The destination is set, the departure date is marked on the family calendar, and excitement is through the roof. But before the suitcases are packed, a million questions pop up: What should we pack for the little ones? How much carry-on luggage can we bring? Is the stroller really necessary? Flying with kids is an adventure in itself and requires a bit of planning.
Take a deep breath! I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to make your plane ride with little ones as smooth as possible. After all, flying as a family is a fantastic way to discover the world together, leaving the daily grind behind. And the Air Transat cabin crew gets it—they welcome both young and old with warmth and courtesy on board the aircraft!
Research what the airline rules are for travelling with children
What are the rules for children on flights?
When booking your tickets with airlines, it’s very important to enter the correct age of the kids traveling with you, as this information will affect the rules that apply to your booking. According to Canadian aviation regulations:
- Infants under the age of 2 are not required to occupy a seat and may travel on an adult’s lap.
- A child is considered to be between the ages of 2 and 11 inclusive.
- Children aged 12 and over must sit in an adult seat.
How to travel with a newborn or an infant?
With Air Transat, you can purchase a flight ticket for your little one starting at 8 days old. However, this rule may vary with other airlines, so it’s always a good idea to check in advance. Check out our full guide to help you prepare, from bringing breast milk to the best option between a baby carrier and a car seat on a plane.
What proof do you need for a child to fly with just one parent?
The most important document is a consent letter signed by the absent parent. It should include the travel dates and destination and must be signed by an adult witness or a notary. The Government of Canada provides a simple template and a list of supporting documents to include.
Where should you sit on the plane with a kid and what are the best seats?
Kids can sit anywhere on board the aircraft except in the emergency exit row. My tip? Give your little one the window seat so they can enjoy the view during the plane ride. It also has the added bonus of limiting their wandering…
On Air Transat flights, children between the ages of 2 and 13 and their parents or legal guardians traveling on the same reservation are automatically assigned a standard adjoining seat, free of charge. That way, everyone stays together for the whole time, making the journey smoother.
Thinking ahead about the flight schedule
Depending on your family’s schedule, it may be worth checking flight times before booking. Some airlines offer multiple flight options depending on your destination, which can help you adjust your departure time for an easier trip. I always recommend a direct flight if possible. However, if a stopover is unavoidable, make sure it works to your advantage:
- Long enough for a real break and for your little ones to stretch their legs.
- At an important time of day to avoid disrupting their routine.
- In an airport with space for young kids to play and relax.
Navigating the airport before your flight
Flying with children means extra preparation and time. It is always a good idea to arrive early, between 2 and 3 hours prior to your flight. Here are some tips to help you navigate the airport before you board.
Check-in
Most Canadian airports have dedicated family check-in counters, regardless of the airline. These can help you skip long lines and get a stress-free start to your trip. You’ll be able to check in and get everything in order before your flight.
Security check
Check for a special family lane before going through security—it can make the whole process much smoother.
If you’re traveling with a stroller, it will be screened separately while you go through the scanner with your little one. Make sure to empty all bags—sometimes extra bags hide forgotten treasures kids love to stash away!
What to do with kids at the airport
Once your bags are checked and you’ve cleared security, take advantage of the time before boarding the aircraft. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to burn off energy before the long way ahead.
If possible, find a designated play area. For instance, at YUL, the Air Transat play area near Gate 67 offers a fun, fully equipped space for kids to explore—running encouraged!
Priority boarding with Air Transat
Air Transat offers priority boarding to families traveling with infants and toddlers (except on flights to the United States). Some parents, however, prefer to board the aircraft last, letting their kids use up every ounce of energy before takeoff.
Our tips for preparing for an Air Transat flight with kids
What you need to know about bringing a stroller on the plane — should you consider gate check?
If possible, opt for a foldable umbrella stroller that fits within carry-on dimensions. These lightweight models are easy to transport and accepted on board Air Transat flights free of charge.
At certain airports, you can leave your stroller to boarding gate agents (gate check) and retrieve it at the end of your flight—one less thing to worry about during your journey.
How do I protect my child’s ears on a plane?
Take-off and landing can cause ear discomfort for little ones. Here are some good options to help ease the pressure:
- Sucking on a pacifier, drinking from a bottle with a straw, or chewing candy, depending on age.
- Using cotton wool or earplugs specially designed for young kids.
- Turning yawning into a fun game during takeoff and landing.
Hand luggage essentials for long haul flights
When preparing for a long plane ride, I always pack a change of clothes in our hand luggage, which is stored in the overhead bin, to suit the weather at our destination. A quick change before landing helps everyone feel refreshed and ready. For sunny spots, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
One essential for traveling with little ones? Baby wipes—they’re surprisingly handy even for older kids.
To keep kids entertained on board the aircraft, I suggest a “surprise bag” filled with small toys and activities. Include things like activity books, pocket-sized dolls, toy cars, or card games to keep them occupied the whole time. A new toy can be the perfect distraction, too!
For devices, I recommend a fully charged tablet loaded with favorite movies and audiobooks. Don’t forget a set of headphones that are comfortable and suitable for little ears.
Bringing your own snacks
Yes, you can pack your own snacks in your hand luggage! Just avoid peanut products out of respect for other passengers.
Go for healthy, non-sticky options like dried fruit, crackers, veggie sticks, or sandwiches. Also, bring an empty water bottle to refill after security.
If traveling with several children, prepare individual snack bags—it’ll make snack time fun and save you from digging through extra bags mid-flight.
