Flying with your baby can be very tiring especially if they cannot sleep during long haul flights. From booking flights, packing all your bags, and the moment when you need to secure a cozy space in the aircraft is stressful enough as it is.
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about airplane bassinets and share 86 airlines policies.
From our travel experiences, securing bassinets on flights can be hit and miss. Some airlines do not allow you to book a bassinet seat in advance whereas some airlines allow bassinets on a first come first serve basis. Every airlines have different looking bassinets too. So, read on to find out more.
If you are planning to travel with an infant car seat, read here for best FAA-approved car seats.
Read here for information on carry on size for different airlines.
Table of Contents
Secure Your Airplane Bassinet for Your Baby
What is an Airplane Bassinet?
An airplane bassinet or a sky cot is a small bed that can be attached to the bulkhead wall of the plane in front of a passenger seat.
Most airplanes offer their own travel bassinets for families who are traveling with their babies. It may vary in styles and sizes including weight, length, and age limitations.
What is a Bulkhead Seat?
You may not be well aware of the purpose of the bulkhead seat of your plane in relation to the bassinet. The bulkhead seat divider separates the classes of passengers of the airplane such as those who are flying in business and economy.
It is recommended that you choose this seat with your baby because it gives more legroom and you can use a bassinet.
What are the Benefits of a Bulkhead Seat?
In case you are choosing seats for your family trip, taking a bulkhead seat provides you with more legroom than other available seats on the plane. All passengers can choose these specific seats to enjoy more space to stretch their legs and assemble a bassinet in case they are traveling with their baby.
This particular spot is frequently taken because it is also suitable for older passengers that are already in a wheelchair or those individuals that need extra legroom.
Another thing that you may have to take note of is the importance of bulkhead seat for mothers who wants to give their baby a bassinet during flights. It is the only airplane seat that can accommodate the bassinet package.
Credit: sophiefamilytravel
Pros of Booking a Bulkhead Seat
As we have previously mentioned, the bulkhead seat is a blockbuster when it comes to its availability when choosing seats. It is a popular choice because of the extra legroom.
Here are the other advantages if you book a bulkhead seat:
Extra Leg Room
The bulkhead is a fixed wall and because there is no seat in front of you, often you get extra legroom between the seat and the wall. This gives you more space to stretch your legs from time to time to prevent fatigue while inside the aircraft.
Ability to Request a Bassinet
Getting a bulkhead seat comes with the option of booking a bassinet for your little one. As there is more space, it is easier for you to move around and attend to your baby in the bassinet seat.
It also allows parents to free up their lap during the flight when the baby is inside the airplane bassinet.
First to Board and Deplane
Because of the location of the bulkhead seat, you can board and deplane first compared to other passengers seated at the back.
No Recline from the Seat in Front
You do not have to worry about reclining seats in front of you. At the same time, your baby will have their own comfortable space to sleep and relax.
First Chance of Service
You will also have the first priority of getting your meals and drinks during the flight compared to those who are seated at the back of the plane.
Credit: sophiefamilytravel
Cons of Booking a Bulkhead Seat
Although you can get many advantages by having a bulkhead seat, there are still some issues you may experience when you opt for this seat in the aircraft.
Armrest is Fixed
Your armrest is generally fixed because the in-flight entertainment system is often stowed in the armrest.
In-flight Monitor is Stored Away
As your inflight entertainment monitor is stored away, you do not get access to your movies during take-off and landing.
Need to Stow Baggage
When you are allocated a bulkhead seat, you will have to stow all your carry-on baggage in the overhead compartment. No bags are allowed to be left on the floor in front of your seat. If you are someone that likes to access your bag throughout your flight, getting the bulkhead seat may be inconvenient for you.
Credit: sophiefamilytravel
Do Airlines Provide Bassinets for Infants?
Not all airlines have a bassinet. For those who offer this feature, make sure you call up the airport customer service agent as soon as possible to book your seat ahead of time.
