Best Airline for Kids in Canada: Fun and Safe Traveling Experience

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When it comes to travelling with children, finding the best airline for kids in Canada is crucial for a stress-free experience.

Parents know that the difference between a smooth journey and a challenging one often comes down to the airline’s family-friendly amenities.

In Canada, both West Jet and Air Canada have stepped up their game to accommodate families, offering services that cater specifically to the needs of travelling with little ones.

What Makes an Airline Family-Friendly?

From the get-go, the essentials like complimentary seat selection for families, priority boarding, and special check-in lines at airports play a huge role in easing the travel process. Air Canada, among others, shines in this regard, providing these key services to ensure families start their trip on the right foot.

Additionally, onboard comforts such as kid-friendly meals and engaging in-flight entertainment can make a world of difference in your children’s travel experience. For those flying with infants, the availability of bassinets on certain flights is a thoughtful touch that can make the journey more comfortable for the youngest travellers.

This guide dives into what parents should look for when choosing an airline for their next family adventure, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free journey for everyone involved.

Choosing the Best Airline for Flying With Kids

Travelling with kids can be a stressful experience, but choosing the right airline can make all the difference. We’ve done Vancouver to New York with a 3-month-old, Vancouver to Mexico with a 1-year-old, and Mexico again with a 7, 4, and 3-year-old. Some airlines just do it better than others.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the best airline for your family for a great flying experience:

Key Policies to Consider When Flying with Kids

Check out the airline’s policies on travelling with children before you book your flight. These policies can significantly impact the ease and comfort of your journey.

For example, several airlines will let families with young children board the plane early, this allows you get settled in with supplies and set up with your children before takeoff to prevent the rush and stress of getting settled into your seats.

The hassle of seating arrangements is eased by airlines like Air Canada, which not only offer Family Check-in counters for those jet-setting with kids under 6 but also ensure that families with children under 12 are seated together, without any additional fees.

Onboard Amenities That Matter

The flight itself can be a breeze or a challenge, largely depending on the onboard amenities provided. Engaging in-flight entertainment options that cater to young travellers can turn a boring flight into an adventure.

Nearly all airlines these days will include kid-friendly entertainment options but it is a good idea to check out what type of plane configuration the flight has. Your children having their own personal entertainment unit in the seat can help keep them entertained as they are in control of what they want to watch or do.

Some international carriers that operate out of Canada like Emirates step up by serving special meals for children and providing bassinets for the smallest passengers, making a significant difference in flying comfort for families.

The Importance of Child-Friendly Staff

The attitude and behavior of the airline staff can immensely affect your flying experience, especially when kids are involved.

Airlines that train their staff to be patient, understanding, and ready to assist families go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable flight.

Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet are renowned for their commitment to making families feel welcome and attended to, thanks to their friendly and helpful staff. We’ve had great experiences on both Air Canada and West Jet flights with kids over the years.

Top Family-Friendly Canadian Airlines

Ever tried herding cats? Well, traveling with kids can sometimes feel a bit like that. But, fear not! Canada boasts some of the friendliest skies for families, turning what could be a hectic journey into a smooth ride.

Air Canada

Let’s talk about Air Canada. Not just any airline, but the one that Skytrax crowned the World’s Most Family Friendly Airline in 2023. Imagine walking into the airport and breezing through a check-in line specifically designed for families. That’s Air Canada for you. And it doesn’t stop there. Families with kids under 6 get to board the plane early, avoiding the elbow-to-elbow scramble. Plus, if your kids are under 12, you’re all sitting together—no extra fuss or fees.

But Air Canada’s magic lies in the details: activity packs that turn frowns upside down, a slew of child-specific entertainment options right at your seat, and kid-friendly meals that are a far cry from the usual airplane fare. The cherry on top? A crew that’s as dedicated to your family’s comfort as you are, ensuring a flight that’s as stress-free as it gets.

WestJet

Then there’s WestJet, Air Canada’s friendly competitor in making the skies more welcoming for families. Like a warm hug, WestJet greets families with special check-in counters and ensures you’re one of the first to board, making the airplane feel like an extension of your living room. With kids under 12, you won’t have to play musical chairs; WestJet ensures you’re sitting together without any added stress.

And it doesn’t end there. WestJet rolls out the red carpet with their own version of children’s activity packs and entertainment options that’ll make the hours fly by (pun intended). Movies, TV shows, games—you name it, your kids can watch it on their personal screens. Mealtime is also a breeze with options that cater to young palates.

WestJet’s crew shines with their genuine care and effort to ensure your family’s journey is more than just bearable—it’s enjoyable.

Convenient Family Check-In Features

Traveling with kids? Canadian airlines have streamlined the check-in and boarding process to help families.

Dedicated Check-In for Families

Air Canada and WestJet offer dedicated check-in counters for families at major airports like Toronto-Pearson, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and others. These counters are designed to assist families with young children, helping manage luggage, strollers, and car seats more efficiently.

Priority Boarding

To further ease the boarding process, families with young children can board the plane early. This gives you extra time to settle in and organize your space without the rush of general boarding.

