The Ultimate Guide to Baby Bassinet Seats on 50+ Airlines [2024]

Key Takeaways

• Bassinet seats are available on long-haul flights with airlines like British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, typically in bulkhead rows with extra space.
• These seats are designed for infants under a certain weight and size. Each airline has a different policy about limits, which can be for a child between 15 to 25 pounds and under 18 months.
• Availability is limited and often requires early reservation, so it’s advisable to book well in advance and confirm directly with the airline.

We’ve said it before and we will say it again, traveling with family can be one of the most rewarding experiences children and parents can do together. Trying new foods, seeing new places, meeting new people, and dealing with the inevitable stress of traveling can create memories of a lifetime — for good or for bad! That said, sometimes traveling can be a lot of work, especially with a baby or small children.

Strollers, car seats, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, extra clothes, carriers, toys … the list goes on. New parents will always think they forgot something (hint: you probably did, but it’s OK!). Add in the lottery system that some airlines like to play with bassinets for infants, and just the thought of boarding a plane can be pretty stressful.

Well, stress no more — we have a definitive guide on which airlines have bassinets so that you know in advance where your little one will sleep on your next flight!

What Is a Bassinet and Where Does It Go?

A bassinet (sometimes referred to as a sky cot) is a small bed that can be attached to the plane, often the bulkhead wall, in front of a passenger seat.

Depending on the airline and aircraft there may be different styles and sizes, as well as varying weight, length, and age limitations.

For example, American Airlines has a basket-style bassinet that closes with a zipper. Meanwhile, British Airways offers more of a baby bouncy seat style that can be mounted on a flat surface in business class.

Are Airline Bassinets Safe?

The most important thing about traveling with family is that everyone arrives safely. With little ones in tow that are especially vulnerable to turbulence, we want to make sure that everyone is strapped in properly!

Without a doubt, the safest place for a baby to sit on an airplane is in their own seat in an FAA-approved car seat. 

However, bassinets are an excellent option for parents traveling with their young child who is under 2 years old and doesn’t have their own seat. That is, if they still fit in the bassinet.

Although your child may still technically qualify as a “lap child” because they are not yet 2, that doesn’t mean they will be comfortable staying on your lap for the entire flight.

Instead of passing them back and forth between adults, or even making a little bed for them on the floor (please don’t do this!), securing your child in a bassinet will allow everyone to get some rest, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

However, babies are not allowed to be in the bassinet during takeoff, landing, or during periods of turbulence. These devices are made for convenience, not necessarily for safety.

For more tips, check out our guide to flying with a lap child.

Age and Weight Limits

There is no standardized airplane bassinet, so options may vary from 1 airline to the next.

In general, bassinets are quite small and cozy and best accommodate babies from the newborn stage up to 1 year old, depending on the size of the child.

In our research, we have seen age limits stated on airline websites from 0 to 18 months with a maximum weight anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds. That said, it will all depend on the child — most importantly their height and length when laying down.

Car Seat vs. Bassinet

While you may not always have the luxury of choosing between bringing your child’s car seat or relying on the airline’s bassinet, this is a good question to ask — car seat or bassinet?

One of the few benefits of flying with a small child under the age of 2 is that they aren’t charged for domestic flights and often are charged only 10% of the fare on international flights when sharing a seat with an adult.

So, when contemplating whether or not to bring a car seat, you are really debating whether or not you want to (or can) pay for an additional seat that your child may not use.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) strongly urges parents to use a child restraint system (CRS) for the duration of the flight. Bassinets cannot be used during turbulence, and the FAA states that “your arms aren’t capable of holding your child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence.”

If you can afford it, the right decision is always to purchase an additional seat for your baby and bring their FAA-approved car seat that they are used to traveling in. They will be safer and more comfortable. You also won’t have to deal with taking them in and out of the bassinet during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

That is assuming that your baby doesn’t need to be breastfed, or cuddled, and will stay perfectly calm without being on your lap! Ha!

For the sake of this article, let’s imagine that travelers aren’t purchasing infant seats and will rely on airline bassinets. Let’s take a look at what the options are.

Which Airlines Offer Bassinets?

Many airlines across the globe offer bassinets to make traveling with infants easier.

Here is our review of the world’s top airlines and their policies:

Airline Bassinet Policies

Each airline has its own policy regarding bassinets. Here is a comprehensive list of the world’s most traveled airlines and their official statements, taken directly from their websites.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus offers bassinets on its transatlantic flights, except on its Boeing 757 aircraft. Bassinets require pre-booking and are subject to availability.

The airline recommends booking a separate seat for infants at a reduced child rate, but will not provide a bassinet if you have an infant seat.

Aeroflot

Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius offers infant cots on all international flights. Cots are limited, but requests can be made in advance and can be confirmed at the time of check-in.

