Travelling with an Infant/Child
Air Canada loves kids! Here are some policies, regulations, and tips to help you plan your trip with your infant or child, and to help make your travel as enjoyable as possible.
For the purposes of independent travel, Air Canada defines an infant as from zero to two years of age, while a child is considered as from two to 16 years of age. (Please note that children aged 12 and up pay adult fares.)
Important: Air Canada, in accordance with government regulations, will now be checking photo IDs at the departure gate for all passengers who appear to be over 12 years of age. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. For more information: Passenger Protect website. For travellers younger than 12, an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID, i.e. a student card is suggested--but not mandatory--at this time.
Information for pregnant women traveling by air
For information about young people from 8 to 17 years of age travelling unaccompanied, click here.
How to proceed for infants/children: seats, safety, ticketing
*NOTE: If an infant has their second birthday between the departure and return segments of an international trip, the fare can be determined from one of the two options below:
Infant Baggage Allowance
Following baggage allowance applies to customers with a reservation made on or after May 15, 2008, for travel on or after July 15, 2008. Please contact Air Canada Call Center for baggage allowance before July 15, 2008.
Important Note: Baggage Policies for infant(s)/children:
Baggage policies may differ on a Star Alliance partner for return travel, or for travel within Europe, Africa & Australia. Passengers must contact the Star Alliance Partner airline for more information.
Stroller Policy
Children may be transported in their strollers throughout any airport Air Canada serves.
Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small umbrella type strollers when traveling with children.
Collapsible strollers may be checked at the gate and will be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.
Large, heavy strollers should be checked-in as part of your checked luggage, as gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them. Large strollers are subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.
Acceptable Child Restraint Devices: restrictions for an infant/child occupying a seat
Air Canada is bound by Transport Canada regulations with regards to acceptable Child Restraint Devices.
Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (Canada) Child restraint devices (CMVSS 213 (or 213.1)) manufactured to United States standards on or after February 26, 1985 must bear two labels:
If you are carrying remotely-controlled toys, please ensure they are packed in your checked baggage. This will make clearing of your carry-on baggage much easier.
ID a child needs when traveling on an international flight
An infant / child is now required to hold his / her own passport when travelling on an international flight. To apply for a passport, Canadian travelers can visit the Passport Office web site for more information.
IMPORTANT: Immigration authorities in most countries are becoming increasingly vigilant when children are crossing borders. Whether travelling alone or accompanied by an adult, each child must travel with his own passport. Also the adults traveling with the minor children are strongly advised to hold a notarized letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) with legal custody. The letter must include the signor's address, phone details, authorization to travel, the destination and length of stay. If a parent / guardian is divorced or deceased, custody document or death certificate is required. The Immigration authority on the outbound as well as on the return flight will require this document. The embassy / consulate of the countries the child will visit should be contacted for information on entry documentation requirements.
(Last updated, 15MAY08.)
For the purposes of independent travel, Air Canada defines an infant as from zero to two years of age, while a child is considered as from two to 16 years of age. (Please note that children aged 12 and up pay adult fares.)
Important: Air Canada, in accordance with government regulations, will now be checking photo IDs at the departure gate for all passengers who appear to be over 12 years of age. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. For more information: Passenger Protect website. For travellers younger than 12, an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID, i.e. a student card is suggested--but not mandatory--at this time.
Information for pregnant women traveling by air
- Any woman with a normal pregnancy and no previous history of premature labor may travel up to and including her 36th week on Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz.
- Domestic bookings for an infant under two can be made online, as long as the infant will be seated on their parents' lap(s), e.g. no seat is needed.
- Please call Air Canada Call Center for all infants traveling on transborder and international flights.
- An infant as young as seven days can travel on Air Canada flights.
- Only one infant is permitted per adult passenger (16 years of age or older).
- Formula, baby's milk, or temperature-sensitive medications may be refrigerated on board free of charge.
- All of our aircraft (with the exception of Dash 8s) have diaper-changing tables in the lavatories. Depending on the aircraft, these may be either in the front or back lavatories.
- Infants' and children's meals are available only on International flights and in Executive Class within North America. An infant meal consists of such food as strained fruits, vegetables, meats and desserts. A children's meal is designed for children two years of age and older. Examples of the choices available are hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, sandwiches, brownies and raisins. To order an infant/child meal, please call Air Canada Call Center at least 18 hours prior to departure.
- Bassinets are available on board for infants, however please call Air Canada Call Center at least 48 hours before boarding, as your infant's height and/or weight may make bassinets unusable for them from a safety and comfort standpoint. We look forward to assisting you and your new family with your travel needs, with the goal of making any future trips safe, comfortable and memorable. Please note that the use of a bassinet is subject to availability.
For information about young people from 8 to 17 years of age travelling unaccompanied, click here.