Check with the airlines before you book your tickets to ensure your particular flight offers baby airplane bassinet if that is a feature you are looking for.
Do All Airlines Provide Bassinets?
No, not all airlines provide a bassinet seat. Checking their website can save you time, effort, and money in case bassinets are not available on the flight.
Can I Get a Bassinet in Economy Class?
It will depend on the airline that you are flying with. Most airlines provide airline bassinet seats. Please call up your airlines to confirm prior to purchasing your seat.
Please bear in mind that some airlines provide bassinet seats based on a first come first serve basis, whereas some give priority to the youngest infant on the flight.
How Do You Sleep with a Newborn on a Plane?
Airplane Bassinet
When you secure an airline bassinet, your newborn will have the opportunity to sleep in the baby cot provided by the airline. The baby bassinet will not be available for use during take-off, landing and during turbulence.
On Your Lap
In the event you did not manage to secure an airplane bassinet for your baby, your newborn will have to sleep in your arms on your lap.
Baby Carrier
If your baby has difficulty falling asleep in your arms, you may need to put them to bed in a baby carrier. For this option, you are required to bring a baby carrier with you in your carry on. You can shush your baby to sleep in the baby carrier and once your baby is asleep, you can return to your seat with your baby in the carrier.
Inflatable Airplane Bed
In case the airline bassinet is not available, investing in an inflatable airplane baby bed can be a great alternative. However, this requires you to purchase an extra seat for your baby on the plane. This device can only be used after take-off and has to be collapsed before landing.
FAA-approved Infant Car Seat
This option requires you to purchase an additional seat for your newborn too. You will also need to bring your FAA-approved infant car seat onto the plane in order to secure your baby in the car seat.
How Much Does a Bassinet Seat Cost on a Plane?
There should not be an additional cost to request for airplane bassinet seats. However, some airlines charge an additional fee for bulkhead seats due to the extra legroom, for example, Ethiopian Airlines.
Credit: sophiefamilytravel
How Do I Request a Flight Bassinet?
It is best to call up the airlines to request for a bassinet seat once you have purchased your tickets. The sooner it is done, the higher chance of you securing a bassinet seat.
What is the Weight Limit for In-Flight Bassinet?
Bassinets can only accommodate infants within the weight limit of 25 lbs or 11 kg.
Where Does a Bassinet Go on a Plane?
The bassinet is attached to the bulkhead wall, located in front of the passenger seat. Every airlines have different style of bassinets, weight limitation and restrictions.
Credit: sophiefamilytravel
Additional Considerations when Booking Airplane Bassinets
Before you embark on your much-awaited flight, here are some of the additional considerations that you may need to take into account if you are planning to book an airplane bassinet.
- The bassinets for infants may vary in size, style, and weight limit. Ask someone from the airline or check their website to know more about the specifications of the bassinet seat.
- It often comes with the same - rectangular shape that has uplifted sides.
- Know more about the age requirement and other restrictions of the airlines regarding bassinet use.
How Many Bassinet Seats on a Plane?
The number of bassinets for infants may differ from other airlines. Ask a representative from the company regarding the availability of a bassinet seat and they will be able to help you with booking the airplane bassinet seat.
Credit: sophiefamilytravel
How to Get a Baby Bassinet Seat?
In this section, we discuss the steps you can take to help secure bulkhead seats for your upcoming flight.
Book Early
Remember that, there are a limited number of baby cots or baby bassinets on the plane, that is why you have to book ahead to secure a seat for you and your child. Once you have purchased your seat, contact the airline to request an airplane bassinet.
Follow Up
Few weeks before your flight, call up the airlines to follow up on your airplane bassinet booking. Make sure your reservation is still on the system.
Upon check in, double check that your request is still available.
Understanding Different Seating Arrangements
There are different options that you can choose from when you are flying with your little one. But sometimes flying alone with your child can be a whole different level instead of having someone accompanying you during your trip.
