airplane travel bassinet

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

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

213 Published Articles

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Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

86 Published Articles 489 Edited Articles

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Keri Stooksbury

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Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

What Is a Bassinet and Where Does It Go?

Age and weight limits, car seat vs. bassinet, which airlines offer bassinets, air mauritius, air new zealand, air seychelles, air transat, alaska airlines, american airlines, etihad airways, frontier airlines, garuda indonesia, jetblue airways, hawaiian airlines, jal (japan airlines), klm royal dutch airlines, latam airlines, malaysia airlines, miat mongolian airlines, porter airlines, primera air, qantas airways, qatar airways, singapore airlines, south african airways, southwest airlines, srilankan airlines, sunwing airlines, swiss international air lines, tap air portugal, how to reserve a bassinet, wipe it down, bring your own blankets, follow familiar routines, bring a pacifier or bottle, use a cover or tent for the bassinet, play music or white noise, final thoughts.

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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!

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 .

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.

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.

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 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 offers bassinets for children under 1 year of age with a maximum weight of 24 pounds (11 kg). The number of bassinets per flight depends on the type of aircraft.

When using a bassinet on Aeroflot, crew members will check your child’s weight and instruct you on how to use the bassinet during flight, as well as show you where the changing tables are in the lavatory.

To reserve a bassinet on Aeroflot, you much notify the airline at least 36 hours before the scheduled departure time by contacting either the sales office or the Contact Center for priority access to these seats.

Aeromexico provides a limited number of cribs per flight and they are available upon request during the check-in process (subject to availability).

Cribs are limited to infants weighing no more than 24 pounds (11 kg) and the adult will need to be seating in an AM Plus seat to receive the crib service (additional charges may apply).

Air Canada offers bassinets onboard its 767-300ER (763), 777-200LR (77L), 777-300ER (77W), 787-9 (789), 787-8 (788), and A330 (333) aircraft.

Bassinets can only accommodate infants weighing less than 25 pounds (11 kg) who are unable to sit upright. They are installed at bulkhead rows where armrests do not lift.

The bassinets can be requested in advance, but are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and subject to availability at the time of flight departure.

Hot Tip: Check to see what kind of plane you’re flying on before you check your airline’s bassinet policy.

Air France passengers flying economy, premium economy, or business can request a bassinet on long-haul flights . Requests should be made as soon as possible after booking and at least 48 hours before your departure, subject to availability.

Bassinets are designed for infants weighing less than 22 pounds (10 kg) and measuring less than 27 inches (70 cm).

If you would like your infant (under 2 years old) to travel in an individual seat, you must install them in an approved  car seat or harness .

Air India’s website is vague about what it offers for children, but it does appear that bassinets can be requested free of charge .

According to SeatGuru , you can request a bassinet by contacting Air India reservations before your flight.

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.

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.

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 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 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 .

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:

• 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)
• 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)

A vianca 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 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.

Emirates offers bassinets for children up to 2 years old as long as they don’t have their own seat on a child’s fare.

Bassinets are limited but can be requested at the time of reservation or after a reservation has been made by utilizing the Manage a Booking feature online.

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.

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 does not currently offer bassinets on its flights.

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

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 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 does not currently offer bassinets on its flights.

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

Primera Air does not offer bassinets on its flights.

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 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 does not offer bassinets on its flights.

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

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 does not offer bassinets on its flights.

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.

The number of seats available for cots varies from one type of aircraft to another. This information is immediate and confirmed when you book .

The bassinet dimensions are 29 x 13 x 8.8 inches (75 x 34 x 22.4 cm) and can support a baby up to 24 pounds (11 kg).

Thai Airways

Thai Airways offers bassinets that you can request at the time of booking or at check-in, but they are not guaranteed.

The bassinet is designed for babies less than 6 months of age weighing less than 22 pounds (10 kg) and not exceeding 26 inches (67 cm) in length.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines offers bassinets free of charge for babies on flights.

Bassinets can be placed in front of extra legroom seats that often come with an extra charge. To book these seats and request a bassinet, it is best to call worldwide customer service at +90 850 333 0 849.

United Airlines

United offers a limited number of complimentary bassinets on international flights only, including in Polaris business class on select 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft and economy on 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available for customers traveling in first or business class.

Customers can request a bassinet by calling 800-864-8331 (or the appropriate Worldwide Contact Center) or at the airport free of charge. You will be provided accompanying seat assignments for an adult traveling with an infant and up to 1 travel companion.

