Flying With Kids from Canada: What to Know Before You Book
Flying with children is manageable when you know what to expect. The airports, the airlines, and the aircraft all have specific rules and accommodations for families — and knowing them saves you from scrambling at the gate.
Booking: Ages, Ages, Ages
Infant fares (under 2 years): Most Canadian airlines allow infants to fly on a parent’s lap for free on domestic routes, or at a reduced international fare (typically 10% of the adult fare). The infant does not get their own seat — they sit with you.
Once your child turns 2, they need their own seat and pay a child fare (usually 75–100% of the adult fare depending on the airline and route). Book a car seat if they will use one — more on that below.
Key: Use actual birthdates when booking. Airlines verify this at check-in. If your child turns 2 before the return flight and you booked as an infant, you may need to buy an additional seat at the airport.
What Documents Kids Need
Domestic flights in Canada:
- Children under 16 do not strictly need government-issued photo ID for domestic travel, but a birth certificate or passport is recommended
- CATSA may ask for proof of age for discounted fares
International flights:
- Every traveller, including newborns, needs a valid Canadian passport
- If a child is travelling with only one parent, a consent letter from the absent parent is strongly recommended — some countries and border agents require it
- A signed, notarized letter from the other parent stating the child has permission to travel works well; include dates, destinations, and contact information
Car Seats on Planes
Transport Canada-approved car seats are allowed on aircraft. If your child is under 2 and you have paid for their own seat, a car seat is the safest option.
What you need to know:
- The seat must be Transport Canada or FAA approved (check for the label)
- It must fit in the aircraft seat — most forward-facing seats work, but rear-facing infant seats may not fit in all configurations
- Book a window seat for the car seat — it cannot block the aisle
If you do not bring the car seat on board, you can check it for free on all major Canadian airlines.
Strollers and Checked Gear
Strollers: All major Canadian carriers allow strollers to be checked at no charge. Gate-checking (walking it to the aircraft door) is allowed on most flights. You get it back at the aircraft door on arrival.
Car seats: Checked free when not used on board.
Breast milk, formula, and baby food: Not subject to the 100 mL liquid rule at CATSA. You can bring as much as you need. Declare it at the checkpoint and it goes through separately.
Pre-Boarding With Young Children
Canadian airlines and airports offer family boarding — before general boarding begins. Look for the announcement, or ask at the gate. This gives you time to settle before the rush.
Some airports also have dedicated family security lanes at certain terminals. At Toronto Pearson Terminal 1, lanes specifically for families with young children occasionally operate during peak periods.
Seat Selection With Kids
Never buy basic economy with young children. Basic fares do not include seat selection, and you may get assigned middle seats nowhere near each other. This is a genuine problem — CATSA and airline staff are not obligated to reseat other passengers to keep your family together.
Book a fare that includes seat selection and choose your seats at booking. For lap infants, the infant does not get a seat assignment — they are on your lap.
On Air Canada, a designated “family seating” protection exists for children under 14 to be seated near a guardian. However, this is not a guarantee — it works best if you select seats yourself.
The Aircraft Experience
Ear pressure: During descent, ear pressure is the most common discomfort for young children. Nursing, sucking on a soother, or swallowing (even a sip of water) equalizes the pressure. For older kids, chewing gum works.
Noise and sleep: Window seats are slightly quieter. Bulkhead seats (first row of economy) have more floor space for young children and sometimes bassinet hooks for infants on international flights — book early if you want these.
Entertainment: Most Air Canada and WestJet mainline aircraft have seatback screens. Regional and budget aircraft may not. Download content to a tablet before you leave.
Unaccompanied Minors
Children flying alone have specific rules:
| Airline | Minimum Age for Unaccompanied | Age Range for UM Service | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 8 years | 8–11 (required), 12–17 (optional) | $100–150 CAD each way |
| WestJet | 8 years | 5–11 requires UM service, 12–17 optional | $60–100 CAD each way |
| Porter | 8 years | Check at booking | ~$60 CAD each way |
| Flair | 12 years minimum | UM service available | Fee varies |
For unaccompanied minors, the escorting adult must stay at the airport until the flight has departed. The receiving adult must have valid ID at the destination.
Practical Tips
- Check in online 24 hours early and print boarding passes — reduces check-in time at the airport significantly
- Arrive 30 minutes earlier than you normally would — adding a stroller, car seat check, and small humans to airport logistics takes time
- Bring snacks from home — airport food is overpriced and airport stress is not the time to discover your child does not like the only option at the gate
- A change of clothes for each child (and realistically one for yourself) in the carry-on handles the most common in-flight events
Plan the trip, then find the best fare. Browse flight deals from Canada →
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