What Is Air Canada Infant Policy?

Traveling with infants requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to understanding airline policies. Air Canada, Canada’s flag carrier, has a well-defined infant travel policy that focuses on safety, comfort, and convenience for families. From seating and baggage allowances to in-flight services and booking requirements, parents can rely on Air Canada’s family-friendly approach to make flying with a baby smoother.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Air Canada infant policy, so you know exactly what to expect before your trip.

Who Qualifies as an Infant on Air Canada?

Air Canada defines an infant as a child under two years old on the date of travel. Infants may fly on a parent’s lap or in a reserved seat with an approved child restraint device. Once a child reaches their second birthday, they must occupy their own seat with a purchased ticket.

Lap infant policy: Parents can travel with one lap infant without purchasing a seat.
Multiple infants: If you are traveling with more than one infant, each additional child under two must have their own reserved seat with an approved car seat.
Proof of age: A birth certificate or passport is often required, particularly for international flights.

Booking Rules for Infants

When booking a flight with Air Canada, it’s important to notify the airline that you’ll be traveling with an infant. This ensures your seating and amenities are arranged properly.

Lap infants: For domestic Canada and U.S. flights, infants traveling on a parent’s lap generally fly free of charge.
International flights: For overseas routes, a lap infant fare typically applies, calculated as 10% of the adult fare plus taxes and fees.
Seats for infants: Parents may purchase a separate seat at a discounted child fare if they prefer their infant to use a car seat.
Bassinet requests: These must be booked in advance as they are limited and available only on select long-haul aircraft.

Seating and Bassinet Options

Air Canada provides several options for parents traveling with young children:

Bassinets: Available on select international flights, bassinets are designed for infants up to 12 kg (25 lbs) and a maximum length of 63.5 cm (25 inches). They must be reserved ahead of time, and availability is limited.
Car seats: Parents may bring Transport Canada- or FAA-approved car seats for use in a purchased seat. Car seats must meet the airline’s size and safety requirements.
Lap belts: Infants traveling on a lap will be secured with a special extension seat belt during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

Infant Baggage Allowance

Air Canada provides baggage allowances for infants that make family travel more manageable.

Lap infant allowance: Parents may bring one piece of checked baggage up to 10 kg (22 lbs) for lap infants, along with baby essentials such as a diaper bag.
Carry-on items: A small bag containing essentials like diapers, formula, and toys is allowed in the cabin.
Strollers and car seats: One stroller and one car seat per infant can be checked free of charge. Compact strollers may be used until boarding and checked at the gate.

Note: If you ever need to change name on Air Canada tickets, the airline has a specific policy for corrections and updates. Ensuring your name matches your travel documents is essential, as even small errors may cause issues during check-in or security. Always confirm details before departure.

In-Flight Services for Infants

Air Canada offers services designed to make long-haul and domestic flights easier for parents with babies:

Baby meals: Puréed baby meals may be requested in advance on international flights. Parents should bring formula, milk, or food for shorter flights.
Changing facilities: Lavatories on most aircraft are equipped with fold-down changing tables.
Hot water and bottle warming: Cabin crew can provide hot water for formula preparation if needed.
Priority boarding: Families with young children are usually invited to board early, giving them extra time to settle in.

Safety Guidelines for Infant Travel

Air Canada has strict safety standards to ensure infants are protected during the flight:

Infants must remain secured in the lap of an accompanying adult with a seat belt extension or in a certified car seat if occupying their own seat.
Booster seats and certain child harnesses are not permitted.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their infant meets the age and weight criteria for bassinets.
Only one lap infant is permitted per adult for safety reasons.

Booking and Check-In Process for Infants

Parents traveling with infants should take a few extra steps when booking and checking in:

Add the infant during the initial booking to avoid seat assignment issues.
Confirm any requested services, such as bassinets, meals, or family seating.
Carry proper travel documents, including passports for international flights.
Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow time for check-in, stroller drop-off, and boarding.

Traveling Internationally with Infants

When traveling abroad with an infant, Air Canada requires additional documentation and preparation:

A valid passport is required for all international travel, even for infants.
Some destinations may require a visa or additional entry documents.
For certain countries, parents may need to show proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate.
International Air Canada lap infant fares and taxes vary by route, so parents should check fare rules before booking.

Air Canada’s Commitment to Family Travel

Air Canada strives to create a comfortable and safe experience for families:

Dedicated family check-in counters are available at select airports.
Cabin crew are trained to assist families with extra needs.
On some routes, families receive complimentary amenities, such as infant comfort kits.
Flexible booking options make it easier for parents to plan travel around a baby’s needs.