Bassinet availability is limited and arrangements are not guaranteed, so United recommends requesting a bassinet early for your flight.

Bassinets are 29 x 11 inches (74 x 28 cm) and can hold an infant weighing 22 pounds (10 kg) or less.

Virgin Atlantic

Cots and bassinets can be requested for select aircraft and cabins onboard Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Australia Airlines

Virgin Australia offers bassinets onboard all international long-haul flights and on domestic flights operated by an A330 aircraft, subject to availability.

Bassinets are limited, so request a bassinet for your infant at the time of booking. The pre-allocation of bassinets is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bassinets are designed for use by 1 infant at a time and size and weight maximums apply, as listed below:

• 777: 40 pounds (18 kg) and 27.5 inches (70 cm)
• A330: 24 pounds (11 kg) and 27.5 inches (70 cm)

WestJet Airlines

WestJet offers bassinets on its 787 Dreamliner in the economy cabin. If you’re traveling with a lap-held infant, you can request a bassinet when you book your flight.

Check the availability of seats 9B, 9D, 9F, 9J, and 25E on the 787-9. To guarantee a bassinet, you may need to visit a WestJet counter at the airport.

The infant must be a maximum of 25 pounds (11 kg), a maximum length of 26 inches (66 cm), and unable to sit upright.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do airlines provide bassinets.

Depending on the airline and the airplane, bassinets may be available onboard. Each airline has different policies regarding reservations and size limits.

If you are traveling soon with your little one, please refer to the chart in this article to see what your airline offers.

How big are airplane bassinets?

Airplane bassinets will vary by the airline and even by aircraft.

On average, you can expect a bassinet to be about 14 x 9 x 30 inches (35 x 24 x 75 cm).

This size should accommodate most newborns and infants, but the weight of the baby will also be factored in when crew members install the bassinet.

What the weight limit for an airplane bassinet?

Each airline will specify its own size and weight limits for babies to use bassinets onboard flights.

In general, airlines say that bassinets can be used for newborns up to children 18 months of age. However, in our experience, not many 18-month-old babies would fit in an airplane bassinet.

Most weight limits are 25 pounds (11 kg).

Where does an airplane bassinet go?

On most airplanes that offer bassinets, the bassinet is attached to the bulkhead wall at the front of each cabin.

If you want to guarantee that you are in the right seat to accommodate a bassinet, you should contact your airline and request these seats.

Note: bulkhead seats often cost extra to reserve if you don’t have status with the airline.

Are airplane bassinets safe?

Airplane bassinets are offered primarily for parent convenience and child comfort.

Bassinets cannot be used during takeoff, landing, or during turbulence because they do not offer proper restraints.

The absolute safest option for children is in their own seat in an FAA-approved car seat.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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A Complete Guide to Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet

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.

Table of Contents

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 :

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.

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:

• Under the age of 2 years old and
• 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:

• Call  Hawaiian Airlines Reservations
• Request to reserve a bassinet for your international, AUS, BOS, JFK, or MCO flight
• 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
• 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.

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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7 Responses to A Complete Guide to Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet

Thank you so much!! 😉

Check out the Parenting Survival Guide for the best practical tips and advice on parenting.

Super helpful! Thank you for the detailed info.

Hey, Hi, I really enjoy your article. Very informative and useful content here. Thank u so much for the great tips. Keep sharing like this.

Hi! I only read about the bassinets on lufthansa and Turkish airlines and the information on both was incorrect. Turkish does offer bassinets and the size of Lufthansa’s bassinets is much smaller than you have listed.

Thanks, Mimi — I went through and updated the post. The information is only as accurate as what the airlines share. Thanks again!

Really great article!! We only ever flew in US so never got to use the bassinet, but I used to dream of it as I’d usually be travelling alone with a tiny baby. I’d definitely be pinning this

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Travel Advice

Airline baby bassinets: ultimate guide for parents.

 Airplane bassinet seats could be your long-haul flying saviour – here’s exactly what is offered by every airline & how to secure the most comfortable seat on the plane

Airline baby bassinets onboard long-haul aircraft is by far the most commonly searched topic here on the Globetrotters website.

And I can see why. Information on airline websites can be scarce, and new parents especially are not fully informed by either the airline or their ticketing agents of what to expect when booking an infant ticket ; having the wrong expectations when you arrive at an airport can significantly add to the stress of your journey with a baby.

We have compiled for you here from both the airlines own websites and our knowledge from over 50 international flights travelling with kids what we know about infant bassinets on planes to help you decipher the airline talk and plan what is best for your baby to get you through your long-haul adventures.

