What Are Baby Bassinet Seats On The Plane?

Baby Bassinet Seats On Airplanes- How To Book & Use

Flying with a baby is very tiring, especially on long-haul flights. An airplane bassinet proves to be a lifesaver in such situations. If you are a first-time parent or if it's your first time flying with an infant, a bassinet seat is what you need actually to enjoy or flight.

Many first-time parents do not have any idea about these bassinet seats and how to book or use them on a plane. But worry not! Lowfarescanners is here to explain every little detail about these seats to you.

Read below to understand what is a bassinet seat on an airplane, how do you book one and what is the right way to use it in detail. 

What Is An Airplane Bassinet Seat?

An airplane bassinet (sometimes called a “sky cot”) is a small baby bed like a mini crib that attaches to the bulkhead wall of a passenger seat on the plane. Most airlines offer their own bassinets on planes for families traveling with babies. The style, size, weight, length, and kid’s age limitations may vary, but this seat comes in handy for parents who want to have a peace of mind while flying, especially on a lengthy flight.

Please Note:

Bassinets come in different shapes, designs, and sizes based on the airline and the aircraft.

Who Can Use A Bassinet Seat?

Bassinet seats are mainly designed for infants and have a weight limit. The average weight varies between 15 and 25 pounds or 7 to 11 kilograms. If your kid weighs around this much, you can book a sky cot for them.

Remember, most airlines also set an age limit for using the Bassinet seat. Generally, these are meant for babies below the age of 18 months. In simple words, these are best for lap infants whom you will otherwise perch on your lap during the flight.

Which Major Airlines Offer These Bassinet Seats?

A bassinet seat is like a sweet cradle attached to a bulkhead seat’s wall on the airplane, and many airlines offer these seats on their planes depending on the length of your flight and some additional factors. Here are some of them:

• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Aeromexico
• Air Canada
• Air France
• American Airlines
• Condor Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JAL
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Westjet Airlines
• Turkish Airlines

All these airlines offer a bassinet seat and allow you to request a reservation. You can call them to make a reservation for bassinet seats or make your requests online. Remember, some of these airlines directly accept the requests, whereas others apply a first-come, first-served service at the gate to confirm your requests.

How Do You Reserve Airplane Bassinets?

As we mentioned earlier, the availability of bassinets on airplanes can vary depending on the airline, the aircraft type, and the availability of seats. So, you have to request a bassinet in advance when you book tickets and reconfirm its availability when the departure date is near. Also be aware that the size and weight restrictions apply for kids in these bassinets. Here are the different ways you can request an inflight bassinet for your lap infants:

Online On The Website

You can visit the airline’s official website and request one if their executives on the phone for bassinet seats. The earlier you do so, the more chance you’ll have at getting those seats. Check with your particular airline and book flights with Delta Airlines, southwest or others for an exciting getaway with your baby.

Through Airline Customer Service

You can also call the airline you are flying with to confirm your bassinet seat for the baby. The airlines will use a first-come, first-served procedure at the gate to approve your booking requests for these sky cots. Remember that the airline's staff will try to provide you with the best service to make sure your little one can travel soundly. But the seats are limited and only available to a few. If you do not get a seat reserved, you must book an extra seat on the plane and take a car seat along.

Through Your Agent

You can also connect with your travel agent and book a bassinet seat on an airplane. Lowfarescanners can help you compare airfare options with various airlines for a perfect air travel experience with your baby. We will help you travel on a budget and with a baby tucked in the sweet cradle onboard.

Can I book a bassinet seat without a baby?

No, you can not. You must request the bassinet seat for an infant on your lap and not for yourself. Besides, you can make the request but bassinets are not guaranteed. Moreover, many airlines do not even allow the requests as they are only meant for babies and are approved at the gate.

You are only allowed to book a bassinet seat on the plane if you are traveling with a baby. 

Are Airline Bassinet Seats Safe?

If you are traveling with family, safety must be your primary concern, epeciially when with little ones. They are most vulnerable to turbulence and airlines wish to make sure that everyone is strapped on properly.

So, when thinking about turbulence and other such things, the safest place for a baby to sit on the plane is in their own seat and on an FAA-approved car seat. Apart from that you can use bassinets for children who do not have their own sit and can easily fit in the bassinets.

To ensure the safety of the babies, airlines do not allow them to be inside the bassinet when:

• The flight takes off
• During landing
• During periods of turbulence

You can consider several things when flying with a lap child to make sure you are well prepared and ensure their safety throughout the air trip.

Quick Tips To Use The Bassinet Seat On The Plane

• Wipe the bassinet seat with a wet wipe before putting your baby down inside.
• Bring your own blankets to let your little one be more comfortable in this sky cot.
• Follow the familiar routine to make sure they are not cranky in the middle of the flight.
• Do not forget their pacifier or bottle, whichever you use for a better journey.
• Use a cover or tent for the bassinet to keep the baby asleep in his own place.

Bassinets VS Car Seat: Which One To Prefer?

Although car seats are the safest options for babies, you can still reserve and use a Bassinet seat on the plane. When it comes to keeping the babies safe throughout, booking them a seat of their own and carrying an FAA-approved car seat is a must. But if you do not book a seat for your lap child, keep them perched on your lap during the suggested times above and put them down in the airplane bassinet otherwise. Check out different car seat options available online and buy the one that the FAA approves of for a better journey. 

However, airplane bassinets may vary based on the aircraft type and size. Remember to use our easy tips to make your baby more comfortable in the bassinet seats. Consult lowfarescanners to book flight tickets with your babies and get the cheapest price on select routes by comparing airfares.

Remember—bassinets are sweet, but safety comes first! Still, considering and following all the safety guidelines for babies, a bassinet seat goes a long way.