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Air Canada Infant Policy

Air traveling with kids can be challenging. However, if you plan to choose the right airline, parental stress can take the edge off. The best airline in terms of providing the best facilities for children who are difficult to manage on board is Air Canada.

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Air Canada Infant Policy

You are likely aware of the Air Canada infant policy, which allows you to comfortably travel with your baby without worrying about any inconveniences. However, this page will help you know everything about traveling on Air Canada with your baby.

What is the Air Canada Infant Policy?

Air Canada infant policy makes sure that every parent flies securely with their infant. According to the airline, an infant under the age of two seated on a parent's lap must be securely held by the parent. Despite this, lap-held children may not be adequately secured during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. In light of this, the airline recommends that parents use a child restraint device for their babies. 

Air Canada Child on Lap Rules

For many safety reasons, there are certain Air Canada infant or child rules mentioned below- 

  • The airline recommends parents use a Child restraint device. 
  • Use a car chair and avoid lap-holding your baby. 
  • Child safety seats or restraint devices are compulsory for an infant under 2 years of age.
  • Use safety seats, especially during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. 
  • Safety seats or child-resistant devices are optional for a small child. 

Note - For more information on  Air Canada childrens on lap terms and conditions, please contact Air Canada customer service at 1 (888) 247-2262. Moreover,  dial +1–800–865–1848 to talk to flight attendants for instant assistance. 

Air Canada Child Policy Travelling Alone

Over 10000 young travelers fly alone with Air Canada each year. The airline provides unaccompanied Minor service that ensures every one of the children receives the best care until they reach their destination. 

Eligible Flights For Air Canada Child Travel Alone

As per the Air Canada child policy, passengers are allowed to purchase unaccompanied minor services for their child if they are traveling on-  

  • A non-stop flight handled by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. 
  • A non-stop Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz. 

Age Restrictions for Air Canada Minors Flying Alone 

Air Canada has set the age limit for children who travel alone on its flights. Rules for Unaccompanied Minor service are shown in the following table:

Age Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minor Service
Under age 8

Not available 

  • Children under the age of 8 can’t travel alone. They must be accompanied by an adult age 16 or older.
  • The accompanying person must have a seat in the same cabin. Also, must be seated adjacent to the younger child.
8 to 11 Years

Mandatory 

  • The unaccompanied minor service is compulsory for children aged 8 to 11 who are traveling alone.
12 to 17 Years

Optional 

  • The unaccompanied minor service can be purchased but is considered optional for youth ages 12 to 17 traveling alone.
  • To avoid any misunderstandings, please ensure to check the airline's age restriction policy before flying if the minor is not traveling with the Unaccompanied Minor Service.

Required Documents for Air Canada Child Travelling

For a safe and enjoyable journey, it is necessary to follow some rules and regulations established by the aviation authorities. Whenever you travel with a child on Air Canada, it is imperative that you are aware of all the requirements with regard to travel documents as per the Air Canada infant policy

  • For traveling to countries where a passport is required, all kids have to carry their own passports. Please note that Canada does not support children traveling on their parent’s passports.
  • The child’s birth certificate reveals the name of both parents. 
  • Any legal document pertaining to custody. 
  • A parental consent letter authorizing travel. (For a child traveling with one parent, the other parent must sign and date the letter. On the other hand, for children traveling without their parents, both parents must sign and date the letter.)
  • A copy of the death certificate If one of the parents has passed.

Air Canada Child Fare

Flight Type Infant (Up to the age of 2) Children over the age of 2
Within Canada
  • A baby seated on an adult’s lap: No fee will be charged.
  • Own Seat: adult fare.
  • Own Seat: adult fare.
Canada/US
  • A child seated on an adult’s lap: only taxes would apply.
  • Own Seat: adult fare.
  • Own Seat: adult fare.
International
  • A child seated on an adult’s lap: 10% of adult fare. 
  • Own Seat: child’s fare
  • Own Seat: child’s fare.