To be a fully equipped on-the-go mom, you can try the following:
Scenario 1: Parents with a baby under a year old
Request for the airline bassinet seat upon your booking. This gives you the highest possibility of securing a baby bassinet seat for your flight.
Scenario 2: Single parent with a baby under two
If your child is more than one year old, this is the time when they start to move around more. They will also start doing the following:
- Starting to crawl but their motor skills are still limited.
- They can now sit upright without your support.
- Be able to play longer and still have that hours of sleeping time.
In this scenario, you can still request for an airplane bassinet seat. However, your child may be too big for the seat. Be prepared that there is a possibility your child will not fit in the bassinet and you will have a baby on your lap the entire flight.
Scenario 3: Single parent with two babies under two
If you are a parent with two babies under two, you can only request for one airplane bassinet seat. In order to fly with two children, you will have to purchase an extra seat for your other child.
Because your child is under two, for them to seat in a separate seat independently, you will have to bring a FAA-approved car seat on board with you.
Scenario 4: Parents with two babies under two
Each parent can request a bassinet seat. However, it is possible that the older child does not get a bassinet seat.
In this case, they'll be sitting on your lap. This is the most comfortable scenario for parents who are traveling with two kids under two. One child can sleep in the bassinet and the other can take turn spending time with each parent.
Scenario 5: Parents with an infant and child over two
If four of you are flying, the easiest and most recommended option for you is to book a bassinet seat if you have an infant and additional two seats in your back row for the other parent and your child who is over two.
With this configuration, the whole family is still close to each other, and you won't need to worry about your toddler kicking the seat in front.
Is it Better to Use an FAA-Approved seat?
Most airlines offer airplane bassinets. However, they are subject to availability. Make sure to double check with your airlines prior to booking your ticket.
Which Airlines Offer Bassinets?
Airlines in USA
Aeromexico
Aeromexico offers bassinets. A limited number of cribs are available upon request and are subject to availability. Infants have to be within weight limit of no more than 24 lbs or 11 kgs.
Allegiant Air
No information available about bassinets on Allegiant air.
Air Canada
Air Canada provides bassinets for infants that are within the weight limit of 26.5 lbs or 12kgs and cannot still sit upright on their own.
Airplane bassinets are assigned on first come first serve basis.
Alaska Airlines
Unfortunately, Alaska Airlines does not offer baby bassinets. But they allow passengers to bring their own car seat to be used during their flight. You can also ask for assistance from any of their flight attendants in setting up your car seat.
American Airlines
American Airlines offer airplane bassinets based on first come first serve basis. It only offers bassinets as long as it is still available with selected gates in a 787 aircraft.
Avianca
Avianca offers 3 cribs per aircraft and cribs are subject to availability. Pre-booking required. The crib is available for baby up to a weight of 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs and a leng of 29 in or 74 cms.
Delta Air Lines
Booking a bassinet with Delta Air Lines is a must. Your little one who weighs within the 20 lbs or 9kgs limit is allowed to use it.
Frontier Airlines
There are no airline bassinets available with Frontier Airlines. However, bringing an FAA-approved car seat is allowed.
Hawaiian Airlines
You can purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat online with Hawaiian Airlines and reserve the bassinet over the phone. Otherwise, you can check with airline staff at check in counter on the day of departure for availability. The maximum weight of infant should not exceed 20 lbs or 9 kgs. The bassinet dimension is 32 x 14.5 x 7 in or 81.3 x 36.8 x 17.8 kgs.
JetBlue Airways
Jetblue Airways does not offer airplane bassinets.
LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines offer bassinets for infants in their economy cabins. The baby cannot be heavier than 22 lbs or 10 kgs and less than 28 inches or 71cm. Request must be made in advance and can be done so up to 4 hours before your flight.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers bassinet however depending on the booking class, a reservation fee for the seat may apply. Pre-booking is required. The bassinet takes a baby with the weight of up to 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs and 26 in or 67 cm in length.
Spirit Airlines
There is no information on bassinets available on the Spirit Airlines website.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines do not offer baby bassinets.