The baby cots can accommodate infants up to 12 months old, up to 24 pounds (11 kg), and up to 29 inches (74 cm) tall.

Since the baby cots need to be stowed at takeoff and landing, Air Mauritius gives you a special seat belt extension to carry your infant safely in your lap at such times.

Air New Zealand

Bassinets are available on many Air New Zealand flights and can be attached to the front wall of the economy cabin. Availability is limited, so reservations are suggested.

You can book your bassinet ahead of time online with Seat Select — just choose a seat that has a bassinet icon. Note there may be an additional charge for these seats.

Air Seychelles

Baby bassinets may be requested on Air Seychelles for infants up to 6 months of age and not weighing more than 25 pounds (11 kg).

Bassinets are subject to availability and requests should be made at the time of reservation.

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 Air does not offer bassinets to its passengers and there is a limit to the number of lap children per flight depending on the aircraft.

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.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers bassinets in its economy, Economy Extra, and premium economy cabins onboard its 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft for infants under 2 years old and weighing less than 20 pounds (9 kg). Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be requested in advance.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

ANA offers bassinets on all international aircraft for infants not occupying a seat in economy and business class. Bassinets are not offered in first class.

Each bassinet is approximately 33 x 18 x 13 inches (85 x 45 x 33 cm) and can hold an infant up to 22 pounds (10 kg). Passengers who have requested a bassinet will also receive a special baby blanket.

Bassinets are limited but can be requested by telephone.

Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines allows bassinets to be reserved in advance. Supply is limited, so the airline recommends reserving a bassinet as soon as possible.

Size limitations will vary depending on the cabin and aircraft:

• Business Class
  • A380, A350, B777: height of 28 inches (71 cm) or below + weight of less than 22 pounds (10 kg)
  • B747, A330, B767, A321: height of 30 inches (76 cm) or below + weight of less than 30 pounds (14 kg)
• Economy Class
  • A350: height of 28 inches (71 cm) or below + weight of less than 30 pounds (14 kg)
  • All aircraft (except A350): height of 30 inches (76 cm) or below + weight of less than 3o pounds (14 kg)

Avianca Airlines

Avianca Airlines offers bassinets on all routes operated by the A330 and B787 for infants 12 months old or less who weigh less than 25 pounds (11 kg) and are less than 29 inches (74 cm) tall.

Each bassinet is approximately 29.5 x 13.4 x 8.8 inches (75 x 34 x 22 cm).

British Airways

British Airways offers carrycots for infants up to 2 years old on all long-haul flights. Short-haul flights do not offer this service.

Carrycots can be reserved by selecting the appropriate seat during the booking process. The carrycot seat positions are marked on the seat maps with a baby icon.

Carrycots are supplied free of charge but are subject to availability onboard the aircraft on the day of the flight. They are given to the people sitting in the carrycot and child seat positions on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific offers bassinets on all flights. You can request a baby bassinet when you make your reservation.

The Cathay Pacific bassinet is designed for infants under 6 months old and has a maximum carrying weight of 26.5 pounds (12 kg).

The measurements of the bassinet are 30 x 15 x 8 inches (76 x 38 x 20 cm).

China Airlines

China Airlines offers a limited number of bassinets on all of its flights except for flights operated by the ERJ aircraft.

Passengers are encouraged to request a bassinet when they book an infant ticket, as only a limited number of bassinets and bulkhead seats are available onboard and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Since the size of the bassinet is limited, the bassinet service is only offered to infants under 6 months old with a maximum height of up to 28 inches (71 cm) and a weight of up to 24 pounds (11 kg).

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines offers Infant Bassinet Service (BSCT) in its economy and premium economy classes on flights operated by B777, B787, A330, A350, and A380 aircraft with a duration of more than 3 hours.

Bassinets can be used by infants less than 1 year old on the day of travel who do not weigh more than 25 pounds (11 kg) and are less than 27.5 inches (70 cm) tall.

Since there is a limited number of bassinets provided for each aircraft, we recommend requesting a bassinet via the website, by calling +86-20-22395539, or by visiting a local ticket office.

Condor

Condor offers a limited number of bassinets for infants traveling in business class on long-haul flights.

Bassinets are designed for infants up to 6 months with a maximum weight of 17.5 pounds (8 kg).

Reserve a bassinet by calling Special Reservations at +49(0)6171 6988978 Monday through Friday no later than 48 hours before departure.

Czech Airlines

Czech Airlines offers a baby cot onboard select flights. You can find bassinets when flying economy class onboard an A330 or in business class when flying on an A319 or A330.

The baby cot has a weight limit of 24 pounds (11 kg) and measures 29.5 x 13 x 8.6 inches (75 x 34 x22 cm).

You can request the cot via the Contact Centre during your seat booking.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines offer onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, free of charge for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights.

The bassinets are ideal for babies weighing up to 20 pounds (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) tall.

