A Complete Guide to Getting and Using Airplane Baby Bassinets

Taking a baby on a plane has always been the subject of lots of discussions, as young parents have to know how to travel with their little precious ones and do it as best as they can. Such questions as, how to soothe a crying baby, how much baby food can be taken on a trip, or how to use a bassinet seat on planes are and should be asked to ensure a safe and trouble-free trip with a baby. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the last question from the ones listed above, to give you the possibility of getting all the answers in one place. How amazing is that? Read on to find out how to get and use an airplane baby bassinet.

What is a Plane Baby Bassinet?

A plane bassinet is a travel cot that is detachable from the bulkhead walls, and sometimes, from the seats in front (depending on the airline and the construction of the plane). Especially on an international flight, bassinets are the life savior for parents that are flying with babies. The only requirements to get granted a plane baby bassinet is to have available one for your baby and to follow the weight and size limits of a certain air carrier. Additional requirements can be set by airlines, and these can vary from airline to airline. We suggest reserving this useful baby travel crib only if your precious little one at most six months old, weighs less than 20lbs, and can’t stay uprights without your support.

Airplane Bassinet Safety

Now that the question “Do airlines provide bassinets?” is answered, we can move on to another important question - “Are plane bassinets safe?”. With this question in mind, we can certainly say “Yes,” although there are some restraints that should be complied with.

The best place to travel for a baby, however, is an FAA-approved car seat, but not everyone has the possibility or the desire to purchase one. Taking babies under the age of two on a plane ride is convenient as they can travel free of charge, and sometimes for a small fee, on their parent’s lap. Nonetheless, long-haul flights can be tiresome for adults alone, not saying for parents traveling with babies. So, there’s when plane bassinets come handy.

How safe an airplane bassinet is?

Giving the fact that most bassinets on planes are secured with a velcro strap to keep your baby safe, it is understandable why there are weight and size limits. It is also required to keep your baby in your arms during taxis, take-offs, landings, and also in case turbulence occurs. It is also recommended to keep your baby’s position with his feet towards the aisle (probably for the flight attendants to see the baby's face and keep everything under control) and to prevent his head from being knocked in case somebody stumbles in the aisle.

Or a car seat is worth the purchase?

Requesting a special travel bassinet for airplane rides is always possible, but when it comes to bringing a car seat, it can be difficult. Not everyone can afford one and want to carry it around the whole time. There is no bassinet for bigger babies aboard, that’s why taking a baby car seat or a baby bassinet on plane can be better and more safe for your baby.

Airplane Bassinet Cover - is it a Necessity?

Though airplane bassinet covers aren’t provided by air carriers, you would like to purchase one if your baby needs it. Since bulkheads are usually busy places on a plane, you’d want to protect your baby from lights, noises, and other stimulants on the plane.

You can also use a blanket to cover the bassinet if you don’t want to purchase a specialized cover. We recommend making a barrier between your baby and the bassinet since babies are quite messy, and who knows when the bassinet saw a good clean.

Booking A Plane Bassinet

As expected, there is a limited number of plane bassinets available. What’s more, these are provided only by request. So, when booking your flight tickets, request a plane baby bassinet. The airline bassinet policies are different for each airline, so make sure you stay informed about it. The most common rule of reserving travel bassinet for plane rides is to make your request not later than 24 hours before the departure. If you are booking well in advance, make sure to notify the air carrier again prior to your flight.

As an air traveler, you have several options for booking your flight tickets and proceed flying with a baby. Consequently, booking an airplane bassinet might be different for each type of booking.

Booking with a travel agent

Booking with a travel agent means putting all the responsibility for your flight in his hands. Thus, you would like to make sure he’s familiar with the process of reserving a baby bassinet. In case you are reserving far in advance, give him a reminder so that he doesn’t forget booking a baby bassinet for you.

Booking directly with an air carrier

When booking tickets directly with an airline, call them to reserve specific seats for yourself and a bassinet for your little bundle of joy. Note that you’ll have to stay on hold for a long time, and keep your travel documentation close, as you may provide info on your reservation and confirmation number. A piece of paper and a pen would be handy as well, as there might be some important info that you wouldn’t want to forget.

