Seating of children under 14 with parent or guardian

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

• If a child is under the age of 5, they must be in a seat next to their parent, guardian or tutor.
• If a child is between 5 and 11, they must be in the same row, separated by no more than one seat from their parent, guardian or tutor.
• If a child is between 12 and 13, they must be no more than a row away from the parent, guardian or tutor.

Resource guide

Seating of Children with an Accompanying Passenger on an Airplane: A Guide explains the steps airlines operating to, from and within Canada must take to help seat children under the age of 14 close to their parent, guardian or tutor at no additional charge.

Reference: Airline obligations for seating of children under the age of 14 years are set out in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations.

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