What's the deal with children's fares (2-11 yrs) on flights?

[Tiger926]

My DH and I are wanting to fly to Orlando this July (9-23) with baby who will be turning 2 a month before we fly. When I priced out flights on Northwest, it shows a child's fare structure for ages 2-11, but when the price popped up, it seemed to show the same adult fare as ours. What's the deal? This is the first time that we will be flying with the baby, so any tips would be appreciated.

Tiger

 

[Lewisc]

With most airlines the youth fare is discounted off the fully refundable fare. The discounted internet fares most of use book are generally lower.

The youth fare, and other similar fares, really only come into play when you're flying in a busy time in which discounted fares aren't available.

 

[dcgrumpy]

ditto what Lewisc said. I've always paid the same price for my kids even when they are under two.

 

[mar915]

The discount child fare is occasionally given for flights for non domestic flights. I got it once to San Juan for my 4 year old.

also they still list senior prices, but they almost always come out the same as adult.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks, Tiger