Booking with an OTA (Online Travel Agency)

Making tickets reservations with an agency like Ovago.com can be convenient. But that means you would have to follow the above-mentioned process anyway. Sometimes it may happen to have different airlines operating your flights, especially when having connecting flights or a code share flight. Thus, the time you spend on hold is increased, but what you don’t do to ensure a comfortable flight for yourself and your baby?

Airlines with Bassinets Available

Not every air carrier is offering plane baby bassinets, nor their policies are the same. Additionally, there is one more factor that determines the availability of a baby bassinet - airplane's construct. Eventually, keep an eye on these to be able to get one.

You’d also want to follow airplane bassinet weight limits to be granted one, as well as to ensure a safe flight for your baby. Airflyby Team gathered a list of airlines that provide travel cots.

List of airlines that have available plane bassinets:

American Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets are given in the order of appearance at the gate. These are provided on 767-300, 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.
• Bassinets are not provided in First or  Business class cabins.
• The maximum age of an infant has to be 2 years and the weight limit is 20lbs (9kg).

Lufthansa German Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets can be provided on long-haul flights.
• Weight and size limit: 24lbs (11kg) and 26.5 inches (67 cm) in length.
• As the number of plane bassinets is limited, a reservation 52 hours in advance is needed.
• Depending on the seating class, a seating reservation fee can be applied.

Qantas Airways Bassinet

• When booking flight tickets, a reservation for bassinet can be done.
• Bassinet dimension: 28x12x10 inches (71x31x26 cm).
• Weight limit - 24lbs (11kg).

Hainan Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets are available on international flights and wide-body aircraft.
• Bassinet dimension: 28.5 inches (72 cm).
• Weight limit - 24lbs (11kg).
• You should contact the airline not later than 24 hours before the departure time by phone or email ( [email protected]).

Eva Air Bassinet
Bassinets can be provided aboard all Eva Airways aircraft, but measurement and weight limits are applied.

Emirates Bassinet

• Bassinet dimension: 29.5x13x8.8 inches (75x33x22 cm).
• Emirates Bassinet Weight limit - 24lbs (11kg).
• As bassinets are provided in limited number, these should be requested when booking tickets and choosing seats.

Alaska Airlines Infant Bassinet
Bassinets are not available.

Delta Air Lines Bassinet

• Plane bassinets are provided on international flights on equipped aircraft.
• Weight and size limits: 20 lbs (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) long.
• Bassinets (on Delta Air Lines - SkyCots) are offered in limited numbers if requested upon arrival at the airport.

Cathay Pacific Airways Bassinet

• Bassinets are recommended for babies under 6 months.
• Available on all flights excluding Cathay Dragon flights operated by Airbus A320 aircraft.
• Dimensions: 30x15x8 inches (76.2x38.1x20.32 cm)
• Weight limit: 26.5 lbs (12 kg).
• Bassinets can be provided on request when making seat reservations.

United Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets are offers on international aircraft only after a request over the phone: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).
• Weight limit: 22 lbs (10 kg).
• Bassinets are available for:
• United Polaris® business class on select 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft,
• United Economy® on 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft.
  Not available for United Business® or United First®.

All Nippon Airways Bassinet

• Bassinets can be requested no later than 48 hours before the departure.
• Dimensions: 33.5x17.7x13 inches (85x45x33 cm)
• Weight limit: 22 lbs (10 kg).
• Bassinets aren’t available for first class flights.
• A special blanket is provided additionally.
• Bassinets can differ for each aircraft.

Singapore Airlines Bassinet

• Dimensions: 30.2x11.7x6.2 inches (76.8x29.8x15.8 cm).
• Weight limit: 30.9 lbs (14 kg).
• Bassinets are offered on first-served basis.

