When is a child not a child? Well, er...that all depends. Most hotels put an upper age limit of 12 for children's reductions. Self-catering usually classes anyone up to not-so-sweet 16 as a kid. Airlines are just as inconsistent: Britannia's child discount stops at 16, British Airways at 12.
And as I'm fond of mentioning, the not-so-low-cost Ryanair regards anyone aged over two as totally grown up, charging them full adult fares.
This confusing travel landscape has been highlighted this week by Consignia. Keen to trespass into the family travel market ("fair play for family travel" is its admirable slogan), the former GPO has launched its Kids Go Free travel insurance. (consignia-online.com)
But even in the insurance field what counts as a kid isn't clear. Consignia says under 18s; Direct Travel (direct-travel.co.uk) adds another 12 months. Along with Primary Direct (primarydirect.co.uk), that's extended to 23 if they're in full-time education. But Travel Plan Direct (travelplan-direct.co.uk) considers a child well on the way to independence by the time they reach nursery, charging half price for over-threes.
As if they weren't financially challenged enough, it's the Mother Hubbard-sized families that get the worst deal. Most companies put a Blairite limit of four kids on holiday insurance. Any additional children attract additional premiums. Consignia and Primary Direct are notable exceptions, allowing you to reproduce at no extra cost. Consignia also has the most progressive portrait of the 21st century family, as it doesn't require the child to be travelling with their own parent. An insured uncle or auntie will do.
So simply comparing the costs of family travel insurance policies doesn't necessarily come up with the cheapest option. It all depends upon how large and how old you all are.
