Plan on flying with a baby for the first time? No need to stress. With some advance travel planning and little patience (okay, maybe a lot of patience at times!), you and your baby can take to the skies without all the stress and anxiety.
To help you, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips for flying with a baby, including the guidance you need to follow when travelling on Canadian airlines, any specifics on flying with an infant on your lap, and more.
1. Choose your flight time wisely
The number one tip we have for flying with a baby is to be careful when choosing your flight time. If your schedule (and travel budget) allows, try to book a flight that fits into your infant’s regular sleeping and feeding schedule to help minimize the impact on their daily timeline.
If it’s your first time flying with your baby, it’s a good idea to avoid flying during peak travel times. Think of the busiest times in December and the peak of summer travel season – these times are most likely when flights will be sold out, and it’s best to avoid travelling on a full flight if you are unsure of how your baby will react being on a plane for the very first time.
And if you’re planning a trip to an international destination, choose a flight with the shortest possible layover or no layover at all, as you’ll want to keep your travel time as short as possible.
2. Don’t forget to take identification
According to the latest guidance from Canada, all Canadian children from newborns to age 16 need their own passport to fly out of the country. A child’s passport in Canada is valid for up to a maximum of five years. So if you’re planning an international getaway, allow for plenty of time to organize everyone’s passports before your trip.
If you’re travelling within Canada with your baby, identification for your child will need to be presented at the boarding gate. Acceptable forms of identification for children flying within Canada include at least one piece of government-issued photo identification. The document must have your baby’s full name and date of birth.
3. Travel with a letter of consent
If you’re travelling alone with your baby and aren’t the sole parent or guardian of the child, be sure to carry a letter of consent from the other parent or guardian. If you are your child’s sole parent or guardian, then it’s best to bring along a document which proves you are the child’s sole parent/guardian (a copy of the child’s long form birth certificate, for example).
While a consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving another country, as well as by Canadian officials when returning to the country. Details of what a consent letter should contain are on the Government of Canada website.
4. Check with your doctor
To address any concerns that you may have about travelling with your baby health-wise, check in with their primary care provider for some travel tips. For instance, you can ask your pediatrician for any recommended ear drops in the case of any potential ear pain on the flight due to the fluctuations in air pressure, etc. If you’re bringing along any medication for your child though, just make sure it’s properly labelled and in a carry-on friendly bag for the plane.
5. Handle air pressure changes like a pro
On that note, take-off and landing can be particularly uncomfortable for babies due to the changes in air pressure. To help make your little one more comfortable during these tough times of the flight, feed or nurse your baby during take-off and landing. Put the ear drops in beforehand if that’s what is recommended by your doctor.
It’s also a good idea to see if your baby has an ear infection, because that change in air pressure can be extra painful. Alternatively, use a soother, as the sucking will help with the pressure imbalance.
6. Keep yourself and your baby hydrated
Staying hydrated, especially on long-haul flights, is important when flying with a baby. If you’re the one breastfeeding the baby, it’s important that you stay hydrated, too.
In the baby bag, bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at the airport to stay hydrated during your trip. For an extra boost, pick up some coconut water or another mineral-rich water at the airport to bring with your on the plane.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Flying with a baby can be stressful, especially the first time. Remember that the airline staff are there to assist you, so don’t be unsure about asking for help if and when you need it – this includes help in the plane bathrooms, and the process of getting on and off the plane with your baby.
On top of asking the airline staff for help, remember to the gracious to yourself when flying with your newborn. What parent doesn’t fear their baby being the one who cries throughout the entire flight? If your baby does cry, try to keep calm and focus on soothing your baby, instead of worrying about your fellow passengers. If they grumble, don’t take it personally. You may be surprised how accommodating other passengers can be. After all, we were all babies once. With any luck, your little one will be charming their neighbours with a smile and a game of peek-a-boo.
8. Stay calm and conquer jet lag
Let’s face it, flying with a baby can be a stressful experience. So much so that some parents would rather stay at home than deal with crying, jet lag (for yourself and for baby) and other passengers reactions when you and your baby sit near them. But we’re here to say that those stressors shouldn’t stop you from travelling with a baby or newborn.
