Gone are the peaceful days of leisurely reading the newspaper and enjoying a latte in silence. Parenthood transforms life in unimaginable ways, turning once simple decisions into complex plans. Yet, having a baby doesn’t mean putting an end to adventures like holiday travels. However, it is undeniable that it comes with its set of challenges, especially with a baby in tow. So, to take the burden off your shoulders, airlines offer special Bassinet Seats on their well-facilitated flights.
Many parents wonder about the logistics of in-flight baby bassinets: Are they available easily? Do they cost extra? You will find all the answers in this article. So, read through this quick airline bassinet seat guide that can be the game-changer for your family’s travel comfort. Curious to know more? Keep scrolling!
What is an Airline Bassinet Seat?
Bassinet seats on airlines are special accommodations made for the little travelers on long-haul flights. These seats come with a bassinet that attaches to the bulkhead area, providing a comfortable and flat surface for babies to sleep or rest.
Because the number of bassinet seats on a flight is limited, it is crucial to plan ahead. Parents looking to use this facility should book their tickets early and get in touch with the airline to confirm the availability of a bassinet seat. This early step ensures that your little one can travel comfortably during the journey, making the overall flying experience more pleasant for parents and their infants.
Age and Weight Limit
Bassinets are small and snug, suitable for newborns to babies. Designed specifically for infants, eligibility for using a bassinet seat usually depends on the baby’s weight and size. Generally, infants weighing between 15 and 25 pounds and under 18 months old can use these seats.
Benefits of Reserving Baby Bassinet Seats
From ensuring you have all the baby essentials like diapers and bottles to checking bassinet availability, traveling with an infant requires a healthy dose of preparation and flexibility. Here are the benefits that come with choosing Bassinet Seats for the baby’s comfort:
Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements
Booking a bassinet allows your baby to sleep comfortably on the airplane, significantly enhancing the travel experience for both the child and the parent. Unlike holding your baby as a lap infant throughout the flight, a bassinet offers a safe and snug space for your little one to rest.
Extra Legroom
One of the perks of securing a bassinet seat is the additional legroom available, providing ample space for your diaper bag and essentials. Although this space is slightly restricted during takeoff and landing for safety reasons, it generally offers more room than standard seating.
Priority Disembarking
Families with bassinet seats are often allowed to disembark the plane first. This little convenience can make a big difference, helping you and your baby to disembark with ease and start your journey faster after landing.
No Recline Worries
With a bassinet seat, you won’t have to worry about the passenger in front reclining their seat and invading your baby’s space. This ensures your baby has a comfortable area throughout the flight without any interruptions.
Feeding Convenience
Feeding a baby during a flight can be a logistical challenge for parents, but with a bassinet seat, this task becomes significantly easier. The extra space and privacy offered by these seats can provide a more comfortable environment for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, making meal times more relaxed for everyone involved.
Easy Access to Flight Attendants
Being situated in the bassinet row usually means you’re closer to the cabin crew, making it easier to get assistance when you need it. Whether it’s a blanket or extra water, help is just a call button away.
Simplified Baby Care
The ability to pass your baby between caretakers without the usual juggling act in tight airplane seats is invaluable. Whether soothing or simply giving each other a break, having a bassinet makes managing baby care in flight much more manageable.
Complimentary Baby Kits
For added convenience, passengers with bassinet seats often receive complimentary baby kits from the airline. These kits are thoughtfully prepared to ease the journey for parents and infants alike, containing necessary items like diapers, wipes, and sometimes gentle skincare products for the baby. This thoughtful gesture allows parents to travel lighter and ensures that basic care essentials are readily available.
Easy Diaper Changing
Dealing with diaper changes on a flight? Booking a bassinet seat can alleviate some of this stress. The additional room allows for smoother transitions during diaper changes, making it less of a challenge for parents and providing more comfort for the baby afterward.
List of Airlines that Offer Bassinet Seat
Traveling with infants becomes easier with airlines that provide bassinet seats for the littlest passengers. These thoughtful features, offered by selected carriers, highlight their commitment to family-friendly travel experiences.
| Airline Name | Airline Name | Airline Name | Airline Name |
| Aer Lingus | Asiana Airlines | Etihad Airways | Qantas Airways |
| Aeromexico | Avianca Airlines | EVA Air | Qatar Airways |
| Air Canada | British Airways | Gulf Air | Singapore Airlines |
| Air France | Cathay Pacific | Hawaiian Airlines | SriLankan Airlines |
| Air India | China Airlines | Iberia | TAP Air Portugal |
| Air Mauritius | China Southern Airlines | JAL | Thai Airways |
| Air New Zealand | Condor | KLM | Turkish Airlines |
| Air Transat | Delta Air Lines | Korean Air | United Airlines |
| Alaska Airlines | El Al Airlines | LATAM | Virgin Atlantic |
| ANA | Emirates | Lufthansa | WestJet Airlines |
In a Nut Shell!
Traveling with an infant can be less stressful with the right amenities, such as bassinets. However, it is important to remember that bassinets are a bonus service, not a standard offering across all airlines. So, availability can vary, and a prior guarantee is often not an option.
For the utmost safety and to minimize travel anxiety, you must contact the airline staff beforehand to ensure the facility is readily available on the travel day. Don’t shy away from inquiring about these unique seats or assume they are out of reach due to potential costs. Wish you a pleasant and smooth journey!
Flyers May Also Inquire!
Airlines often provide bassinets for infants, subject to availability and specific airline regulations.
Airplane bassinets are usually sized around 14 x 9 x 30 inches, designed to comfortably accommodate most infants and newborns during the flight.
The typical weight limit for airplane bassinets is around 25 pounds (11 kg), suitable for babies up to 18 months, though actual fit varies by size.
Yes, airplane bassinets are designed with safety in mind. They offer a secure and comfortable space for infants while adhering to airline safety standards.
A bassinet seat is a specially designated passenger seat, usually located in a bulkhead row, where a bassinet can be attached in front for infant use.
When traveling with an infant, it is advisable to select a bassinet seat for the infant’s comfort and some extra space for the caregiver’s ease.
Plane bassinet rules vary by airline, generally involving age, weight, and size limits for the infant.
Bassinets on planes are usually available for babies from birth up to 18 months, but suitability also depends on the infant’s weight and size.