In this article we will cover:

What is an airplane bassinet?

What is a bassinet seat, how does the airplane bassinet work.

• Restrictions on airplane bassinet usage
• Tips and tricks to secure the bassinet seats
• When baby no longer fits the bassinet
• Guide to baby bassinet by airline

This post is part of our baby travel advice series

When you book an infant ticket (children under 2 years of age), an infant is required to sit on an adult’s lap, secured by an extra loop seat belt that fits to the adult’s seat belt.  On longer flights, however, most international airlines will provide a baby bassinet so you can lie your child down flat and secure during the flight. (Also called a SkyCot, CarryCot or Travel Cot)

A baby bassinet is a collapsible basket that can be hung from the walls of the aircraft or placed on a special purpose shelf.

The airplane seat where the basket is used is commonly referred to as “the bassinet seat” .  In economy, it may also be called the bulkhead seats or bulkhead row (usually with either the toilets, galley or cabin divider in front of you).

In business class and some first-class cabins, many now have special shelves where the bassinet is fitted on a flat surface.  These are great as your movement getting in and out of your seat is not restricted by the bassinet – though note some business and firstclass cabins are not fitted with bassinets at all.

See more on Business Class flying with kids here.

The baby bassinet is fitted by the flight attendants after the aircraft is airborne and the seatbelt sign has been switched off.  The bassinet can be left in place throughout the flight (with some restrictions we’ll mention below). It will be taken down anywhere up to an hour before landing as part of cabin preparations.  The baby is kept secure in the bassinet using a zipper.

The airline will normally provide their own blankets and pillows to line the bassinet, but of course, most babies sleep best in their own familiar clothes, sleeping bags, blankets with any cuddlies or muslin.  Definitely, pack your own bedding items if you think this will maximise the possibility your baby will sleep.

Getting “the bassinet seat” can be the holy mecca of airline travel for parents as it allows both you and baby to get better sleep on a long flight and of course free’s up your hands – a commodity you don’t realise the value of until you’re trapped at 38,000 feet!

Restrictions on baby bassinet use

• You can only use the infant bassinet while your infant still comfortably fits (generally up to 12 months – some pointers on what to do beyond this age below ). Each airline and aircraft will have its restrictions, based on either your child’s height or weight. Some airlines place age restrictions too, but in reality, as long as your child can fit, age is irrelevant.
• During the flight, if you experience turbulence the baby must be removed, even if sleeping, and held in your lap with the infant seat belt you use for taking off. The zipper on the bassinet holds the baby very securely (more so that a parent’s arms I would have thought) but almost all airlines enforce this rule.
• Note, not all international airlines or flights will come fitted with a baby bassinet, some even have the fittings on the wall but not frustratingly not the basket.  This is common in flight under say 4 hours, but a premium airline on international routes over 4 hours, you can almost expect as standard.
• Do your research thoroughly before booking tickets if the bassinet will make or break your experience (trust me, when you’re feeling exhausted and hormonal, it certainly can!).
• Your particular ticket class may not entitle you to book bulkhead seats or may come at extra cost.

Tips and tricks booking the bassinet seat

• Look for your aircraft type before booking and use the chart below to determine what you should expect. Not sure on your aircraft? Put your flight number into Seat Guru (you can also find out how many bassinets are installed on the aircraft, therefore your chances of winning the baby bassinet jackpot! ).
• It’s completely wrong to assume because you have booked an infant ticket that the airline will automatically give you priority over the bulkhead seats . In fact, many unscrupulous airlines work hard to avoid this topic so they can sell the bulkhead seats for more money or the extra legroom; ask, ask again and push until you get it – but please don’t be rude! There are only a limited number on each flight, normally allocated first-come, first-served and despite best efforts you may just miss out.
• Beware the codeshare! If the airline operating your flight is different from the one you booked with, or you change flights during the journey, they are the ones responsible for seat allocation. However, as you did not book your ticket with them you may be unable to speak with their reservations desk directly to confirm your booking.
• Although we’d love to think our bundle of joy is going to sleep securely and serenely once they’re in the bassinet, because of where you’re located on the aircraft you can expect a lot of foot traffic and noise going past.  We recommend the  Cozigo bassinet cover as a great way to help your baby sleep on board an aircraft. Of course, it’s not fail-proof but certainly helps.  Otherwise a large muslin square or nursing cover over the bassinet can help.
• If you are in a bulkhead row, you will have an armrest TV screen .  Once the bassinet is up in many aircraft, you will no longer be able to move your screen. Always check this before you ask them to install the bassinet.
• Flying over peak times like Christmas, it is ultra-busy, especially with families so there’s a high chance you will not get the bassinet.  
• Airlines tend to prioritise the bassinets based on age so younger babies will get them first (or sometimes loyalty cardholders). Try booking early direct with the airline (not codeshare), and arrive early on check in day (some airlines will not give out the bulkheads until they’ve physically seen the baby).
• You may also find when a flight is busy your group cannot be seated together (i.e. only one adult from your group can sit in the bulkhead) as the whole front row is fully booked with families and infants who equally need the bulkhead seats.   As first-time flyers this may, of course, come as devastating news but is, unfortunately, a fact to prepare yourself for – and not the end of the world.

