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Traveling by plane with children raises many questions for parents, especially regarding ticket costs: Can minors fly for free and at what age must they have their own seat?
The answer depends on the child's age and the policies established by the airlines, although there is a general rule applied in both Mexico and the United States.
According to airlines like Aeromexico, Volaris, and United Airlines, babies under 2 years old can travel on an adult's lap without needing their own seat on many flights, while children aged 2 or older must have an individual ticket and travel in their own seat.
Do babies fly for free on planes?
Major Mexican airlines consider children under the age of 2 as infants. Aeromexico notes that babies from seven days old up to two years old can travel on domestic flights without paying a fare, although they must have their respective ticket and boarding pass.
For its part, Volaris indicates that babies under 2 years old can travel on an adult's lap at no additional cost. However, if parents wish for the child to occupy their own seat, they must purchase a regular ticket and use a safety seat approved for flight.
In the United States, airlines like United maintain a similar policy. Children under 2 years old can travel on an adult's lap, although the company recommends using child restraint systems for greater safety.
The age at which you must pay for a ticket
The general rule is clear: when a minor turns 2, they must travel in their own seat and have an individual ticket. This provision is applied by airlines in Mexico and the United States.
Volaris specifies that all children 2 years of age and older must occupy a seat on the plane. They even warn that if a baby turns 2 during a round-trip, it will be necessary to purchase a ticket for the return flight.
American Airlines and United Airlines also establish that passengers 2 years of age or older require a ticket and their own seat to travel.
Safety: what the aviation authority recommends
Although many airlines allow children under 2 to travel in an adult's arms, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers the safest option to be for young children to travel secured in an approved child restraint system.
The FAA warns that a person's arms cannot fully hold a baby during severe turbulence or sudden aircraft movements. Therefore, it recommends purchasing a seat for the minor and using a seat certified for use on airplanes.
Documents minors must carry
Even if the baby is traveling at no cost, airlines request documents to verify their identity and age. Volaris and Aeromexico accept documents such as a birth certificate or passport, depending on the type of flight.
On international flights, in addition to the corresponding immigration requirements, airlines usually require a valid passport for minors.
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What you should remember before buying
If your child is under 2 years old, they can generally travel without occupying their own seat, depending on the airline's conditions and the route. But once they turn 2, they must have an individual ticket and seat.
That is why, before booking a family flight, it is advisable to check the exact age of the minor at the time of travel and consult the current airline policies to avoid unexpected charges or problems when boarding.
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