In short, Canadian airlines are committed to making your family’s travel experience smoother with specific check-in counters and priority boarding.

Comfort and Safety Onboard for Family Flights

Flying with kids means prioritizing their comfort and safety. Canadian airlines are ahead of the game, offering features designed to make your flight as smooth as possible for the whole family.

Seating and Stroller Policies

Canadian airlines understand the importance of keeping families together onboard. That’s why they offer the convenience of family pre-boarding and complimentary gate-check for strollers and car seats. For instance, Air Canada ensures families are seated together by offering adjacent generic seats before check-in, accessible via My Bookings.

Both WestJet and Air Canada remove the hassle of seat selection fees for families traveling with children under 12, guaranteeing that kids sit with at least one adult.

Child Restraint Systems

For the littlest travelers, safety is non-negotiable. The Canadian Aviation Regulations stipulate that each infant under 2 must be accompanied by an individual passenger. This rule ensures that, even with purchased seats, each infant has dedicated attention.

Airlines like Air Canada stand out not just for their budget-friendly options and family-first services, but also for their clear guidelines on lap infants and the use of child restraint systems. While infants under two can fly free on domestic routes, international flights might incur only tax charges.

Regarding child restraint systems, it’s essential to know that not every airline permits all types, such as booster seats. However, when allowed, these must meet specific criteria, including a certification for aircraft use. Always check with your airline before flying to confirm their policy on child restraint systems.

Safety First

Beyond seating and restraint systems, Canadian airlines enforce strict safety measures for all passengers, children included. Mandatory seat belt use during critical flight phases and comprehensive safety briefings ensure everyone is prepared for any situation.

In sum, when planning to fly with children in Canada, you can rest assured that airlines have your family’s comfort and safety as their top priorities. Just remember to review your airline’s specific policies to ensure a smooth journey.

In-Flight Entertainment and Activities

When traveling with children, it’s important to have in-flight entertainment and activities to keep them occupied and happy.

Air Canada is one of the best airlines for kids in Canada, and they offer a variety of entertainment options to keep your little ones entertained throughout the flight.

Movies and Games for Children

Air Canada provides a wide selection of movies and games suitable for children of all ages.

Your child can choose from a variety of popular movies, including Disney classics, Pixar films, and more.

Air Canada also offers a variety of games that are both fun and educational, so your child can learn while they play.

To access the in-flight entertainment, you’ll need to bring your own device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Air Canada provides free Wi-Fi on many of their flights, so you can easily connect to the internet and stream movies and games directly to your device.

Educational and Fun Activity Books

In addition to movies and games, Air Canada also provides activity books that are both educational and fun.

These activity books include puzzles, coloring pages, and other activities that are designed to keep your child engaged and entertained.

Air Canada’s activity books are available on most flights, and they’re a great way to keep your child entertained without relying on electronic devices.

Plus, they’re a great way to help your child learn and develop important skills, such as problem-solving and creativity.

Kid-Friendly Meals and Snacks

When traveling with kids, it’s important to make sure they are well-fed and happy.

Special Meals for Young Passengers

Luckily, many airlines in Canada offer kid-friendly meals and snacks to keep your little ones satisfied during the flight.

If your child has dietary restrictions or preferences, you can request a special meal for them when booking your flight.

Most airlines in Canada offer special meals for children, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options.

Some airlines, such as Air Canada, also offer baby food and formula for infants.

Snacks and Drinks for Kids

In addition to special meals, many airlines offer snacks and drinks specifically for kids.

Air Canada, for example, offers a children’s meal box that includes mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and chocolate chip cookies, as well as juice and milk.

WestJet also offers a variety of kid-friendly snacks, such as Goldfish crackers and fruit snacks.

It’s important to note that not all airlines offer complimentary snacks and drinks, so be sure to check with your airline before your flight.

If snacks are not provided, you may want to pack some of your child’s favorite snacks to bring on the flight.

Additional Services for Flying with Infants

If you’re flying with an infant, you’ll be happy to know that most airlines offer additional services to make your trip a little easier. Here are some of the services that you can expect when flying with an infant on a Canadian airline.

Bassinets and Stroller Policies

Most airlines offer bassinets for infants under two years old. These are small beds that attach to the bulkhead in front of your seat.

They’re perfect for allowing your little one to sleep comfortably during the flight. However, bassinets are usually available on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s best to book your seat early and request a bassinet.

In addition to bassinets, most airlines allow you to bring a stroller on board free of charge. However, there are usually restrictions on the size and weight of the stroller.

Make sure to check your airline’s stroller policy before you travel.

Breast Milk and Formula Accommodations

If you’re traveling with breast milk or formula, you’ll be happy to know that most airlines allow you to bring it on board.

However, there are usually restrictions on the amount that you can bring and how it can be stored.

For example, Air Canada allows you to bring as much breast milk or formula as you need for the flight. However, it must be stored in containers that hold no more than 100ml, and you must declare it at security.

WestJet also allows you to bring breast milk or formula on board, but it must be stored in a clear plastic bag and declared at security.

