Traveler Types
Understanding adult, child, and infant classifications for travelers
Traveler Types
Travelers are automatically classified into types based on their age. This classification affects pricing, booking requirements, and available travel options.
Age-Based Classification
The system uses the traveler's birth date to calculate their current age and assign a type:
| Type | Code | Age Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | ADT | 12 years and older | Standard adult traveler |
| Child | CHD | 2-11 years | Child requiring own seat |
| Infant | INF | Under 2 years | Infant without own seat |
Age Thresholds
| Threshold | Age | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 12+ years | ADT |
| Child | 2-11 years | CHD |
| Infant | 0-1 years | INF |
Traveler type is calculated dynamically based on the current date. A traveler's type may change on their birthday.
How Type is Calculated
The age calculation uses the traveler's birth date compared to today's date:
Birthday Edge Cases
The calculation considers:
- The current month vs birth month
- The current day vs birth day
- Whether the birthday has occurred this year
For example, a traveler born March 15, 2020 would be classified as a Child (CHD) on January 26, 2026, because their 6th birthday hasn't occurred yet, making them 5 years old.
Impact on Bookings
Flight Bookings
| Traveler Type | Seat | Pricing | Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Own seat | Full fare | Standard allowance |
| Child | Own seat | Discounted (varies) | Standard allowance |
| Infant | No seat (lap) | Reduced fare | Limited/no baggage |
Infants without a seat must be accompanied by an adult. Most airlines limit one infant per adult.
Hotel Bookings
| Traveler Type | Room Occupancy | Pricing Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Counts as 1 guest | Full rate |
| Child | May count differently | Varies by hotel |
| Infant | Often free | Usually no charge |
Type Changes Over Time
Since type is calculated dynamically at request time:
- No Manual Override: Type cannot be manually set or overridden
- Birthday Transitions: Type changes automatically when the traveler's age crosses a threshold
- Real-Time Calculation: Type is calculated on each request, not stored
- Booking Considerations: Always verify type at booking time, not creation time
Example Timeline
For a traveler born March 15, 2024:
- On March 14, 2025 (11 months old) — Infant (INF)
- On March 15, 2025 (1 year old) — Infant (INF)
- On March 15, 2026 (2 years old) — Type changes to Child (CHD)
- On March 15, 2036 (12 years old) — Type changes to Adult (ADT)
When creating bookings for young travelers, consider upcoming birthdays that might affect their traveler type during the travel dates.
Best Practices
- Verify Birth Date: Ensure accurate birth dates to avoid type misclassification
- Check Before Booking: Verify traveler type before submitting bookings
- Plan for Transitions: For travelers near age thresholds, consider travel dates carefully
- Update Regularly: Keep traveler information current for accurate classification