Does a 3 year old need to be in a car seat on a plane in Canada?

Children (age 2 to under age 12) The use of an approved child restraint device is optional for children age 2 and up.



In 2026, Transport Canada and major airlines like Air Canada highly recommend but do not strictly mandate the use of a car seat (Child Restraint System or CRS) for a 3-year-old on a plane, provided they have their own purchased seat. Legally, once a child reaches their second birthday, they are required to have their own seat and use the standard airplane lap belt. However, for a 3-year-old, a lap belt alone often does not provide an ideal fit. If you choose to use a car seat, it must be a forward-facing model that bears a "National Safety Mark" sticker (in English and French) indicating it is certified for use in aircraft. Booster seats are strictly prohibited during flight because they require a shoulder belt, which airplanes do not have. Many Canadian parents in 2026 opt for the CARES harness, an FAA- and Transport Canada-approved belt-and-buckle device that is much lighter than a car seat but provides similar upper-body restraint for toddlers.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat. The AAP recommends that you continue to use a car seat on a plane for any child who uses one in a car.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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Should I use a car seat on a plane? You're not required to, but experts strongly recommend that children under the age of 2 be securely fastened in certified child restraints on airplanes. That means either an approved car seat or a CARES harness (see below).

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16 Tips for Flying With Toddlers and Young Kids
  1. Book an Early Morning Departure. ...
  2. Save Your Upgrades for Toddler-Free Travel. ...
  3. Dress in Layers and Skip Shoes With Laces. ...
  4. Consider Using a Smaller Stroller. ...
  5. Pack Just Enough. ...
  6. Be Prepared for Security. ...
  7. Prepare for Air Pressure Changes. ...
  8. By All Means, Use Pull-Ups.


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Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance. This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats. Check with your airline first to be sure of the rules.

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You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.

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You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead locker unassisted. Passengers are permitted to also carry additional items, such as a diaper bag, pushchair (collapsed dimensions 25.5 cm x 92 cm/ 10 x 36 inches) or small purse measuring no more than 25 x 30 x 14 cm (10 x 12 x 5.5 inches).

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