Everything You Need to Know About Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet

An airplane bassinet sounds ideal for long flights, but we know you have questions…

• Are airplane bassinets safe?
• Do airplane bassinets cost extra?
• How do you book an airplane bassinet?
• Which airlines have bassinets for infants?

We answer these questions (and more!) below. Then, scroll down for a complete list of which airlines offer bassinets for infants on their planes and their policies.

What Is an Airplane Bassinet?

An airplane bassinet is a detachable cot that is sometimes available for those flying with a lap infant. Airplane bassinets are set up on the bulkhead seats. They are reserved in advance. Different airlines have different policies regarding booking and/or using bassinets (see below). However, most will suggest they are for infants that are six-months-old or younger, have a weight limit of under 20lbs, and can only be used for babies who are not yet able to sit upright unassisted.

Is it Safe to Use an Airplane Bassinet?

Without question, the safest place for a baby to sit on an airplane is in their own seat, in a FAA-approved car seat. But, this is not a legal requirement. On most airlines, children under 24-months are fly for free or for a small service fee if they fly as a lap infant.

Having a baby on your lap for a long flight can definitely become tiresome. Flying with a newborn or young infant is stressful enough as it is, so having a space where baby (and your arms!) can have a rest may definitely be welcomed.

Safety restraints in airplane bassinets…

Most bassinets do not have any safety restraints beyond a velcro strap. That’s the main reason they are not advised for older babies who can sit up or pull up. During take-off, taxi, landing, and during bouts of turbulence when the seat belt sign is turned on, you must take your baby out of the bassinet and hold them in your arms. Most recommend that baby’s feet are towards the aisle, probably so flight attendants can see baby’s face when walking past and to prevent baby’s head from being knocked if someone stumbles in the aisle.

Having said that, most pictures on the internet show smiling babies sitting up in the bassinets or various arms and legs hanging out. It’s clear that not all airlines enforce what appear to be universal guidelines.

Should you just buy baby a seat?

Not everyone can afford or wants to purchase a seat for a baby on a plane if they don’t have to. And flying with car seats can definitely be a pain. An airplane bassinet is not any safer than your lap or arms but is not unsafe under most flying conditions.

Sometimes the bassinets are already set up when you board. And sometimes the flight attendants distribute them after take off. Clarify with the gate agent prior to boarding for peace of mind.

Do I Need to Use an Airplane Bassinet Cover?

Obviously you would want to give the bassinet a wipe down before putting your baby in it. But knowing the messes babies can make, I’d feel more confident with a barrier of some sort. A playpen sheet or large-ish receiving blanket would likely be sufficient.

The bulkheads are pretty busy places on a plane. Keeping stimulation to a minimum is key to help babies and toddlers sleep on planes.  The CoziGo travel cover was created for that very purpose. British Airways even suggests using it on their website!

How to Book an Airplane Bassinet:

On any given flight, there is only a limited number of bassinets available. Bassinets are often free. But, sometimes you must pay extra to secure the bulkhead. Prior to booking, familiarize yourself with the policies of the airlines you will likely fly on. And the earlier you book your flights, the better.

Travel Agents…

If you’re booking using a travel agent, ensure said agent is familiar with the process of securing an airplane bassinet and remind them of the importance of having one. Here you are putting the responsibility of this in someone else’s hands. However, you’ll have someone to blame if things don’t work out.

Direct with the airline…

If you’re booking directly on the airline’s website, you will need to call them immediately after making your reservations to reserve your seats and the bassinet. and since many airlines don’t charge extra for pre-booking seats if you are flying with children (in order to keep everyone together) you would have to do this anyway. Plan to remain on hold for a very long time. Lastly, have all your documentation handy, your reservation and confirmation numbers, as well as paper and a pen to jot down important details.

