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If you’re looking for a game changer on your next long flight with a baby, I highly recommend looking into the possibility of snagging an airplane bassinet. These little contraptions are a lifesaver for parents and offer a comfortable spot for baby to snooze while flying at 35,000 feet in the air. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about airplane bassinets. From what they are and how they work, to how you can reserve one and tips on making the most out of your baby’s in-flight nap time we cover it all. So buckle up (or maybe unbuckle for this one) and read on to discover how you can make flying with a baby a much smoother ride.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.

What is an Airplane Bassinet

Just like a bassinet at home, an airplane bassinet is a small bed for infants. But these bassinets can be attached to the wall of the plane during travel. They are rectangular with soft fabric sides and metal poles that attach to the wall to support the bassinet in an upright position.

Other names for these bassinets include sky cots, baskets, a travel cot, and cots.

How Big is an Airplane Bassinet?

A standard airline bassinet tends to be 29.5 x 13 x 8.6 inches (75x34x22 cm).

The plane bassinets will vary slightly in size based on the airline as they all seem to use a different one. Make sure you check with your specific airline to verify the size of the bassinet as well as the airline’s specific restrictions on age or weight.

Are There Age or Weight Limits on Airplane Bassinets?

Yes, there are usually age and weight limits on airline bassinets and this will vary by airline. The weight limit is typically somewhere between 22-28 lbs. The age limit is less common than the weight limit but when there is one, it is usually around one year of age.

Kids over two have to have a seat purchased no matter what. They cannot be a lap child or have a bassinet. Secondly, weight is the next most important factor as bassinets will have weight limits and can only hold a certain amount of weight while remaining safe. 

What Does a Bassinet Look Like?

Most airplane bassinets are pretty much the same. They are a standard-looking rectangular cloth bed that attaches to the airplane wall during flight. They are all fairly simple with no added bells and whistles because they don’t need them. Across the top of the bassinet, some of them have a cloth covering that goes over some of it others simply have a strap or two.

More About Flying with Babies and Toddlers:

• Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep on the Plane
• Ultimate Guide to Bringing Car Seats on Airplanes
• New Travel Parents Guide to Changing Diapers on a Plane
• 35 Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers Who Travel

How Do You Get a Baby Bassinet for Your Flight

First things first, unfortunately with most airplane bassinets are given out on a first come first serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance. This means that until the day of, there is no guarantee that you will receive a bassinet. I recommend always being prepared for the possibility that you will not get a bassinet.

That said, here is how to let the airline know you want it and what you can do to increase your chances.

Book the Right Ticket

When you book your plane ticket, make sure you book your infant as a lap child. For most domestic flights this is free and for most international flights there is a fee, usually around 10% of the ticket prices at the time.

Next, as soon as you book your own ticket make sure you call the airline and let them know that you are flying with a baby and that you would like to have a bassinet seat. They should make note of this fact on your itinerary and put in a request for an airplane bassinet for you. Unfortunately, it doesn’t actually guarantee you anything.

Request the Bassinet Every Chance You Get

Next, you can call again closer to the time of your flight to make sure the request for an airplane bassinet is still noted and simply keep your request top of mind. This felt redundant to me so I skipped this step. Once again, you do not have an actual reservation if you do this. 

Now the really important steps happen. When you get to the airport and while you are checking in for your flight, tell the desk agent that you want a bassinet seat. Now they may be able to tell you at check-in if you have it or not but sometimes you may have to bring it up at the gate specifically. 

If you do have to go to the gate, make sure you go straight to your gate after you get through security. Do this before you grab food, use the restroom or go shopping so that you can beat out any other potential families trying to get the same seat as you. Simply go up to the gate agent and let them know that you requested the airplane bassinet ahead of time and that you would like to know the status of your request. Then they can check and possibly move things around if needed in order to get you a bassinet seat.

If everything goes according to plan they will say that you do have the bassinet and you can rest easy. If you don’t get the seats because they are all taken by other families I know you might feel disappointed. However, try your best to remain polite and calm with the employees helping you. They are doing their best to make everyone happy.

What Seats Do You Need When Using an Airplane Bassinet

In order to have and use a bassinet you need to be seated behind a wall, these are typically called the bulkhead seats.

