valid age proof, airlines may charge a full child or adult fare, subject to seat availability.
Children Aged 2 And Above: A Paid Seat Is Mandatory
The moment your child turns two, a separate seat becomes compulsory under Indian aviation rules.
Children over 24 months must be booked as child passengers. Depending on the airline, fares may be similar to adult tickets or slightly discounted but lap seating is not permitted, even if your child has just crossed the two-year mark.
Can You Carry A Stroller On Indian Flights?
Stroller policies vary slightly, but most Indian airlines allow one stroller, baby pram, or car seat per infant without additional charges. Both IndiGo and Air India permit one such item per infant. Some airlines allow compact strollers in the cabin if they meet size and weight restrictions, while others require them to be checked in. It’s always best to confirm with your airline before departure.
