Are you flying with your infant? Traveling with a baby is never as simple as packing a diaper bag and heading to the airport. It can really be a challenge for long-haul international routes, where your baby really needs proper sleep, and you also need a break. This is where a flight baby bassinet seat can make a huge difference.
Many airlines provide baby bassinets to give infants a safer and more comfortable place to rest during long flights. So, for parents like you, it means less time holding a baby in cramped airplane seats and more room to relax during the journey. Here is everything you need to know about baby bassinet seats before you travel with an infant.
What is a Baby Bassinet on an Airline?
A flight baby bassinet is a small bed provided by airlines for infants on long-haul flights. It attaches to the bulkhead wall and is generally available to infants subject to the airline’s age and weight limits.
Depending on the airline you are traveling with, these bassinets are also known as skycots, sky cradles, baby cots, and airline bassinets.
Instead of sleeping on your lap for several hours, your baby can rest inside the bassinet while you get some much-needed space and comfort. Most of these bassinets are installed after takeoff and removed before landing. During turbulence or when the seatbelt sign is on, you are required to take the baby out of the bassinet and hold them securely.
Benefits of Flight Baby Bassinet Seats
Parents who have traveled long distances with infants often say a baby bassinet seat changes the entire flying experience. While it does not eliminate all travel stress, it can still make a difference with these benefits:
Better Sleep:
Your baby is more likely to sleep properly when lying flat rather than sleeping upright in someone’s arms. This becomes especially important when you are on an overnight long-haul flight.
More Comfort
Holding a baby for a 10-12-hour flight can be quite exhausting. The bassinet seat gives you some freedom to eat, stretch, or simply rest your arms for a while.
Extra Legroom
Because bassinets are attached to bulkhead rows, these seats usually offer more space compared to standard economy seats.
Ideal for Long Flights.
On international flights, bassinets can make your nighttime travel easier when you are flying with infants. In fact, many parents specifically choose airlines and flight timings based on bassinet availability.
Where are Bassinet Seats Located on an Aircraft?
Airline bassinets are almost always located in the bulkhead rows. Bulkhead seats are rows positioned directly behind a wall or partition inside the aircraft. Since there is open wall space in front of these seats, airlines can safely install bassinets there. You will generally find these seats:
- At the front of the economy cabins
- Near premium economy sections
- In the business class cabin on some airlines.
Flight Bassinet Age Limit: How Old Can a Baby Be?
Although you may find bassinet seats on most airlines, they are in very limited supply. Since only a limited number of bassinets are available, airlines allocate them on a first-come, first-served basis.
So as a parent, one important thing you should understand before booking is the flight bassinet age limit. Each airline has different rules and bassinet policies, but most of these are based on:
- Age (6 to 12 months)
- Weight (9 to 12 kg)
- Baby length (28 to 38 inches)
Are Airline Bassinets Safe?
Yes, airline bassinets are considered safe when used properly and in accordance with airline instructions. Most bassinets are securely attached to the aircraft wall and may include:
- Safety straps
- Mesh covering
- Locking system
However, these bassinet seats are not designed to function like car seats during turbulence or emergency situations. That is why airlines require babies to be removed during critical phases of the flight. Some aviation experts still consider an FAA-approved seat to be the safest overall option for infant air travel, especially for parents purchasing a separate seat for their child.
Which Airlines offer Baby Bassinet Seats?
Many international airlines provide bassinets on most long-haul flights. But bassinet availability varies by aircraft type and cabin class. Airlines commonly known for offering bassinets are:
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- British Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Air Canada
- Lufthansa
How to Reserve a Bassinet Seat?
Although no airline can guarantee bassinet availability, taking the following steps can improve your chances of securing one:
Book Your Flights Early
Make sure you book your flights early, especially for the international routes. As you know, the number of bassinet seats is limited; you need to make an early request for the bassinet for your infant soon after booking your flight tickets.
Contact the Airlines Directly
To request a bassinet, you need to contact the airline’s customer service team directly. You can check the airline's specific eligibility and requirements for an airline baby cot.
Arrive Early at the Airport
Most airlines offer the bassinet mainly on a first-come, first-served basis. So it is important that, even after making seat reservations, you arrive early at the airport. This may improve your chances of getting a bassinet seat for your infant.
Conclusion
Flying with your infant can be challenging at times; however, if you book early and reserve a baby bassinet on the plane, it can make a real difference. While the availability of a flight baby bassinet seat varies by airline, booking early and understanding the airline’s bassinet policy can make your journey more comfortable for both you and your baby.