However, the exact seats that go with the bassinets depend on which airplane model you are on. I recommend booking a normal plane ticket and then calling in to request the airplane bassinet seats. The airline staff is going to be able to know where the bassinet goes and best help you. You could also call in to book your ticket and ask to specifically purchase the bassinet seats themselves. It may help your chances of getting those seats on the day of your flight.

If you don’t want to call in you can try a website called SeatGuru. This site keeps track of what airplane model flies which routes and knows what seats get what amenities such as increased legroom, bassinets and more. It is a third-party site however and it is not always accurate, especially since airlines can change airplane models used up to the last second.

Are Airline Travel Cots Clean

The baby bassinets on airplanes should be cleaned after each use during the routine cleanings between flights. So yes in theory they should absolutely be clean and ready for your baby.

However in reality that might not be the case. I’m not sure if it is thought about during every cleaning and even if it is cleaned and the staff does their best, the truth is they are trying to be fast and efficient and they could miss things. 

The bassinet we were provided the first time we reserved one was a cream color and I could see stains all over it. Just to be safe I recommend wiping the airplane baby bassinet down before you use it and possibly even line the inside with an extra swaddle. After wiping it down and swaddling my son I did feel ok putting him in the bassinet. He did not get sick after so everything was all good! 

I am of the mindset that kids have to experience germs to build a strong immune system. Nothing in excess and I keep everything clean but I also try not to stress too much.

Airlines and Their Airplane Bassinet Policies

Every airline has slightly different procedures regarding bassinets for babies on their planes. Here is a list of each of the different airlines and their policies from their website! It is a good idea to check with your particular airlines policies before booking in order to have the best chance to reserve your bassinet. Upgraded Points has a nice visual breakdown of what airlines offer.

Aer Lingus

Bassinet seats are offered for transatlantic flights, however, they are subject to availability and require pre-booking. You could also consider opting for increased comfort by purchasing a dedicated seat for your infant at a child rate. Bassinet seats are unfortunately not available for infants with confirmed seating. For more information, please contact our reservations department. Keep your booking reference handy for speed of assistance! 

Aeroflot

Airplane bassinets are designed for children under the age of 1 and weighing no more than 11 kg.

If you would like to use a bassinet on board, please notify us at least 36 hours before the scheduled departure by contacting the sales office or calling the Contact Centre.

The service is not guaranteed. Bassinets are provided only if it is technically possible to install them. The number of spaces for bassinets depends on the type of aircraft.

When the airline prepares a flight for check-in (24 hours prior to scheduled departure), bassinet seats are preselected for passengers who have made a reservation.

To receive a boarding pass for a bassinet seat, passengers must refer to a check-in desk at the airport. Don’t check in online, it messes with the process.

Before installing the bassinet on board, the staff will check your child’s weight and instruct you on how to use the bassinet during the flight.

Aeromexico

On board, our priority is that you and your family travel with greater safety and comfort. We offer this service so that you can travel with ease and confidence, and so that you may relax during your flight.

• A limited number of cribs are available upon request and subject to availability.
• We provide cribs for infants weighing no more than 24 lbs.
• Cribs are complimentary, but availability is not guaranteed.
• During the check-in process, crib availability will be confirmed.
• Priority boarding will be required.
• Infants must be lap-held during takeoff and landing.
• The adult will have to buy an AM Plus seat, to receive the crib service

Air Canada

If you’re traveling with a young (or small) infant in Economy Class, you may request a bassinet in advance of travel by contacting Air Canada Reservations. However, we are unable to confirm availability until the time of your flight’s departure.

• Bassinets are assigned on a first-come, first serve basis, subject to availability at the time of flight departure.

Bassinets can be used only for infants weighing less than 12 kg (25 lb) who are unable to sit upright.

Air France

On board our long haul flights in the Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, we can provide you with a bassinet if available. Please contact us ahead of time to make your request. Bassinets are designed for infants weighing less than 10kg/22lbs and measuring less than 70cm/27in. They must be stowed away in the event of turbulence. Baby-changing tables are also available. To check availability and submit your request for a bassinet, please contact us by phone as soon as possible after booking your flight, and at least 48 hours before your departure.

Air Mauritius

For your infant’s comfort, there are cots available on all Air Mauritius international flights. The number of cots available on the aircraft is limited, therefore, please make a request at the time of booking and we will confirm your request at the time of your check-in, as far as possible. 

