Article written by Danielle Imbeault, advisor at Partez en Voyage.
Whether you are travelling from Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB) or Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), each offers features to make travelling with your family easier. Here is an overview of the services available at both airports:
In short
- YQB and YUL both allow baby and toddler items in the cabin; breast milk is allowed in quantities over 100 ml but must be declared at security.
- Québec: Zone Turbulence play area (between gates 29 and 30) and a family room near gate 31.
- Montréal: priority family lines, free strollers and nursing rooms.
- Montréal offers the Sunflower program (free lanyard at the information desk at gate 4) for invisible disabilities.
1. Items for babies and young children on board
Québec (YQB) and Montréal (YUL) both allow you to bring on board the items needed to feed and care for children: baby food, milk, water, juice and infant formula. Breast milk is allowed in quantities over 100 ml, but it must be declared at the security checkpoint. Exempt liquids, such as medication and formulas, are also allowed after inspection.
Practical tip: Pack a bag with all the essentials for the flight, such as wipes, diapers, a change of clothes and toys, so they are easy to reach.
2. Family areas and play spaces
Québec (YQB): The Zone Turbulence play area, located after the security checkpoint between gates 29 and 30, lets children play and relax before boarding.
Montréal (YUL): Although YUL does not have a dedicated play area, several waiting areas include child-friendly corners, such as TV spaces and tables for light activities.
Both airports offer ways to keep children busy before the flight, but YQB stands out with a dedicated play space.
3. Family rooms and nursing
Québec (YQB): A family room is set up after the security checkpoint, near gate 31. It includes a microwave to warm bottles, a rocking chair for comfortable nursing and a private space to change diapers.
Montréal (YUL): Several nursing rooms are spread throughout the terminal. They offer changing tables and microwaves to prepare baby meals.
Both airports offer baby-care facilities, but Québec adds extra comfort with its rocking chairs.
4. Family-friendly security screening
Québec (YQB): Although the airport offers family-friendly services, there is no dedicated family lane at security.
Montréal (YUL): Priority lines for families and passengers with special needs are available, making it easier to get through the checkpoint. YUL has the advantage for families with its dedicated lines, ideal for avoiding long waits.
5. Stroller services
Québec (YQB): No stroller loan service is mentioned at the airport.
Montréal (YUL): Free strollers are available in the terminal, which is handy when travelling with toddlers. If you are leaving from Montréal, take advantage of this free service.
6. Sunflower program for passengers with specific needs
Montréal (YUL): Since May 2024, Montréal-Trudeau Airport has offered the Sunflower program for passengers with invisible disabilities. It lets travellers discreetly signal that they may need assistance or support. Sunflower lanyards are available free of charge at the information desk at gate 4 of the terminal. Once you have the lanyard, trained airport staff can provide support at security and other stages of the trip, and offer information and personalized assistance based on your needs.
Tip: If you are travelling with a child with special needs, you can order Sunflower lanyards in advance.
In summary
Québec (YQB) relies on dedicated spaces such as the Zone Turbulence and comfortable family rooms. Montréal (YUL) offers practical services such as free strollers, priority lines and the Sunflower program for passengers with specific needs. With good preparation and the use of these services, your travel experience will be smooth, wherever you start from. Have a great trip to you and your little explorers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring breast milk or baby formula on board?
Yes, at both Québec (YQB) and Montréal (YUL) airports. Breast milk is allowed in quantities over 100 ml, but it must be declared at the security checkpoint.
Is there a children's play area at the airport?
At Québec (YQB), yes: the Zone Turbulence, located after security between gates 29 and 30. Montréal (YUL) has no dedicated play area, but several waiting areas have child-friendly corners.
Does Montréal airport lend strollers?
Yes, free strollers are available in the Montréal-Trudeau terminal. No loan service is mentioned at Québec.
What is the Sunflower program?
Since May 2024, Montréal-Trudeau offers the Sunflower program to passengers with invisible disabilities. The lanyard is free at the information desk at gate 4 and discreetly signals a need for assistance.
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