Airplane Bassinets – What You NEED To Know

Airplane bassinets are one of the most helpful tools for surviving a long-haul flight with a baby. Having a little extra legroom is nice, but being able to set your baby up in a small bed for a long flight can help you both travel easier.

Flying with a baby can be stressful under the best of circumstances but a long flight can be downright exhausting. Thankfully, many airlines offer bassinets that can give you a small break while your little one naps.

In this post we’ll answer all your questions:

• What is an Airplane Bassinet?
• How do you get a Baby Bassinet on a Flight?
• What seats do you need to get Bassinets on Airplanes?
• What do Bassinets on Planes cost?
• Will my Flight have an Airplane Bassinet?
• Which Airlines provide Bassinets?
• and more…

This post contains compensated links.

What Is an Airplane Bassinet?

Airplane bassinets are exactly what they sound like, small beds for infants on planes. The specially-designed baskets or cots attach to the plane, usually near bulkhead seats. Airlines may also refer to them as baskets, cots, or skycots.

Parents can reserve the bulkhead seats (typically at a cost) and have the bassinet attached in front of them. It’s convenient for long haul flights with a baby so that you don’t have to hold your little one the entire time.

Not all aircraft accommodate bassinets and the ones that do, typically have a very limited number available.

Each airline features slightly different bassinets. Additionally, each airline has unique policies about the bassinets and how to secure one.

What a Bassinet Looks Like on a Plane

A bassinet in an airplane looks like a standard bassinet but it attaches to the bulkhead wall on the plane. It’s typically a simple rectangular basket that the flight crew can easily install and remove.

Some airlines, like British Airways, use a bouncer seat anchored to a flat surface for babies older than six months or who can sit up.

Which Seats Have Bassinets?

It depends on the airline and the aircraft you will fly in, but most bassinets attach to a bulkhead wall. That means you need to secure a seat in the bulkhead or one of the premium cabins. 

Bulkhead seats typically have armrests that don’t move and offer some extra space to accommodate the bassinets. Some airlines have custom setups in their premium cabins that offer more flexibility and security.

Most airlines follow similar guidelines regarding the location of infant-friendly seats on airplanes. They exclude emergency exit rows, some aisle seats, and any locations that could obstruct other passengers.

Is It Safe to Use an Airplane Bassinet?

It is safe to use an infant bassinet on airplanes. That said, there are a few situations where this airplane baby bed may not be the safest option for all children. 

Airplane bassinets work for infants who cannot sit up on their own. They offer a reprieve for parents on long flights, let the child stretch out a bit, and make it possible for everyone to rest. 

Bassinets on airplanes lack proper restraints to secure the infant for the entire flight. Most of them only have a single velcro strap that won’t do much to hold a wriggling infant in check or prevent jostling during turbulence.

Airline bassinets are approved for in-flight use when installed by crew and used as directed, but they are not crash-tested restraint systems. The safest option for takeoff, landing, and turbulence is an FAA-approved car seat on its own seat.

When You Can Use an Airplane Bassinet 

Even if an airline offers a bassinet in flight, it’s not something you can use for the entire trip. Please note that all airlines require that infants are held during the take-off and landing.

Once the plane is at cruising altitude, the flight attendants will come around and install the airplane bassinets.

Additionally, if you encounter turbulence, the flight attendants will ask you to remove your baby from the plane bassinet.

You can also expect the flight attendants to disassemble the airplane baby bassinet before your plane begins its descent. 

Age, Weight & Size Limits for Bassinets

Yes, there are weight, length, and age limits for inflight bassinets. Each airline sets its own limitations based on the equipment they have available. 

Most airlines have a maximum weight limit for airplane bassinets of between 20 – 25 lbs / 9 – 12 kg.

The maximum length of your child varies based on the type of bassinet or cot and what it can handle. For example, bouncy seats on a flat surface can typically accommodate taller children than an enclosed cot.

Airlines usually limit the age to those under the age of two, but some only allow babies under 12 months to use the airplane bassinets. Plus, many airlines give priority to the youngest and smallest infants if they have too many requests.

How Much Do Airplane Bassinets Cost?

It depends on the airline. Most airlines offer the bassinets free of charge but you have to pay to reserve and upgrade to the bulkhead seat.

Even if you are flying with a lap infant, international flight tickets for an infant can cost a percentage of an adult fare.

Pros and Cons of Using an Airplane Bassinet

Pros

If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not to use a bassinet in flight, it might help to run down the pros and cons of airline bassinets. The most obvious benefit of using bassinets on airplanes is that you and your baby have room to stretch out on a long flight. 

It’s cheaper than paying for another seat and using your child’s car seat on the flight.

You don’t have to carry as many things onto the plane and worry about whether or not your car seat fits.

You can use a CoziGo Bassinet cover to block stimulation on the plane and help your baby sleep better.

It’s easier for you to eat when you have hands free!