Our baby cots can accommodate infants up to 12 months old and/or weighing up to 11 kg, and up to 74 cm tall. Since the baby cots need to be stowed at take-off and landing, we’ll give you a special seat belt extension to carry your infant safely in your lap at such times. Further, we request you to remove your infant from the baby cot for safety reasons whenever the seat belt sign is switched on, especially in case of turbulence.

Air New Zealand

On international flights, bassinets may be installed on Air New Zealand Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft and are designed for infants of average size up to 8 months old. The bassinet dimensions are 29 inches (73.66 cm) long x 13.5 inches (34.29 cm) wide and made up with sheets, a pillow and blankets and are designed for infants up to 8 months old and weighing a maximum of 11.8kg/26lb.

Bassinets can be requested when selecting your seats. However, please note that when selecting your seat online, not all seats in a Bassinet Row have bassinet fittings. Those that do are indicated with a bassinet icon and state that they include a bassinet.

If you are traveling with an infant aged between 8 months and 15 months (weighing a maximum of 11.8kg/26lb) and have not pre-purchased a bassinet seat, a bassinet seat may be allocated to you if one is available at the time you check in on the day of travel.

Air Transat

Air Transat offers bassinets at bulkhead seats only for infants who can not yet sit upright and have a maximum weight of 24 pounds (11 kg). Availability is limited.

The bassinets measure 27 x 12 x 6 inches (68 x 30 x 15 cm).

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines does not offer any type of bassinet.

Lap infants are not guaranteed a seat, but if there is an empty seat available on a flight, the infant may occupy that seat for no extra charge.

Each ticketed adult may travel with one lap infant. To add a lap infant request to your reservation, call Alaska Airlines reservations at 1-800-252-7522 with your confirmation code.

When traveling with a lap infant, a diaper bag will count toward the standard carry-on limit of the ticketed adult passenger. Lap infants are not entitled to their own carry-on allowance.

American Airlines

Airplane bassinets are available on a first-come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.* However, bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg).

ANA (Japan Airlines)

Bassinets with baby blankets are provided on all international aircraft for infants not occupying a seat. Please reserve by telephone 48 hours prior to departure.

• The number and position of bassinet seats are limited.
• Weight: maximum 10kg
• Bassinets may differ depending on the aircraft and are not available in First Class.
• All planes have a lavatory equipped with a tabletop for diaper changes.

We also provide a special blanket for passengers who have requested a bassinet. In addition to being gentle to the touch, the material used in this soft, light blanket strikes a great balance between heat retention, ventilation and absorbency to help your baby relax. Moreover, the blanket is made from the same type of fabric used in Uchino’s Marshmallow Puff Gauze, which comes recommended by the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Patients Association.

ANA supplies toys and souvenirs for your little ones to make their journey more enjoyable.

Asiana Airlines

The baby bassinet can only be used after making a reservation, and reservations may close early due to a limited number of complimentary bassinets.

If the specifications are exceeded, the baby bassinet cannot be used in the cabin even if an advance reservation was made, and the infant must sit with their guardian.

Bassinets for A350 Economy Class are smaller than regular and may be restricted.

Apply up to 48 hours before the flight departs through the Asiana Reservation Center.

Avianca Airlines

Depending on the type of aircraft, we may install a cradle when the aircraft takes off, and we will uninstall it before landing.

This service is available for infants 12 months old or younger, measuring 74 cm and weighing up to 11 kg.

You can purchase the service when booking your flight at our Contact Center, at the Counter at the airport or through our WhatsApp. 

There is a limited quota of 3 cribs per type of aircraft and seats selected to provide this service.

Due to operational issues, the aircraft assigned for the trip may change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the service.

British Airways

British Airways offers two different services.

Carrycots

Our specially designed carrycots are only for infants up to 6 months old, weighing no more than 8kg (17.5lb), so your baby can sleep in comfort in the best seat on the flight.

Infant seats

Our infant seats can be used by little ones from birth up to 24 months, who weigh no more than 12.5kg (27.5lbs). These seats are secured onto the carrycot position by the cabin crew and are adjustable to two positions: reclined or upright. For infants under 6 months, the seat should always be used in the reclined position. For infants over 6 months, either position can be used.

Please note that, even if you’ve chosen a carrycot seat position, we may have to move you and your baby to another seat if there is someone who has a greater need for the space, such as a wheelchair user.

