Page Contents<\/p>
- Types of Airline Lap Infant Award Ticket Policies<\/a><\/li>
- Best Airline Programs for International Lap Infant Award Tickets<\/a>
- British Airways Executive Club<\/a><\/li>
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club<\/a><\/li>
- Air Canada Aeroplan<\/a><\/li>
- Asiana Club<\/a><\/li>
- ANA (All Nippon Airways) Mileage Club<\/a><\/li>
- United MileagePlus<\/a><\/li>
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles<\/a><\/li>
- Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Worst Programs for International Lap Infant Award Tickets<\/a>
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles<\/a><\/li>
- LATAM<\/a><\/li>
- Emirates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best Cards to Use to Pay Lap Infant Fees<\/a>
- Cards with travel credits<\/a><\/li>
- Cards that earn bonus points on airfare<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
Types of Airline Lap Infant Award Ticket Policies<\/span><\/h2>\n
Generally, airline policies fall into one of the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- X% of the miles redeemed plus taxes and fees<\/li>\n
- X% of the adult revenue ticket price for the cabin you're flying, plus taxes and fees<\/li>\n
- A flat rate of cash or miles<\/li>\n
- Only taxes and fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As an award traveler, paying only taxes and fees is ideal, but this policy is generally limited to domestic U.S. flights. The best realistic policy for international flights is either a low flat rate of points or miles (e.g., 1,000 points) or a small percentage of the mileage requirement (e.g., 10% of the adult mileage fare).<\/p>\n
Programs that charge a percentage of the cash fare tend to be less predictable. Some airlines calculate this based on the lowest available fare, others use the full fare, and some base it on the ticket you would have purchased if paying cash. If you book a first-class award that retails for $20,000, your infant\u2019s ticket could cost $2,000 \u2014 without a seat. That can make or break your trip budget!<\/p>\n
With two young children of my own, I've experienced the full spectrum of ticketing experiences. Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised by how little I have to pay for my lap child. Other times, I'm second-guessing my award with what the airline is trying to charge me.<\/p>\n
If you run into inconsistent quotes, it can help to use a \u201chang up and call again\u201d strategy to confirm pricing.<\/p>\n
![\"a](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\")
Credit: Paul Hanaoka\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Rest assured, with a little premeditated planning, there are ways to avoid this and secure better deals.<\/p>\n
One of those hacks isn't booking an economy ticket for your baby and still planning to hold him or her in business class. Your child must be ticketed in the same cabin as you or the accompanying adult.<\/p>\n
Related:\u00a0Best Credit Cards for Travel Purchases<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Best Airline Programs for International Lap Infant Award Tickets<\/span><\/h2>\n
British Airways Executive Club<\/span><\/h3>\n
We rarely recommend redeeming Avios to fly on British Airways<\/a> metal, due to the astronomical fuel surcharges on flights to and from London. However, Avios can be incredibly valuable when used with Oneworld partners.<\/p>\n
For lap infants, British Airways charges 10% of the adult mileage price, plus around 10% of taxes and fees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
The airline also has a helpful policy for children turning 2 during travel:<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you're traveling with an infant who reaches the age of 2 during their journey, your child will need their own seat for any flights on and after their 2nd birthday. We won\u2019t charge you extra for this; you'll only pay the infant fare for the entire journey.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In many cases, you can add a lap infant during the booking process online, though some itineraries may require calling British Airways.<\/p>\n
One such situation: If your child turns two during the trip. In this case, One Mile at a Time notes<\/a> that the airline won't charge you anything to book their seat for the return flight!<\/p>\n
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club<\/span><\/h3>\n
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club<\/a> is another program to consider leveraging partners (like Delta) when redeeming miles.<\/p>\n
Lap infant pricing is straightforward and charged per segment:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 1,000 miles per sector plus taxes and fees for Economy<\/strong><\/li>\n
- 2,500 miles per sector plus taxes and fees for Premium Economy<\/strong><\/li>\n
- 5,000 miles per sector plus taxes and fees for Upper Class<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What makes this even more wonderful is that you can book an infant ticket online alongside the adult ticket. When searching, you\u2019ll see pricing update automatically to reflect the added infant \u2014 no phone call required.<\/p>\n
Pricing for one adult on Virgin Atlantic<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n The total cost for both the adult and lap infant together:<\/p>\n
Pricing includes one lap child.<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Air Canada Aeroplan<\/span><\/h3>\n
When you book award tickets with Air Canada Aeroplan<\/a> points, infants are welcome in all cabins for either a flat cash fee or a mileage fee. This is outstanding, given Air Canada's membership in Star Alliance and its transfer partnerships with Amex<\/a>, Chase<\/a>, Capital One<\/a>, and Bilt Rewards<\/a>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Within Canada or between Canada and the U.S.: Free lap infant<\/li>\n
- All other routes: 2,500 points or 25 CAD (~US$19) per direction<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You can add an infant to your award booking online.<\/p>\n
Asiana Club<\/span><\/h3>\n
Asiana Club is often overlooked but offers strong value. For flights operated by Asiana Airlines, lap infants don\u2019t require additional miles on award tickets<\/strong>, while children ages 2 to 11 require just 75% of the adult mileage.<\/p>\n
