Jetstar slugs parents with additional baby fees
Carry-on babies will no longer fly for free aboard Jetstar.
Budget airline Jetstar has introduced new charges for infants under two travelling on their aircraft.
Previously allowed to travel on their parents' laps for free on domestic and trans-Tasman flights, Jetstar now charges $30 each way for "non-seat" babies on these short- and medium-haul flights. The airline has also increased fees for babies on laps on international flights from $40 to $50 each way.
This brings Jetstar in line with rival Tigerair, which charges $30 per infant, under two, on domestic flights.
All-inclusive airlines Virgin Australia, Qantas and Air New Zealand do not charge for infants travelling on parents' laps on domestic flights. They do charge 10% of the full fare for babies on laps flying overseas.
In Jetstar's defense, despite the extra charge, it does allow families travelling with infants to carry up to four oversized items, including prams, cots and highchairs. Tigerair permits families one oversized item.
Generally, children over the age of two must occupy their own seat. Depending on the aircraft, they may be charged a child rate or full fare.
Airlines and their child-friendly discounts and benefits
| Child discount | Pre-boarding / seating | Checked baggage allowance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jetstar | Children under 2 years pay $30 (domestic flights and trans-Tasman flights). Children under 2 years pay $50 on international flights Child fares available for kids 2-11 | N | N |
| Qantas | Children under 2 years pay 10% of the full fare | Y | No baggage for children under 2.Children paying the 50% child fee are entitled to adult checked allowance |
| Tigerair | Children below 2 years pay $30 | No, but you can pay extra for Queue Jump | One piece of infant equipment may be checked |
| Virgin Australia | Children under 2 years pay 10% of the full fare | No, but children 5-11 years travelling alone can use the Priority Check-in | One piece of infant equipment may be checked |
| Rex | Children under 2 years travel free on an adult’s lap | Passenger assistance must be requested | 10kg for infants not occupying their own seat |
| Air New Zealand | Children under 2 years travel free on an adult's lap for domestic flights or 10% of full fare for international flights | No, choose Preferred Seating for priority boarding | Seated children are entitled to the baggage allowance of the seat purchased |
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