Planning to fly with your baby for the first time can feel overwhelming. You might not know what to bring, how to prepare, or what to expect. But with a little planning and a lot of patience, you and your baby can take to the skies without all the stress and anxiety. 

To help, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips for flying with a baby on a plane. We’ve even included the guidance you need to follow when travelling on Canadian airlines, 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 your infant’s regular sleeping and feeding schedule to minimize the impact on their daily routine. 

If it’s your first time flying with your baby, it’s a good idea to avoid flying during peak travel times. Holidays in December and the peak of summer travel often mean fully booked flights, which can make the experience more stressful if you’re unsure how your baby will react to 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 to keep your travel time as short as possible.

2. Don’t forget to take identification

In Canada, all children, from newborns to age 16, need their own passport to fly out of the country. Children's passports in Canada are valid for up to five years. So if you’re planning an international getaway, allow for plenty of time to organize everyone’s documents before your trip. 

Even for domestic flights, your child still needs identification at the boarding gate. Acceptable forms of identification for children flying within Canada include at least one piece of government-issued photo ID showing 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, 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 that proves this, like a copy of the child’s long-form birth certificate. 

While a consent letter isn’t legally required in Canada, it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving another country or by Canadian officials when returning to Canada. For the most accurate details of what to include in a consent letter, check the Government of Canada website.

4. Check with your doctor

Before you travel, touch base with your baby’s pediatrician to discuss any health concerns and get travel-specific advice. For example, your doctor can recommend ear drops to help keep your baby comfortable during air pressure changes during the flight.

If you’re bringing along any medication for your child, 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, takeoff 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, feed or nurse your baby during takeoff and landing. You can also put in ear drops beforehand if advised by your doctor. 

It’s also a good idea to check whether your baby has an ear infection before flying, as changes in air pressure can make it extra painful. Another helpful trick is to use a soother, as sucking helps with the pressure imbalance. 

6. Keep yourself and your baby hydrated 

Staying hydrated is important when flying with a baby, especially on long-haul flights. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important that you stay hydrated, too. 

Pack a reusable water bottle in your diaper bag to fill up at the airport. For an extra boost, grab some coconut water or another mineral-rich drink at the airport to bring with you 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 is there to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask for help with things like using the plane bathrooms or navigating getting on and off the plane with your little one.

Remember to be gracious to yourself, too, 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 by 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, 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. 

Just as you would when travelling as an adult, try your best to stick to your baby’s internal 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 you and your baby get a nice dose of vitamin D 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 think.

9. Be prepared with this packing checklist for baby travel

To make your flight with your baby as smooth as possible, take a page from 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 is delayed. 

• Baby wipes and other toiletries: In your baby’s carry-on bag, include plenty of (travel-friendly) baby wipes, hand sanitizer, diaper cream, and over-the-counter baby-friendly pain meds. 

• Resealable and reusable plastic bags: Having plastic bags on hand makes it easy to briefly store soiled clothes 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 to keep them entertained on 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 enough bottles of pumped milk or baby formula, as well as baby food that’s plane-friendly. If your baby is being breastfed, pack some pre-pumped milk in the bag just in case.

According to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), 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 100ml and can be checked through security. You’re also permitted to bring gel or ice packs to keep baby food and formula cool. All items must be presented to the screening officer at security.

How much does flying with kids cost?

The cost of flying with a baby depends on the airline and your destination. If your child is under the age of two at the time of travel, they usually qualify as a lap infant—meaning you won’t have to buy an extra ticket for them. On both domestic Canadian flights and international routes, flying with an infant on your lap is generally free of charge, although some taxes and fees may apply. 

The cost to fly with an infant changes with each airline, so check the table below for more details. 

Canadian airline fees, restrictions, and allowances for travelling with babies

Last updated March 17, 2026. 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.

Prepare for a stress-free flight with your baby

Flying with your baby doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right timing, you can take to the skies and enjoy a smooth flight from takeoff to landing. Just remember to bring along the right gear, prepare for air pressure changes, and ask for help when you need it. By giving yourself grace and heading into it with a calm mindset, you’ll set the stage for a memorable experience for you and your little one.