Air Canada estimates some 180,000 of the 10 million passengers it carried last year were children. Canadian Airlines International doesn’t keep track of the number, but it’s a safe bet that it, too, transports tens of thousands of kids every year. Some travel with their families, while others are solo for various reasons to go to camp, perhaps, or to visit a divorced parent in another city.
With the peak school vacation-summer travel period approaching, Air Canada has published two handy brochures, one a guide for parents travelling with children, the other for children flying alone.
Since procedures are similar at other major carriers, the guidelines are a good starting point for travel with kids on any airline. Some things to keep in mind:
Parents travelling with children under the age of two who weigh less than 18 kilograms (40 pounds) may bring the child’s own car seat, or safety restraint seat, as long as it is a type approved by Transport Canada and the airline.
Many aircraft have bassinets or ”skycots” to accommodate infants up to the age of six months. The skycot, available at certain bulkhead seats, must be requested at the time of booking, along with advance seat selection for a bulkhead seat.
The skycots can’t be confirmed in advance, but both Air Canada and Canadian Airlines International say they try to make sure one is available when requested ahead of time.
Collapsible umbrella-type strollers not more than 15 by 15 by 102 centimetres are accepted as carry-on luggage.
Airlines provide assorted amenities for children, like activity books and puzzles. But include a few small toys and books in carry-on luggage.
Also take on board a change of clothing for the child and a snack bag with some favorite treats and drinks, such as fruit juice. Flight attendants may be too busy to respond quickly to requests, and the air in airline cabins is dry and thirst-inducing.
Ear discomfort, caused by pressure changes at takeoff and landing, can be a big problem.
Infants should be nursed or given a bottle on takeoff and landing. With older children, explain beforehand about the strange feeling they’ll have in their ears. Have candies or gum for children to chew or suck to help reduce discomfort.
Many carriers offer children’s meals, but they must be ordered at least 24 hours before the flight.
The policy on children travelling alone — unaccompanied minors, or, in airline jargon, UMs — varies slightly among airlines, but most major carriers accept unaccompanied kids between the ages of five and 11.
The reasoning is that under five, they require constant attention, and over 11 they’re considered adults. Airlines charge adult fares for children travelling alone.
At the time of booking, the airline must be informed the ticket is for an unaccompanied minor so it can make staff arrangements.
Except during the flight when the cabin crew is busy, the child will be accompanied by airline employees at all times between check-in and being handed over to the person meeting them. That includes during flight connections.
Unaccompanied children carry forms, provided by the airline, with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the people seeing them off and those meeting them.
As the trip progresses, each employee who has responsibility for the child signs the form. On arrival, the person meeting the child must show identification and also sign the form.
To prepare children, explain the details in advance. And tell them to request help from anyone in an airline uniform if anything goes wrong. Provide a carry-on bag with a snack, drink, small toys and books. It’s also important that children have a safe place, preferably on their persons, to carry travel documents and emergency phone numbers.
