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Flying with Babies and Kids on Air Canada
Air Canada offers special allowances to make travelling with kids and babies a little less stressful. This includes lap-baby allowances, special child fares on some flights, additional carry-on baggage allowances for babies, early boarding, and availability of baby bassinets on some routes.
Air Canada Infant and Baby (0-2 Years Old) Baggage Allowance for Lap Babies
For babies under 2 years of age travelling on the parent’s lap (no assigned seat), the standard Economy Class baggage allowances apply, regardless of the flare class in which you are flying. This means that on most domestic flights your baby will have no free checked baggage allowance, and all standard adult checked baggage fees apply for the baby’s checked luggage. However, on some routes where Economy class passengers receive a free checked baggage allowance, your lap baby will also be eligible for free checked luggage. [AMZ asins='B00RXW8CVC,B000RRD7UG,B07MZFD26C,B00TSL2UJ6']
In addition, you may bring a maximum of 2 special baby items free of charge. These may include either a stroller (either checked at the baggage counter or at the boarding gate), a car seat (will have to be checked-in as luggage either at the counter or at the gate, cannot be used on the plane if you have not purchased an individual seat for the baby), or a playpen as checked luggage.
Infant sling/wrap carriers like Snugli™ or Baby Bjorn™ are accepted in addition to the infant's carry-on allowance if required for use on board the aircraft. These carriers are not approved for use as a "restraint device" and may not be used during taxi, take-off, and landing, or at any time the seat belt sign is illuminated. The parent or guardian will have to remove their infant from the carrier every time the seat belt sign is illuminated.
Air Canada Infant and Baby (0-2 Years Old) Baggage Allowance with Assigned Seat
If you purchased an assigned seat for your baby 0-2 years old (you baby has their own ticket, the standard adult checked luggage rules for the class of seat purchased apply, and regular adult checked baggage fees may apply for additional luggage.
In addition, you may bring up to 2 baby items free of charge. These include a stroller (to be checked at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate), a car seat (to be installed and used in the cabin - you are responsible to bring a Transport Canada or FAA approved child seat or AmWay CARES harness, it will not be provided by Air Canada), or 1 playpen (to be sent as checked luggage free of charge).
A child restraint device may only be accepted as carry-on in addition to the infant's child carry-on allowance provided a seat has been purchased for the infant/child.
Infant sling/wrap carriers like Snugli™ or Baby Bjorn™ are accepted in addition to the infant's carry-on allowance if required for use on board the aircraft. These carriers are not approved for use as a "restraint device" and may not be used during taxi, take-off, and landing, or at any time the seat belt sign is illuminated. The parent or guardian will have to remove their infant from the carrier every time the seat belt sign is turned on.
Air Canada Child (2-11 Years Old) Baggage Allowance
Children older than 2 years old are not eligible to fly as Lap Babies, and must have their own ticket with an assigned seat.
All standard free checked baggage allowances (if any) apply for your class of ticket for that route, and all standard adult checked baggage fees may apply.
In addition, you may bring a maximum of 2 children’s items free of charge, either a stroller (to be checked-in free of charge at the check-in desk, or at the gate), a car seat (to be brought and used in the cabin - all children must fly in a Transport Canada or FAA-approved Child Restraint device such an approved car seat. Air Canada does NOT provide car seats for your child), or a playpen (to be checked-in free of charge at the check-in desk).
Checking in a Stroller on Air Canada
Strollers may be checked-in free of charge on Air Canada flights, regardless of whether your child is flying as a lap baby or with their own assigned seat.
Regardless of where you are going, you are allowed to bring one stroller for every child you are traveling with in addition to your carry-on and checked baggage. Use of compact, collapsible umbrella-style strollers is recommended.
Small strollers that are under 92 cm (36 in) in length and have a collapsed diameter of no more than 25.5 cm (10 in) can be checked for free either at the check-in desk or the boarding gate. Your stroller will be brought to the baggage claim area of your final destination if it has been checked-in at the baggage desk. It is handed to you at the airplane door at every stop along the way if gate-checked at the boarding gate.
Due to the lack of gate facilities in airports, large, heavy strollers can only be checked at the check-in desk, and cannot be gate-checked. There are no additional luggage fees for checking-in your stroller. However, some size limitations may apply if your stroller is especially large and heavy.
Bringing a Car Seat on Air Canada
You may bring a car seat free of charge for your child, whether flying as a lap baby if under 2 years-old, or if flying with their own assigned seat.
If your baby is flying as a lap baby, they will not have an assigned seat, and you will not be able to use the car seat on the plane - it will have to be either gate-checked or checked-in at the baggage desk.
If your child is flying with their own assigned seat, you are responsible for bringing an approved child restraint device (approved Car Seat or AmWay CARES harness) for your child - Air Canada does NOT provide car seats for your child.
Although most car seats are approved for airplane travel, be sure to double-check that it meets all labeling requirements to keep your child safe. Car Seats for use on Air Canada flights must meet the following requirements:
If manufactured in Canada, it must bear ONE of the following:
1. A label stating that "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards", OR
2. The National Safety Mark, which indicates the number of the standard(s) to which the restraint device conforms, i.e. CMVSS 213 (child restraint device) or 213.1 for (infant restraint device).
If manufactured to US Standards, it must have BOTH of the following:
1. "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards", AND
2. "THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT" (in red lettering).