Cons

There are some drawbacks to traveling light and using the airplane cots, since you’re basically still flying with a lap infant.

The airline doesn’t guarantee that you can get one, so you have to be prepared to have your baby on your lap the entire time.

They are always offered on a first-come-first-serve basis and often go to the youngest babies first.

The airplane bassinet seats at the bulkhead row are close to bathrooms where people tend to congregate so it can be louder.

You may have to wake your baby when there is turbulence and you have to remove your baby from the airplane bassinet.

Always remember that the bassinet for plane travel may not be the safest option for your infant. If your baby is large for their size, they may not fit safely inside the bassinet on a plane.

Little ones who move around a lot may not be as comfortable or safe inside a baby airplane bassinet, especially those who can’t miss anything and like to see what’s happening around them.

Tips for Using an Airplane Bassinet

Once you decide that you want to take advantage of a bassinet seat on an airplane, you might want to consider some extras to make that flight a little smoother. They can also help you work through baby jet lag once you reach your destination.

Bassinet covers and white noise machines can help soothe your little one. Make sure you check with your flight crew to confirm that they allow the airplane bassinet cover and sound machine you plan to use. 

Bassinet Covers (CoziGo)

If you have a distractible little one or want to keep strangers from peeking in on your sleeping infant, an airplane bassinet cover can help.

The covers slip over the bassinets on airplanes like a tent and offer protection from light, drafts, and noise around the bulkhead area. 

While some parents don’t love having the bassinet fully covered, most covers have a zippered panel so you can easily peek in. In addition, flight attendants may require you to leave a section open, so they can look in on your baby in case you fall asleep as well.

The CoziGo bassinet cover is one of the few products specifically designed and tested for use with many airline bassinets; always confirm your airline’s rules before using any cover.

The CoziGo bassinet cover is a popular option for infants who need something to block out distractions so they can sleep. Plus, the universal fit means the CoziGo Airplane Bassinet Cover doubles as a stroller cover to protect infants from the sun and elements.

White Noise Machines & Sleep Aids

White noise machines, if used at home, can help to replicate your baby’s sleep environment at home and help your baby sleep on vacation.

They also work well on the airplane to help block additional passenger noise, just keep the volume low so you don’t disrupt other passengers.

Have a Backup Plan

One of the drawbacks of choosing to fly with a lap infant in hopes of getting an airplane bassinet on your flight is that it’s not guaranteed.

Many things could go wrong and lead to that bassinet falling through for you and your baby. Having a contingency plan in place means less stress for everyone involved.

It’s a good idea to plan on your little one sitting on your lap and taking a baby carrier to limit your fatigue and free up your hands.

Some parents will fly with their Boppy nursing pillow to make it more comfortable for their baby. This also works well for flying and breastfeeding.

You might even get lucky and have an empty seat beside you, where you can bring your car seat on board or even have a place to lie your baby down when cruising and the seat belt light is off.

Be Patient But Persistent

Traveling can be stressful under the best of circumstances, but taking out frustrations on the flight crew is no way to make things better. Your best course of action is to be as polite and patient as possible. It might take some extra legwork on your part, but it’s worth the effort in the end.

• Keep track of all contacts with the airline about reserving a bassinet and your seating. Note names and dates for future reference.
  
• Take screenshots of the company’s policy on bassinets, including weights, ages, and use of covers. The crew might not know the policies so it helps to have that available.
  
• If the crew seems to forget you, gently remind them about the bassinet.

Remember, different airlines might use different words to describe bassinets and covers. It helps to familiarize yourself with the terminology used for that particular airline bassinet.

If the airline refers to bassinets as skycots, then use that term when speaking with any of the crew.

How to Book a Bassinet Seat on Your Flight

Knowing that you want an airplane bassinet is only half the battle, as you also have to reserve bulkhead seats and the airplane bassinet. There are many things to consider when booking a bassinet on an airplane.

Booking Directly with the Airline

Your best chance at securing a bassinet in flight is to call the airline instead of using the website. Be prepared to be on hold for an extended period, so clear your calendar.

Some airlines have a call-back feature rather than making you wait on hold.

Remember most airlines have limited airplane bassinets available and reserve them on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s in your best interest to book your flight well in advance. Note that most airlines will not let you request a bassinet for an unborn child.

When you place your call, have all of your personal information on hand and a pen and paper to write down the essential details. Ask for bulkhead seats and state that you will have an infant needing an airplane bassinet.

Third-party booking companies like Kayak and Expedia often give you the best prices on tickets, making them a tempting option. However, they cannot typically select bassinet seats on flights. That means you still have to call the airline.

Using a Travel Agent

Experienced travel agents might help secure a bassinet for your baby. Ask if they are familiar with the process and emphasize the importance of having one for your flight.

Many times the agent will do the legwork to secure the bassinet and save you a lot of precious time.

