TUI Free Child Places – Complete Guide for 2026 and 2027
TUI offers free child places on selected package holidays, allowing one child to travel without paying for flights, accommodation, food, and transfers. This guide explains the age limits, eligibility rules, booking steps, and how the offer compares with Jet2, easyJet holidays, and On the Beach for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Families looking to reduce the cost of a summer holiday often turn to free child place promotions. Among UK tour operators, TUI stands out with a clearly advertised scheme. But the details matter: age restrictions vary by hotel, availability changes quickly, and not all room types qualify.
This article uses official TUI sources, press releases, and competitor information to give you a factual, up-to-date picture. No speculation. Just the terms as they stand for 2026 and 2027.
What Are TUI Free Child Places and How Do They Work?
TUI free child places allow one child per paying adult to stay free of charge at selected hotels.
Typically children up to 11 years old qualify, but this varies by hotel and promotion.
Free child places for summer 2026 and 2027 are released in batches; early booking recommended.
Jet2, easyJet, and On the Beach offer similar deals – see comparison section for details.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Free child places can save families hundreds of pounds on package holidays.
- TUI offers free child places on both 2026 and 2027 summer holidays, including new destinations like Mexico and Dominican Republic for 2027.
- The most important eligibility factor is the child’s age at the time of travel – often 2–11 years.
- Free child places are typically limited to one per paying adult and are subject to availability.
- Booking early increases the chance of securing a place at a preferred hotel.
Essential Facts About TUI Free Child Places
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Available for holidays in 2026 and 2027 | TUI has confirmed free child places for both seasons, with 2027 including new long-haul options. |
| Typical age limit | Children aged 2–11 years old usually qualify; some hotels may allow up to 12 or 14. |
| Number of free places | Usually one free child place per paying adult (e.g., 2 adults = 2 free child places). |
| Applicable room types | Free child places are often linked to specific room categories (e.g., family rooms, suites). |
| Popular destinations | Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, Florida, Mexico, Dominican Republic. |
| Booking method | Search on TUI.co.uk using the ‘Free Child Places’ filter or look for ‘free kids’ places’ labels. |
What Is the Age Limit and Eligibility for TUI Free Child Places?
Age limits are the most common concern among families researching TUI free child places. The short answer is that TUI does not set one universal age limit. Instead, each participating hotel defines its own range, and that range is typically between 2 and 16 years old.
How the Age Limit Works in Practice
When you search on TUI.co.uk, you enter each child’s age at the time of travel. The system then checks which hotels accept those ages under the free child place offer. If a hotel’s limit is 11, a 12-year-old will not qualify at that property, but may qualify at another.
Rules for Infants and Toddlers
Infants under 2 years old on the return date are classed separately. They must be over 14 days old to travel. Free child places generally do not apply to infants; instead, infant prices are quoted separately at the time of booking.
Can You Get Multiple Free Child Places?
TUI’s standard rule is one free child place per booking, and it goes to the youngest child if more than one is travelling. You need at least two full-paying adults on the booking. Some hotels or promotions may allow more than one free place, but that is not the general policy.
TUI requires you to enter children’s ages based on the return date, not the departure date. A child who turns 12 during the holiday may be treated as 12 for eligibility purposes. Always double-check the age rules for your specific hotel before confirming.
What Are the TUI Free Child Place Dates for 2026 and 2027?
TUI has confirmed free child places for both the 2026 and 2027 summer seasons. The offers typically cover travel between May and October, though some winter sun destinations may also participate.
2026 Availability
Free child places for summer 2026 were launched in October 2024. A wide range of hotels across Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Florida, and other popular destinations are included. Availability is released in waves, so checking regularly is advisable.
2027 Expansion
In October 2025, TUI Group announced that Summer 2027 free child places would include Mexico and the Dominican Republic for the first time. This marks a significant expansion of the offer into long-haul destinations.
Booking Windows and Release Waves
TUI does not publish a fixed release calendar. Free child places are added in batches, often aligned with new season launches or promotional periods. Booking early, as soon as a desired holiday becomes available, gives the best chance of securing a free place.
Free child places are subject to availability and can sell out quickly, especially for peak school holiday weeks and popular family resorts. TUI states the offer is for new bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively.
How Do TUI Free Child Places Compare to Jet2, easyJet, and On the Beach?
