No, the idea that people born on a plane automatically receive free flights for life is largely a myth. While it's a popular belief, very few airlines have ever granted such a benefit to a newborn.
The Reality of "Free Flights for Life"
The widely circulated notion that an airline bestows lifetime travel on a baby born mid-flight is generally not true. Airlines do not have a standard policy or obligation to offer this remarkable perk. Such occurrences are extremely rare and typically depend on the individual airline's discretion, often serving as a one-time promotional gesture rather than a standing rule.
Airlines Known to Have Offered the Perk
Despite the myth, there have been a handful of instances where airlines did exceptionally grant free flights for life or significant travel benefits to babies born onboard. These are isolated cases and not indicative of a universal policy.
Here are some of the carriers that have reportedly offered such a benefit:
| Airline | Notes |
|---|---|
| Thai Airways | One of the few airlines known to have granted free flights for life to a baby born on their aircraft. |
| Asia Pacific Airlines | This carrier has also been cited as one that extended lifetime travel privileges to an onboard birth. |
| AirAsia | Known for occasionally offering free flights for life in such rare circumstances, showcasing it as a goodwill gesture. |
| Polar Airlines | Another airline mentioned in the context of providing free flight benefits to a baby born during one of their flights. |
It's important to understand that these instances are exceptions and not the rule. Most airlines focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of the mother and child, and their priority is typically diverting to the nearest airport for medical attention rather than formulating lifetime travel perks.
Why the Myth Persists
The persistent belief likely stems from the rare, high-profile cases that garnered significant media attention. The unusual nature of an in-flight birth combined with the romanticized idea of a "free travel" reward creates a compelling narrative that easily spreads. However, for the vast majority of airlines, such a policy does not exist.
