REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Travelling with a baby can feel overwhelming. Long flights, cramped spaces, and having to keep your baby entertained and comfortable can be a real challenge.
For a long time, bassinets on long-haul flights have been a lifesaver for parents. These are small cots, usually attached to the bulkhead wall in front of certain seats to give babies a safe and cosy space to sleep during the flight.
It gives parents at least a short break from holding the baby in their arms the entire time, and provides the baby with a comfortable place for a more restful sleep in a lying-down position rather than being stuck upright.
The short answer is no, bassinets are not guaranteed on every long-haul flight, even if most major international airlines still provide them. Many airlines offer bassinets free of charge, but they are available only in limited numbers and must be reserved in advance.
Some airlines allow online requests, while others require you to call customer service directly. It is also important to remember that having a bassinet seat does not automatically mean you will get the bassinet. They are usually provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also, note that budget airlines and low-cost carriers often do not provide bassinets, even on long-haul routes. This is mostly because their focus is on maximising seating capacity.
Every airline has its own rules. For example, some airlines allow bassinets only for infants under 10 kg (about 22 lbs), while others allow up to 14 kg (about 30 lbs). Length restrictions also apply, usually less than 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), since bassinets are designed for very young babies, not toddlers.
Bassinets are always placed in the bulkhead seats, which are the rows at the front of each cabin section. This is because the bassinets attach to the wall in front, giving enough space to secure them. This means that there are only a handful of available spots on each plane, so early booking is essential.
You have to keep in mind that even if you reserve a bulkhead seat, the bassinet is not guaranteed. You must specifically request one through the airline. Different airlines also have different priorities and follow different procedures. For example, some airlines prioritise families travelling with infants, while others allocate them closer to the flight date.
If you cannot secure a bassinet, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat, which can be installed in the aircraft seat. Some parents find car seats more reliable because they don’t depend on airline availability. Otherwise, you will have to hold your baby throughout the flight.
While bassinets are still widely offered, parents should not fully rely on them being available. The demand is high, and the supply is limited. Always contact the airline right after booking your ticket and request a bassinet early. Make sure to also follow up a few days before the flight to double-check and have a backup plan in case a bassinet isn’t available (such as a baby carrier or travel car seat).
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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