You can request SkyCots by contacting Reservations before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate. Delta can’t guarantee availability due to a limit of 2 SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions.

EasyJet Airlines

EasyJet does not appear to offer bassinets on its planes. However, according to its website, it is otherwise very accommodating to infants and young children.

EL AL Airlines

Most El Al aircraft are equipped with bassinets for infants up to 9 months of age. The number of seats with a special apparatus for the bassinet is limited and varies according to the aircraft model. Bassinets are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are flying with an infant, you should request a bulkhead seat with a small bassinet by contacting Reservations.

After takeoff, the bassinet is installed and you will receive a blanket for the baby. According to the EL AL website, the crew is at your service for heating baby bottles and will also rinse the bottle and provide hot water. Diapering stands are available in the plane’s bathroom stalls.

Etihad Airways

Etihad’s bassinets are first come, first served and can be requested during the booking process or after via the Manage my booking section of the website.

Bassinets are designed to accommodate babies weighing up to 24 pounds (11 kg). The cabin crew will confirm that the infant fits comfortably and safely in the bassinet before attaching it to your seat.

EVA Air

Bassinets are available aboard all EVA Air aircraft, but for safety reasons, height and weight limitations apply.

EVA Air requests to be advised of your baby’s date of birth, height, and weight when you make your reservation.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier does not currently offer bassinets on its flights.

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia offers baby bassinets on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost. Since bassinets are limited, the airline asks parents to request them as far in advance as possible.

Confirmation of the request is only given at check-in.

The maximum weight for infants in Garuda Indonesia bassinets is 20 pounds (9 kg).

Gulf Air

Gulf Air offers bassinets on all flights except in its Falcon Gold cabin on its new B787 and in its economy cabin on the A320.

You can request a bassinet and receive confirmation in advance, which is uncommon but very welcome!

The bassinets are designed for infants up to 7 months old who weigh no more than 22 pounds (10 kg) and are no taller than 26 inches (66 cm).

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is one of the more family-friendly airlines in the U.S. Unfortunately, it does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers bassinets that you can reserve in advance for bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seats (row 14) on select A330 routes.

The bassinet is 32 x 14.5 x 7 inches (81 x 37 x 18 cm) and can accommodate an infant up to 20 pounds (9 kg).

To reserve the seat in advance, you may buy a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat online and reserve the bassinet over the phone. Alternatively, you can call Hawaiian Airlines Reservations to reserve directly.

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 1 adult is eligible for the upgrade. You can make up to 2 requests per flight. Confirmed bassinets are assigned during the boarding process. Priority is given to the customer with the earliest check-in time. Note that bassinets are not guaranteed if requested upon check-in.

Iberia

Iberia offers cots for infants on intercontinental flights if the parents are in the correct class and seat (which is not listed on its website).

To book a cot, you will need to contact your local Iberia office and provide them with your flight information to find out if your seat is compatible. Depending on the cabin class, booking a seat may incur an additional cost.

The cots that Iberia uses are designed for infants who weigh up to 24 pounds (11 kg).

Icelandair

Icelandair does not currently offer bassinets on its flights.

JAL (Japan Airlines)

JAL offers bassinets, but they are limited and reservations are not always possible.

The bassinets are designed for infants up to the age of 2 weighing up to 23 pounds (10.5 kg).

The dimensions of the bassinet are 28 x 12 x 6 inches (72 x 30 x 15 cm).

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

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.

The cots are suitable for babies who are no taller than 25.5 inches (65 cm) and weigh no more than 22 pounds (10 kg) on the day of the trip.

Korean Air

Korean Air offers bassinets that you can reserve in advance on international flights only in economy class and Prestige class on some aircraft.

Request a bassinet through the Korean Air Reservation Center before your flight at least 48 hours in advance due to limited availability.

The bassinets are suitable for infants weighing less than 24 pounds (11 kg) and shorter than 29.5 inches (75 cm).

LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines offers bassinets on all routes operated by a 767, 777, or 787.

You can request a bassinet in advance, but the service is subject to availability on each flight.

Only babies weighing up to 22 pounds (10 kg) and up to 28 inches (71 cm) tall can travel in the bassinet.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa offers bassinets on its entire long-haul fleet that can be reserved up to 52 hours before flight departure. Depending on your booking class, a seat reservation fee for the seat with the bassinet may apply.

The bassinets are designed for babies under 24 pounds (11 kg) in weight and under 26 inches (67 cm) in length.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines offers bassinets on select aircraft free of charge.

The bassinet service must be requested at least 24 hours before departure through its Global Customer Contact Centre.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines

MIAT offers bassinets on some of its flights, but requests can only be made at the time of check-in at the airport.

To use the bassinet, your baby must not weigh more than 24 pounds (11 kg) and not be taller than 29.5 inches (75 cm).

Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is a very family-friendly airline. However, it does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Primera Air

Primera Air does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Qantas Airways

Qantas offers bassinets for infants that can be requested at the time of booking.

Bassinets on Qantas flights are approximately 28 x 12 x 10 inches (71 x 31 x 26 cm) and have a weight limitation of 24 pounds (11 kg).

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways provides bassinets for infants and babies up to 24 months old. They can be requested by contacting your nearest Qatar Airways office.

Bassinets are not available in the first class cabin on board the A380. To check the availability of a bassinet position seat on a specific aircraft and within a particular cabin, you will need to contact Reservations.

The maximum body weight of the infant should not exceed 24 pounds (11 kg) and the age must not exceed 2 years. Additionally, the infant must fit within the confines of the baby bassinet.

Ryanair

Ryanair does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines offers bassinets when you book an infant ticket. However, there is only a limited number of bassinets available onboard and they are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Each bassinet measures 30 x 12 x 6 inches (76 x 30 x 15 cm) and can support a maximum weight of 30 pounds (14 kg).

South African Airways

South African Airways offers bassinets for its smallest passengers whose parents are sitting in a bulkhead seat. These can be reserved by calling the nearest SAA office.

The use of a baby bassinet is restricted by the infant’s size and weight. Infants not exceeding 22 pounds (10 kg) and 29.5 inches (75 cm) are eligible for a baby bassinet, subject to availability.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is a very family-friendly airline. However, it does not offer bassinets on its flights.

SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines offers a limited number of bassinets on its flights. However, bassinets are subject to availability and requests need to be made at the time of booking.

Sunwing Airlines

Sunwing does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Swiss International Air Lines

On SWISS, bassinets are available in all flight classes on long-haul flights and in business class on European flights.

The bassinets are approved for babies of up to 8 months of age and weighing a maximum of 24 pounds (11 kg).

The number of bassinets is limited, so please be sure to contact its Service Center in good time.

TAP Air Portugal

How To Reserve a Bassinet

Depending on the airline that you are flying, you can (and should) reserve a bassinet. However, many airlines don’t offer that convenience and leave parents waiting until they board to find out if they are able to use a bassinet or not.

Take a look at the chart above. If your airline offers bassinet reservations, we recommend reaching out as soon as you have your reservation to request or reserve a bassinet.

Tips for Using a Bassinet

Hopefully, you’ve found an airline that offers a bassinet, ideally with a reservation.

Now comes the hard part — getting your little one to use it! Here are some tips for using an airplane bassinet.

Wipe It Down

This probably comes as second nature to parents (and many frequent travelers), but you should make sure your seat and the bassinet are as clean as possible.

Fortunately, as parents, you will likely already have plenty of wipes with you, so just grab a few and give everything within reach a good cleaning.

Bring Your Own Blankets

If you want your little one to get some rest in the bassinet, they need to be as comfortable as possible.

We suggest bringing along a favorite blanket or 2 to recreate the smell and feel of the crib at home.

Follow Familiar Routines

Speaking of recreating the feel of their crib, trying to recreate their routine can go a long way toward getting some well-needed rest.

If your baby is used to feeding, cuddling, listening to music, etc. before bed, try to stick to that schedule as much as possible before placing them in the bassinet.

If you are flying on an overnight flight, this might be easier to do than during a day flight, but just keep in mind that a new environment can be extra stimulating to little eyes!

Bring a Pacifier or Bottle

This is probably number 1 on most parents’ checklists when they are flying with their baby, but making sure your baby’s favorite pacifier is onboard is crucial!

If your baby is already taking a bottle by themselves, feeding them in the bassinet may help them get comfortable.

Use a Cover or Tent for the Bassinet

As convenient as the bassinet is, the location can sometimes be distracting for little passengers. Often the bassinet is attached to the bulkhead, which can be subject to a lot of foot traffic, lights, and even wall-mounted TVs.

None of those distractions are helpful when your baby is trying to get some rest. Fortunately, there are products on the market, such as CoziGo, which attach to the bassinet and block out some light and sound.

Play Music or White Noise

Bringing along some music or white noise may go a long way to creating an environment similar to what your little one is used to at home.

If your baby likes to listen to lullabies while drifting off to sleep, download some music on your phone to play in the bassinet.

With the blankets, tent, and music, there is a good chance that the bassinet will be more comfortable than your seat (unless you are flying business or first class, of course)!

Final Thoughts

Bassinets are an excellent amenity for parents flying with an infant. But they are just that — an amenity. Not all airlines offer them and even fewer will guarantee them before the flight.

Hopefully, the information we’ve provided will help you figure out if your airline will accommodate your needs or not.

As always, if you want the absolute safest option and the least amount of stress, the best option is to purchase a seat for your child and have them use their car seat on board.

Happy travels!