Need to Know: Flying China Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
The “Need to Know” airlines series for family travelers continues with these important tips for families flying China Airlines with a baby, toddler, or young children (and even if your kids are no longer babies or toddlers, don’t miss the new Family Couch seating tip and photo below!).
China Airlines’ Discounts for Infants and Children
China Airlines generally offers a 25% discount for children from 2 to 11 years and infants flying in their own seats, which can make a big difference in your family’s bottom line. If you have a choice between China Airlines and a U.S.-based carrier, definitely compare the total ticketing price for your whole family–not just the advertised fare.
To ensure the child discount is applied, make your reservation directly on www.china-airlines.com or use one of these sites that factors in the child’s age and available discount by airline (remember, not all do!) and may also have special offers or promo codes for extra discounts:
Click “More Advanced Options” in the search box to enter the ages of your children and your preferred airline (eg. China Airlines).
Flying China Airlines with an Infant or Baby (AKA Lap Child)
Buying Tickets for Your Infant/Lap Child (less than 24 months, no seat): Good news! You can now purchase international tickets for a lap child on China Airlines’ website, as well as international tickets for a lap child flying China Airlines on both CheapOair.com and OneTravel.com. In most cases, the lap child’s fees for international flights will be 10% of the applicable adult fare plus taxes and surcharges.
If you need to book your family’s tickets through the China Airlines’ site, be sure to call their reservation number soon afterward to let them know you will have an infant traveling with you, and make any additional requests for the lap child, such as an airplane bassinet or baby meals / kit.
China Airlines Bassinets on Long-haul Flights: Baby bassinets (AKA skycots) are also available, but do be sure to call reservations well in advance to make your request and ensure you have the necessary seating positions to take advantage of these. Recommended reading: Five Things You Should Know Before Flying with an Airplane Bassinet (AKA Skycot).
The North American reservations phone number for China Airlines is 1-800-227-5118, and worldwide reservations numbers can be found here (use the drop-down menu for the region you need).
China Airlines Baggage and Stroller Allowance for Infants
Lap Child / Infant Baggage Allowance: China Airlines allows one complimentary small checked suitcase weighing up to 22 lbs. (10 kg.) for each lap child, plus a fully collapsible stroller for no extra cost. See recommended Lightweight Travel Strollers here.
Using Car Seats on China Airlines Flights
China Airlines has no unusual conditions for using car seats on its aircraft other than they don’t want children over 40 lbs. using them. They may check to see that your child’s car seat is tested and certified in the country of its manufacture, so be sure you are ready to point to the label if needed.
Other Perks for Families Flying China Airlines with a Baby, Toddler or Young Children
Families can also take advantage of China Airlines’ children’s meals, baby food, toys, and baby care kits with diapers. Call reservations well in advance to request child or baby meals and care packages: 1-800-227-5118.
A Sad Farewell to the China Airlines “Family Couch”
Sadly, China Airlines discontinued the “family couch” option in economy classes on June 1, 2018. To ease sleeping (and prevent dangling / antsy legs in flight, I suggest you take a look at the Kailefu inflatable travel footrest for children.
More tips for your family’s travels:
For more help planning air travel with young children, see chapters 15 – 18 in Travels with Baby, and see more online Flying with Babies and Toddlers tips here.
Flying solo with your child? Don’t forget you’ll need a letter of consent for international air travel with only one parent or guardian (follow link for sample letter). You might also want to read Fifteen Tips for Flying Solo with a Baby.
Traveling with school-age children? Be sure to check out the latest posts for travel advice and inspiration over at our sister site Family Travel 411.
You might also like:
How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby
Best Baby Travel Beds and Portable Cribs
Need to Know: Flying American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Best Lightweight Travel Strollers and Pushchairs
Checklist for Travel with Babies and Toddlers: Ten Things to Do Before You Leave Home
Five Things You Might Not Think to Pack for Travel with Babies and Toddlers
Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rental Agencies
Safe journeys,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby guidebooks
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