If manufactured to New Zealand / Australia standards, it must have BOTH of the following:
1. A Standard 1754 label, and
2. A label indicating that the device is acceptable for use on board an aircraft
If manufactured to United Nations or ECE European standards, it must have BOTH of the following labels:
1. A label displaying UN standard ECE R44-03 (revision 03) or a later revision, and
2. A label displaying qualification for use in aircraft.
All other foreign-built car seats must meet all Transport Canada regulations to be accepted on board.
All approved child seats must fit in the space between the seat's armrests. They must be set up in accordance with the device's instructions, and they must be fastened with the seat belt that is mounted on the airplane seat.
A restraint device that cannot be restrained due to size, design, or damage must be transported as checked baggage, as it cannot be stowed under the seats or in the overhead bins.
All child restraint equipment has weight restrictions, and must be used according to the instructions on the label, in the position indicated. Typically babies weighing under 9 kg (20 lbs) must use a rear-facing child-seat, and forward-facing child seats are for young children weighing more than 9 kg, up to about 30 kg (20 - 65 lbs).
Prohibited Devices On-Board Air Canada Flights
You may NOT use a booster on Air Canada flights as they are not approved for use in an aircraft. A booster seat (or cushion) is defined as a removable device for use in a vehicle for the purpose of seating in an elevated position a person whose mass is 18 kg (40 lb.) or more. Booster seats are designed to be used with an automobile lap and shoulder belt and iare therefore NOT approved for use in an aircraft.
A combination system (i.e. both a child restraint system and a booster cushion) is accepted for in-flight use provided it is used as a child restraint system and the internal harness system is installed, and all labelling requirements are met. It must not be used in-flight as a booster cushion*, with the internal harness system removed.
Belly loops and vests or harness type devices are not allowed to be used. The ONLY harness-type child restraint device approved for use is the AmWay / AmSafe CARES Child Aviation Restraint System, an adjustable belt-and-buckle flight harness that attaches directly to the aircraft seatbelt.
The AmSafe CARES is designed for children weighing between 10 to 20 kg (22 to 44 lb), whose height is 100 cm (40 in) or less and who are capable of sitting upright.
In order to be used, it must have a legible CARES™ label with approval standards (FAA approved in accordance with 14 CFR 21:305 (d) and approved for aircraft use only), and part number 4082-1 on label. Keep in mind, the CARES harness cannot be installed on Air Canada Signature Class cabin seats, nor is it easily compatible with with the Bombardier Dash-8-300 and Dash-8-100 planes.
Air Bassinets on Air Canada
By contacting Air Canada Reservations in advance of your flight, you can request a bassinet if you're traveling in Economy Class with a young (or small) newborn. However, whether you are assigned a bassinet cannot be confirmed until the time of your flight’s departure.
Bassinets are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Bassinets may be provided on the following aircraft:
Airbus 787-9 (789)
Airbus 787-8 (788)
Airbus 777-300ER (77W)
Airbus 777-200LR (77L)
Boeing 330 (333)
Only infants who weigh less than 12 kg (25 lb) and are unable to sit up alone may be placed in a bassinet.
The bassinet will be installed by the cabin crew once the seat belt light has been turned off.
Be sure to note that bassinets are installed at bulkhead rows where armrests do not lift.
Family Check-In and Early Boarding on Air Canada
Air Canada offers “Family Check-In” desks at some airports so you can skip the line and have a smoother check-in experience. Simply look for the “Family Check-In” signage once you arrive at the airport.
Families with young kids under 6 years old may board early, before general boarding, to provide a bit of extra time to get settled-in and store all your belongings. This is typically after the boarding of Zone 2 - be sure to listen to the announcements at the gate for when families with young children are invited on board.
When making a reservation, by checking the box that you are flying with children you will likely be assigned seats close together, free of charge. However, this is not guaranteed, and the only way to to make sure you will be seated all together is to select your seats when making your reservation, which comes at an additional cost.
Baby Change Tables on Air Canada
Most Air Canada planes have baby change tables available in some of the lavatories - simply ask your flight crew whether it is in the front or back of the plane.
Breastfeeding on Air Canada Flights
Air Canada allows breastfeeding on all their flights, as long as it is safe to do so.
Baby Formula, Breastmilk, Baby Food on Air Canada
Baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice can be packed in your carry-on luggage. Because not all planes have refrigeration on board, the cabin crew cannot take care of these items. It is recommended to bring a small cooler to keep them at the right temperature. If necessary, you may ask for extra ice if available.
Do Babies Under 2 Years Old Fly Free on Air Canada?
Infants under 2 years old may fly free on an adult's lap within Canada. If you would like your child to have their own assigned seat, the full adult fare applies.
On flights between Canada and the US, infants under 2 years old may fly on an adult's lap paying only the taxes. Again, if you would like an assigned seat for your baby, the full adult fare applies.
On all other international flights, an infant under 2 years old may fly on an adult's lap paying 10% of the adult fare (the discount applies to the adult fare, not to the taxes, fees, charges, or surcharges of the ticket). If you would like to baby to have their own assigned seat, Air Canada offers a discounted Child's fare on international flights, available for all children between 0-12 years old.
A maximum of one "Lap Baby" is allowed per adult, so if you are flying with more infants than adults (for example 2 infants and one adult), you will have to purchase an assigned seat for the additional babies, and they must travel in an approved child car seat.
If your baby's birthday is between the departure and return date of your flights, you have the option to purchase either the full child's fare for both the departure and return flights (assigned seat both ways), or the infant (Lap Baby) fare for the departure flight, and child's fare for the return portion. To do so, you will have to contact Air Canada Reservations directly.
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