Using Online Travel Agents…

Booking flights using Expedia or similar means you will have to follow the above and call the airlines directly. Keep in mind your flights may not all be on the same airlines. Pay special attention to connections and if the flights you’ve chosen are being operating as a code share, meaning partner airlines are booking seats on other airlines’ aircraft. Doing all of this will add to the time you spend on the phone. But, it’s worth it to have your ducks in a row pre-flight.

Lastly, Following Up…

If you’re booking and reserving several months out, follow up with your airline in the weeks and days leading up to your trip. Yes, this means more time on hold and on the phone. Again, it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Which Airlines Offer Bassinets for Infants?

Not all airlines offer bassinets, and not all airlines’ policies on booking and using an airplane bassinet are the same. Below is a complete list of which airlines offer bassinets for infants, and what their policies are.

Select from the table of contents below or scroll down to peruse the different options.

Alphabetical List of Airlines’ Bassinet Policies:

Aer Lingus Airplane Bassinets

From the Aer Lingus website:

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. Basinet 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

From the Aeroflot website:

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 it. The number of spaces for bassinets depend 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.

Please note:

The use of online check-in may result in the system changing the seat preselected by the airline and the loss of the ability to select seats in the bassinet row.

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 Airplane Bassinets

From the Aeromexico website:

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 Bassinets

From Air Canada’s website:

If you’re travelling 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 served basis, subject to availability at time of flight departure.

Bassinets may be provided on the following aircraft:

Boeing 787-9 (789)
The Boeing 787-8 (788)
Boeing 777-300ER (77W)
Boeing 777-200LR (77L)
Airbus A330 (333)
Boeing 767-300ER (763)

For safety reasons:

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

The cabin crew is responsible for installing the bassinet once the seat belt sign has been turned off.

Please note that bassinets are installed at bulkhead rows where armrests do not lift.

Air France Bassinets

From Air France’s website:

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 India Bassinets

From Air India’s website:

The preferred seat select scheme is available on the website on select routes operated by Air India. … The paid seat selection doesn’t include Bassinet seats for infants which are free of charge.

According to Seat Guru:

Bassinets can be requested for at the time of reservation, ticketing, or reconfirmation of the booking. Call Air India’s reservations center, the nearest Air India office, or the travel agent to request a bassinet. The bassinet provided is 71 cm x 36 cm x 19 cm (L x B x H). The infant must be under two years old and can fit in the bassinet.

Air Mauritius Bassinets

From the Air Mauritius website:

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 Bassinets

From Air New Zealand’s website:

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 travelling with an infant aged between 8 months and 15 months (weighing a maximum of 11.8kg/26lb) and have not prepurchased 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 Seychelles Bassinets

From the Air Seychelles website:

Baby bassinets may be requested for infants up to 6 months of age and not weighing more than 11kg/25 lbs. Bassinets are subject to availability. Requests should be made at the time of reservation.

Air Transat Bassinets

From Air Transat’s website:

Maximum infant weight 11 kg (24 lbs)

Infant’s size may not exceed the dimensions of the bassinette: 68 x 30 x 15 cm (27 x 12 x 6 in)

Safe for non-active infants who are unable to sit upright; your bassinette will remain on request until a crew member has assessed the suitability once on board

Limited availability, at bulkhead seats only

Alaska Air Bassinets

Bassinets are not available for infants on Alaska Air.

Alitalia ((ITA Airways) Airplane Bassinets

From their website:

Some long-haul flights offer on-board bassinets, for children less than 76 cm long and weighing no more than 11 kg, which can be requested when booking. For operational reasons, this service might not be guaranteed on board, even if booked. In this case, the child must travel in the adult’s lap. 

American Airlines Bassinets

From the American Airlines website:

Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 767-300, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.

Bassinets are not available in First/business Class cabins.

Asiana Airplane Bassinets

From Asiana’s website:

A baby bassinet is provided for passengers traveling with an infant.