Just like travelling as an adult, try your best to stick to your baby’s inner timeline and daily routine when adjusting to a new time zone. Sunlight is a natural and free way to beat jet lag, so make sure yourself and baby get a nice dose of sun upon arrival. Remember that babies are very adaptable, so an hour or two of a time change might not affect them as much as you may have anticipated.
9. Be prepared with this packing checklist for flying with a baby
For your flight with your baby to go as smoothly as possible, think like the Scouts and ‘be prepared’. This checklist will help you plan your trip:
- Diapers: Pack an adequate supply of diapers to last you from leaving your home to arriving at your destination – then toss in a couple more for good measure. You don’t want to run out, in case your flight has any delays.
- Baby wipes and other toiletries: In your baby’s carry-on bag, make sure to include plenty of (travel-friendly), baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and diaper cream. Pack any over the counter baby-friendly pain meds as well in case you need it.
- Resealable and reusable plastic bags: Super handy for any soiled clothes to briefly store away in case of any accidents.
- Comfy travel clothes: Dress your baby so they’ll be comfortable on the flight, and pack a change of clothes in case of mishaps. A blanket will help keep little ones warm and double as a throw in case there’s a need for breastfeeding.
- Toys and books: Pack a couple of your newborn’s favourite toys and books for the flight.
- Baby carrier: On long-haul flights, a baby carrier makes it easier to walk your infant on the plane and go through immigration. This way, you’ll have your hands free to carry your baby bag and a snack or drink for the plane.
- Baby stroller: If you want to keep most of your baby supplies with you in carry-on (to avoid any mess with checked luggage in the hold), most airlines allow you to bring compact, collapsible strollers as extra baggage free of charge. See below for the specifics for Canadian airlines.
- Bottles for milk: Make sure to pack sufficient bottles of pumped milk or baby formula and baby food that’s plane-friendly. If your baby is being breastfed, pack some pre-pumped milk in the baby bag just in case.
According to The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, if you’re travelling with an infant aged two years and under, baby formula, food, juice, and water are allowed in your carry-on baggage in quantities higher than the standard 100 ml, and can be checked through security in Canada. You’re also permitted to bring gel or ice packs to keep baby food and formula cool. All items will need to be presented to the screening officer at security.
How much does it cost to fly with a baby?
The cost of flying with a baby can vary, depending on the airline you use and your destination. If the child is under the age of 2 during the trip then they can qualify as a lap infant, which means that you won’t have to buy an extra ticket for them. Flying with an infant on your lap for the duration of a flight in Canada or on an international flight (rest of North America, South, Europe, etc) is generally free of charge, although some taxes and fees may apply.
In most cases, babies can travel for free on domestic flights if they are held in your lap. There are specifics for each airline, so check the table below for more details.
Canadian airline fees, restrictions, and allowances for travelling with babies
| Airline | Fees (children under the age of 2, lap seat) | Baby equipment on board |
| Air Canada | Free within Canada & the U.S, only taxes apply. International flights: 10% of an adult fare plus taxes. | One of the two items allowed free of charge: a stroller (must check at the gate), a car seat or booster seat, or a playpen. |
| WestJet | Free of charge for domestic flights (includes taxes), certain fees might apply in the U.S. | WestJet allows you to check in a car seat and stroller at no additional charge. A playpen can be substituted for either. Travellers required to check stroller & car seat at the gate before boarding. |
| Air Transat | Free base fare on flights within Canada, the U.S. & South destinations (extra taxes and fees depending on the destination). 10% of an adult fare plus taxes for flights between Canada and Europe. (doesn’t apply to Transat Holiday Europe packages) | One stroller and one car or booster seat allowed free of charge. A stroller is allowed in lieu of carry-on (must be carry-on dimensions). Diaper bag allowed in addition to regular carry-on bag. |
| Porter Airlines | Flying with an infant on your lap is free on Porter Airlines flights, including any taxes and fees. Certain fees might apply on flights to the U.S. | One stroller & one car seat free of charge for each infant travelling on Porter Airlines. Small diaper bag allowed in addition to carry-on bag. |
Last updated August 27, 2023. All information from Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Air Transat websites. Each airline has different rules and restrictions for flying with infants and children aged two and under, so check the latest guidelines before booking a trip with your infant.