Helpful Travel Tips for Parents

Traveling with kids can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Packing Essentials for Kids

When packing for your trip, make sure to include all the essentials for your kids.

Pack enough clothes, diapers, wipes, and snacks to last the entire trip.

It’s also a good idea to bring along some travel goodies, such as coloring books, puzzles, and games, to keep your kids entertained during the flight.

Make sure to label all your kids’ belongings with a luggage tag that includes your contact information. This will help prevent any lost items from getting lost.

Navigating Security and Boarding

When you arrive at the airport, take advantage of the pre-board and early boarding options that most airlines offer for families with young children. This will give you extra time to get settled and organized before the flight.

Make sure to check the baggage allowances for your airline and pack accordingly.

Some airlines may have different rules for traveling with children, so it’s important to check the airline’s website before you pack.

When going through security screening, be prepared to remove your kids’ shoes, jackets, and any other items that may set off the metal detector.

Make sure to have all your travel documents, such as passports and boarding passes, easily accessible.

Exploring Additional Benefits and Discounts

When it comes to flying with kids, airlines in Canada offer a range of additional benefits and discounts that can make your journey more affordable and enjoyable. In this section, we will explore some of the options available to you.

Loyalty Programs and Family Discounts

Many airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future flights.

These programs often offer additional benefits for families, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.

Some airlines also offer family discounts for groups traveling together.

For example, Air Canada offers a 10% discount on flights for groups of 3 to 9 passengers traveling together.

Special Services for Long-Haul Flights

Long-haul flights can be challenging for families, but many airlines offer special services to make the journey more comfortable.

For example, Air Transat offers a “Kids Club” program for children aged 2 to 11, which includes a welcome kit, activity book, and access to in-flight entertainment.

Air Canada offers a “Flying Nanny” service on select long-haul flights, where a trained nanny will assist with childcare during the flight.

WestJet offers a “Child Meal” option for children under 12, which includes a kid-friendly meal and a surprise toy.

International Airlines with Child-Friendly Services

When traveling with kids, it’s important to choose an airline that offers child-friendly services to make your journey smooth and stress-free. Here are some international airlines that offer excellent services for families traveling with kids.

Emirates and the Flying Nanny Program

Emirates is one of the most family-friendly airlines in the world. The airline offers a unique service called the Flying Nanny Program, which provides in-flight assistance to families traveling with young children.

The Flying Nanny is a trained childcare professional who can help parents with everything from changing diapers to keeping kids entertained during the flight.

The airline also offers special meals for kids, as well as a range of toys and games to keep them occupied.

Etihad Airways’ Child-Friendly Facilities

Etihad Airways is another airline that offers excellent services for families traveling with kids.

The airline has a dedicated Family Room in its lounges, where families can relax and play before their flight.

The Family Room is equipped with toys, games, and even a TV to keep kids entertained. Onboard, the airline offers a range of special meals for kids, as well as a Flying Nanny service to help parents with young children.

Lufthansa’s Family Services

Lufthansa is a family-friendly airline that offers a range of services for families traveling with kids.

The airline offers special meals for kids, as well as a range of toys and games to keep them entertained during the flight.

Lufthansa also allows families to board the plane early, so they can get settled in before the rest of the passengers.

The airline also offers a Family Check-In service, which allows families to check in together and get their seats assigned together.

Regulations and Guidelines for Child Air Travel

When traveling with children, it’s important to be aware of the regulations and guidelines set by Transport Canada and international safety standards. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Transport Canada’s Policies for Children

Transport Canada requires that all passengers, including children, have their own seat on an airplane.

Children under the age of 2 are allowed to sit on an adult’s lap, but it is recommended that parents purchase a separate seat for their child to ensure their safety.

If a separate seat is purchased, the child must be secured in an approved car seat during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

Additionally, Transport Canada requires that no passenger can be responsible for more than one infant (child under the age of 2) for safety reasons.

If you are traveling with more than one child under the age of 2, you must have another passenger accompany you to ensure the safety of all passengers.

International Safety Standards

International safety standards require that children under the age of 12 must be seated in an appropriate restraint system during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

This can be a car seat, harness, or other approved restraint system.

It is recommended that parents bring their own car seat or restraint system to ensure that it is appropriate for their child’s size and weight.

In addition, international safety standards require that children be seated in a seat adjacent to their parent or guardian.

Airlines must take steps to seat children under the age of 14 near their parent, guardian, or tutor at no extra cost.

Wrapping Up: Best Airline For Kids In Canada

When it comes to choosing the best airline for your kids in Canada, you have several options to consider.

Air Canada is a great choice if you’re looking for a family-friendly airline that offers pre-boarding, free seat selection for kids under 12, and special family check-in counters.

WestJet is another excellent option that provides family pre-boarding, free stroller and car seat check-in, and a variety of in-flight entertainment options for kids.

No matter which airline you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for your trip with your kids.

Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, toys, and activities to keep your little ones entertained during the flight.

Also, be sure to check with your airline regarding their specific policies and procedures for traveling with children.