Flying with a baby can be a daunting prospect, but with the right preparation and knowledge of your airline’s policies, it can be a smooth experience. WestJet, one of Canada’s leading airlines, has a clear and detailed policy for its youngest travellers. This policy is necessary to follow, especially when the baby is under two years old.
For your ease, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about WestJet infant policy, including age requirements, seating options (lap-held vs. purchased seat), documentation, and generous baggage allowances for baby equipment. Understanding these rules is the first step toward a stress-free WestJet flying with infant.
Who Can Fly As A Lap Child On WestJet?
WestJet welcomes babies of all ages, including those seven days old. However, certain restrictions are imposed on the traveling of such a young baby on board, and documents are also needed. Similarly, babies under two, considered as “infants,” are allowed to travel on an accompanying passenger's lap, which restrains them from having their own tickets. Since plans with infants can change quickly, you may also want to understand how WestJet flight cancellations work and changes for bookings with infants.
Do Lap Babies Pay Charges To Travel On WestJet?
According to WestJet lap infant policy, babies under two years of age (24 months) are allowed to travel as lap infants. This means they are permitted to fly on both domestic and international flights without needing their own seats. Generally, no base fare or taxes charges by the airline from lap-held infants on domestic flights, but they requires carrying an e-ticket. Whereas, on international flights, lap babies are typically charged a percentage of the adult fare plus taxes.
What Are Other Rules For Lap Babies On WestJet?
WestJet traveling with infant requires following the infant policy specifically made for babies flying as lap babies. Here are the key rules covered by the airline in the policy:
- WestJet requires a formal letter of approval from a doctor granting the newborn permission to fly if they are less than eight days old. At check-in, this letter needs to be shown.
- Infants between the ages of 8 days and under 2 years are typically allowed to travel.
- During the Trip, Your Little One Turns Two: Your baby must legally take their own seat on that trip and all future return flights if they turn two during any portion of the journey. For the return part, a ticket is required. In this case, updating the reservation by calling WestJet is crucial to preventing issues.
Documents Needed For Lap Infants On WestJet
Documents are required for air traveling even for lap babies. According to WestJet lap infant policy, lap-held babies do not always require a full photo ID, a “proof of age” is mandatory to ensure that infants are under two. A birth certificate will work for domestic traveling but for all international flights including those to/from the U.S., a valid passport is required for the infant, regardless of age.
To avoid delays at the counter, it's best to familiarise yourself with the WestJet check-in process before arriving at the airport, especially when travelling with a lap infant who requires document verification.
What Seating Options Babies (Under Two) Have on WestJet?
Seating Options: Lap-Held vs. Purchased Seat
When traveling with a baby on WestJet, parents can choose between buying a special seat or using the lap-held option, according to WestJet lap infant policy.
The Infant on the Lap (Infant-on-Lap)
- Eligibility: Travelers who are 16 years of age or older may carry children under the age of two on their lap.
- Flights within Canada that are domestic: A baby carried in the lap usually travels for free. All newborns must still have a ticket for international flights, including transborder flights to the United States.
- On international itineraries, a lap-held infant will be subject to taxes and government-imposed taxes, even when there is no base fare. The sum differs depending on the location.
- Restrictions on WestJet traveling with infant: Only one lap infant per adult traveler (16 years of age or older) is allowed due to federal laws concerning oxygen masks. Two infants in laps cannot be seated in the same row, either.
Purchased Seat with Child Restraint System (CRS)
- Recommendation: Like the majority of airlines and Transport Canada, WestJet strongly advises booking a seat and using an approved child restraint system (car seat) for enhanced comfort and safety.
- Booking: To reserve a separate seat for a baby flying in a car seat, you must contact WestJet directly. The lap-held option is the default setting in the online booking system. Transport Canada, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (shown by the red wording "Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft"), or specific UN (ECE R44 or R129) requirements must all certify the car seat. It must be used in the manner specified in the manufacturer's instructions and fit correctly in the airplane seat.
- Approved Harness: For kids under its weight/height restrictions, the CARES™ Child Aviation Restraint System is also an authorized harness device, enabling them to ride in a bought seat without the need for a conventional car seat according WestJet lap infant policy.
- Placement Restrictions: On some aircraft, car seats are not allowed in the business class cabin, exit rows, or the rows immediately in front of or behind an exit row. Usually, rear-facing vehicle seats are placed in window seats.
Free Family Services and Special Considerations
The airline has a number of family-friendly amenities to make WestJet traveling with infant easier. For a better onboard experience, check out how WestJet seat upgrades work, including costs and eligibility.
WestJet also accommodates passengers who need additional support at the airport. If you or a travel companion requires mobility assistance, learn how to submit a WestJet wheelchair assistance request ahead of your trip.
Allowance for Infant Equipment Baggage
WestJet offers a fairly flexible infant equipment policy that is different from the standard baggage limit for adults:
- For infants who are held in the lap, two items of baby gear (a stroller, car seat, or playpen/travel crib) may be checked for free.
- For Infants in a Purchased Seat: In addition to the luggage allowance of the purchased ticket, one piece of infant equipment (a stroller, car seat, or playpen/travel bed) is checked for free.
- Carry-on Diaper Bag: In addition to the adult's normal carry-on and personal item allowance, a diaper bag filled with necessities particular for the baby is allowed on board.
Are Bassinets Available On WestJet?
Some long-haul aircraft, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, may have a restricted number of bassinets that can be used in bulkhead rows. A bassinet is subject to availability and severe size/weight restrictions (usually no more than 25 lbs/11 kg and 26 in/66 cm in length, and the infant must be unable of sitting up without assistance). It must be requested at the airport check-in desk.
Note: Sometimes travel plans may require updating passenger details. Therefore, if you need to make corrections or request a WestJet change name on your booking, it’s important to follow their specific guidelines. Doing so ensures your ticket matches your valid ID, preventing issues during check-in or boarding.
Travel Tips and Final Checklist
For a travel to be successful, preparation is essential. When getting ready for your WestJet flight, always refer to the following checklist:
- Reservations & Seating: If you need a baby seat reservation or would like to request a bassinet location (however bassinet reservations are only confirmed at the airport), call WestJet right away after making your reservation. You can also contact the customer service to add lap infant on WestJet flight reservation.
- Verification of Documentation: Verify again that the necessary documentation is readily available. If only one parent is traveling, this also includes the infant's passport (for international travel), proof of age (for domestic travel), and any necessary consent letters.
- Essentials for a Diaper Bag: Be sure to pack a lot! The diaper bag should contain more diapers, formula, snacks, and clothing than you anticipate using. Add cozy accessories like blankets, novels, or beloved toys as well.
Conclusion
With flexible seating options and considerable allowances for necessary baby gear, WestJet's infant policy is intended to be both comprehensive and family-friendly. And if your journey doesn’t go as planned such as missing your WestJet flight check the WestJet missed flight policy for guidelines on rebooking, fees and refunds. By following to the age, documentation, and safety regulations, you may guarantee a relaxing and joyful start on your family's journey. Before your trip, always check the official WestJet website or get in touch with their customer service representatives to confirm the most recent policies.
