Air Canada - Skycots?
 

We're flying from Vancouver back to the UK for the Christmas holidays, its the first flight for our 7 month old baby.

I called Air Canada about reserving a bassinet and was quickly told that (a) bassinets are for less than 6 months only and (b) there would be no confirmations anyway.

So just wondering what others people's experiences are like? I've read that other airlines have skycots that might be better for 6-12 months, but not sure if Air Canada offer these.

Also, even without a skycot, is it worth the extra $50 per person per flight to book a bulkhead or exit row (middle) seat, which might have more leg room to work in?

Thanks.

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

They wont let you have an exit row if you have a child...

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

The bulkhead centre rows are given to parent of infants. You won't get any emergency exit rows with a child-in-arms. If you have an infant, seat requests are available no charge at time of booking.

Bassinets only go to children under 12kg who cannot sit on their own. There are a limited number on each flight and seating requests depend on aircraft type.

Much of this is regulated by Transport Canada. If you travel on any Canadian registered commercial carrier, the rules are the same. Foreign carriers have rules determined by their aviation regulations.

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

Some friends of ours just came to visit with their 5 month old. They pre-booked a sky cot with AC, but found that their 5 month old (who's pretty tiny for his age) barely fit in it. They wound up having to hold him for much of the flight because he was too cramped.

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

You see this is why I was interested in people's experience - several comments here completely contradict what the Air Canada rep just told me!

The plane is a Airbus A330 with a 2-4-2 seat configuration. The AC rep just offered me seats in the middle "4" for my wife with baby on her lap. Obviously the exit seats at the sides would be a no-go.


I wish this was true. Our travel agent (RBC Avion) told us that they didn't have access to assign bulkhead or exit row seats. I called Air Canada, they told me that a 7 month old was too big for a bassinet and if I wanted a bulkhead or exit row seat, that would be $50 each, per flight.

Maybe I'll try calling again tomorrow and hope to get a more understanding AC rep.

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

I think you might be confusing an aisle seat with an emergency exit seat.

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

Have you tried logging on to air canada website and prebooking your seats? You may find a row of seats where the aisle seat of middle section is taken but other 3 are free, if so book the other aisle and one next to it. That will leave a single seat which ate normally the ones left free on flights

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

Its true about the bassinet not being suitable for over 6 months old/babies that can sit up. We flew with AC when our little one was five months and one of the flight attendants almost didn't believe us that she was 5 months because she was a little taller than average. It seemed a little claustrophobic - you had to have all the straps done up in case of turbulence but there didn't seem to be much "headroom" for the baby. There isn't a "skycot" option with Air Canada as far as I'm aware.

If you are flying around Christmas and have to have baby on your lap then bear in mind the flight may be pretty full and there may be no spare seats for you to stretch out with baby.

You used to be able to reserve a bassinet, but since AC started charging for "premium" seats (i.e. bulkhead and exit row), they no longer guarantee it unless you pay. With AC you can book bulkhead seats for a fee on their website (or perhaps by calling if you are booking through someone else) - but you can see the seat availability if you do a dummy booking on the website. AC often give the bulkhead seats to their frequent fliers for free so by the time you check in they may not be available so if you want to be sure then pay for it!

If you end up paying for a seat for baby then a couple of friends have used the "cares" infant restraint - its basically some straps that fit on an airline seat (takes up little space in your bag when not in use). You can usually hire them from baby stores that do hire to save on the cost.

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

Not sure if you are Canadian or not but to let you know Air Canada do not supply extension seat belts to strap the infant to your strap when on your lap. This complies with Canadian Airline regulations unlike British/European laws. I was devastated when i was ready for take off and was advised they will not provide me a seat belt for my son. I was looking at it from a turbulence point of view and the stewardess was mighty rude about it. She told me I should have brought my own?? When I asked where I would get one she sarcastically said 'from the seat belt shop!!!'

I did look into this when I returned and there has been some safety regulation investigations which show it is safer not to have one in the event of an accident and in the brace position but I hadnt even thought of that when I was taking off!!!! Basically, I have been on a sever turbulent flight where a crew member walking up the aisle actually hit the roof as she wasnt strapped in.........THAT is what I didnt want to happen.........Anyway.........Apparently Canadians know about this and I just made an idiot of myself on the flight! Just thought I would point this out incase you are British and not expecting it. This isnt addressed anywhere when you book an infant on a flight.......Well wasnt to me!

Also, Most Airlines wont let your infant into a bassinet if over 9 months or heavy baby........There is no way a 9month old would be comfortable in that though!

Re: Air Canada - Skycots?
 

Okay.....After posting I just noticed the last part of this so I guess Canadians do know about it as I dont think this exists in the UK.