Becoming a parent may make you think that traveling is a thing of the past, but trust me, traveling with a baby is not only possible, it’s actually a wonderful experience full of discoveries. It’s one of the best ways to fully embrace your parental leave and create family memories far from the daily grind! However, we all know that taking a flight with a baby for the first time can be overwhelming and stressful for many new parents. Between booking your flight ticket and packing your cabin bag, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. But don’t worry—there are plenty of simple tips to help you avoid bad surprises and make this experience more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Here are our best tips to help you enjoy the journey with peace of mind, aboard Air Transat.
Booking the right ticket for a baby under 2 years old
Ready to go on your family’s first international trip? That’s fantastic! Before you get excited about choosing your destination, it’s important to understand that your baby’s age will determine what tickets you will have to buy. Here are a few information to keep in mind:
- A nourrisson (infant) is defined as a child between 8 days and 2 years of age (less than a day before their 2nd birthday).
- A child is someone between the ages of 2 and 11 years old.
When can infants/newborns travel internationally and fly on airplane?
With Air Transat, you can purchase a flight ticket for your baby starting at 8 days old. However, this policy may vary with other airlines, so it’s always a good idea to check in advance.
Where should you sit on the plane with a baby?
Before your baby turns two, they can travel free of charge or for a small fee on your lap, but you must still indicate their presence when purchasing your ticket. Please note, according to Canadian aviation regulations, no passenger is allowed to be responsible for more than one infant at a time for safety reasons.
Air Transat offers bassinettes (skycots) for babies weighing less than 11kg. Make sure to request them in advance! However, their confirmation depends on the availability on the plane and the crew’s evaluation of the safety of placing the baby there. When available, these bassinettes are a real treat! They’re usually located at in bulkhead rows, providing extra legroom for parents and more comfort for everyone.
Thinking ahead about the flight schedule
The number one tip for a smooth flight with a baby? Opt for a direct flight if possible, especially for a night flight. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also avoid the most uncomfortable moments of a flight—takeoff and landing. Minimizing these stressful moments will make your baby feel much better.
However, if you need to take a long-haul flight, a layover can indeed be a good solution, as long as:
- It’s truly a restful break for you and your baby.
- It fits your baby’s schedule to avoid disrupting their routine.
Some airports offer family-friendly spaces, such as rest areas or breastfeeding lounges, making your trip even more comfortable.
Preparing what to bring for flying with a baby for the first time
Traveling light is great, but traveling smart is even better! In our experience, one of the keys to a successful flight with a baby is packing your cabin bag efficiently. Air Transat also allows you to bring a stroller and a car seat without additional fees per baby, plus you can carry a diaper bag with everything you need for the flight, in addition to your own carry-on.
Here are some tips to help reduce stress during boarding and in-flight:
Bring the right stroller in the cabin or at gate check
If possible, choose a stroller that folds and unfolds easily. Not only will it be handy in the airport, but it will also make getting around at your destination much easier.
Check the dimensions of your stroller before you bring in the cabin. Alternatively, some airports offer to “gake check” your stroller, meaning you can leave it at the boarding gate and collect it when you disembark at the end of your flight.
Prepare a cabin bag for the baby with the essentials
The key is not to overload yourself and focus on the essentials! Travel with just one cabin bag to avoid forgetting anything on board and to make sure you can find everything easily. We like to organise our items in separate fabric bags, each with a specific purpose (feeding, playing, changing, etc.). That way we don’t have to unpack everything when we need it.
Remember that baby food, such as breast milk or formula, must be easily accessible for security screening.
Here’s what we usually pack:
- A selection of new, quiet toys to entertain and stimulate the baby
- Water, breast milk or formula, baby food jars, and ice packs to keep everything fresh
- The favorite blanket (of course!)
- Spare pacifiers
- A warm pajama and spare clothes (always pack extra!)
- Earplugs for babies
- Extra diapers (you never know!)
How do I protect my baby’s ears on a plane?
The pressure changes during take-off and landing can be particularly difficult for babies. To prevent ear discomfort, try feeding your baby (breast or bottle) or giving him or her a dummy during these times. This will help equalise the pressure in their ears and reduce discomfort.
Alternatively, using cotton balls or small earplugs can also help reduce the noise level on the plane, making it easier for your baby to rest or relax.
Preparing for check-in and boarding with Air Transat
Traveling with a baby may take a little more time than usual, so it’s a good idea to allot extra time at the airport to avoid any stressful rush.
Check-in
In Canadian airports, you can take advantage of dedicated check-in counters for families traveling with young children. This helps save time and reduces the stress before boarding.
Security check
Check to see if there is a priority access point for families. As you pass through the security checkpoint, place your baby carrier and any other child-related items on the conveyor belt. You should also point out to the security staff that liquids will be screened separately. Strollers and pushchairs will also be screened separately.
Priority boarding with Air Transat
Except for flights to the United States, Air Transat offers priority boarding for families travelling with infants and children.
If your baby is very young, it is a good idea to board early so you have extra time to settle down comfortably (especially if you’re using a bassinet) and put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. However, if your baby is a little more mobile, it may be wiser to wait and board last so that they can run around for as long as possible before being strapped into a seat for several hours.
Tips for keeping your baby entertained during the flight
Once you’re on board, general discomfort may make your baby a little fussy. Take one or two options of quiet toys to keep them occupied and entertained. Other elements of the plane (headphones, remote control, window panes) can also provide fun distractions for curious little ones.
And if your baby is starting to walk, be prepared to take him or her for a few laps around the aircraft! This is likely to get some smiling faces and help your baby become more familiar with the airplane surroundings. One time, we’ve even had a kind passenger offer to read a story to our toddler so we could take a nap halfway through the flight.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
As parents, we often feel we need to be as unobtrusive as possible so as not to disturb other passengers. But rest assured, our flight attendants are here to help and reassure you! Don’t hesitate to ask them for assistance if you need anything. You’ll be surprised how kind and understanding they are when they see a family with a baby or children. Don’t let a few annoyed looks get to you! Air travel is only a temporary moment in your life, just a few hours really, and you’ll get through it with ease.
Flying with a baby can be a challenge, but it’s also a chance to make wonderful family memories and discover the world together. You won’t regret it!