Families comparing TUI free child places with other operators will find important differences in how each company structures its offers. The table below summarises the key distinctions.
| Provider | Free child place? | Typical eligibility | Age limit | What’s included | Booking notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUI | Yes, clearly advertised | Usually 1 child per 2 full-paying passengers | Varies by hotel; often 2–16 | Flight, hotel, food/drink, transfers | Use free child place filter; new bookings only |
| Jet2holidays | Often yes on selected deals | Usually selected packages/hotels | Varies; often around 2–11, sometimes more | Package-dependent | Check each deal and room type |
| easyJet holidays | Not usually a standard company-wide scheme | Promotion/hotel-specific | Varies by deal | Package-dependent | Check family offers and hotel rules |
| On the Beach | Yes, but via supplier/hotel | Depends on the package operator | Varies by hotel policy | Supplier-dependent | Compare deals individually |
Jet2 Free Child Places
Jet2holidays runs free child place promotions on selected packages. The offers are usually tied to specific hotels and room types. Age eligibility typically falls in the 2–11 range, though some packages may allow older children. At least two full-paying adults are generally required. The exact terms depend on the individual deal, so checking each package is essential. Visit the Jet2 free child places page for current offers.
easyJet Holidays: A Different Approach
easyJet holidays does not offer a standard company-wide free child place policy. Instead, it uses family-friendly pricing and seasonal promotions. When child deals are available, they are hotel-specific and promotion-specific. There is no single age limit across all easyJet packages. For current family offers, check the easyJet Holidays family deals page.
On the Beach: A Marketplace Model
On the Beach operates as a holiday marketplace. Free child places are determined by the supplier or hotel behind each listing, not by On the Beach itself. This means eligibility, age limits, and inclusions vary from one deal to another. The On the Beach free child places page aggregates available offers, but each must be reviewed individually.
A free child place can save £200–£500 per child, but per-adult prices may be higher on packages that include the offer. Always compare the total holiday cost—including baggage, transfers, and meals—across operators before making a decision.
When Were TUI Free Child Places Announced for 2026 and 2027?
The timeline below shows key announcement and release dates based on official TUI communications.
- October 2024 – TUI launched free child places for Summer 2026 holidays.
- October 2025 – TUI announced Summer 2027 free child places, including new Mexico and Dominican Republic options.
- Ongoing – Free child places are released in waves; book early for best availability.
- 2026 and 2027 – Travel periods covered by free child place promotions (typically May–October).
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About TUI Free Child Places?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| TUI offers free child places for Summer 2026 and 2027 (source: TUI Group press release, October 2025). | Whether free child places are available for all departure airports – confirm at time of search. |
| Free child places are available at specific hotels and room types only. | Whether free child places can be combined with other discounts (e.g., early booking, loyalty). |
| Age limit is usually 2–11 years, but exceptions exist. | Specific terms may change per promotion – always check TUI’s latest terms before booking. |
How Do TUI Free Child Places Fit Into the Wider Family Holiday Market?
Free child places are a well-established marketing tool in the UK package holiday industry. Tour operators use them to attract families during peak booking periods. TUI’s scheme is among the most visible because it bundles flights, accommodation, food, drink, and transfers into the free offer.
Jet2, easyJet holidays, and On the Beach all offer some form of child discount, but the structure varies. Jet2 runs targeted promotions, easyJet relies on hotel-level pricing, and On the Beach passes through supplier offers. TUI’s approach is the most centralised and easiest to identify at the search stage.
It is worth noting that a free child place does not always mean the cheapest total holiday. Per-adult prices on free-child-place packages may be higher than equivalent deals without the offer. Comparing the all-in cost remains the best strategy for families.
What Do Official TUI Sources Say About Free Child Places?
TUI’s own FAQ page and press releases provide the clearest statements on how the offer works. Below are excerpts from those sources.
One free kid’s place per booking. The free place goes to the youngest child if more than one child is travelling. You need at least two full-paying passengers. The offer applies to selected hotels, apartments, and villas. It is for new bookings only and subject to availability.
TUI official FAQ – How do I get a free child place?
TUI UK&I launches Summer 2027 with free kids’ places to Mexico and Dominican Republic for the first time ever.
TUI Group press release, 17 October 2025
For full details, refer to the TUI FAQ page on free child places and the TUI Free Kids’ Places landing page for live availability.
What Should Families Do Next After Reading This Guide?
After understanding the eligibility rules and comparing operators, the next logical step is to check live availability. TUI’s free child places filter on its website shows which hotels and dates currently participate. Booking early, especially for peak school holiday weeks, gives the best chance of securing a free place. Comparing the total holiday cost across TUI, Jet2, easyJet holidays, and On the Beach remains essential to ensure the deal genuinely saves money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free child place for a baby under 2?
Typically, free child places apply to children aged 2–11, but some hotels may offer discounts for infants. Always check the specific hotel’s policy.
Are free child places available for school holiday dates?
Yes, but availability is limited during peak times. It’s best to book as early as possible to secure a place.
Can I use a free child place if I’m a single parent?
Free child places are generally offered per paying adult, so single parents may still get one free child place. Confirm with TUI’s terms.
Do I have to pay taxes for the free child?
Some taxes (e.g., airport taxes, resort fees) may still apply to the free child place. These are usually added at checkout.
Can I cancel or change my booking and keep the free child place?
Changes may affect the free child place if the new booking doesn’t qualify. Check TUI’s cancellation policy.
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