Cathay Pacific

For infants under 6 months old, we recommend booking a baby bassinet in advance, so you can ensure you and your baby can get some comfortable rest during your flight.

Bassinets are available for all of our flights – with the exception of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

When you make your reservation with us, you’ll need to request a bassinet so we can check availability.

• Measurements: 76.2 cm x 38.1 cm x 20.32 cm (30 in x 15 in x 8 in)
• Maximum carrying weight: 12 kg (26.5 lbs)

A bassinet is designed for infants under 6 months old. Infants over this age may be more comfortable in a car safety seat instead, especially on long flights.

China Airlines

We provide a limited number of bassinets for infants in-flight (except model A321neo). Bassinets are designed and can be used only for infants measuring less than 71cm/28 inches and weighing less than 11kg/24.2 pounds.  Passengers traveling with infants have priority to sit in the bulkhead seat that has more space to place the bassinet. 

We encourage you to request a bassinet when you book an infant ticket, as only a limited number of bassinets and bulkhead seats are available on board and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

China Southern Airlines

In the Economy Class and Premium Economy Class of flights operated by B777, B787, A330, and A350 with a duration of more than 3 hours, China Southern Airlines provides Infant Bassinet (BSCT) Service for infants who do not occupy seats.

Czech Airlines

In a baby cot with a load capacity of 11kg and sizes of 75 x 34 x 22cm (but only on Airbus A319/A330 Business Class and on Airbus A330 Economy Class). Please request the cot via our Contact Centre during your seat booking.

Delta Air Lines

For some of our smallest passengers on some international flights, we offer onboard baby bassinets. They’re ideal for babies weighing up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) long.

• Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are available free of charge for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights
• SkyCots can be requested by contacting Reservations before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate, but cannot be guaranteed due to a limit of two SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions
• Please note that all infants must be held during takeoff, landing and whenever the seat belt light is on

Easy Jet Airlines

Easy Jet does not offer airplane bassinets on their flights.

EL AL Airlines

Bassinet measurements: 74 cm long, 34 cm wide, 22.5 cm high/deep.

Passengers traveling with an infant up to 9 months of age are entitled to a bassinet seat free of charge, except for Lite tickets which are entitled to a bassinet seat for an additional charge. Only 1 free bassinet seat to one accompanying passenger will be granted. On flights to/from North America, passengers are entitled to 2 bassinet seats free of charge. The entitlement depends on availability, aircraft type and configuration.​

For your baby’s safety, please inform the flight crew of his/her current weight before the bassinet is installed. The bassinet will be installed after takeoff and will be removed by the flight crew before landing.

Whenever the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign is illuminated, you must remove the infant from the bassinet and hold him/her in your arms. The flight crew will assist you and guide you personally.

The flight crew will do whatever it can to assist you but cannot watch over your infant throughout the flight. The infant’s safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult.

EL AL may refuse to provide a bassinet for the infant if the flight crew believes it would be a safety hazard for the infant.

For safety reasons, it is not possible to purchase a business class seat for an infant in the 787 fleet (Dreamliner)​.​

Seats next to a bassinet can be booked through the Service Center or a travel agent.

Emirates

With our baby bassinets, you can rest easy while your baby sleeps soundly and securely. Request a seat with a bassinet for babies up to two years old when you book online or add one later through Manage a Booking. Just remember that you can’t request a bassinet if you have booked a normal seat on child’s fare rates. Also, note that our bassinets have specific dimensions and are limited in number.

Etihad Airways

Bassinet seats, if available, are complimentary. Just let us know before you select your seat by adding this as a special request for your infant at etihad.com/manage.

EVA Air

Baby bassinets are available aboard all EVA Air aircraft, but for safety reasons, height and weight limitations apply. Please advise us of your baby’s date of birth, height and weight when you make your reservation.

Frontier Airlines

Airplane bassinets are not currently offered on Frontier flights.

Garuda Indonesia

Baby bassinet is available on Garuda Indonesia selected aircraft and it is free of charge. Passengers must make the request well in advance via Garuda Call Center. Due to the limited numbers of baby bassinets available on each aircraft, baby bassinet service is based on first come first serve. Passengers will be informed by check-in staff regarding the limited numbers of bassinet. The maximum weight of an infant that can be accommodated in one bassinet is 9 kg.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue does not offer bassinets on their flights.