Direct Flights, Codeshares & Follow-Up

Unfortunately, bassinets are typically only available on long-haul flights. Every time you have to change flights your chances of getting an airplane bassinet on the next one drop a little more. If you change airlines, it’s even more challenging. 

You will have to call each airline to secure your bassinet seats which may take a lot of time and persistence.

Be aware of codeshare flights where another airline operates your flight. You may not be able to confirm the bassinet until you check in. 

Check Restrictions for Each Flight

Do you remember how each airline has unique guidelines for airplane bassinets? It’s possible that your infant could fit in the bassinet on your first leg but not the one on your second leg.

You need to double-check for the size and age restrictions for every flight you take.

Further, you might not be able to sit with your entire party if you are traveling with several people. Airlines like to accommodate as many infants and families as they can, so it might not be possible to have a large party sit in the bassinet section.

Follow up Before You Fly 

Traveling on airlines, especially these days, can be problematic. To be sure that all goes well with your flight, be sure to book well in advance and follow up a couple of weeks before your flight.

Yes, you will have to carve out some time to spend on the phone. However, you will have peace of mind if you can verify that your reservation still includes the baby bassinet on the plane. 

It’s in your best interest to double and triple-check that you have a bassinet. You should be able to check your seats on a seat map through the airline app to make sure it’s right.

Ask again when you check-in to make sure things are set. It doesn’t hurt to follow up at the gate to make sure the entire crew knows who you are and that you requested a baby cot for the flight.

Alternatives to Using Bassinets on Airplanes

Even if your airline offers a bassinet for baby in flight, you might want to consider an alternative. The two most common options are holding your baby in your lap or purchasing a seat for your baby.

Holding Your Infant in Your Lap

Holding your baby in your lap for the flight is typically the cheapest option. Aside from saving you some money on the flight, there are some definite perks and drawbacks to consider before committing to a lap baby, especially on long-haul flights.

Most airlines don’t charge for lap infants (domestic flights) or only request a nominal fare (international flights). 

You can see your child and comfort them if they get fussy.

Feeding is easier throughout the flight.

Unfortunately, you have to hold your child the entire time. If you don’t have a companion to share the duties with, it can be exhausting and make the flight seem that much longer.

Nobody wants to think about their baby getting injured on a flight, but the risk is there that your baby could be hurt or worse in the event of turbulence or a crash. It’s unlikely that you will be able to hold your baby if there is extreme turbulence or a crash.

Periods of high turbulence can also make it challenging to secure a lap infant. Not only does it impact the child’s safety, but it can also affect the parent and other passengers.

Several domestic and international agencies have put forth recommendations that children under two years of age should be properly restrained in a suitable car seat.

Car Seats and Purchasing Airplane Seats for Infants

The other alternative is to purchase a seat for your baby and use their car seat. While this option can cost you substantially more, there are several benefits to giving your child their own seat. 

Safety

As noted above, there are significant safety concerns about holding an infant during certain situations. Car seats are recommended as the safest way for infants and young children to travel on airplanes.

Approved and certified car seats secure your child during all stages of the flight. You can strap them in before takeoff and know they are safe and sound in their seat. It’s even possible to use covers and canopies, like the CoziGo cover or a SnoozeShade, to give your baby privacy and make it darker to keep them on a sleep schedule.

Plus if your baby is safely in the car seat, you won’t need to wake your baby to hold during turbulence.

Comfort Level 

There is no doubt that bassinets give parents a reprieve from holding their infants and even make things easier on nursing mothers. However, the bassinet is a strange space amid entirely new experiences. 

A pro for the car seat is that some infants find comfort in the familiarity of their car seats.

It’s also more comfortable for you because you don’t have to worry about holding your child during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and any periods of turbulence.

Size Constraints 

There are requirements regarding airplane bassinet weight limit and length for babies who will be utilizing a bassinet. If your baby is on the verge of not meeting those requirements and you have booked several weeks in advance, you may be out of luck if your baby has a growth spurt before your trip.

If your baby is close to exceeding the limits, you may want to consider using a car seat or holding the baby in your lap for your flight.

This will prevent any unfortunate situations where you may be denied using the reserved airplane bassinet. 

Baby Bassinet for Airplane FAQs

Do you still have questions about bassinets on airplanes? These questions and answers should clarify things and get you on the right track.

Final Takeaways on Airplane Bassinets

Bassinets help give parents a break on longer flights. Unfortunately, most airlines that have them only offer a few on each aircraft. 

Remember, every airline has different procedures for securing a bassinet, and some don’t allow you to request one in advance. It helps to call the airline directly or go through an experienced travel agent. 

Even if you think you have a bassinet secured, you might want to prepare a contingency plan just in case. After all, kids can grow almost overnight or you could encounter other safety issues that make a bassinet impossible.

Of course, if you want to avoid the stress and uncertainty altogether, you can always purchase a seat for your infant and use their car seat. It’s comfortable and familiar in a new situation.

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