Traveling with kids, airfare is often the biggest expense. In 2026, airlines continue offering children’s fare discounts, but do you really understand the rules? This guide covers everything about child fares, infant tickets, ID requirements, and the best choices.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page — prices and policies update frequently, and having the latest data on hand saves time and money when booking.
Children’s vs Adult Tickets: How Much Is the Difference?
CAAC regulations: children aged 2-12 (not including 12) on domestic flights enjoy 50% off the published adult fare. A ¥1,000 full-price Beijing-Shanghai ticket = ¥500 children’s ticket.
International routes differ slightly: children’s tickets are generally 75% of adult fare. Beijing-Tokyo economy adult at ¥3,000 = child at ¥2,250, saving ¥750.
Key data:
- Domestic child discount: 50% of adult fare
- International child discount: 75% of adult fare
- Infant no-seat ticket (under 2): 10% of adult fare
Important: this refers to “published fares,” not the final OTA price. If the adult ticket is already discounted, the children’s discount applies to that discounted base — a pitfall many don’t know about.
Infant Tickets: Under 2, No Seat, Just 10%
Infants under 2 (as of flight departure date) pay 10% of adult fare without a separate seat. Must be booked simultaneously with an adult ticket. Airlines limit infant capacity per flight to 5-10% of total seats — book early for popular routes.
Infants must be held by an adult throughout the flight. Some airlines offer bassinets (request in advance; typically for infants under 11kg and 75cm).
2026 Big Three Airlines Child Fare Comparison
| Dimension | Air China | China Eastern | China Southern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic child discount | 50% of adult | 50% of adult | 50% of adult |
| International child discount | 75% of adult | 75% of adult | 75% of adult |
| Infant no-seat | 10% of adult | 10% of adult | 10% of adult |
| Bassinet | Supported (select routes) | Supported | Supported (select aircraft) |
| Unaccompanied minor | Available, extra fee | Available, extra fee | Available, extra fee |
| Children’s meals | Free | Free | Free |
Domestic children’s policies are identical across all three. Differentiators: China Eastern offers children’s entertainment systems on some long-haul routes; Air China has richer children’s meal options on intercontinental flights; China Southern has the most experience with Australia-route children’s services from its Guangzhou hub.
Peak Season Real Prices
Summer 2026 Beijing-Sanya example: Peak full-price economy ~¥2,200/person, child ticket ¥1,100. Family of 4 (2 adults + 5-year-old + 12-year-old): ¥2,200 x 2 (adults) + ¥1,100 (child) + ¥0 (12-year-old needs adult ticket) = ¥5,500.
Book 30 days ahead on Kiwi.com or Aviasales for discounted adult fares at ~¥1,600, child at ¥800. Same family total drops to ¥4,000 — saving over 27%.
ID Requirements: Without These, Kids Can’t Board
Chinese mainland children:
- Preferred: ID card (available for under-16s, valid 5 years)
- Alternative: Household registration (child’s page + parent’s page)
- Alternative: Birth certificate (best paired with household registration)
- Hong Kong/Macau Travel Permit (for HK/Macau travel)
- Passport (international flights)
Important: Household registration and birth certificates require showing both the child’s page and parent’s page at security. Bring 2-3 photocopies plus originals.
FAQ
Q1: Child turns 12 on the flight date — which fare? A: Based on age at time of departure. Under 12 at takeoff = child fare; 12 or older = adult fare. Confirm with the airline to avoid check-in disputes.
Q2: Two adults with three children — can all buy children’s tickets? A: Yes. Each adult can bring up to 2 children under 12 (max 1 infant). Three children split between two adults; the extra child needs their own seat with a child ticket.
Q3: Can children’s tickets be refunded? A: Yes. Most airlines apply the same refund rules as adult tickets. Free cancellation typically available 24+ hours before departure; within 24 hours may incur 10-20% fee.
Q5: Child is sick — can the ticket be refunded? A: Medical refunds are usually processed in full or with minimal fees, requiring a hospital certificate. Submit within 7 days of departure (some airlines require 24 hours).
Summary: How to Save on Family Airfare in 2026
- Buy early: Children’s tickets follow adult pricing — once discounted adult fares sell out, children’s discounts disappear too. 30-60 days ahead is the baseline.
- Prepare IDs early: ID cards take ~5 business days; household registration/birth certificates have zero barriers.
- Choose hub airlines: From Guangzhou = China Southern; Shanghai = China Eastern; Beijing = Air China — hub carriers have the most family travel experience.
- Peak season example: Summer Beijing-Sanya child one-way: full price ¥1,100, advance purchase ¥550-700 — saving 40-50%.
Use Agoda or Hotels.com to pre-book destination hotels — money saved on flights perfectly supplements accommodation for maximum family trip value.
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