Turkish Airlines
There is no information on bassinets available on the Turkish Airlines website.
United Airlines
United Airlines provide limited bassinets in United Polaris business class and in Economy on some international flights.
Volaris
There is no information available on bassinets on the Volaris website.
WestJet
The WestJet flights with 787 Dreamliner aircraft offer bassinets for parents who are flying with their little ones. Your baby must less than 25 lbs or 9 kgs.
Airlines in Europe
Aer Lingus
You are able to request a bassinet on Aer Lingus flights and are subject to availability and pre-booking. Maximum weight of infant is 22 lbs or 10 kgs.
Aeroflot Russian Airlines
Aeroflot Russian Airlines offer bassinets and is subject to availability. The baby bassinet seat can be booked at least 36 hours before the flight by calling the airline. Maximum weight of infant is 26 lbs or 11 kgs.
Air France
For long-haul flights with Air France, you can request a bassinet in the business, premium economy, and economy cabins. Infants must be less than 22 lbs or 10 kgs and less than 27 in or 70cm.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines offer baby cots free of charge on their flights and are subject to availability. The bassinet is suitable for babies up to 26.5 lbs or 12 kgs. The baby bassinet dimension provided is 33 x 6 x 7 in or 84 x 40 x 18 cm.
British Airways
On British Airways flights, you can book a bassinet for infants from birth up to 2 years old. To be able to secure airplane bassinets, your child must be less than 28 lbs or 12.5 kgs. Subject to availability and first come first serve basis.
EasyJet
There are no airplane bassinets on an EasyJet flight.
Iberia
There are limited cots for infants traveling Iberia up to 8 months old traveling on international flights. Depending on the cabin class, booking a seat will incur an additional cost. The cot is suitable for a baby with the weight up to 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs.
Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways offers baby cots free of charge on certain flights. The maximum weight of the baby is 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs.
Ryanair
Unfortunately, there are no bassinets for Ryanair flights.
Saudi Arabian Airlines
Saudi Arabian Airlines do not provide bassinets on their flights.
Swiss
Swiss Airlines provide limited airplane bassinets and pre-booking is required ahead of time. Baby Bassinets are approved for babies up to 8 months and a maximum weight of 24 lbs or 11 kgs.
TUI
TUI does not baby bassinets.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic offer baby bassinets however are subject to availability and pre-booking is required to secure one. Depending on the type of plane, the maximum weight of the baby cannot exceed 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs and not exceed a length of 29.5 in or 75cms.
Vueling Airlines
Vueling Airlines do not have bassinet information available on their website.
Wizz Air
There is no information available on bassinet on the Wizz Air website.
Airlines in Asia
AirAsia X
Bassinets are available for flights with AirAsia but are subject to pre-booking. The dimensions of the baby bassinet are 8.7 x 29.5 x 13.4 in or 22 x 75 x 34 cm, with a load capacity of a maximum 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs.
Air China
Air China flights offer airplane bassinets for babies and subject to availability. Bookings can be made 14 days prior to scheduled flight. The baby bassinet can hold a maximum weight of 22 lbs or 10 kgs and a maximum length of 75cm.
ANA - All Nippon Airways
You can get a baby bassinet on ANA flights. The airline bassinet takes a maximum weight of 22 lbs or 10 kgs. Reservations required.
Asiana Airlines
You may reserve a bassinet on an Asiana flight. The baby has to be within a weight limit of less than 31 lbs or 14 kgs.
Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways offer bassinet seats for flights over 2.5 hours. There are 2 seats available in economy and 2 seats in business class. The maximum weight of baby has to be within 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs and 27.6 in or 70cm.
Cambodia Angkor Air
There is no information available on the Cambodia Angkor Air website on bassinets.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific offers bassinets on most of their aircraft and is subject to pre-booking. The baby bassinet measures 30 x 15 x 8 in or 76.2 x 38.1 x 20.3 cm and can carry up to 26.5 lbs or 12 kgs.