Avianca Airplane Bassinets

From Avianca’s website:

Baby cot or bassinet

• You can purchase the service when booking your flight at the contact centre or at the airport counters. You can also request it at our chat. 
• You can apply for this service if your baby is 12 months old or younger, 74 centimetres tall and weighs up to 11 kilograms.
• The cradle will be installed when the aircraft takes off and uninstalled before landing. 
• We take care of every detail so that your baby flies on well-maintained equipment in good condition, so we have a limited quota of 3 cots per type of aircraft and chairs selected to provide this service.
• Due to operational issues, the aircraft assigned to the trip may change. In this case, we cannot guarantee the service.
• Flights operated by Avianca Ecuador S.A. do not have this service.

British Airways Bassinets

Seriously, British Airways rules when it comes to flying with an infant. (See Flying British Airways with a Baby). Not only do they offer bassinets, they have child seats for older babies as well. Read on, from the British Airways website:

On our long haul services, we provide carrycots and infant seats free of charge for babies up to 2 years old, weighing under 12.5 kg (27.5lbs) that can be used in flight when the seat belt signs are off. If you’ve chosen a carrycot seating position, your crew will offer you a carrycot or infant seat for your baby, subject to availability and aircraft type.

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. You can bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover to lessen distractions from light and movement. 

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 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 greater need for the space, such as a wheelchair user.

Bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover

You can bring your own CoziGo carrycot cover which can be used with all styles of carrycots on our long haul flights.

Cathay Pacific Airplane Bassinets

From the Cathay Pacific website:

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 Bassinets

The information on the China Airlines website is limited:

• 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 travelling with infants have priority to sit in the bulkhead seat that has more space to place the bassinet. 
• We encourage you to request for 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 Bassinets

From the China Southern Airlines website:

Bassinet

I. Applicable Routes

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 the infants who do not occupy seats.

II. When to Apply

If you wish to use this service, please apply to the ticket office affiliated with China Southern Airlines at the origin of the flight 24 hours prior to departure.

III. Applicable Passengers

Passengers who hold infant tickets and are at the age of one year old or below on the day of travel, with weight no more than 12 kg (25 lbs) and height no more than 70 cm.

IV. Quota

Since there is a limited number of bassinets provided for each aircraft, if you need to use this service, please request as soon as possible by logging in to China Southern Airlines’ official website, calling China Southern Airlines Customer Service Center 95539, or visiting the local ticket office affiliated with China Southern Airlines.

V. Change and Refund

For passengers who have successfully reserved the infant bassinet service, flight/ date change or service cancellation shall be handled as per the ticket use rules; upon ticket change, if the service is still needed, please apply for it again according to the application procedure.

In case of flight abnormality, we will:

1) After obtaining passengers’ consent, help special passengers and their companions change to flights where special services are available, which is free of charge;

2) After obtaining passengers’ consent, perform involuntary refund for special passengers and their companions.

Condor Airplane Bassinets

From Condor’s website:

Upon request and subject to availability, bassinets/baby carriers can be reserved in Premium Class and Business Class on longhaul flights (Zones 3, 4 and 5).

Please note that bassinets/baby carriers are only suitable and intended for infants up to 6 months and/or max. 8 kg. These can be reserved Monday – Friday via our Special Reservations service no later than 48 hours prior to departure.

Czech Airlines Bassinets

From the Czech Airlines website:

Children under 2 years of age may travel in a baby cot with 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 Airplane Bassinets

From Delta’s website:

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

EasyJet Airplane Bassinets

There is no information on EasyJet’s website about bassinets. But they do appear to allow you to gate check strollers and an any additional item for free, so that’s nice.

El Al Airplane Bassinets

From El Al’s website:

• 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 depending 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 believe 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 Airplane Bassinets

From Emirates’ website:

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 Airplane Bassinets

From Etihad’s website:

The safety of your child is our number one priority. For infants weighing up to 11kg, our bassinets are specially designed carry-cots to help your baby sleep flat during the flight. Your baby must weigh less than 11kg and be up to 75cm tall, and they must be able to fit comfortably in the bassinet.

