Child travellers

Seating of children under 14 with parent or guardian

Airlines must take steps to seat children under the age of 14 near their parent, guardian, or tutor at the earliest opportunity and at no extra cost. The distance depends on the child's age.

• Under 5 years old: next to their parent or guardian
• Ages 5 to 11: in the same row, no more than one seat away
• Ages 12 to 13: no more than one row away

Unaccompanied minors

Some airlines accept unaccompanied children aged 5 to 11 years. They will escort the children from check-in to arrival at the destination airport. This service is usually done for a fee. Consult your airline’s tariff before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor.

For international travel, airlines must establish a policy for unaccompanied minors. Airlines must prohibit minors under the age of 5 from travelling without their parent or an accompanying person who is at least 16 years old.

Related content

• Seating of Children with an Accompanying Passenger on an Airplane: A Guide
• Airline obligations for seating of children under the age of 14 years are set out in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations
• Airline obligations for unaccompanied minors are listed in their tariffs. Specific obligations for international travel are set out in the Air Transportation Regulations