Ultimately, the airline will make the final choice on how they’re bulkhead seats are allocated, there’s no definitive trick to guarantee your seats .

Help my baby no longer fits the bassinet!

Once your infant becomes too large to fit the airline bassinet, should you still book a bulkhead seat? This really depends on how many are travelling in your group, there are a few ideas you could try;

•  When we had just one infant , we would still book the bulkhead row if we could as this would allow extra room at your feet, and meant each adult could easily climb in and out on their own – simply much easier for baby handling, but of course, means the baby will have to sleep in your arms with armrests that don’t move.
• Once we were up to baby’s number two and three, however, and had older children to accommodate as well, we had a preference to then choose seats further towards the back, and play for the empty seat tactic .  Over dozens of flights, this has worked on all but one occasion – the idea being that you book a whole row but the adult seats are ticketed for the aisles, leaving empty seats in the middle.  If no one else takes these seats (a middle seat at the back is the least popular choice!) you’ve scored yourself some extra space to lie your infant out flat across the row, and allows you to put the armrests up for older kids to top and toe (not possible in the bulkhead row), maximizing the chance that everyone in your group can get some sleep.
• When I fly on my own with an infant though, I still try to get the bulkhead seat. It is much easier when you’re the only adult to deal with three children at once when you can stand in front of them and the older ones can walk past without waking the sleeping babe in arms. (I even once got the dream scenario of the bulkhead and a spare seat with hubby taking the older kids 2 rows back, can’t beat that for travelling mum excitement!!)
• The other alternative is of course to book your infant a child’s seat , which on most airlines can be done once your child is over 6 months.  Some people have a preference to do this from the start so their child can sit securely (and some babies sleep better) in their usual infant travel seat . Personally, the cost and palaver of trying to drag an infant car seat through the airport along with the multitude of other baby items you need I have not bothered to go down this route, but some swear by it (mostly Americans I think who have terrible international airlines and don’t know the pure joy a baby bassinet can bring!!).  
• The other option open to you when booking an infant their own seat is to use some sort of leg cushion like a jet kids bed box , making a flatbed – you can learn more about these sleeping bed products here .

Guide to Baby Bassinets by Airline

So here it is, the information you’ve been searching for, broken down by airline (click on the document to scroll by airline – works best on desktop).

Note our review is at January 2016. We have focused on premium international airlines operating long-haul routes. Where information is missing we have contacted the airline and will endeavour to update this document as more information becomes available. Please always call the airline to confirm information before booking. 

Further baby flying resources

If you would like to know more about family-friendly facilities by airline, please come and check out our airlines home page . Our detailed guides step you through pregnancy policies, infant luggage allowances, the ability to transfer frequent flyer points between family members and much more.

We also have these detailed baby travel guides to help you on your way:

• Ultimate list of baby travel essentials you must pack
• How to prepare for baby’s first flight
• Dealing with baby jet lag
• Flying with 2 or more infants & toddlers
• Dealing with breastmilk & pumping on the go
• Best lightweight strollers that fit on a plane

Bookmark this page or Pin for Later

So please tell us about your bassinet adventures! Do you have a preferred seating method with infants? Has any airline ever let you down and failed to deliver? We’d love you to share your stories or ask any questions about baby bassinets on planes.

© Our Globetrotters. The author claims copyright over the information researched published on this page. Should you wish to reproduce any of this information or graphics, please seek permission first from [email protected]

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47 thoughts on “ Airline Baby Bassinets: Ultimate Guide for parents ”

Hi my wife and 8 month baby was travelling from abhudabi to kerala. The boarding pass showed *infant * but they didn’t provide any bassinet for my baby and She hss to hold the baby for the entire journey. Is there sny thing i can do about it.

