Flying with children and groups

Airline policies for children, infants and groups vary, and so do document rules between countries. Use this as general guidance and confirm with your airline.

Booking for a family or group takes a little more care. Prices, seats and documents all work differently when more people are involved. Here is what to know, from search to boarding.

Searching for several travelers

1. Open Travelers and cabin in the search box.
2. Add adults (12 and over), children (2 to 11) and infants (under 2, on an adult’s lap).
3. You can search for up to 9 travelers in total, and each infant needs an adult.

Prices on Cheaplyfly are per adult. The partner shows the total for everyone before you pay, including child and infant fares.

Why group prices can be higher

Airlines sell a limited number of seats at each price. A fare might be available for two people but not for five, so part of the group is priced higher. If the total looks high, try nearby dates, or search for fewer people to see where the price changes.

Sitting together

• Some fares include seat selection, and some charge for it.
• Airlines have their own policies for seating young children with an adult. Check them when you book.
• Choosing seats early gives the best chance of sitting together.

Infants

• Infants usually travel on an adult’s lap, with their own ticket or fee.
• Ask the airline about bassinets, car seats and strollers. Rules vary by airline and aircraft.
• An infant who turns 2 during the trip may need a seat for later flights.

Documents for children

Children usually need their own passport. Some countries require extra documents, such as a consent letter, when a child travels with one parent or with other adults. Read our travel documents checklist.

Large groups

For more than 9 travelers, search in smaller groups or contact the airline’s group bookings team directly. Group bookings sometimes have different payment and name-change rules.

Price alerts for families

Alerts follow the price per adult. When an alert email arrives, search with your full group to see the total, because seats at the lowest fare may be limited.

If this, then that

• If you can’t add more infants, each infant must have an adult. Add another adult or book a seat for the child.
• If the total is much higher than the price shown, check the number of travelers and what is included, such as bags and seats.
• If you need help at the airport, ask the airline about family check-in or assistance when you book.

Our guide to booking flights for families and groups has more tips on seats, kids and savings.

Still stuck? For questions about your booking, contact the airline or travel site you booked with. For questions about Cheaplyfly, contact us.