WELLINGTON: Airlines are mulling over charging toddler tax for parents flying with children on their laps. Air travel with under-two year kids can be fraught at the best of times. But most airlines allow non-seated passengers to fly without charge, or ask for a nominal fee, which is one less thing for families to worry about.
A new proposal, by Brazilian airlines, due to be decided by the end of next year, would mean waiving a cap on fees for children under two, which is currently at 10 per cent of the full adult fare.Ten years ago, aviation bosses and airlines agreed not to charge parents travelling with infants. It is safer to travel by air than it is by car, so the idea was to encourage families to fly rather than drive.
But since domestic fares decreased due to deregulation in 2001, Brazilian carriers have begun to challenge government rules, such as bans on fees for checked bags and weight restrictions on luggage.