I’m sorry to hear this. Unfortunately having an infant ticket alone is not enough to secure the bassinet seat. Even if you request one, they allocate them only right before the flight and will give them out either first-come at the airport on the day, or on an age basis with the youngest infants given priority. This summer flights are particularly busy as many haven’t travelled for years so I can imagine it’s highly likely they didn’t have enough bassinets on your wife’s flight to go around.

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I am travelling on Thai Airways in a month with my 1 year old. He is small for 1, he is just on 10kg, and 67cm. The EXACT maximums for the bassinet. Would it be too small for him/would his age stop him from being allowed to use it?

Thank you for all the information on this 🙂

I would definitely still ask to be seated in the bassinet row and ask the staff to bring the bassinet out after take off. The staff on board are more likely to look at the child’s size than ask about age.

Thanks so much for this! I’m able to change my seat to two available bassinet options and am not sure which will be best. We are a family of 4… mom and dad with 5 year old and 12 month old. There are 3 seats by a window with a bassinet in the middle seat. Orrrrr there are 3 seats in the middle of the plane with each adult having an aisle seat with a bassinett. I am not sure if I should book the little cozy window spot for us, or the middle of the plane?? What would you do?

Ohh if you’ve still got two options that’s great. But as you say three in seats plus bassinet is cosy! I would personally split the adults over the aisle, that way each grown-up can take turns being with the kids or you split the kids. Its a handful, but at least at any stage one of you should be getting some rest, and the lap baby can be passed to the grown-up across the aisle to give the other child a break too.

This is really a lovely post. It’s very helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Thank you for all of the information.

One quick question, when applying for the bassinet do you have to do it a certain amount of time before or is it only 72 hours? Ive read different stuff and am a little confused. Also, where do you apply exactly?

Hi Chuck This will all vary by airline. I would always recommend after booking any tickets online you immediately ring the airlines help desk and ask them to confirm their policy. Usually, they will put a hold or note straight away that you want those seats but nothing is ever guaranteed until that boarding pass is in your hands! So ring immediately, and I’d ring again in the 72 hours before to confirm the situation. If they can’t confirm, ask if its a full flight. If the flight is not looking too full a couple of days out, then maybe booking a seat with an empty seat next to you is another option. Good luck

Very helpful Keri! Thanks! When traveling with a 6 months old baby, It is better to book a bassinet near the toilet (handy for nappy changing but noisy, sometime crowded ) or near the kitchen ( can be less noisy but far from the toilet)?

Oh good question!! Neither is optimal but I know you often don’t get a choice depending on the layout of the plane. If its a night flight, the toilet is often quieter as people are trying to sleep for majority of the flight while the kitchen is still being used on and off all through the night still. But tough call! Do look for ones that are just the cabin divider but honestly, you will get little choice. If you’re lucky to be allocated one by the airline you don’t normally get to choose which one. But no harm looking up Seat Guru, pick the exact seat you want and ring the airline directly to request it. They may or may not listen when seats are allocated seats on the day.

Great article and tips for parents!

Your posts are Such a great help to those mother struggling with their flights and babies. Thanks BTW.

Thank you for informing us about bassinets, I barely had any knowledge about it, especially on what to do when the baby doesn’t fit there anymore. Keep it up with the excellent work!

Great, so glad we can help – it shouldn’t be so hard to get this information but airlines like to mystify it!

Wow, I’m 2 years late!! We flew with a direct flight from Italy to NYC and return when our daughrer was 4 months and it was great despite our fears for a such tiny baby! They gave us bassinet, comfort seats and every care starting from priority boarding. Travel with children is fantastic!!

Travelling with a tiny baby is so easy!! Had we known and understood it all better we would have flown a lot more with just one – now with three bouncy tots its challenging again, but already my older two can sit still for fairly long periods transfixed by the movies!

Wow, great info! I wish you had wrote it 3 years back ;-)….really loved it!

Likewise, wish I knew half of what I did now when flying long haul with our first!

Great tips and resources! I will certainly share!

I’m so glad I didn’t have to travel with my kiddo as a newborn. Doing it as a toddler was stressful enough!

I found the infant years immensely easier than the toddler – the younger the better! As soon as they need entertaining and can move independently that’s where the fun and games begin

100% agree. I have to deal with 3 kids. Take GOD for electronics!

