When you're flying with a baby under two, the first question is always price — and the answer comes down to one choice: does the baby sit on a parent's lap (lap infant) or get their own seat? Each option has a different fare and different rules, and picking the right one saves both money and hassle.
💺 Lap infant — what it means and what it costs
- On international flights, a lap infant fare is usually about 10% of the adult fare plus airport taxes
- Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates — all use a similar percentage rule; the exact total is calculated automatically at booking
- Low-cost carriers (Wizz Air) often charge a flat, low infant fee instead of a percentage — roughly $12-22 depending on the route
- On domestic flights within Georgia, an infant is often free entirely, as long as they don't need their own seat
🪑 A seat of their own — when it's worth it
A dedicated seat for an infant costs the full adult fare or a special child fare, but it lets you install a certified car seat directly on board — see the stroller and car seat gate-check guide for the full rules. On long international flights, this option is significantly more comfortable for both baby and parent.
✈️ How airlines compare
- Georgian Airways — lap infant ≈10%, a discounted child fare is often available for a dedicated seat
- Turkish Airlines — lap infant ≈10% plus taxes; a dedicated seat is priced at the standard child fare
- Wizz Air — flat, low fee for a lap infant; a dedicated seat costs the full fare
- FlyDubai / Qatar Airways — lap infant ≈10%, and a dedicated seat often comes with its own age-based discount
📄 Documents you'll need at booking
- The infant's birth certificate or passport — to confirm age at booking and check-in
- Many airlines only add an infant ticket by phone or through an agent — it doesn't always process automatically online
- If the infant has their own seat, confirm the car seat's FAA/EASA certification with the airline in advance
Book the infant ticket at the same time as the adult booking — adding it later is often harder and pricier.
For general tips on flying with children, see Flying with kids: 10 practical tips, and for an older child flying alone, see Unaccompanied Minors Flying Alone. Search family fares on Travel365's price calendar.
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