Air Canada Flying With A Baby: Fees & Regulations

Generally, lap children, referring to children under the age of two who sit on the adult's laps, can travel for free on a domestic flight or at a discounted fare if you are flying on international flights.

Infant fare Free hold luggage allowance for infant gear Cost of additional seat for infant
Free on domestic flights.

10% of adult fares on international flights

1 stroller + 1 car seat or booster sear free of cost Full adult fare for flights within Canada + USA child's fares on international flights.

Air Canada Toddler Policy

Air Canada Toddler Policy is another name for infant policy. According to this policy, an infant as young as 7 days is allowed to travel on an Air Canada flight. That means a toddler who is not 7 days old is not allowed to travel due to health concerns. 

Air Canada Bassinet Policy

Seat with bassinet facility rules are significant to know for each Air Canada passenger. The following are the key points to take into account - 

  • If a passenger travels with a young or small infant (In Economy Class), he/she may request an Air Canada baby bassinet in advance by contacting the reservation department. 
  • Air Canada bassinets are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. However, this is subject to availability at the flight departure time. 
  • Air Canada seat with bassinet facility may not be available for the following aircraft - Boeing 787-9 (789), Boeing 787-8 (788), Boeing 777-300ER (77W), Boeing 777-200LR (77L), and Airbus A330 (333).
  • For safety reasons, bassinets can be used for infants of less than 12 kg who are unable to sit upright.
  • The cabin crew is responsible for installing the bassinet once the seat belt sign has been turned off. 
  • The bassinets are located in bulkhead rows where the armrests do not lift.

Air Canada Car Seat Policy For Infants or Children

If you are traveling with a car seat for a child under the age of two and above, it's always recommended that you bring your seat for use onboard instead of checking it. All the approved devices have to fit between the armrests of the seats. They have to be installed according to the device's directions and secured using the seat belt on the aircraft seat. Weight restrictions are specified on all restraint devices for children.

  • Rear-facing devices are restricted to babies weighing less than 9 KG (20 LB)
  • Forward-facing devices are generally limited to babies weighing nine to fewer than 30 KG (20 to 65 LB)

Devices manufactured in Canada have to bear one of the following:

  • A sticker reads, "This kid restraint system conforms to all relevant Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."
  • The national safety mark proves the number of states establishing the standards to which the restraint device conforms—for example, CMVSS 213 (child restraint device) and 213.1 (infant restraint device).

Devices manufactured to U.S. standards have to bear one of the following:

  • Each and every applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard is met by this kid restraint system.
  • The use of this restraint in cars and airplanes is authorized. 

Devices manufactured in Australia/New Zealand have to bear both of the following:

  • A standard 1754 label 
  • A label certifying that the gadget is safe to use while flying.

Devices manufactured by United Nations - Economic commissions for European standards must bear both of the following labels:

  • A label with revision 03 of UN standard ECE R44-03 or an updated version
  • A label showing qualification for use in aircraft.

Air Canada Infant Booking, Ticketing, and Seating

Traveling with your child on Air Canada requires understanding all the policies and procedures pertaining to infant booking, ticketing, and seating.

  • An infant below 7 days cannot travel on Air Canada.
  • An adult passenger (16 years or older) will not be responsible for more than one infant. 
  • It is recommended that the baby seated on a parent’s lap must be held securely. 
  • Lap-held childrens are not adequately secure during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Hence, it is recommended that you purchase a seat for your child and use a child restraint device for safety purposes. 
  • An infant with a reserved seat must be properly secured with a child restraint device. 

Air Canada Travel With Infant In Signature Cabin Class

If you are traveling with your kid in an Air Canada signature class cabin, there are some rules you must follow. 

  • Child restraint device is not permitted.
  • Passengers should contact Air Canada Reservations whenever booking a flight with signature class with kids. Also, ensure the availability of appropriate seating. 
  • Before takeoff, the child and the accompanying adult will receive a compulsory briefing regarding the safety features of the traveling signature cabin. 