Fantastic tips Keri, really great article!! We only ever flew in Europe so never got to use the bassinet, but I used to dream of it as I’d usually be travelling alone with a tiny baby. I’d definitely be pinning this 🙂

thanks Maria – its why I actually prefer the long hauls to the shorter flights – 3 hours with a baby bouncing on me drives me insane – 10 hours of a baby sleeping in a bassinet – bliss!

Love this post! So useful! You’re right, it’s hard to find enough information on exactly what’s available. We’re past the bassinet stage ourselves, but I’ll be sharing this. Thank you!

I have no idea why the airlines are so illusive on this information – especially the premium airlines that don’t sell off the leg room. Glad I can help the next generation though

4 years of infant travel and not once have I been lucky enough to score a bassinet or bulkhead seat. I’ve generally been lucky enough to get an extra seat here and there, I’ve also had plenty of times where half of my family has been completely separated from each other. Air travel is always hit or miss.

That’s seriously bad luck Kevin! Maybe we are just more pushy, but I think being active on the phone to them before hand, not just relying on an internet/agent booking really helps. We always sign up to air mile programs too which could help in terms of status on their systems. We’re Gold with Etihad who we fly with most often, which makes staff very accommodating to our requests. The sitting families separately thing still baffles me, we just fight it and fight it until at least a grown up is with every child – huge family travel problem though that the industry needs to tackle.

We only had one experience with this when flying to and from Europe in 2006 with Qantas and KLM. Both supplied the standard bassinet for baby Willow to sleep in. Great article packed with information Keri excellent family travel resource

Thanks Mark. It really is the holy grail to score the bulkhead seats and can make an immense amount of difference to a families journey. I do hope this can be a valuable resource to parents, let there be no more families holding babies just because they didn’t know the rules (and the airlines were too stingy to explain them)!!!

We are way past this stage, but I love that you suggest the bulkhead row as the kids grow. That’s smart, especially with how often we have to move around.

Maybe anyone who suffers from DVT should take a couple of my kids with them on there next flight – I do spend most of a long-haul out of my chair too!!! Airline seating strategies have become a hobby for us now, we know it down to individual aircraft and routes, quite sad really… but hey some people are good at cooking, crafts, this is my hobby!

This is such a great idea – we only had one flight where we got a bassinet (all the rest were either low-cost or she was suddenly too big) and it was a bit of a minefield finding out whether we were guaranteed one. In the end we did get one, but she was determined not to lie down and the cabin crew insisted she wasn’t allowed to sit up in it!

The lack of surety makes it hard to plan but at least with the right information I hope parents will push hard to get what they deserve when they’re travelling with an infant – its the lack of transparency and mystery behind their allocation that makes it so difficult! (and then the little angels go and outgrow them too quick, bless xx)

What a great guide and super handy product: I wish I had known about it when my kids were babies! I remember flying alone with my son when he was only a few months old – I was breastfeeding and I totally underestimated how useful a second pair of hands (or a bassinet) would be… I ended up relying on the kindness of strangers and still hold immense gratitude for the gentlemen who lent me his leather jacket when I couldn’t find my baby’s blanket!

Absolutely love this post, I hope this was available when my LittleOnes were wee babies. We’ve only had bassinet once and it was a nightmare, our 11 month old baby insist on standing and breastfeed while inside.

Oh dear! They have a way of ruining best laid plans. I’m intrigued as to how you managed the standing breastfeed, but if needs must – anything to get through that dreaded flight!!!

Wow..this is a very useful guide. Wish I had this while my boy was an infant.. We always run late on booking and never had the bassinet while he was an infant..

I would say getting in early is crucial – but it really depends! Even if you’ve booked early, many airlines make it clear they can still bump you at the airport if a smaller child books after yo. At least its great to know which policies each airline has – and which will cheekily charge you more for the pleasure!

This is an amazing resource Keri. Well done for compiling. Bassinets can make travel so much easier. We ‘vemanaged to get them a couple of times. For our trip to Malaysia our daughter still fit in it at around 18 months (she’s small and v light). Was a bit of a lifesaver on a full flight. #fearlessfamtrav

oh well done you for still fitting at 18 months! the only one we got away with this still was our eldest flying BA as they move them to the bouncer chair style when they’re bigger

This is great! We only managed to get a proper bassinet once while traveling.

It is a tricky art form but with many years practice under our belt we have only been left completely without a bassinet, or without an empty seat next to us once – pretty good record over 20+ long hauls!

wow! excellent tips.

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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).
• 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)
• 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.