Our cabin crew will confirm that your infant fits comfortably and safely in the bassinet before affixing it at your seat position. You may request a baby bassinet when you book your flight or through Manage my booking. All bassinets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For safety reasons, you may only use a bassinet when the seatbelt sign is switched off and when the cabin crew permit you to do so. When the seatbelt sign is on, you must secure your child on your lap using an infant seatbelt; our cabin crew will provide a seatbelt for you and show you how to use it. You may also use an approved car seat or child restraint device.

EVA Air Bassinets

From EVA Air’s website:

• 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.

The bassinets list on EVA Air’s aircraft:

Garuda Indonesia Airplane Bassinets

From the Garuda Indonesia website:

Baby Bassinet is available on Garuda Indonesia selected aircraft and its free of charge. Passenger must be requested well in advance via Garuda Call Center. Due to limited numbers of baby bassinet available on each aircraft, baby bassinet service is based on first come first serve. Passenger will inform by check-in staff regarding the limited numbers of bassinet. Maximum weight of infant that can be accommodated in one bassinet is 9 kg.

Gulf Air Bassinets

From Gulf Air’s website:

• Infants up to 7 months old, weighing no more than 10 kg and not more than 26” in length can travel using the onboard bassinets* (carry-cots). Please request a bassinet when you book your ticket to ensure availability and to obtain advance confirmation. Should the baby – irrespective of age and advance confirmation from the airline – exceed these set limits, our Cabin Crew will not allow the use of a bassinet as this is perceived as being unsafe and not in compliance with civil airline safety regulations.

Remember to pre-reserve a bassinet on all flights during your journey, not just the first sector.
*Please note that bassinets are not available in Falcon Gold cabin on our new Boeing Dreamliner 787 

Jet Blue Airplane Bassinets

Jet Blue does not offer bassinets on any of their aircraft, but they are renowned for being a very family-friendly airline.

Hawaiian Airlines Bassinets

From the Hawaiian Airlines website:

We want your children to be as safe and comfortable as possible. Bassinets are available on our flights listed below.

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.

You may reserve bassinets in Extra Comfort on our A330 flights to/from the following cities:

• Auckland, New Zealand (AKL)
• Austin, Texas (AUS)
• Boston, Massachusetts (BOS)
• Chitose – Sapporo, Japan (CTS)
• Haneda -Tokyo, Japan (HND)
• Incheon, Korea (ICN)
• Fukuoka, Japan (FUK)
• Narita – Tokyo, Japan (NRT)
• New York City, New York (JFK)
• Orlando, Florida (MCO)
• Osaka-Kansai, Japan (KIX)
• Sydney, Australia (SYD)

To reserve a bassinet, the accompanying adult must purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat. Please follow the below instructions to complete your reservation:

1. Call Hawaiian Airlines Reservations
2. Request to reserve a bassinet for your international, AUS, BOS, JFK, or MCO flight
3. If available, the accompanying adult must purchase an Extra Comfort seat in Row 14 (14 AB, CD or EG, HJ)
   • If you prefer, you may purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat online and reserve the bassinet over the phone once you have a confirmed seat in Row 14
4. Once your seat is purchased and bassinet is reserved, your reservation will be confirmed

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. If 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 Airplane Bassinets

From Iberia’s website:

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 Bassinets

Icelandair does not offer bassinets on any of their flights.

JAL Airplane Bassinets

From JAL’s website:

Our bassinets are ideal for infants weighing up to 10.5kg (age 2).

Dimensions (length: 72 cms, width: 30cms, and depth: 15 cms).

Available on routes:
All Routes

JAL Group Offices and Contact Us

• Advance reservations are required.
  Please note that bassinets are available in limited numbers and reservation may not always be possible.

KLM Airplane Bassinets

From KLM’s website:

Are you flying intercontinental, and your baby does not have their own seat? A carrycot might be a comfortable option for both your little one and you. You can request one by contacting the KLM Customer Contact Centre. When you request a carrycot, we’ll do our best to arrange one for you, although there are no guarantees until you board. The sooner you reach out to us, the better the chances are.