Air Canada Infant Policy: All The Types of Fare Classes 

Knowing the various classes on Air Canada Airlines is essential if you are flying with a baby in order to select the ideal seats for them. When booking a flight with your infant,  review the information below on Air Canada First Class, Economy Class, and Premium Economy Class.  

1- Signature Class (First Class) 

Air Canada First Class provides a luxurious travel experience with spacious seats, gourmet dining, and personalized service. Traveling with kids in First Class offers a family-friendly environment, with attentive staff catering to children's needs. Priority boarding and exclusive amenities ensure a comfortable journey for both parents and young passengers, making family travel enjoyable.

2- Economy Class

Families may travel in comfort and affordability with Air Canada Economy Class. They are able to take advantage of the complementary meals, attentive service, and in-flight entertainment even with the smaller seating. Taking the kids on an Economy flight is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to your destination, thanks to Air Canada's vast network.

3- Premium Economy 

Families can benefit from a number of Air Canada Premium Economy benefits. To make it easier for parents to reach back and cradle their child, there are two seats together. In addition to having a large recline, these seats make it easier to sleep than in Economy. Everyone's travel experience is made less stressful by the additional room and conveniences.

Fun Available For Kids on Air Canada Flight

Air Canada offers many exciting giveaways on select flights to keep your child entertained, such as luggage tags, activity books, and more.

1 - Special Luggage Tag

When a passenger goes to the family check-in counter, they can let their kid pick up a special luggage tag. Although, it’s a fun way to add personality to their luggage and memorialize the trip. 

2 - Activity Books & More 

On Air Canada and Air Canada rouge flights within North America, the airline offers exciting activity books to keep the kids entertained and thrilled throughout the journey. However, on international flights, a kid can enjoy it with their heart out by getting new fun travel goodies. For instance, a tote bag filled with things like an activity book, sketch colors, etc. 

Special Services Under Air Canada Infant Policy

In addition to fun activities, there are several special services available to passengers traveling with children. Here are a few of them.

1 - Meal 

  • Special meals for infants and children above 2 are available on all of the Air Canada international flights. Also, a meal facility is available for Air Canada signature class, business class, premium economy, and premium rouge flights. 
  • At the time of booking, passenger may book their special meal on the official Air Canada website. Otherwise, they can contact the Air Canada customer support department at 1 (888) 247-2262 or dial +1–800–865–1848 for instant solutions by independent flight experts. 
  • Breast milk, juice, formula, and baby food are permitted to be carried in small containers in the carry-on luggage. Because onboard fridges may not always be available for all aircraft types. Sometimes, the cabin crew is unable to look after these items on board. 
  • Air Canada suggests passengers bring these items in a small cooler so that it can be in the desired temperature range. 

2 - Pregnancy and Breastfeeding 

  • Women with normal pregnancy and no previous history of premature labor are allowed to travel by air up to and including the 36th week on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express. 
  • Whenever safety permits, and it comes to breastfeeding facilities on board our aircraft, Air Canada supports it. 

Prohibited Child Restraint Devices

For many safety reasons, some unavoidable restrictions must be followed by all the passengers.  

  • Booster Seats - A booster seat or cushion is defined as a removable device used for the purpose of seating in an elevated position. It is designed to be used with an automobile lap or shoulder belt. Therefore, it is restricted for use in the aircraft. 
  • Belly loops/vests or harness-type devices are restricted.
  • Hammock-type seats like Fly LegsUp and Flyebaby are not allowed. 

How To Add An “Infant On Lap” To Your Air Canada Flight Ticket?

To add an infant on the lap to your reservation, you may do so when making your reservation through the Air Canada website or by adding an infant on a lap under the manage my reservation section. Remember that a maximum of 1 infant is allowed per adult passenger. As per Air Canada infant policy rules, If you are flying with two or more infants and only 1 adult, the second child must fly in their own purchased seat with an approved child car seat.  

How Much Does It Cost To Fly With A Lap Child on Air Canada?