Air France Bassinet

• Plane bassinets are provided on long-haul flights in the Business, Premium Economy and Economy classes.
• 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.
• Weight and size limits: 22 lbs (10 kg) and up to 26.4 inches (67 cm) long.

Qatar Airways Bassinet

• 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

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Baby Bassinet Saudi Airlines Bassinets are not available.

Japan Airlines Bassinet

• Dimensions: 28.3x11.8x5.9 inches (72x30x15 cm)
• Weight limit: 23 lbs (10.5 kg).

Last Updated on January 30, 2020.

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Airplane Bassinets – Everything to Know and How to Reserve One

Flying with a baby can be both exciting and challenging. As a mother who has navigated the skies with my little one many, many times (over 100 while he is still a ‘lap infant’), I understand all too well the importance of finding ways to make the journey smoother.

One of the lifesavers in the world of flying with an infant is the airplane bassinet. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and insights on reserving an airplane bassinet, the ideal seats for it, the pros and cons, and the booking details, including weight limits, for major airlines like Delta, United, American, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore, Emirates, and Qatar:

Table of Contents

Reserving the Bassinet

An airplane bassinet is a free perk that fastens to the wall in front of a coach seat or usually in an open space near the TV monitor on a business class seat. It’s provided by the airline and can only be used when at cruising altitude and when the seatbelt sign is off.

The airplane bassinet is a coveted amenity for parents traveling with infants , but sadly getting one usually isn’t as simple as selecting it during your online booking process. Most airlines allocate a limited number of bassinets per flight, so the key is to reserve one as early as possible and especially a seat that’s compatible with one – the highly sought after bulkhead.

When booking your ticket, be sure to call the airline’s customer service to request a bassinet. Some airlines allow you to do this over the phone, while others can’t confirm availability until you’re physically at the gate, unfortunately. Either way, don’t procrastinate as bassinets are typically assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Choosing the Right Seats for the Bassinet

If flying in coach, the only way to reserve a bassinet is to get in the bulkhead — or front — row. These seats provide the necessary space for the bassinet to be securely attached to the wall. Often this is a premium economy seat and since the bulkhead often has more legroom, people book these out early. If flying in business class, it’s the same deal, with the front-rows usually allowing for bassinet space. Depending on the airline, these seats are saved for parents, but most domestic airlines don’t offer this perk.

For this reason, we’ve flown with a bassinet far less often than I thought we would, and it’s often been luck of the draw that we’ve been able to get one at all. We often don’t know until we’re about to take off if the plane happens to have one.

Pros and Cons of the Airplane Bassinet

Although bassinets come with a lot of pros, the cons often outweighed them and as pictured above, I often chose to have my baby in my seat instead. Here’s why:

• Hands-Free Time: One of the most significant advantages of the airplane bassinet is that it provides parents with some hands-free and lap-free time during the flight. This is invaluable for eating, resting, or entertaining a toddler on a flight , if you are flying with multiple young kids .
• Comfort for the Baby: The bassinet offers a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep, especially during long-haul flights. This can contribute to a happier and more relaxed travel experience for your little one.
• Proximity to Parents: Being in close proximity to the bassinet allows you to attend to your baby’s needs promptly. It’s reassuring to know that you’re just a glance away, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the journey.
• Limited Availability: As mentioned earlier, bassinets are limited, and not all flights or aircraft have them. This limitation can be a source of stress for parents who are unable to secure one, and I learned never to count on them.
• Weight and Age Restrictions: Most airlines have specific weight and age restrictions for the use of bassinets. If your baby exceeds these limits, or if they can sit up on their own, the bassinet becomes unusable.
• Restricted Movement: While the bassinet provides a comfortable sleeping space, it’s not suitable for extended periods of play. As your baby grows more active, the confined space may become less appealing.
• Limited times of use: If there’s turbulence, you’ll be required to wake your baby up and take them out of the bassinet. For this reason, we stopped using them pretty early on and I’d just take my son into the seat with me, pictured above.
• Bulkhead seats aren’t always ideal: Bulkhead seats are often by the toilets and/or galley, so they can be loud. They usually have fixed arm rests that can’t be moved as well, so if you’re traveling with another kid, you won’t be able to move the arm rests. You’re typically not allowed to store anything by your feet, either, so make sure you have diapers and baby food stashed in the seat pocket prior to take off or landing!

Keep in mind that car seats cannot be installed in bulkhead seats, so bassinets can only be used for lap infants and not when baby has their own seat. Having their own seat is ultimately better and safer anyway, and gives them a safe sleep space in the car seat.

