Car Seats & Restraint Devices

In this article:

• Car Seats and Restraint Devices as Checked Baggage
• Car Seats and Restraint Devices for On-Board Use
• Acceptable Styles for On-Board Use
• Car Seats and Restraint Devices not Permitted for On Board Use

Car Seats and Restraint Devices as Checked Baggage

Flair accepts car seats and restraint systems as checked baggage. If passengers are travelling with an infant (under 2 years old), they may check in two complimentary items, such as:

• Stroller
• Car seat
• Playpen
• Portable highchair

Passengers are encouraged to appropriately package their car seats and restraint devices to prevent damage.

Car Seats and Restraint Devices for On-Board Use

A car seat or restraint device may be permitted for use on board; however, Flair is bound by Transport Canada regulations regarding acceptable child restraint devices.

Please note the following:

• A separate seat must be purchased for the infant at the regular fare
• The infant must be secured using an approved car seat or restraint device.
• All infants/children secured in a car seat must be seated beside their parent or guardian 18 years or older.
• Infants are restricted from occupying specific seats on the aircraft.
• Flair does not provide car seats.

If a car seat is to be used for an infant, the car seat type should be noted on the booking. Only car seats labelled as follows may be used on the Flair aircraft:

Canadian manufactured systems:

• A “statement of compliance” label must be affixed stating the car seat has been certified to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213 or 213.1, and indicating the date of manufacture after January 1, 1981.

American manufactured systems:

• For systems manufactured to American standards between 1 January 1981 and 25 February 1985, a label must be affixed stating: “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards” (FMVSS).
• For systems manufactured after 26 February 1985, two labels are required: 1) “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable FMVSS” and 2) “CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT” in red lettering.

Acceptable Styles for On-Board Use

Rear-facing car seats:

Rear-facing infant car seats are generally restricted to infants weighing less than 9 kg/ 20 lbs, though weight restrictions are specified on the system and can vary from one system to another. Infant car seats must be certified to CMVSS 213.1 and must always remain secured.

Forward-facing car seats:

Forward-facing child car seats are generally restricted to children between 9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 lbs), though weight restrictions are specified on the seat and can vary from one seat to another. Child car seats must be certified to CMVSS 213.

Convertible (forward or rear-facing) car seats:

Manufacturers often use the term “convertible” to describe car seats that can be rear-facing for an infant or forward-facing for a child. These car seats will be accepted when certified as CMVSS 213 and CMVSS 213.1.

Combination car seats:

A combination car seat consisting of a combined child car seat and booster cushion will be labelled as both CMVSS 213 and CMVSS 213.2. These systems may only be used on board when the internal five-point harness system is installed (CMVSS 213). The combination car seat CMVSS 213.2, not using the internal five-point harness, is classified as a booster seat and is not approved for use on board the aircraft.

AmSafe child aviation restraint system “CARES™”:

• An AmSafe child aviation restraint system, “CARES™,” may be an alternative to a car seat on the aircraft.
• It has a harness and buckle device that attaches directly to the aircraft seat and is restricted for use by children at least one year of age to four years of age, weighing between 22-44 lbs (approximately 9.9-19.9 kg) and up to 40 inches (approximately 101 cm) in height.
• The occupant must be in their own seat.

Car Seats and Restraint Devices not Permitted for On Board Use

• Booster cushions
• Booster seats (including combination restraint system CMVSS 213.2 when used without the five-point harness)
• Belly or loop belts
• Infant carriers (such as Snugli®)
• Baby hammock (such as FlyeBaby™)