Cebu Pacific Air
Information about bassinet is not readily available on Cebu Pacific Air website.
China Airlines
Bassinets are available on China Airlines flights. There are limited availability and it is available based on first come first serve basis. The maximum weight the baby bassinet can take is 24.2 lbs or 11 kgs and infants measuring less than 28 in or 71 cms.
EVA Air
EVA Air offers bassinet service on all flights and reservations are required. The maximum weight of baby has to be within 31-35 lbs or 14-16 kgs depending on the type of airplane.
Garuda Indonesia
There is limited availability for baby bassinet on Garuda Indonesia. Availability is subject to pre-booking and based on first come first serve basis. The maximum weight of the baby has to be within 20 lbs or 9 kgs.
Hainan Airlines
You can request a bassinet when flying with Hainan Airlines. There are limited availabilities and requires pre-booking. Your baby has to be less than 28.3 in or 72 cms in length and within weight limit of 24 lbs or 11 kgs.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines offer a limited number of bassinets for their flights and advanced reservation is required. Bassinets are ideal for infants weighing up to 23 lbs or 10.5kgs. The Dimensions of the bassinet is 12 x 28 x 6 in or 30 x 70 x 15 cms.
Korean Air
Korean Air offers airplane baby bassinet options for all international flights. The bassinets are for infants up to 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs and maximum length is 30 in or 75 cms. Pre-booking is required.
Lions Air
Information on bassinet is limited on Lions Air website.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines offer limited number of bassinets. Depending on the aircraft, a number of bassinets are provided onboard, free of charge. Due to safety and storage reasons, passengers are not allowed to carry their own bassinets into the cabin.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines offer limited numbers of bassinets as they can only be attached to certain seats on the plane and are available only for flights >3 hours. The bassinet dimensions are about 28 x 12 in or 70 x 30 cm have a weight limit of 22 lbs or 10 kgs. Bassinets are available in all aircraft EXCEPT Q300, Q400, A320 and A321.
Royal Brunei Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines offers bassinets in economy class and seats are limited. The maximum weight of the baby needs to be within 22 lbs or 10 kgs and within 24 in or 60cm.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offer bassinets in economy and premium economy class on a first come first serve basis. you can book airplane bassinet seats in both economy and premium seats. The bassinet measures at 30 x 12 x 6.3 in or 77 x 30 x 16 cms, and can support a maximum weight of 31 lbs or 14 kgs.
Sri Lankan Airlines
Limited number of bassinets are available on Sri Lankan flights and are available on a first come first serve basis, subject to availability.
Thai Airways International
Request a bassinet with Thai Airways International for your baby who is less than 6 months old, weighs within the limit of 22 lbs or 10 kgs and not exceeding 67cm in length.
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines offers bassinets and are available on a first come first serve basis. The bassinet is suitable for infants weight no more than 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs.
Viet Jet
Viet Jet does not provide baby bassinet service.
Vistara
No information on bassinet available on Vistara website.
Airlines in South Pacific
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand offers bassinets for their baby passengers. Baby bassinets are for infants up to 8 months and must be within the limit of 26 lbs or 11.8 kgs. Baby bassinet seats can be booked online, subject to availability.
Fiji Airways
A customer travelling with an infant with Fiji Airways will be required to purchase the bulkhead seat and call Reservations to book the bassinet facility. If you fail to secure a bassinet during booking, our airport staff will allocate one, subject to availability.
Jetstar
Baby bassinets are available on Jetstar 787 Dreamliner aircraft and only for international flights. Subject to availability and require pre-booking.
Qantas
Qantas has a limited number of bassinets available and is subject to availability. Request has to be made prior to flying. Baby must be within the weight limit of 24 lbs or 11kgs.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia offers bassinets onboard all international long haul flights and on domestic flights operated by A330 aircraft, subject to availability, based on first come first serve allocation. The maximum weight of baby has to be within 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs.