We advise checking how tall your baby is and how much they weigh. Carrycots are suitable for babies weighing no more than 10 kg and are up to 65 cm tall on the day of the trip.

Korean Air Bassinets

From Korean Air’s website:

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

Baby bassinets

The bassinet cannot be used if your child is taller or heavier than specified even if you have requested it in advance.

LATAM Airlines Bassinets

From the LATAM Airlines website:

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.

Lufthansa Airplane Bassinets

From Lufthansa’s website:

On our entire long-haul fleet we have special baby cots available to you. The bassinets are perfectly suited for babies up to 14 kg in weight and up to 83 cm in length. The number of bassinets on board is limited. You can reserve the baby cots up to 48 hours before flight departure. Please note that a seat reservation fee for the seat with bassinet may apply depending on your ticket condition. For further information please contact our Lufthansa Service Center.

Malaysia Airlines Bassinets

From the Malaysia Airlines website:

Depending on the aircraft, a number of 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:
1. Call our Global Customer Contact Centre: 

• 1 300 88 3000 (calls within Malaysia) or
• +603 7843 3000 (calls outside Malaysia) or

2. For Travel Agent’s booking, kindly refer to the respective appointed Travel Agent for assistance.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines Bassinets

From the MIAT Mongolian Airlines website:

A request for a baby bassinet can be made at time of check-in at the airport.

Bassinet size:

Maximum capacity: 11 kg (24.25 lbs)
Length х Width х Height: 75 х 34 х 22.4 см (29.5 x 13.38 x 8.82 inch)

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 Bassinets

There are no bassinets available on any Porter Airlines fights. They are a very infant-friendly airline otherwise.

Primera Air Bassinets

According to Primera Air’s website, they do not provide child seats or bassinets, but they have a number of seating options for infants, including child fares.

Qantas Airplane Bassinets

From the Qantas website:

All infants booked online are booked without a seat and must travel either in the lap of the adult travelling with them or be placed in the bassinet if available when permitted during flight.  

If preferred, 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 travelling in international Economy and is complimentary for customers travelling internationally in First, Business or Premium Economy cabins, on flights operated by B787, A380 and A330 aircraft. This charge includes the seat with 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 travelling 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.) 

If the infant doesn’t comfortably fit within the specifications of a bassinet, they must travel in the lap of the adult travelling with them. In this situation, you may be moved from your Seat with Bassinet to accommodate other customers travelling with infants.

When booking online, there is a limit of one infant per adult booked. If you need to book an infant with a seat or book travel that involves more infants than adults, please contact us to make your booking. When more than one infant travels with one adult, each additional infant must occupy a seat and be able to sit upright without assistance or travel in an approved child car seat or restraint.

Please be aware that you’ll also need to confirm directly with any other airlines operating flights on your booking their policies in relation to infants occupying a seat and ensure you comply with them.

Qatar Airways Bassinets

From the Qatar Airways website:

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 availability of a Bassinet position seat on a specific aircraft and within a particular cabin, please contact the nearest Qatar Airways office.   

Ryanair Bassinets

According to the Ryanair website, bassinets are not available on Ryanair flights, but they do have a number of seating options for infants, including an “Infant Comfort” seat where baby is required to be held during taxi, takeoff, and landing, but may occupy the additional seat (without a car seat or restraint) during the flight.

Singapore Airlines Bassinets

From the Singapore Airlines website:

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.

If you have a Scoot flight in your itinerary, please note that bassinets are not provided on board Scoot flights.​

South African Airways Bassinets

From South African Airways’ website:

The use of a baby bassinet is restricted by the infant 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 Airplane Bassinets

Southwest does not offer bassinets on any of their flights but, according to their website, they offer a number of infant seating options (including infant fares) and flying Southwest with a baby is typically a more welcoming experience.

