Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding travelling with infants to Canada.
Infants do not receive a meal onboard, it is normal for parents to bring their own food/milk for very young children and the crew will be able to assist with any heating up required. If baby milk is required throughout the journey this will have to be kept in a clear container/bottle. When going through security, the clear container/bottle needs to be separated from hand baggage. If this is not done, the entire hand baggage will have to be searched. Milk will have to be tasted, from every container/bottle passengers have. Baby food is allowed on-board. This also has to be in clear containers/bottles.
Infants are not provided with a baggage allowance; however when an infant/child is travelling, one stroller, and one car seat may be carried free of charge.
Parent/guardian may carry a diaper bag in addition to regular carry-on, containing supplies needed for duration of flight.
Other items will count as part of the adult baggage allowance and excess charged accordingly.
Note: On arrival you will collect your push chair from the baggage reclaim belt along with the rest of your baggage.
Passengers under the age of 2 years are infant travellers and are not provided with a seat onboard or with a baggage allowance. Infants will be required to sit on the lap of the adult they are travelling with.
If you would like to ensure your infant has a seat onboard it is possible to book a confirmed seat for your infant by calling our reservations department on 0207-616-9999, seats onboard are subject to availability.
If you have booked a seat for your infant for your flight it is possible for you to bring their car seat onboard for them to sit in throughout the flight. There are restrictions; which are stipulated below.
When travelling with Air Transat: Car seats (no wider than 15.5 inches or 40 cm) may be used on Air Transat flights. Children under 18 kg (40 lbs) will be safer and more comfortable when secured in a car seat.
Make sure your car seat is in compliance with regulations:
- Canadian-made: The seat must be manufactured after Jan. 1, 1981 and must display the following inspection label: "CMVSS 213 or 213.1 Canada."
- U.S.A.-made: The seat must be manufactured after Feb. 26, 1985 and must display these labels: "This child restrain system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" or "This Restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
- Car seats manufactured in any other country are not approved for use on Air Transat flights.
- Booster seats or restraint systems for children cannot be used for air travel as they are not approved for use on board an aircraft by Transport Canada.
When travelling with a child of 2 years and older or if you have booked a seat for your infant for your flight. It is possible for you to use the AMSAFE harness system when travelling. An infant must have their own seat booked on the aircraft.
Air Transat does allow the use of the AMSAFE system with restrictions which are stipulated below.
- The AMSAFE system is accepted on board TS flights for children / infants age between 1 and 4 years only.
- The child / infant must weigh between 10-22kg.
- The child / infant must be no taller than 100cm.
Infants/ Children who do not meet this criteria are unable to use the AMSAFE system.
Once your baby is older than 7 days there is no hard and fast rule on the age a baby can fly, but we do recommend that you talk to your doctor and or health visitor before considering flying with your newborn.
Air Transat offers onboard bassinettes for babies. These bassinettes, which are attached to the bulkhead, are approved by Transport Canada. They are a safe and comfortable way for your baby to travel during the flight.
The infant's weight must not exceed 11 kg (24 lbs) and their height must not exceed the size of the bassinette 27 x 12 x 6 in (68 x 30 x 15 cm). Babies that are able to sit up on their own are not permitted to use the skycot / basinette.
It is important to know that the bassinette may be requested in advance, but is not confirmed until you board the aircraft and the in-flight crew can assess the suitability for your child. Skycots / Bassinettes are available for use on board and are never guaranteed, they are only available on specific seats and are chargeable; please contact reservations on 0207 616 9999 for more details.
The minimum age for unaccompanied minors travelling on our flights is 8 years of age. Children under the age of 8 will not be allowed to travel on our flights, unless accompanied by a person aged 16 or older.
A fee of CAD$100 in Canada and £65 in the UK per flight segment will apply for children between the ages of 8-11 inclusive and must be paid directly at the airport on the departure day.
Minors 12 to 15 years of age will continue to be accepted and provided airport guidance free of charge, however parents or guardians wishing to have the enhanced Unaccompanied Minor Service may do so for the rate of CAD$100 or £65 in each directions. All Unaccompanied minor services and handling will therefore apply.
The Unaccompanied minors are escorted by our personnel until they reach their final Air Transat destination (no connections permitted). The service also includes seat selection, priority baggage handling, a comfort kit on board (includes a blanket, socks, and a headset), a surprise pack, and free snacks from our On Board Bistro menu.