Child Restraint Policy
Child safety seats accepted for in-flight use
* Air Canada is bound by Transport Canada regulations with regards to acceptable Child Restraint Devices (with the exception of the CARES™ child restraint device). All devices (except CARES™) must be certified to Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213 or 213.1. Please note that, for safety reasons, child restraint devices are not permitted in the Executive First Suites at any time.
Accepted child restraint devices:
* Models manufactured after January 1, 1981 must bear a label stating that "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.", or that the seat has been certified to CMVSS 213 or 213.1; (Important: All foreign-built car seats must adhere to Transport Canada regulations).
* Models manufactured to United States standards
o 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."
o 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.
* CARES™ child restraint device: The CARES child restraint device is designed for children over 1 year of age, weighing between 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs), whose height is 100 cm (40 inches) or less and who are capable of sitting upright. The device must be used within the limitations specified by the manufacturer (as indicated on the label), and must display the following:
o Legible CARES label with approval standards (FAA approved in accordance with 14 CFR 21:305 (d) and approved for aircraft use only).
o Part number 4082-1 on label
o Please note that CARES™ child restraint devices cannot be installed in the Executive First Suite.
Restrictions for infants and children occupying a seat
* An infant for whom a seat has been purchased must be properly secured in an approved child restraint device (see regulations above).
* A child over two years of age but weighing less than 18kg (40lbs) can be secured in a child restraint device. [ETA would they quiblle over a heavier child being in a carseat if the seat still fit them with the harness??]
* Child restraint devices (car seats, booster seats*) count toward your baggage allowance when transported as checked baggage, unless an approved device is required onboard for seating the infant or child in his or her own paid seat.
* The following devices are not accepted for use as child restraint devices on Air Canada aircraft: booster seats*, belly loops, vests, harnesses, and Little Cargo® seats (notwithstanding any claims from manufacturer(s) that they are approved for use in aircraft).
* A restraint device that cannot be restrained due to size, design, or damage must be checked in, as it cannot be stowed under the seats or in the overhead bins.
* 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.