The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Children in Australia: Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar
Travelling with children can feel like coordinating a minor military operation. Between packing the correct snacks and timing naps to match boarding calls, the last thing you need is a surprise at the check-in desk.
Airlines have strict, distinct rules regarding child ages, ticket pricing, and required documentation. To ensure your next family holiday takes off smoothly, we have broken down the exact guidelines for Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.
Age Thresholds: Who Flies for Free?
Across all three airlines, the magic number for a “free” flight is under two years of age. Children in this bracket are classified as infants and are permitted to travel as “lap children” (sitting on an adult’s lap rather than occupying their own seat).
However, “free” does not mean the same thing on every carrier, especially when transitioning from domestic to international routes.
Qantas
Domestic: Completely free of charge if the infant sits on your lap. You do not even need to issue a physical ticket for them on domestic routes.
International: Lap infants are charged 10% of the adult fare (plus applicable taxes and surcharges).
Virgin Australia
Domestic: Completely free of charge for lap infants.
International: For short-haul international flights (such as Fiji, Bali, or New Zealand), lap infants are charged 10% of the adult base fare.
Jetstar
Domestic & International: Unlike its full-service parents, Australia’s budget carrier charges a flat infant fee per flight for lap travel, rather than offering it entirely free.
The Turn-of-Age Trap: If your child celebrates their second birthday during the holiday, international aviation safety laws dictate they must occupy their own seat for the return leg. You will need to book a “split” ticket (infant on the way out, child on the way back) by calling the airline directly.
Booking Information and Required Documentation
When booking flights for children, you cannot simply add a “+1” to your ticket. Airlines require precise information to comply with safety regulations.
What Information is Needed When Booking?
- Full Legal Name: Must match the child’s identification exactly.
- Exact Date of Birth: This determines their passenger category (Infant: 0–23 months; Child: 2–11 years; Adult: 12+ years).
- The 1-to-1 Lap Rule: There must be one accompanying adult (usually aged 15 or older) for every lap infant. If you are travelling alone with two babies, you must purchase a separate seat for the second infant.
What Documentation is Needed at the Airport?
Domestic: While photo ID isn’t required for children, airlines reserve the right to request proof of age at check-in to verify lap-status eligibility. It is highly recommended to carry a digital copy or extract of your child’s birth certificate or their immunisation book.
International: Every child, regardless of how many weeks old they are, must have their own valid passport. Some destinations may also require a notarised child travel consent letter if only one parent is travelling.
The Price of Child Fares
Once a child reaches their second birthday, they legally require their own allocated seat. Here is how the pricing structures differ across the networks:
| Airline | Domestic Child Fare (Ages 2–11) | International Child Fare (Ages 2–11) |
| Qantas | 100% of the adult fare | 75% to 100% of the adult fare (plus taxes) |
| Virgin Australia | 100% of the adult fare | 75% of the adult fare on short-haul routes |
| Jetstar | 100% of the adult fare | 100% of the adult fare |
On domestic routes within Australia, there is no such thing as a discounted child seat. Because a child occupies the same physical space as an adult, you will pay the full adult price on all three carriers. Qantas and Virgin only extend a discount (typically 25% off the base fare) on select international routes.
Checked Baggage and “Baby Equipment” Bonuses
The silver lining of flying with little ones is the generous equipment allowance. All three airlines understand that you cannot travel without the essentials, allowing parents to bring heavy items free of charge, over and above your standard baggage allowance.
Qantas: Allows you to check up to two additional items per child (e.g., a pram and a car seat) for free. Children booked in their own seats receive the full adult checked-baggage weight allowance.
Virgin Australia: Incredibly generous, allowing three special infant items (pram, cot, car seat, etc.) to be checked for free for lap infants.
Jetstar: Allows you to check up to four family items for free (including a stroller, portable cot, highchair, and car seat) regardless of the type of fare you purchased.
Summary Checklist for Parents
Before hitting the “book” button, run through this quick final check:
✈️ Is your infant under 2 for the entire duration of the trip?
✈️ Do you have a copy of their birth certificate saved to your phone for domestic travel?
✈️ If booking Jetstar, have you factored the infant flight fee into your budget?
✈️ If you intend to use a car seat on board, have you called the airline to ensure it meets Australian aviation standards?
You can also keep up to date with what’s happening around Australia and what family-friendly holidays you might want to explore.