Airlines in Africa
Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius offer limited number of cots and is subject to availability. Reservation comes on a first come first serve basis. The maximum weight of your baby has to be within 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs and does not exceed 29 in or 74 cm.
Air Seychelles
There is no information found on Air Seychelles about airline baby bassinets.
EgyptAir
You can request a bassinet on an EgyptAir flight. Depending on the booking class, a seat reservation fee for the front seat may apply.
Ethiopian Airlines
Inflight bassinets are available with Ethiopian Airlines flights and on a first come first serve basis.
FlySaFair
Limited information about bassinets found on FlySaFair website.
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc offer bassinet and is subject to availability. The bassinet fits babies no more than 28 in or 70cm tall.
RwandAir
Information about bassinet on RwandAir is not available on website.
South African Airways
If your baby is within the weight limit of 22 lbs or 10 kgs they can use a bassinet if you are flying with South African Airways provides bassinets subject to availability. Pre-booking required. The bassinet is for infants up to 22 lbs or 10 kgs and not exceeding 30 in or 75cm.
Tunisair
Information on bassinets cannot be found on Tunisair website.
Air Greenland
Carrycots are available and can be borrowed free of charge, but may only be used in economy class. Air Greendland offers baby bassinets on their Airbus, between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen, for children below the age of 9 months. Baby has to weigh less than 24.3 lbs or 11 kg and have a length of less than 26 in or 65 cm. Reservation is required.
Finn Air
All Finnair offers a chargeable seat with a bassinet on intercontinental flights. Reservation is required. The weight of the baby cannot exceed 20 lbs or 9 kgs and the inside length of the bassinet is 27.5 in or 70 cm.
Iceland Air
Information on bassinet is not available on Iceland Air website.
Norwegian Air
Bassinet seats are limited on Norwegian Air. Maximum weight of baby is 25 lbs or 12 kgs. Bassinet dimensions are 7 x 14.5 x 32 in or 17.8 x 36.8 x 81.3 cm.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Scandinavian Airlines offer bassinets at no cost for flights to Asia and the US. The number of bassinets is limited and is subject to availability. The child may weigh no more than 24.3 lbs or 11 kg and should not exceed the length of 28.3 in or 72 cm.
Airlines in Middle East
Air Arabia
Air Arabia offers baby bassinets and are subject to availability. Bassinets are only available for front row seated passengers. Pre-booking is required to maximize the possibility of having this service.
Emirates
Baby bassinets are available on Emirates flights. Baby bassinets in airplanes are approximately 29.5 x 13 x 8.8 in or 75 x 33 x 22 cm and can hold babies weighing up to 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs. Airplane bassinets are limited in number and subject to availability.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways provide bassinets which are subject to availability. Prior seat booking is required. Infants must weigh less than 24.3 lbs or 11 kg and be up to 29.5 in or 75cm tall.
Gulf Air
Information on bassinet is not readily available on Gulf Air website.
Iraqi Airways
Information on bassinet is unavailable on Iraqi Airways website.
Middle East Airlines
There is no information available about bassinets on Middle East Airlines website.
Oman Air
Oman Air provides infant bassinets and is subject to availability. Bassinet seats can be purchased online and your request can be submitted.
Pegasus Airlines
No information is available about bassinets on the Pegasus Airlines website.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways provides airplane bassinets and are subject to reservation. Baby bassinet takes a maximum weight of 24.3 lbs or 11 kgs.
Syrian Air
There is no information available about bassinets on Syrian Air website.
Secure Your Airplane Bassinet for Your Baby
Remember if you are planning to travel with your infant, book your bulkhead seat in advance to give you the best chance of getting a baby cot for your baby on the plane.
Do note that many airlines offer bassinets and have their own policies around it. Familiar yourself with your airlines so you can travel with your child stress-free.
Flying with a stroller? You can read here for a guide on flying with stroller.
Want to try flying with carry on only? Read here for information on carry on only travel with kids.
Happy travels!
