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Travelling with infants and children

Travelling with infants and children

Illustration of a mother with two kids Travelling with infants and children

For the safety of both the adult and the child, Canadian Aviation Regulations require that no person shall be responsible for more than one infant (children under the age of two).

As time is of the essence during an evacuation, it is very difficult to safely evacuate an aircraft in a timely manner while holding two or more infants. The aisle and row width as well as the dimensions of the emergency exit openings are the two major factors that inhibit a rapid egress.

Approved Child Restraint System

Transport Canada encourages passengers to use an approved child restraint system (car seat) when travelling by air with infants or children. Why? Although an infant under two years of age may be held in an adult's arms, using an approved car seat during a flight:

  • protects your child;
  • ensures their comfort while travelling; and
  • brings a familiar car seat to your destination.

If you decide to use a car seat, always:

  • check with your airline for their specific policies;
  • follow the manufacturer's installation instructions;
  • tighten the aircraft seat belt through the correct path on the car seat; and
  • secure straps out of the way since tether straps cannot be used on board the aircraft.
Date modified:
2010-09-07