Travel Tips with a Child: Prepare for the Flight

There’s nothing like the thrill of a cheery and jam-packed family outing! But what if you need to travel separately? Keep reading for more information on children passengers, including processes for unaccompanied minors and special discounts for kids.

Things to consider when traveling with a child

First, let’s acknowledge that traveling with a child can be difficult at times. Children certainly are capable of surprising us with unexpected requests, but there are resources available for air travel with a youngster that will make a parent’s job a little easier.

Who qualifies as a child passenger?

To be considered a ‘child passenger’, the child must be at least two years old but not yet twelve years old. In other words, “child passengers” are passengers aged 2 to 11. Child passengers can travel with their parents or with an adult aged 18 and over. Let’s review some of the specifics of flying with kids.

Children traveling by themselves or with a companion

Child passengers can safely travel via Turkish Airlines with or without a companion. Of course, families need to know the details for both situations.

Children between the ages of 2 and 7 can travel unaccompanied but are under the supervision of cabin crew during the flight. Child travelers who are at least 7 years old on the day of travel but not yet 12 years old can travel alone with the approval of their parents or legal guardians. However, an Unaccompanied Minor Carriage Authorization Document must be signed in such cases.

If your child must travel with a companion but you are unable to accompany your child, you can request a companion at least 48 hours prior to departure. If you cover the costs, our staff will accompany your child on the flight.

Privileges for unaccompanied minors

Child passengers traveling without an accompanying adult are always given precedence at airports. To avoid issues, your child should be at the airport at least 2 hours before the flight.

At Istanbul Airport, there is a specific counter for our child passengers.

During the child passenger check-in process, the staff member will have you (the parent or legal guardian) sign the relevant documents. Our staff will explain the process. After the check-in and documentation formalities are finished, our young travelers are escorted to the plane by an attendant.

Upon arrival at the destination, the cabin attendant hands over the child passenger to our personnel greeting the plane. After customs and baggage processes are completed, your child is delivered to the person you have designated.

Bonus: discounted ticket advantage for children

When traveling with a child, you might be able to benefit from discounted tickets for your youngster. Child customers aged 2-11 are eligible for a 10% discount in the L and T fare classes and a 15% discount in the Q, E, S, H, M, B, J, D, and C pricing classes on domestic flights! These savings are also valid for international flights, if the fare circumstances allow. Promotional tickets are exempt from these discount requirements. By displaying your child’s ID, you can get discounted tickets.