The Rule for Airlines: Pay Per Plate
In the skies, the policy is generally straightforward. On most domestic flights within India, especially with low-cost carriers, meals are not included in the base ticket price for anyone. Whether you're an adult, a child, or an extra guest, you will
likely need to pre-purchase a meal or buy it onboard. Full-service carriers like Air India may include meals in the ticket price for all passengers on certain routes. For children, airlines often provide the option to book a special 'Child Meal' (CHML) at least 24 hours in advance. These are typically designed to be more appealing to younger palates. For infants under two, policies vary; some international carriers may offer baby meals, but it's always safest for parents to carry their own. The key takeaway is that, with few exceptions, every seated passenger who wants a meal on a flight will need to have one paid for.
Decoding Hotel Breakfast Policies
Hotels present a more complex picture. Most hotel room rates are based on double occupancy, often including a complimentary breakfast for two adults. This is where the rules for children and extra guests diverge significantly. An extra adult guest sharing the room will almost always be charged for both the extra bed and any included meals, such as the breakfast buffet. Hotels see this as a third paying customer. Children, on the other hand, are often treated with more flexibility. Many hotels in India have a clear child policy. It's common for children below a certain age, typically 5 or 6, to stay and eat breakfast for free while sharing their parents' room. Children in an intermediate age bracket, say 6 to 11, might incur a partial charge for meals, while those aged 12 and above are usually considered adults and charged the full rate.
Why Children and Adults Are Treated Differently
The distinction in policies comes down to simple economics. Hotels use 'kids stay free' or 'kids eat free' policies as a powerful marketing tool to attract families. The assumption is that the cost of a child's smaller meal is minimal compared to the revenue generated from the parents' booking. An extra adult, however, is viewed as a full-revenue guest who consumes as much as the primary occupants. They occupy more space, use more amenities, and are expected to eat a full portion at breakfast. Therefore, charging them for these services is standard practice across the industry. This is why you will see a clear line item for an 'extra adult' on your bill, whereas a young child might not be mentioned at all.
Beyond Flights and Hotels: Trains and Events
The principles extend to other scenarios. On Indian Railways, premium trains like the Rajdhani and Shatabdi have historically included meals in the fare. While rules have evolved to make catering optional on some routes, the policy for children has been generous. Children under five are often entitled to free food on these trains. For older children, food can be ordered and paid for, with services like IRCTC offering special kids' menus. When it comes to catered events like weddings or parties, the model is different again. Here, the price is almost always calculated 'per plate'. While caterers can often provide kid-friendly menu options, every guest, regardless of age, is typically counted and charged for, unless a specific discount for children is negotiated in the contract.
Your Pre-Travel Checklist
To avoid surprises, a little homework goes a long way. First, always read the fine print before booking. For hotels, check the specific child policy and extra guest charges on their website or the booking portal. Don't assume anything; if the policy is unclear, call the hotel directly to confirm the charges for your specific group composition. For airlines, it is almost always cheaper to pre-book your meals online rather than buying them on the flight. This also guarantees your choice is available. When travelling with children, pre-booking a child meal can make the journey smoother. By confirming these details in advance, you can budget accurately and ensure a stress-free experience for everyone involved.
