Do airlines sell discounted tickets for children when travelling with their parents?

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  sbell on 04/03/2014 - 22:19

  And is it possible to book one way with one airline and the return on another? does it usually end up costing more? Thanks very much for your advice

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  ozhunter on 05/03/2014 - 02:48

  +1

  I don't think so. They take up a seat of a full paying adult so I wouldn't see any reason for them to get a discount.

  And is it possible to book one way with one airline and the return on another? does it usually end up costing more?

  Yes and yes

  • 

    mskeggs on 05/03/2014 - 09:21

    +3

    This is incorrect, under 12 on full service airline get 25% discount. Under 2yro get 90% off (but no seat).

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  bluedufflecoat on 05/03/2014 - 08:04

  +2

  I think the standard is about 25% off the fare for international flights, but no discounts for domestic flights.

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  Austin 316 on 05/03/2014 - 08:10

  +1

  And also, if I am not wrong, the discount for kids only applies to the flight fare and not to the airport surcharges (which is a huge part of the total cost). So in effect, a kids discounted ticket is only a little bit less than a full paying adult fare.

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  cuteseal on 05/03/2014 - 08:59

  I booked tickets via Cathay to Hong Kong later this year and my kids, 4 and 6, get 25% off.
  Don't forget to check skyscanner for the cheapest fare… :D

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  mskeggs on 05/03/2014 - 09:20

  +1

  I have flown with kids to Europe and Asia.
  Discount airlines don't give any seat discount, but the fees/charges are slightly lower for kids - I think the departure tax is cheaper.
  Full service airlines (e.g. Qantas) give a small discount circa 25% for under 12. Under 2 yro get 90% discount, but no seat.
  In my experience, the discount is enough to bring promo full service tickets on par with budget airlines, or close.
  Return flights on full service airlines are usually cheaper than two one-way fares.
  On discount airlines it usually doesn't matter.

• 

  tensai on 05/03/2014 - 09:20

  +1

  There is no discount for domestic flights for kids

  For international flights

  for infant upto 2 years old, it is 10% of the adult fare + airport/fuel surcharge
  for children up to 11, it is 75% of the adult fare + airport/fuel surcharge

  Do shop around and try different airlines.
  I flew overseas a few times with my infant in the last 18months and the price difference for the airport/fuel surcharge between airlines are huge

  Example: Syd to HKG, they charge my infant

  Virgin Aust: $75-100
  Singapore: $75-100
  Cathay: $400ish

  Qantas was $400ish like Cathay before they switched to partner Emirates…
  last trip we flew with Qantas to HKG, they charge around $75-100.

  So even tho Cathay and Qantas were doing similar deal to HKG last year, at $780 (Cathay) for adults, and $800 (Qantas), in total for 2 adults + 1 infant
  Cathay : almost $2000
  Qantas : $1700 all up.

  if you are travelling overseas, then definitely fly only with the same airlines return as they charge a ridiculous amount for one way.
  if you are travelling domestic, then it doesn't matter, the price is the same for buying 2 one way.

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  sbell on 05/03/2014 - 10:43

  Great responses- thanks everyone!

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  battler on 05/03/2014 - 11:02

  Often cheaper to use a low cost carrier (which doesn't offer kid discounts) than use a full service that does.
  However, often better to use full service airlines when kids of that age are involved.

  would help if you mentioned your prospective destination(s).