Tips for Smooth Family Travels:

• How to Get a U.S. Passport for Your Infant
• Baby Packing List for Your Next Family Vacation
• Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover

Hawaiian Airlines

We want your children to be as safe and comfortable as possible. Airplane bassinets are available on certain flights.

To use our bassinets, your child must be:

1. Under the age of 2 years old and
2. Cannot weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kgs).

The bassinet is 32” in length, 14.5” in width and 7” in height.

To reserve a bassinet, the accompanying adult must purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat. Please call to complete your reservation Hawaiian Airlines Reservations.

If you’d prefer not to purchase an Extra Comfort seat, you may see an airport customer service agent at check-in (on the day of departure) for bassinet availability. The Extra Comfort upgrade is provided as a courtesy, only one guest (adult traveling with the infant) is eligible for the upgrade. If available, Hawaiian Airlines will accept up to two (2) requests per flight. Confirmed bassinets will be assigned during the boarding process. Priority will be given to the customer with the earliest check-in time.*

*Bassinets are not guaranteed if requested upon check-in.

Iberia

There are a certain number of cots for infants who weigh up to 11 kg on each Iberia aircraft on inter-continental flights.

These cots, like the seats for the adults who accompany the infant, do not have to be booked online.

Please book a cot through an Iberia Office in your country, where you can also get information about booking a seat for yourself in the designated cot area in advance. Depending on the cabin class, booking a seat will incur an additional cost. 

Icelandair

Icelandair does not offer airplane bassinets currently however they offer several services for young babies that are very family-friendly. 

For example, they offer their youngest passengers complimentary fruit puree and oatmeal. In an effort to reduce food waste, they do ask that parents pre-order refreshments for their infants. Please contact their service center at least 24 hours prior to departure to add refreshments for your infant to your booking.

JAL

Our airplane bassinets are ideal for infants weighing up to 10.5kg (age 2). Dimensions (length: 72 cms, width: 30 cms, and depth: 15 cms). Bassinets are available on all routes. Advance reservations are required. Please note that bassinets are available in limited numbers and reservation may not always be possible.

KLM

KLM offers carrycots onboard intercontinental flights but requests are not guaranteed. You can request one via the My Trip section of its website or by contacting the KLM Customer Care Center.

Korean Air

Passengers on international flights requiring a baby bassinet can request this through the travel agency or the Korean Air Service Center.

Bassinet guidelines: Weight: 11kg/24.25lb or less, Height: 75cm/2.46ft or less. And bassinets are available on all international routes (Economy Class and Prestige Class in some aircraft models).

LATAM

If you are traveling with your baby, we offer you the possibility of carrying them during the flight (in Economy Cabin) in a comfortable and safe bassinet. Your baby must weigh up to 10 kilos and measure less than 71 cm. 

You can request the bassinet service by calling our Contact Center up to 4 hours before the flight. 

Service conditions

• You can request it on all routes operated by LATAM on Boeing 767, 777, 787 and Airbus 350. However, the service is subject to the availability of each flight. 
• The service is at no cost if you are traveling in a LATAM+ seat. If you are traveling with a companion who needs to travel next to you, they will have to purchase their seat.
• If you are traveling with more passengers, seat reservations are subject to the availability and conditions of the ticket you purchased. 

In-flight considerations

For safety reasons, the bassinet will be installed once the airplane departs and will be removed before arrival. Additionally, the bassinet must be installed in specific areas of the airplane. So certain seats must be assigned during the service reservation process. These are usually the first rows of the cabin or those facing a bulkhead.

Lufthansa

We have special airplane bassinets available on our entire long-haul fleet: these are perfectly suited to babies under 11 kg in weight and under 67 cm in length. The number of bassinets on board is limited. You can reserve a bassinet up to 52 hours before your flight departs. Please note that depending on your booking class, a seat reservation fee for the seat with the bassinet may apply. For further information, please contact our Service Center.

Malaysia Airlines

Passengers traveling with infants together with their traveling party are entitled to a complimentary Standard Seat only. All other seat types e.g. extra legroom etc. remain chargeable.   

Depending on the aircraft, a number of airplane 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. 

