When it comes to purchasing tickets for various forms of transportation and at different venues, understanding the differences between adult tickets and child tickets is crucial. These differences can impact not only the cost but also the travel or visiting experience for you and your family. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions between adult and child tickets, providing you with the necessary information to make informed decisions when buying tickets.
Price Disparities
One of the most noticeable differences between adult and child tickets is the price. Generally, child tickets are priced lower than adult tickets as a means of providing a discount for young passengers. This discount serves as a way to make travel and access to various attractions more affordable for families.
Transportation Sector
- Air Travel: In the realm of air travel, airlines typically offer child tickets at a reduced rate. For children between the ages of 2 and 12, the price of a child ticket is often around 50% of the adult full – fare ticket price. For example, if the adult full – fare ticket for a particular flight is
1000,thechildticketfora5−year−oldwouldbeapproximately
500. However, it’s important to note that if the adult ticket is on a significant discount, the price advantage of the child ticket may not be as pronounced. In some cases, the discounted adult ticket could be cheaper than the child ticket. For instance, if the adult ticket is on a 3 – fold discount and costs300,whilethechildticketisstillcalculatedas50
500), it might be more cost – effective to purchase an adult – discounted ticket for the child.
- Train Travel: For train journeys, as per the regulations of the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., children who are 6 years old but less than 14 years old can purchase child – discounted tickets. These tickets usually offer a certain percentage of discount off the adult fare. The exact discount rate may vary depending on the type of train service and the specific railway regulations. Children under 6 years old can travel for free when accompanied by an adult, as long as they do not occupy a separate seat. However, if there are multiple children under 6 years old traveling with one adult, the additional children may need to purchase child – discounted tickets.
- Bus Travel: In the bus transportation sector, children who are 6 – 14 years old or have a height between 1.2 – 1.5 meters are eligible for half – price tickets. Each adult passenger is usually allowed to bring one child under 6 years old or with a height of 1.2 meters or less for free, provided the child does not occupy a separate seat. If the child needs a separate seat or there are more than one such children, additional tickets need to be purchased.
Attraction Venues
- Theme Parks and Zoos: Theme parks and zoos often have their own pricing structures for adult and child tickets. Child tickets are generally priced lower. For example, a popular theme park might set the adult ticket price at
80,whilethechildticket(forchildrenwithinacertainagerange,say3−12yearsold)couldbe
60. Some parks may also offer family packages that include tickets for adults and children at a combined discounted rate.
- Museums and Galleries: Many museums and galleries offer discounted child tickets. Some may even have days or specific hours when children can enter for free. For instance, a local art gallery might charge an adult admission fee of
15,whilechildrenunder12canenterfor
8. There are also some museums that are completely free for children all the time as a way to encourage youth education and cultural exposure.
Age and Height Criteria
The determination of whether a ticket should be an adult ticket or a child ticket is primarily based on age and, in some cases, height.
Age – Based Criteria
- Air Travel: Airlines commonly define children as those between 2 and 12 years old for the purpose of issuing child tickets. Children under 2 years old are considered infants, and they are usually eligible for infant tickets, which are priced at a much lower rate (around 10% of the adult full – fare ticket price) and do not come with a separate seat. Passengers who are 12 years old and above are required to purchase adult tickets.
- Train Travel: With the implementation of ticket real – name system by the railway, children who have reached 6 years old but are less than 14 years old are eligible for child – discounted tickets. Once a child reaches 14 years old, they are required to purchase an adult ticket.
- General Venues: In many attractions like theme parks, museums, and theaters, the age range for child tickets is often set between 3 – 12 years old, although this can vary from one place to another. Some places may extend the upper age limit for child tickets to 14 or 15 years old.
Height – Based Criteria
- Transportation: In the past, height was a common criterion for determining child tickets in transportation, especially in bus and some train services. Although age – based systems are becoming more prevalent, in some non – real – name – ticket – based bus services, children with a height between 1.2 – 1.5 meters may still be eligible for half – price tickets, while those with a height below 1.2 meters can travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
- Attraction Venues: Some theme parks and water parks may use height as an additional or alternative criterion to age. For example, a water park might have a policy where children with a height below 1.4 meters can purchase child tickets at a discounted rate, regardless of their age. This is often related to the safety and suitability of rides and attractions for different – sized children.
Ticketing Process and Documentation
The process of purchasing adult and child tickets can have some differences, as well as the required documentation.
Purchase Process
- Online Purchasing: When buying tickets online, whether for transportation or attractions, you usually need to select the number of adult and child tickets separately. For example, on an airline’s official website, during the booking process, there will be fields to enter the number of adults, children, and infants traveling. For train tickets on the 12306 app, you need to add the child’s information as a passenger and select the “child” option for the ticket type. In the case of purchasing tickets for an amusement park through its official app or website, you will also find distinct options to choose the quantity of adult and child tickets.
- Offline Purchasing: At ticket counters, the staff will ask for the number of adults and children traveling. For example, when buying bus tickets at a station counter, you simply inform the clerk how many adults and children are in your party, and they will calculate the total cost based on the applicable ticket types.
Required Documentation
- Age – Verification Documents: To prove the age of a child for the purpose of purchasing a child ticket, different forms of documentation can be used. For air travel, a child’s birth certificate, passport, or identity card can be used as proof of age when checking in. In train travel with the implementation of the real – name system, a child’s identity card or household register can be used to verify their age. When visiting attractions, a birth certificate or a school – issued ID card that shows the child’s date of birth may be sufficient for age verification.
- Adult Identification: When purchasing tickets for a group that includes children, adults are usually required to present valid identification. For air travel, adults need to present their passports or identity cards for check – in. In train travel, an adult’s identity card is necessary for ticket purchase and boarding. At attraction venues, some may require adults to show an ID for security or membership – related purposes.
Seat and Service Provisions
The seat and service provisions for adult and child tickets can also vary.
Transportation
- Air Travel: Children with child tickets are provided with a separate seat, just like adults. However, infants with infant tickets do not have a separate seat and are expected to be held by an adult during the flight. Airlines also offer services such as child – friendly meals upon request for children traveling on child tickets.
- Train Travel: Children with child – discounted tickets are allocated a seat, which can be a seat in a general carriage or a berth in a sleeper carriage depending on the type of ticket purchased. Free – traveling children under 6 years old who do not occupy a separate seat share the seat with the accompanying adult. Trains also provide services like onboard dining options suitable for children.
- Bus Travel: Children with half – price tickets are entitled to a seat. Free – traveling children without a separate seat are expected to sit on the lap of the accompanying adult. Some long – distance buses may offer amenities like entertainment systems that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Attraction Venues
- Theme Parks and Zoos: In theme parks, children with child tickets have access to all the rides and attractions that are suitable for their age and height. They also receive the same level of service as adults, such as access to restrooms, dining areas, and souvenir shops. Zoos also provide the same viewing opportunities for children with child tickets as they do for adults.
- Theaters and Concert Halls: In a theater or concert hall, children with child tickets are given a seat in the same way as adults. The only difference might be that some venues may offer booster seats for younger children to ensure a better view. The service in terms of audio – visual quality and staff assistance is the same for all ticket – holders.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between adult and child tickets in terms of price, age and height criteria, ticketing process, and seat and service provisions is essential for a smooth and cost – effective travel or visiting experience. By being well – informed, you can make the best decisions when purchasing tickets for yourself and your family.