SriLankan Airlines Bassinets

From the SriLankan Airlines website:

Depending on the type of aircraft operating the flight, there is a limited number of 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 Airplane Bassinets

Sunwing does not offer bassinets on any of their flights. However, for a charter, flying Sunwing with a baby is a pretty decent experience.

SWISS Airplane Bassinets

From the SWISS website:

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 Portugal Airplane Bassinets

From TAP’s website:

You can ask us to provide a cot if you are travelling 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 Bassinets

From the Thai Airways website:

The Bassinet for babies less than 6 months of age, weighing less than 10 kg and not exceeding 62 67 cm in length.

Thomas Cook Airlines Bassinets

Thomas Cook Airlines does not offer bassinets or carrycots on their website, and a lap infant’s fare is 10% of an adult’s.

TUI Airways Bassinets

TUI does not offer bassinets or cots on any of their flights, including long-haul destinations.

Turkish Airlines Bassinets

Strangely, Turkish Airlines is very vague on whether or not they offer bassinets, despite there being a picture of one on their website. does not offer bassinets or special infant seats on their flights. However, according to their website, you can request a flight attendant to be a “carer” to assist you during the flight.

United Airplane Bassinets

From United’s website:

We provide free onboard 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 Bassinets

From Virgin Atlantic’s website:

All cots/bassinets need to be pre-booked before your flight.

You will need to speak to our contact centre to pre-book a cot/bassinet. This is because each of our aircraft carries a limited number of cots/bassinets, so we need to check the availability before pre-booking one.

• 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 and wish to check the cot/bassinet availability before you book, please Contact Us  by telephone. When a sky cot/bassinet has been pre-booked, seat numbers will be assigned by the airport on the day of departure.

When a sky cot/bassinet has been pre-booked, seat numbers will be assigned by the airport on the day of departure.

Refer to the tables below to help you understand cots for your baby or infant.

Economy and Premium sky cots

	Boeing 787-9, Airbus A330 and Airbus A350
Dimensions	28.6cm wide x 72.7cm long (11.25” wide x 28.6” long)
Maximum weight of baby	11kg (24.25lb)
Maximum height of baby	760mm (30”)

Upper Class sky cots

	Boeing 787-9, Airbus A330 and Airbus A350
Dimensions	35cm wide x 24cm deep x 76cm long (13.8” wide x 9.4” deep x 29.9” long)
Maximum weight of baby	11kg (24.25lb)
Maximum height of baby	750mm (29.5”)

Virgin Australia Bassinets

From Virgin Australia’s website:

Bassinets are available onboard all our international long haul flights and on domestic flights operated by A330 aircraft, subject to availability. Our bassinets are designed for use by one infant at a time and size and weight restrictions apply. 

Bassinets are limited, so please request a bassinet for your infant at the time of booking. Pre-allocation of bassinets is on a first come, first served basis. Please contact our Guest Contact Centre to request a bassinet.

Westjet Airplane Bassinets

There are airplane bassinets on WestJet‘s 787-9 aircraft only. Request a bassinet when booking your flight or go to any WestJet counter at the airport. The infant must be a maximum of 9 kilograms/25lbs, a maximum length of 66cm/26 in., and unable to sit upright unassisted.

Westjet is a pretty baby-friendly airline

Have you flown with a baby using a bassinet? Please share your experience in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook.

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See Also:

• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Preparing for Your First Vacation with Baby
• A Complete Guide to Traveling with a Newborn
• Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Top 10 Family-Friendly Airlines
• The First Trip is the Toughest… Surviving Baby’s First Vacation
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier
• Baby Travel Gear
• Tips for Coping with Time Changes & Baby Jet Lag
• Tips for Airport Security with Babies & Toddlers
• Surviving Early Morning Flights with a Baby or Toddler
• What to Wear when Traveling with a Baby or Toddler

Image Credit: ©Zeljko Dangubic | Dreamstime.com