This Bassinet service must be requested at least 24 hours before departure through our Global Customer Contact Center.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines

A request for a baby bassinet can be made at the time of check-in at the airport. Babies who weigh no more than 11kg/24,25 lbs and not more than 75 cm/2.46 feet tall can travel using the onboard bassinet.

Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines does not offer bassinets on their flights.

Qantas Airways

You can choose a Seat with Bassinet in advance online, so you and your family can travel together in more comfort.

Seat with Bassinet is available for a charge, subject to availability, for customers traveling in international Economy and is complimentary for customers traveling internationally in First, Business or Premium Economy cabins, on flights operated by B787, A380 and A330 aircraft. This charge includes the seat with the bassinet only. A cost may apply for any adjacent seats booked. To select your seats, visit Manage booking.

In order to select a Seat with Bassinet, the infant: 

• Must be booked and traveling with an adult (parent or guardian)
• Must be less than 2 years of age, weigh less than 11kg and be able to lie flat in the bassinet at the time of travel. (Bassinets on Qantas flights are approximately 71cm long, 31cm wide, 26cm deep.) 

Qatar Airways

Our award-winning crew is on hand to ensure your flight goes smoothly. In addition to priority boarding and the option to reserve a bassinet seat, parents traveling with infants will have access to our special kit, which includes diapers, baby food and other items to make your little one feel at ease.

Qatar Airways provides bassinets for infants. Please contact your nearest Qatar Airways office to request bassinet seats. Please note that the maximum body weight of the infant should not exceed 11 kgs (24 Lbs) and the age must not exceed 24 months. Additionally, the infant must fit within the confines of the baby bassinet.

*Bassinets are not available in the First Class cabin on-board the Airbus 380.  To check the availability of a Bassinet position seat on a specific aircraft and within a particular cabin, please contact the nearest Qatar Airways office.

Ryanair

Ryanair does not offer airplane bassinets on their flights at the moment.

Singapore Airways

When flying with Singapore Airlines, bassinet seats in Premium Economy and Economy Class are reserved for passengers with infants, on a first-come-first-served basis. Each bassinet measures at 768mm (L) x 298mm (W) x 158mm (H), and can support a maximum weight of 14kg.

South African Airways

The use of a baby bassinet is restricted by the infant’s size and weight. Infants not exceeding 10kg and 75cm are eligible for a baby bassinet, subject to availability. We highly recommend eligible customers reserve a bassinet at their earliest convenience, by calling their nearest SAA office.

At a bulkhead seat, a cabin crew member can help to position a baby bassinet after take-off, once the seat belt signs have been switched off. The crew member will be required to confirm the age, weight and length of the infant prior to bringing the bassinet, to ensure the safety of the infant. A bassinet cannot be used during take-off and landing and can only be used during the flight when the seat belt signs are off. If the seat belt signs are illuminated, the infant must be removed from the bassinet.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines does not currently offer airplane bassinets on their flights.

SriLankan Airlines

Depending on the type of aircraft operating the flight, there is a limited number of airplane bassinets available on board. You can order a bassinet through our Global Contact Center or at your nearest ticket office. Bassinets will be provided based on the below criteria

• For the infants who are still not able to sit up unassisted.
• For infants who weigh above, 16kg bassinets cannot be provided.
• The infant should be able to fit into the bassinet. The legs should not be extending out of the bassinet. (our bassinet size is approximately 24” X 12” X 8”).
• When in use, the Infant shall be secured using the bassinet restraints.
• The bassinet shall not be fixed during taxi, take-off, and landing. For safety reasons, they can only be used once the aircraft is airborne and seat belt signs have been switched off. If the aircraft experiences turbulence and the seatbelt signs have been switched on, infants must be removed from the bassinet and secured on their adult’s lap using the infant seat belt.

Sunwing Airlines

Sunwing Airlines does not offer bassinets on their flights at this time.

Swiss International

Baby bassinets are available in all flight classes on long-haul flights and in Business Class on European flights. They are approved for babies of up to 8 months and weighing a maximum of 11 kg. The number of cots is limited, so please be sure to contact our ​Service Center in good time.

TAP Air Portugal

You can ask us to provide a cot if you are traveling with a baby. This service is free only on TAP-operated flights.