Hawaiian Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets are recommended for babies under the age of 2.
• Dimensions: 32x14.5x7 inches (81.3x36.8x17.8 cm).
• Weight limit: 20 lbs (9 kg).
• On Airbus A330 international flights to/from Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and Japan, bassinets should be reserved through Hawaiian Airlines Reservation.
• A bassinet-compatible ticket has to be purchased, specifically in the Extra Comfort seat in Row 14 (14 AB, CD or EG, HJ) to reserve a bassinet.
• On Boeing B767 flights to/from Sapporo, bassinets can only be requested at check-in on the day of departure.  

Oman Air Bassinet
Bassinets are provided only for special seats, thus, you should book tickets well in advance to be provided with one.

Swiss International Air Lines Bassinet

• Bassinets are available for passengers taking long-haul flights (in all classes), and flights within Europe (only in Business Class).
• Bassinets can and should be reserved well in advance.
• Suitable for babies under 8 months old.
• Weight limit: 24 lbs (11 kg).

Etihad Airways Bassinet

• Bassinets are available for babies between the are of 7 days and 23 months.
• Provided at check-in on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Weight limit: 24 lbs (11 kg).

Air France Bassinet

• Plane bassinets are provided on long-haul flights in the Business, Premium Economy and Economy classes.
• Bassinets can be requested no later than 48 hours before the departure.
• Air France bassinet weight limit and size limit: 22 lbs (10 kg) and up to 27 inches (70 cm) long.

Thai Airways Baby Bassinet

• Bassinets are provided with prior reservation and notice.
• Bassinets are recommended for babies under 6 months.
• Weight and size limits: 22 lbs (10 kg) and up to 26.4 inches (67 cm) long.

Qatar Airways Bassinet

• Bassinets are provided with prior reservation and notice.
• Bassinets are recommended for babies under the age of 2.
• Weight limit: 24 lbs (11 kg).
• Not available for First Class cabin on-board the Airbus 380.
• Special seat reservation needed, thus, a prior notice should be made.

JetBlue Bassinet
Bassinets are not available.

Malaysia Airlines Bassinet
Bassinets can be requested no later than 24 hours before the departure.

Asiana Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets can be requested no later than 48 hours before the departure.
• Available in Economy and Business Class only:
• Business Class - A350, A380, B777 aircraft: Size and weight limits: 28 inches (71 cm) and 22lbs (10 kg). A321, A330, B747, B767: 30 inches (76 cm) and 30.9lbs (14 kg).
• Economy Class - All aircrafts: 30 inches (76 cm) and 30.9lbs (14 kg).

Korean Air Bassinet

• Bassinets are available only for international flights in Economy and Prestige Class on specific aircraft.
• Bassinets can be requested no later than 48 hours before the departure.
• Weight and size limits: 24.2 lbs (11 kg) and up to 29.5 inches (75 cm) long.

China Southern Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets can be provided for flights longer than 3 hours only in Economy and Premium Economy Class operated by B777, B787, A330, A350, and A380 aircraft.
• Bassinets can be requested no later than 24 hours before the departure.
• Weight and size limits: 25 lbs (12 kg) and up to 27.6 inches (70 cm) long.
• Bassinets are recommended for babies under the age of 1.

Baby Bassinet Garuda Indonesia

• Available in selected aircraft.
• Bassinets are provided with prior reservation and notice.
• Provided at check-in on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Weight limit: 20 lbs (9 kg).

British Airways Bassinet

• Bassinets are available for babies between the are of 9 and 12 months.
• Available in the following seats on the A330: 10A/C, 10H/K, 20A/C, 20H/K, 28D/E and 28F/G.
• Weight and size limits: 24 lbs (11 kg) and up to 25 inches (65 cm) long.
• Bassinets are provided with prior reservation and notice.

Baby Bassinet Saudi Airlines
Bassinets are not available.

Japan Airlines Bassinet

• Bassinets are provided with prior reservation and notice.
• Dimensions: 28.3x11.8x5.9 inches (72x30x15 cm)
• Weight limit: 23 lbs (10.5 kg).
• Bassinets are recommended for babies under the age of 2.

Last Updated on January 30, 2020.