Why ages two and five are key for parents to save on holidays

As a parent, finding ways to save on a family holiday is always a priority. There’s no shortage of tips and tricks out there, especially if you’re travelling with school-age children.

But if you’re a new parent planning a family holiday with young kids, going sooner rather than later is one of the best ways to save.

Here's why two of the most important ages to keep in mind are two and five.

Free flights for kids under two

If you have family travel dreams, the first two years are prime time to fly and save big, especially if your plans include far-flung destinations.

Children can often fly for free – or at a heavily discounted fare – until their second birthday if they sit in a parent's lap or in a bassinet, rather than their own plane seat.

Exact policies vary by airline, but typically lap infants travel for free domestically and pay a small amount of tax on international routes. Just keep in mind that there may be some restrictions, like limits on the number of lap infants per adult.

One thing to keep in mind? On long flights, both you and baby may be more comfortable if you book them their own seat.

Term-time savings for kids under five

In England, kids don't have to start school until September after they turn five. Until that point, parents have more flexibility to travel during shoulder season or term time, when prices are often significantly lower compared to peak school holiday dates.

Many children start reception in September after they turn four. But what many parents don’t realise is that school attendance is not yet mandatory at this age, so you’re free to holiday as a family all you want during term time.

This means that families can continue snagging off-peak deals until their children enter Year 1. If your child is one of the eldest in their school year, they will be almost six by the time you have to start forking out for holidays outside of term time.

After that, you'll need to stick to school holidays or risk fines for unauthorised absences. The government is cracking down, with fines now £80 from September 2024 (rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days). There are some exceptions to the rule, but finding a cheaper holiday deal is unfortunately not one of them.

Plan early and be flexible

Travelling with little ones has challenges at any age. But if you can make it work, the savings can really add up in those early years. Even beyond the ages of two and five, planning ahead is key.

Comparing prices on TravelSupermarket, being flexible on destination and booking at the right time (typically five weeks out for a week-long trip) can all help you get the best deal. And don't forget to make the most of those last couple of pre-school years if you can.

By keeping these milestone ages in mind as you plan family trips, you'll be well on your way to saving on travel before school ties you to a set schedule.