The following rules apply for the use of cots:

• They are only available on long-haul flights (except in the Executive Class of the A339) and Executive Class of some medium-haul aircraft;
• The baby must not weigh more than 11kg/24lbs and the baby must be no more than 12 months old;
• The cot dimensions are 75cm / 29 in long by 34 cm / 13 in wide and 22.4 cm / 8.8 in high;
• The baby must always fit comfortably inside the cot;
• The cot can never be used during take-off/landing and during periods of turbulence;
• There are designated seats on the aircraft for cots and their number is limited. Therefore, please inform us when booking of all the flights on which the infant needs a cot;
• The number of seats available for cots varies from one type of aircraft to another and if there is availability. This information is immediate and it will be confirmed when you book;
• Each adult may take only one baby.

Thai Airways

Inform the local reservation & ticketing officers about children’s information for appropriate seating and preparation of facilities on the aircraft. The bassinet is for babies less than 6 months of age, weighing less than 10 kg and not exceeding 62-67 cm in length.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines offers airplane bassinets free of charge for babies on flights.

Bassinets can be placed in front of extra legroom seats that often come with an extra charge. To book these seats and request a bassinet, it is best to call worldwide customer service at +90 850 333 0 849.

United Airlines

We provide free onboard airplane bassinets in United Polaris® business class and in Economy on some international flights. They can be used anytime during the flight when the seatbelt sign is off. Contact us to request yours.

Virgin Atlantic

All cots/bassinets should be requested in advance. You will need to speak to our contact centre to request a cot/bassinet.

• If you already have a booking, please log in to My Booking where you can speak to an advisor via web messaging.

• If you have not yet made your booking, please Contact us (click ‘Booking a flight’ and then ‘I want to book a flight’) and let the advisor know you would like to request a cot/bassinet.

Our teams will try to accommodate as many requests as possible. However, each of our aircraft carry a limited number of cots/bassinets onboard. These will be allocated in the order we receive the requests for each flight. Your seat number will be allocated ahead of Online Check In opening.

Virgin Australia

Bassinets are limited, so request a bassinet for your infant at the time of booking. The pre-allocation of bassinets is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Westjet Airlines

We are pleased to offer a bassinet for use on our 787 Dreamliner in the Economy cabin. 

You can request one bassinet when you book your flight. Check the availability of seats 9B, 9D, 9F, 9J or 25E on the 787-9. We may also be able to reserve a bassinet for you at the check-in counter at the airport if one is available.

Things to know:

• The infant must only be a maximum of 25 lbs (~9 kg), a maximum length of 26 in. (66cm), and unable to sit upright.
• Seats with a bassinet are only available in the bulkhead row, and these seats do not have under-seat storage.
• The bassinet must not be used to store items or as a change table. Service dogs, pets and carry- on items are not permitted in the bassinet at any time.
• The infant seat belt (safety net) must be fastened whenever the infant is in the bassinet.
• The infant cannot be left unattended in the bassinet.
• The infant must be lap held any time the seat belt sign is illuminated.
• Only a cabin crew member is permitted to attach or remove the bassinet from the wall mount.

Tips for Booking Bassinet Seats

When you first book your plane ticket I would immediately call customer service after booking and tell them you would like to reserve a bassinet seat. This does not guarantee you the airplane bassinet because they are given out on a first come first serve basis at the airport. BUT it does put you on their radar and alert the staff that someone on the flight wants to use a bassinet.

You can also call again periodically before your flight to continually verify that your reservation says you want a bassinet. However, this does not make it any more likely that you’ll actually receive a bassinet seat. Some people say it helps though so if you’re really worried, it may be worth a shot.

When you check into your flight, either at the front check-in when you drop off your luggage or at the gate, ask about getting the bassinet seat. I would ask during check-in and again once you get to the gate if you are checking luggage or only at the gate if you only have a carry-on. This is when you’ll actually be told whether you have received the bassinet seat. Do this first thing when you arrive, do not wait, do not grab food first etc. The airplane bassinets are given away on a first come first serve basis and planes have a limited number of bassinet seats. You never know how many other babies are on the flight.

How to Use an Airplane Bassinet/What to Expect 

In order to use an airplane bassinet you will be seated by a wall, typically called bulkhead seats. The bassinet is fastened to the wall so you must be sitting here. This row of seats has a little extra leg room and armrests that do not move and are often near the restrooms.

