Families traveling together should make sure everyone gets to their destination safely. It is even more necessary to make sure that children are properly strapped in when they are in tow since they are even more vulnerable to potential turbulence. A car seat that has been approved by the FAA is undoubtedly the safest place for a baby on an airplane. 

Parents traveling with young children under the age of 2 who do not have their own seat should consider booking a bassinet. It is unlikely that your 2-year-old will be comfortable staying on your lap for the duration of the flight, even if they technically qualify as a “lap child.”

Rather than passing your child back and forth between the adults or even setting up a small bed for him or her on the floor, which is not a good idea, place your child in a bassinet and everyone will benefit from rest, even for a few minutes. When the plane is taking off, landing, or experiencing turbulence, babies are not allowed in the bassinet. It’s more of a convenience device, not necessarily a safety device.

Traveling with infants has become easier for many airlines around the world thanks to bassinets. There are a lot of airlines across the world that offer a bassinet to their passengers. Here are a few airlines that offer bassinets:

• Air Canada
• Air France
• Gulf Air
• Air New Zealand
• Asiana Airlines

Some of them only offer bassinets if you make a reservation beforehand. You can consider these airlines if you are planning to travel with your baby in the future. 

Airlines’ Policies Regarding Bassinets

• Air Canada

The use of a bassinet is restricted to infants weighing less than 25 pounds (11 kg) who cannot sit up upright. They are positioned near bulkhead rows where they are not accessible from the armrests. You can request them in advance, but they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and based on availability on the day of the flight.

• Air France

Bassinets can be requested by passengers flying economy, premium economy, or business on long-haul flights with Air France. Bookings should be made as soon as possible after booking and at least 48 hours before departure. A cancellation request will be honored if available.

Babies under 22 pounds (11 kg) and measuring less than 27 inches (70 cm) is suitable for bassinets. Infants under 2 years old must be secured in an approved car seat or harness if they are traveling in an individual seat.

• Gulf Air

Bassinets are offered on all flights except on Gulf Air’s new B787 and A320 in economy cabins. If you are interested in a bassinet, you can request it and receive confirmation in advance, which is rare but very much appreciated. Bassinets are suitable for babies who weigh or stand no more than 22 pounds (10 kg) and 26 inches (66 cm).

• Air New Zealand

The Air New Zealand economy cabin is equipped with portable benches that can be connected to the front wall. Reservations are recommended due to limited availability. By choosing a seat with a bassinet icon on Seat Select, you can book your bassinet in advance. These seats may be charged.

• Asiana Airlines

It is possible to reserve bassinets in advance with Asiana Airlines. There is a limited supply, so it is recommended that you book as soon as possible. There are restrictions on size depending on the aircraft and the cabin.

Here you have it! Now that you know how to take a bassinet on an airplane, you should be able to obtain one in the future. Learn and remember this one so that next time you’ll know what to do and have a hassle-free flight!