There are no fees for infant babies on flights within Canada or between the US and Canada. Also, it assigns seats to families with children under 12 together for no extra cost. The airline provides child fares on international flights and lap child award fees small on international flights (between $50 and $125, depending on the service class, or you can pay 5000 to 12,500 miles.  

Do You Have To Buy A Ticket If You Fly With An Infant On Air Canada?

No, babies under 2 years can fly without having their own ticket. However, all children that have reached their 2nd birthday must fly in their own assigned seat, meaning that they must have purchased their ticket. 

In the case that your baby turns 2 years old while away on your trip, they may travel on the parent's lap for the outbound flight but must have their own ticket for the return portion of the flight. If this is the case, you can make this type of reservation by contacting Air Canada reservation at 1 (888) 247-2262. For immediate assistance from a travel expert, dial +1–800–865–1848

Do Babies Under 2 Years Old Fly Free On Air Canada Domestic Flight?

Yes, infants less than 2 years old can travel free of charge on Air Canada domestic flights within Canada when seated on a parent's or adult's lap - this is known as an infant's lap. Your child will have to travel on your lap for the duration of the flight and have to be secured in the parent's arms for take-off, turbulence, and landing. Your baby will not have a separate assigned seat, meaning you will not be able to use a child car seat during the flight. 

Do Babies Under 2 Years Old Can Fly Free On Air Canada International Flight?

No, under the Air Canada infant policy rules, Your child may travel on your lap on your international flights for a fee of 10% of the adult fare. Keep in mind that these discounted rates only apply to the fare option of the flight ticket and to any fees, taxes, charges, or surcharges. 

This is the cost that is charged for your child to fly on your lap, not for their own seat. If you would like for your baby to travel in their own seat, Air Canada offers discounted child fares on international flights for all children less than 12 years old (including for infants less than 2 years old).

Does Air Canada Provide Special Meals For Infants or Children?

As per the rules of Air Canada child policy, special meals for babies are available on all international flights and in Air Canada first class, business class, premium economy, and premium rouge on all flights. 

Further, you can order your meal at the time of booking on the airline's official website or by contacting reservations at least 18 hours prior to departure. Formula, juice, breast milk, and baby food (in small containers) are allowed in carry-on baggage. Because onboard refrigerators may not always be available on all types of aircraft, the cabin crew is unable to look after these items on board.  

Get Instant Assistance on Air Canada Infant Policy

Passengers who are unable to comprehend Air Canada rules for infant/child traveling may directly talk to an official representative and get assistance. First and for obvious reasons, you should call 1 (888) 247-2262 and try to talk to an Air Canada agent, or dial +1–800–865–1848 and talk to the independent consolidation desk.

Note: Flying Rules are intended to provide passengers with information regarding airline policies. Therefore, all information presented here is authentic and has been taken from official sources. Nonetheless, as a service provider, we strive to enhance your travel experience, regardless of the airline. Please take note that we at Flying Rules are not liable for the actions of the official airlines and will not be held accountable for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I add an infant to my Air Canada ticket?

To add an infant to your Air Canada flight ticket, contact the airline's customer service at 1-888-247-2262 or +1-800-865-1848 or manage your booking online, providing the necessary details for the infant's reservation.

Q2. Is adding a lap child to your Air Canada flight free?

Adding a lap child to your Air Canada flight typically incurs a fee, but policies may vary based on fare type and destination.

Q3. What is Air Canada infant policy?

The Air Canada lap child policy allows infants under 2 to travel on a lap for a fee or in a reserved seat with a ticket.

Q4. Does Air Canada offer discounts for infants travelling on domestic or international flights?

Air Canada generally offers discounted fares for infants travelling domestically and internationally. You may travel with your infant, free of charge, on flights within Canada. Also, there is no charge when an infant travels between Canada and the US, but taxes apply.

Q5. Does Air Canada impose age restrictions for infants?

Air Canada generally considers infants to be under 2 years old. They may travel as lap children or in a reserved seat with a ticket.

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