When you first get on the plane the bassinet will be stored away and your baby will have to sit in your lap for takeoff. Once the seatbelt sign goes off and the flight attendants have finished their duties one of them will come install the bassinet. If needed you can remind them. They may have forgotten or gotten busy or distracted. Just try to be kind, courteous and understanding if they don’t get to it right away.

You will have access to the bassinet for the duration of the flight. It is important to note however that in the case of rough turbulence, the baby is supposed to be removed from the airplane bassinet. This is for your child’s safety and the Velcro cover is not sturdy like a safety buckle.

About an hour before landing, in preparation for the plane’s descent a flight attendant will come by again to take down the bassinet. Then you will simply hold your child in your lap again for landing.

Pros/Cons of the Bassinet

Pros of Airplane Bassinets

The first positive to flying with an airline bassinet is definitely the ability to lay your baby down flat. This gives your arms a break from holding a lap child for a long-haul flight. This is also good even if you purchase your baby their own seat with a car seat. This way they can lay out completely flat rather than being strapped into an uncomfortable sitting position in a car seat for hours on end.

Your baby will most likely sleep better in a bassinet than in your arms or a car seat for that long. This will make them much more enjoyable travel companions during a long travel day. Plus you’ll be able to get more rest as well.

Even if your baby doesn’t want to sleep in the plane, if they are sitting up they can use the bassinet as a small play space without being on the floor of the plane.

Tips for Traveling With a Baby

• 17+ Baby Travel Essentials to Simplify Family Travel
• How to Travel with a Baby: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Take Baby Passport Photos at Home

Cons of Airplane Bassinets

Bassinet seats are typically close to the restrooms. Sometimes people congregate here as they wait to use the restroom and it can get a little noisy. In my experience planes are so loud it’s not a huge issue. However, a portable white noise machine can help dampen the noise and keep your baby asleep.

The bulkhead seats are nice because they offer extra legroom, however, there is no space for your belongings since there is no seat in front of you. So all items must be stored in the overhead bins which is inconvenient when you want to get anything out. It takes some smart arranging and planning to not need to constantly be getting something out of your backpacks, especially with a baby.

These seats also have armrests that are locked in place. I did not like this because we were traveling as a family of 4. My husband, myself, our 2-year-old toddler and a 3-month-old baby. Because the armrests didn’t move my toddler couldn’t lay down across the seat or lean on my husband or I. Luckily our flight out wasn’t full so my husband and toddler took over another empty row but on the way home it was a completely full flight so we wouldn’t have had that option.

The airplane bassinet also makes it very difficult for people in the middle seats to get in or out of their seats. I am a small person and I could barely get in or out. A bigger adult would have an even more difficult time.

Alternatives to a Bassinet 

As I briefly mentioned in the pros section above the alternatives for an airplane bassinet are either a car seat strapped to a seat or to fly as a lap child.

When you book your plane ticket, even if you hope to get a bassinet on the flight your child will be booked as a lap child. You will have to pay a nominal fee for international flights, usually around 10% of the ticket price.

If you don’t receive a bassinet then your baby will have to be held in your lap the entire flight. Unless you’re lucky and happen to be on a flight that isn’t completely full. This can be tiring especially on long international flights. For small babies it isn’t horrible if you bring a carrier to baby wear. My 3 month old most ate and slept in the carrier during the flight home when we didn’t receive a bassinet.

The other option is to bring a car seat onto the plane for your child to sit in. For this option, you can either book a seat for them to guarantee they have a spot or once you get to the gate you can ask if there are empty seats on the plane. If there are, ask to be seated by the empty seat and to bring your car seat on board. Most airlines and gate agents don’t have a problem with this and will try their best to accommodate you.

Airplane Bassinets for Flying with Babies

When traveling with a baby, one of the biggest concerns for parents is how to keep their little one comfortable and happy during the flight. One wonderful solution to this problem is using airplane bassinets. These special seats are designed specifically for babies on airplanes and offer a safe and cozy place for them to sleep or play.  Hopefully, now you feel confident with everything you need to know about reserving and using airplane bassinets.

Although bassinets can be game changers just remember they are not the end all be all. They do not guarantee a smooth flight with a baby. I once was on an overnight flight and we missed out on the bassinet, but the baby that got it cried almost the entire flight. My baby fell asleep along with my arms while holding him but we got there with pretty minimal crying. So just stay calm, do your best and remember, this is temporary and it will end.