Child restraint policy
Air Canada is bound by Transport Canada regulations with regards to acceptable child restraint devices (with the exception of the CARES™ child restraint device). Only approved child restraint devices can be used on board Air Canada aircraft.
All approved devices must fit between the armrests of the seat. They must be installed according to the directions on the device and secured using the seat belt fitted on the aircraft seat. For safety reasons, child restraint devices are not permitted in the Executive First Suites.
Child safety seats accepted for in-flight use:
* Models manufactured in Canada after January 1, 1981 must bear the National Safety Mark, which indicates the number of the standard(s) to which the restraint device conforms: CMVSS 213 for a child restraint device or 213.1 for an infant restraint device;
* Models manufactured to United States standards:
Models manufactured between January 1, 1981 and February 25, 1985 must bear the following label:
"This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."
Models manufactured on or after February 26, 1985 must bear the following two labels:
"This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" and "THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT" (in red lettering).
* Foreign-built car seats must adhere to Transport Canada regulations.
* CARES™ child restraint devices: CARES™ child restraint devices are designed for children ages 1 to 4, weighing between 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs), whose height is 100 cm (40 inches) or less and who are capable of sitting upright. They must be used within the limitations specified by the manufacturer (as indicated on the label), and must display the following:
- Legible CARES™ label with approval standards (FAA approved in accordance with 14 CFR 21.305 (d) and approved for aircraft use only).
- Part number 4082-1 on label
- Please note that CARES™ child restraint devices cannot be installed in the Executive First Suite.
Devices not accepted for in-flight use:
* booster seats* and belly loops,
* vest or harness type devices,
* Little Cargo® seats (notwithstanding any claims from manufacturer(s) that they are approved for use in aircraft).
Important rules and restrictions
* An infant for whom a seat has been purchased must be properly secured in an approved child restraint device (see regulations above).
* Weight restrictions are specified on all child restraint devices. Aft-facing devices are generally restricted to babies weighing less than 9 kg (20 lb), whereas forward-facing devices are generally restricted to babies or children weighing 9 to fewer than 30 kg (20 to 65 lb). <-- this does not say they HAVE to be FF at 20lbs, it says that seats have their own rules, and "generally" gives the mins/maxes.
* A combination system (i.e. both a child restraint system and a booster cushion) is accepted for in-flight use provided it is used as a child restraint system and the internal harness system is installed, and all labelling requirements are met. It must not be used in-flight as a booster cushion*, with the internal harness system removed.
* A child restraint device (car seats, booster seats*) counts toward your baggage allowance when transported as checked baggage, unless the approved device is required onboard for seating the infant or child in his or her own paid seat.
* A restraint device that cannot be restrained due to size, design, or damage must be transported as checked baggage, as it cannot be stowed under the seats or in the overhead bins.
* Pouch-type infant carriers (e.g. SNUGLI®, Baby Hawk or Ergo) are allowed for use on Air Canada flights, except during take-off, landing, taxiing on the runway and at any time the seat belt sign is on.
* Passengers are asked to write their name and address on all devices with the use of an indelible (Sharpie-type) marker.
Please contact your travel agent or Air Canada Reservations for more information and possible exceptions to these rules (e.g. medical reasons).
*A booster seat (or cushion) is defined as a removable device for use in a vehicle for the purpose of seating in an elevated position a person whose mass is 18 kg or more. It is designed to be used with an automobile lap and shoulder belt and is therefore not approved for use in an aircraft.
