Family travel made simple

Travelling with little ones? Here’s our best advice to make your next family adventure hassle-free.

A family ventures into the airport with floaties, sunglasses and luggage.

Tip 1: More time, less stress

Always arrive early to leave extra time for parking and to get through security. We recommend arriving 90 minutes prior to a domestic flight and 3 hours prior to international. Check-in times and requirements differ from airline to airline, though, so make sure to check with your airline for their rules.

It’s important to remember that even if the local weather is clear, weather at your plane’s origin airport can impact your flight.  We recommend bringing extra snacks, activities and games for the children just in case.

Parents play with their young toddler inside YFC’s play area.

Tip 2: Keeping kids active

In our newly renovated and modern terminal, we have a play area to help children stay entertained until it’s time to board. Let their imaginations take flight before they do!

“I know how intimidating the thought of flying with children can be,” says FIAA Manager of Operations and father of four, Randy Chessie. “My family and I are grateful YFC has taken steps to make this experience less stressful for the entire family. Take the play area for example, it’s an excellent way for kids to burn off some energy before boarding the aircraft.”

Located by the café, parents can relax with a local beverage or tasty treat in the comfortable lounge chairs, by the play structures, while keeping an eye on their little ones.

YFC’s nursing room.

Tip 3: Amenities designed for families

YFC has two private nursing rooms, located in arrivals and in departures; giving you access to a private space for nursing, whether you’re here to pick up a loved one or are departing on a family vacation.

Not to mention, a spacious new family washroom is also available for families to take advantage of in both arrivals and departures.

Did you know? You can pack your empty water bottles and fill them up once you pass through security. YFC has water bottle refill stations both in arrivals and departures.

A mother reads to her daughter in YFC’s departures lounge.                

Tip 4: Land your next novel

Take a journey before you depart with the YFC Flybrary, a partnership with the New Brunswick Public Library Service. Travellers can pick up a book in our departures lounge, free of charge, no library card needed. Read it and return it on your next trip, replace it with a book you’ve already finished, or keep the book and pay it forward to a friend you think would love it.

“My favourite travel tip for parent is to take full advantage of the YFC Flybrary,” says Communications Assistant Emma McCluskey. “It’s a wonderful free resource to pass time at the airport—best of all—there’s something for all ages!”

There’s something for the whole family. Peruse the selection of English and French titles, travel and children’s books, as well as books written by Canadian and New Brunswick authors.

A man in a wheelchair smiles while using his computer at a table at the airport.

Tip 5: Stay connected

Keep up to date on your latest emails, while putting on a show for the kids with YFC’s free Wi-Fi and many charging stations. Our new charging stations include USB plug-ins at almost every seat!

A woman places her liquids in a clear bag for airport security.     

Tip 6: Pack with confidence

Discover the luggage packing “dos and don’ts” by checking out CATSA’s tips to help families pack and information on what to do at security screening. Learn about liquid limits for carry-ons, and the exceptions for items such as formula and baby food.


Are you ready for take-off?