How to proceed for infants/children: seats, safety, ticketing
 |
Infant or child? | Parent's lap or own seat? | How to reserve passage | Cost of fare |
| Within Canada and Canada/US | Less than 2 years (infant) | Parent's lap | Online | 0$ |
|
Infant | Own seat | Air Canada Call Center | Adult fare |
|
Child | Own seat | Online | Adult fare |
| International | Two years or less (infant) | Parent's lap | Air Canada Call Center | 10% of adult fare* |
|
Both infant and child | Own seat | Air Canada Call Center | Adult (Child?s discount) fare* |
| Executive First Class cabin | When seated in an Executive First Suite in our newly refurbished Executive First Class cabin, children ages 2-5 must occupy a suite situated directly in front of the accompanying parent or guardian. Child restraining devices are not permitted in the Executive First Suites at any time. The child and the accompanying guardian will receive a mandatory briefing on the safety features of the Executive First Suite prior to takeoff. Please contact Air Canada Call Center whenever booking travel with young children in the Executive First Class to ensure the availability of appropriate seating. |
*NOTE: If an infant has their second birthday between the departure and return segments of an international trip, the fare can be determined from one of the two options below:
- The child can pay the full published child's fare for that flight (and be certain to have a confirmed seat both ways), OR
- The child can pay infant fare on the departure, and the published child's fare on the return.
Infant Baggage Allowance
Following baggage allowance applies to customers with a reservation made on or after May 15, 2008, for travel on or after July 15, 2008. Please contact Air Canada Call Center for baggage allowance before July 15, 2008.
|
Checked Baggage | Carry-on Baggage |
| Infants - with or without a seat travelling in Economy | - Two pieces of checked baggage, each bag not to exceed 158cm (62in) in overall dimensions, and 23kg (50 lbs) in weight. - One stroller to be checked in at the gate (in addition to the two pieces of checked baggage). |
One piece of baggage, maximum weight - 10 kg (22 lbs) and size - 23cm x 40cm x 55cm. |
| Infants - without a seat travelling in Executive/Executive First | - Two pieces of checked baggage, each bag not to exceed 158cm (62in) in overall dimensions, and 23kg (50 lbs) in weight. - One stroller to be checked in at the gate (in addition to the two pieces of checked baggage). |
One piece of baggage, maximum weight - 10 kg (22 lbs) and size - 23cm x 40cm x 55cm. |
| Infants - occupying a seat in Executive/Executive First | - Three pieces of checked baggage, each bag not to exceed 158cm (62in) in overall dimensions, and 32kg (70 lbs) in weight. - One stroller to be checked in at the gate (in addition to the three pieces of checked baggage). |
One piece of baggage, maximum weight - 10 kg (22 lbs) and size - 23cm x 40cm x 55cm. |
Important Note: Baggage Policies for infant(s)/children:
Baggage policies may differ on a Star Alliance partner for return travel, or for travel within Europe, Africa & Australia. Passengers must contact the Star Alliance Partner airline for more information.
Stroller Policy
Children may be transported in their strollers throughout any airport Air Canada serves.
Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small umbrella type strollers when traveling with children.
Collapsible strollers may be checked at the gate and will be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.
Large, heavy strollers should be checked-in as part of your checked luggage, as gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them. Large strollers are subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.
Acceptable Child Restraint Devices: restrictions for an infant/child occupying a seat
Air Canada is bound by Transport Canada regulations with regards to acceptable Child Restraint Devices.
- An infant for whom a seat has been purchased must be properly secured in a child restraint device.
- A child, over two years of age but weighing less than 18 kg (40 lbs), can be secured in a child restraint device.
Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (Canada) Child restraint devices (CMVSS 213 (or 213.1)) manufactured to United States standards on or after February 26, 1985 must bear two labels:
- "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicles safety standards."
- "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
- Infants or children weighing less than 9 kg (20 lbs) must be secured in a rear-facing infant restraint device.
- Infants or children weighing 9 kg (20 lbs) or more, up to a maximum of 18 kg (40 lbs), must be secured in a forward-facing restraint device.
- Infant must be fastened when in device.
- When travelling with an infant's or child's car seat, please ensure that the car seat itself is identified with your name and address in indelible (Sharpie-type) marker.
- Child restraint devices (car seats) count towards your individual baggage allowance. Exception: If a child is occupying a paid seat, the child restraint device will be accepted in addition to your baggage allowance, free of charge.
- Foreign-built car seats must adhere to these criteria as well.
- The following are non-acceptable devices: booster seats, belly loops, vests, harnesses, SNUGLI(R) carriers, and Little Cargo(R) seats (notwithstanding any claims from manufacturer(s) that they are approved for use in aircraft).
- A restraint device that cannot be restrained due to size, design, or damage must be checked in, as it cannot be stowed under the seats or in the overhead bins.
- Please contact your travel agent or Air Canada Call Center to clarify this due to certain exceptions.
If you are carrying remotely-controlled toys, please ensure they are packed in your checked baggage. This will make clearing of your carry-on baggage much easier.
ID a child needs when traveling on an international flight
An infant / child is now required to hold his / her own passport when travelling on an international flight. To apply for a passport, Canadian travelers can visit the Passport Office web site for more information.
IMPORTANT: Immigration authorities in most countries are becoming increasingly vigilant when children are crossing borders. Whether travelling alone or accompanied by an adult, each child must travel with his own passport. Also the adults traveling with the minor children are strongly advised to hold a notarized letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) with legal custody. The letter must include the signor's address, phone details, authorization to travel, the destination and length of stay. If a parent / guardian is divorced or deceased, custody document or death certificate is required. The Immigration authority on the outbound as well as on the return flight will require this document. The embassy / consulate of the countries the child will visit should be contacted for information on entry documentation requirements.
(Last updated, 15MAY08.)