However, this policy only applies to Asiana-operated flights. On partner awards, lap infants are typically issued a separate ticket priced at around 10% of the adult cash fare, plus taxes and fees<\/strong>, rather than following the mileage-based pricing.<\/p>\n
The best ways to accrue Asiana miles are flying on Star Alliance partners, transferring Marriott Bonvoy<\/a> points, or applying for the .<\/p>\n
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Mileage Club<\/span><\/h3>\n
ANA isn't a very well-known frequent flyer program, but Mileage Club<\/a> is incredibly popular with folks who like to maximize the value of their miles.<\/p>\n
Lap infants cost 10% of the miles required for the adult award ticket<\/strong>, making this another strong option for international travel.<\/p>\n
United MileagePlus<\/span><\/h3>\n
United Airlines<\/a> offers a more predictable approach to lap infant pricing, though costs can still vary depending on your route.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Within the U.S.: Taxes and fees only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Between the U.S. and Canada\/Mexico: Taxes and fees only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Other international routes: Lap infant fares range from $20 to $250 plus taxes<\/strong>, depending on the route and cabin of service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The cap is especially helpful for premium cabin bookings that would otherwise be expensive.<\/p>\n
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles<\/span><\/h3>\n
For flights operated by Turkish Airlines, you'll pay just 10% of an adult's award price<\/strong> to bring a lap infant, plus taxes and fees.<\/p>\n
Miles&Smiles miles can be earned through transfers from Bilt, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.<\/p>\n
Air France (Flying Blue)<\/span><\/h3>\n
Air France<\/a> charges 10% of the adult cash fare plus taxes and fees<\/strong>. Depending on the fare, this can be expensive. That said, I paid just $227 for my daughter\u2019s premium economy ticket from Phoenix to Paris \u2014 not unreasonable.<\/p>\n
Another spot: Children ages 2\u201311 receive a 25% discount on award tickets through Flying Blue.<\/p>\n
Worst Programs for International Lap Infant Award Tickets<\/span><\/h2>\n
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles<\/span><\/h3>\n
Despite Cathay Pacific offering solid award charts<\/a>, it's an incredibly expensive program for lap infant fees.<\/p>\n
Those fees are particularly hefty for flights originating from or ending within the U.S. These will set you back 25% of the adult revenue ticket plus taxes and fees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
For all international flights not touching the U.S., the fee is 10% of the adult cash rate plus taxes and fees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
LATAM<\/span><\/h3>\n
LATAM used to offer no discounts on infant award tickets. Now, you can book lap children at 10% of the revenue fare, and you must reserve your infant's ticket during the initial booking process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Domestic flights are free for lap children, though Peru and Ecuador will charge taxes. Interestingly, flights departing from Mexico on LATAM are also free.<\/p>\n
Related:\u00a0Do LATAM Pass Miles and LATAM Pass Points Expire?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Emirates<\/span><\/h3>\n
Emirates Airlines famously changed its policies on first-class awards, banning children under 9 from flying in the cabin. You'll also need Emirates elite status<\/a> to make that booking.<\/p>\n
For business- and economy-class travel, lap infants cost 10% of the adult mileage price<\/strong>. However, infant award tickets are limited to economy class.<\/p>\n
Related:\u00a0How To Create a Travel Rewards Credit Card Strategy for Families<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Best Cards to Use to Pay Lap Infant Fees<\/span><\/h2>\n
Lap infant fees are one of those frustrating travel costs \u2014 especially when they\u2019re tied to a percentage of a premium cabin fare. The good news? In many cases, you can offset (or even erase) these charges with the right credit card.<\/p>\n
Here are a few of the best strategies to keep your out-of-pocket costs low.<\/p>\n
Cards with travel credits<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cards that offer broad, easy-to-use travel credits are often the best fit for lap infant fees \u2014 especially since the charge should code as airfare:<\/p>\n
- \n
- American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> \u2014 Offers up to $200 in airline incidental credits<\/a> per year (on a selected airline).<\/li>\n
- Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> \u2014 Offers a $300 annual travel credit<\/a> that automatically applies to airfare purchases, including many infant ticket charges.<\/li>\n
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card<\/a> \u2014 Offers up to $200 in airline flight credits<\/a> annually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If your lap infant fee posts as an airline charge (which it usually does), these credits or statement redemptions can directly offset the cost.<\/p>\n
<\/div><\/div>American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong> - Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> \u2014 Offers a $300 annual travel credit<\/a> that automatically applies to airfare purchases, including many infant ticket charges.<\/li>\n
- Between the U.S. and Canada\/Mexico: Taxes and fees only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Within the U.S.: Taxes and fees only<\/strong><\/li>\n
- 2,500 miles per sector plus taxes and fees for Premium Economy<\/strong><\/li>\n
- 1,000 miles per sector plus taxes and fees for Economy<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Cards that earn bonus points on airfare<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- LATAM<\/a><\/li>
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club<\/a><\/li>
- Best Airline Programs for International Lap Infant Award Tickets<\/a>
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