Do children pay full price for international flights?

Children over 2 years old pay full adult fare on most airlines. Kids under 2 can fly as lap infants for 10% of adult fare on international flights, but won't have their own seat.

Should I book direct flights or stopovers with kids?

For flights over 14 hours, stopovers often work better. Kids can stretch, run around, and reset. Direct flights work for shorter routes (8-12 hours) and when kids sleep well on planes.

When should I tell kids about the long flight?

Tell them 1-2 weeks before travel. Explain how long it is in terms they understand (sleeping time plus a movie). Involve them in packing their carry-on entertainment.

Can I bring car seats on international flights?

Yes, if your child has their own seat and the car seat is FAA/EASA approved. Check with your airline first - some have restrictions on car seat types or require advance notice.

How to Book Long-Haul Flights to Asia with Kids

Book long-haul flights to Asia with kids by selecting airlines with good family amenities, choosing seats strategically (bulkhead or exit rows for space), and booking at least 8 weeks ahead for better prices and seat selection. Consider breaking up ultra-long journeys with stopovers.

Choose family-friendly airlines. Book with airlines known for good kids' services: Singapore Airlines, ANA, JAL, Cathay Pacific, or Emirates. These offer kids' meals, entertainment systems with children's content, and flight attendants trained to help families. Avoid ultra-budget carriers on routes over 8 hours.
Book seats strategically. Pay for seat selection when booking. Choose bulkhead rows for extra legroom and floor space, or exit rows if your kids are over 15. Book an aisle seat for yourself to manage bathroom trips. For families of 3, book the aisle and window - middle seats are often left empty.
Time your flights wisely. Book overnight flights that align with your kids' sleep schedule. Departing around 10-11 PM means kids sleep 6-8 hours of the flight. Avoid red-eye flights that land early morning - you'll arrive exhausted with nowhere to check in.
Consider stopovers. For flights over 14 hours, book a stopover in Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong. This breaks up the journey and costs the same or less than direct flights. Plan 4-6 hour layovers - enough to stretch legs but not so long kids get restless.
Book early for better options. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for best seat selection and prices. Check multiple dates - flying Tuesday/Wednesday can save $200-400 per ticket. Use airline websites directly rather than booking sites for easier changes later.
Add essential extras. Pre-order kids' meals 24 hours before departure. Buy extra baggage allowance if needed - you'll pack more with kids. Consider travel insurance that covers flight changes due to illness.

Do children pay full price for international flights?: Children over 2 years old pay full adult fare on most airlines. Kids under 2 can fly as lap infants for 10% of adult fare on international flights, but won't have their own seat.
Should I book direct flights or stopovers with kids?: For flights over 14 hours, stopovers often work better. Kids can stretch, run around, and reset. Direct flights work for shorter routes (8-12 hours) and when kids sleep well on planes.
When should I tell kids about the long flight?: Tell them 1-2 weeks before travel. Explain how long it is in terms they understand (sleeping time plus a movie). Involve them in packing their carry-on entertainment.
Can I bring car seats on international flights?: Yes, if your child has their own seat and the car seat is FAA/EASA approved. Check with your airline first - some have restrictions on car seat types or require advance notice.