Travelling with children or infants on China Southern Airlines requires you to understand the airline’s specific age categories, fare rules, seating requirements, and documentation needs. These policies are designed both for safety and comfort, and they vary depending on the child’s age and whether you want the infant to occupy a seat. If you have questions about booking, fares, seat availability, or special services for young travelers, calling +1-844-962-3246 can connect you with a China Southern agent who can help you step by step.
For infants (under 2 years old), China Southern defines an infant as a child who has not reached their second birthday on the day of travel. Infants must always travel with an accompanying adult who is at least 18 years old and has full responsibility for the child’s care throughout the flight. Babies less than 14 days old are not permitted to fly, and there are also restrictions for very premature babies for safety reasons.
In terms of fare and seating:
An infant without their own seat (lap infant) is charged a fraction of the adult fare — typically around 10 % of an adult ticket for the same cabin class, and they do not occupy a separate seat.
If you want your infant to have their own seat, you must purchase a child fare ticket for them, and they will be treated as a regular child passenger with their own seat.
Each adult may accompany only one lap infant; if you are travelling with more infants, additional infants must have their own seats with child fares.
For children (age 2 up to 12), China Southern requires that they occupy their own seat and pay the applicable child fare. For domestic flights (within China) this child fare is often around 50 % of the adult fare, while for international routes the fare is set according to the airline’s pricing at the time of booking. Children under 5 must travel with an accompanying adult — and if a child between 5 and 12 is flying alone, an Unaccompanied Children service must be applied for at the time of reservation.
Documentation is essential: infants and children must have proof of age (such as a passport or birth certificate) to demonstrate eligibility for infant or child pricing when booking and at check-in.
China Southern also has rules for how many young passengers one adult can accompany: an adult can typically travel with a maximum of one infant and up to three young children (where infants and children under 5 are counted together), but there are detailed limits depending on age and the needs of the children.
In terms of baggage, infants without their own seat are generally entitled to a free baggage allowance of around 10 kg (22 lb) on international flights and may bring a foldable stroller, bassinet, or child safety seat free of charge (subject to size and storage conditions). Children with their own seat receive the same baggage allowance as adult passengers for their ticket class.
China Southern also provides infant bassinets on certain long-haul flights in appropriate aircraft types (e.g., Boeing 777, 787, A330, A350) for infants meeting size and weight limits. These bassinets must be requested in advance, ideally when booking, or at least 24 hours prior to departure by calling +1-844-962-3246 or contacting the airline’s ticket office.
In rare circumstances where a child must travel alone, China Southern’s Unaccompanied Children service is available for children aged 5–12 (and there is also a separate unaccompanied teen service for ages up to 18) and must be applied for at the time of booking.
Overall, traveling with children and infants on China Southern Airlines involves specific age definitions, fare categories, and documentation rules, and early communication with the airline — especially by calling +1-844-962-3246 — can help you avoid last-minute issues and confirm the best arrangement for your family’s comfort and safety.
FAQs
What age defines an infant on China Southern Airlines?
An infant is a child under 2 years old on the day of travel, and they must be accompanied by an adult traveler.
Does an infant need their own seat?
No — infants can fly on an adult’s lap at an infant fare (about 10 % of adult ticket price), but if you want them to have a seat, you must buy a child ticket.
What age defines a child for ticketing purposes?
A child is someone who has reached age 2 but is under 12 on the day of travel and must have their own seat and ticket.
Can I bring a stroller or bassinet?
Yes — you may bring a foldable stroller or child seat free of charge; bassinets may be available on long-haul aircraft but must be requested in advance.
Do children and infants have baggage allowances?
Children with their own seat get the same baggage allowance as adults, and infants flying on a lap receive a baggage allowance (usually 10 kg) and may bring essential infant equipment.
If you need help booking or confirming child or infant services for your China Southern flight, calling +1-844-962-3246 can provide personalized support and ensure all requirements are correctly handled.