Navigating Bassinet Policies: A Guide to Major Airlines

As far as I know, there aren’t airlines that charge for bassinets. That doesn’t mean that all airlines offer one, though.

Now, let’s delve into the specific details of reserving an airplane bassinet with some of the major airlines:

Aer Lingus Aer Lingus is all about those transatlantic bassinets, except on their Boeing 757 planes. Remember to pre-book these beauties, and it’s a bit of a race since they’re subject to availability.

In an effort to encourage buying a baby their own seat, Aer Lingus offers a discounted child’s fare, which does not include a bassinet.

Aeroflot Aeroflot offers bassinets for babies under one year old, weighing a max of 24 pounds. You’ll need to give them a heads-up 36 hours before liftoff to secure your spot.

Aeromexico has bassinets available upon request during check-in. But here’s the catch – you need to be in an AM Plus seat, and your bundle of joy should tip the scales at no more than 24 pounds.

Air Canada ‘s bassinets are for the under-25-pound squad who can’t sit upright yet and are available on 767-300ER (763), 777-200LR (77L), 777-300ER (77W), 787-9 (789), 787-8 (788), and A330 (333) aircraft. You’ll have to request them at check-in.

Air France Air France spreads the bassinet love to economy, premium economy, and business class passengers on long-haul flights. Secure your spot ASAP , or at least 48 hours before you embark. These cozy cribs are reserved for the under-22-pound, under-27-inch crowd.

Air Mauritius has infant cots on every international flight. Just make sure to request in advance , and they’ll confirm it during check-in.

Air New Zealand Air New Zealand’s got the bassinet hookup on many flights. Book your spot online with Seat Select, and look out for that bassinet icon. Heads up, though – there might be an extra charge for these primo seats.

Alaska Airlines has no bassinets on their flights. But if there’s an empty seat on your journey, your lap-held infant might just snag that extra spot at no extra charge. Read my experience flying with a baby on Alaska Airlines here.

American Airlines has bassinets on their 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft for babies under 2, weighing less than 20 pounds. But here’s the kicker – it’s first-come, first-served, no advance requests allowed. American doesn’t make it the easiest for parents – read my American review for more info.

ANA (All Nippon Airways) If you’re flying ANA internationally in economy or business class with a lap infant, call ahead to secure one of these cozy spots. And hey, they even throw in a special baby blanket.

Asiana Airlines recommends reserving a bassinet early , especially since size limitations vary depending on the cabin and aircraft. Watch out for those height and weight restrictions!

Avianca Airlines has bassinets on routes operated by A330 and B787. Infants 12 months and under, weighing less than 25 pounds and measuring under 29 inches, can enjoy a snug spot.

British Airways offers bassinets only on long-haul flights for babies 2 and under and are booked during the ticket booking process. Seats with bassinet capability will have a baby icon.

Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific’s got your back with bassinets on all their flights. Just request one when you’re booking, and your infant under 6 months, weighing up to 26.5 pounds, can snooze away.

China Airlines offers bassinets. Secure yours by booking an infant ticket early, and make sure your little one is under 6 months, no taller than 28 inches, and not more than 24 pounds.

China Southern Airlines China Southern Airlines has an Infant Bassinet Service (BSCT) for flights over 3 hours. Babies under 1, weighing less than 25 pounds and under 27.5 inches, can grab one of these limited spots and must be reserved in advance .

Condor only offers bassinets in business class on long-haul flights. But be on your game – reserve it no less than 48 hours before takeoff by calling Special Reservations.

Delta Air Lines Delta’s got you covered with SkyCots on select international flights. Babies weighing up to 20 pounds can cozy up in these free-of-charge spots. But beware, it’s first-come, first-served, and they can’t guarantee availability. Read my Delta with a baby review for all the info.

EasyJet Airlines EasyJet is all about being kid-friendly, but alas, no bassinets in sight. However, their website promises a smooth ride for infants and young children.

Emirates Emirates is a bassinet haven for kids up to 2 years old without their own seat. Request one at booking or later through Manage a Booking. These spacious spots can cradle babies up to 24 pounds and are held for parents up to 48 hours before takeoff. I love flying with Emirates with a baby – they’re the most family friendly airline I’ve experienced.

Etihad Airways Etihad Airways’ bassinets are first-come, first-served. Request during booking or through Manage My Booking. They’re designed for babies up to 24 pounds, ensuring a comfy flight.

EVA Air EVA Air’s got bassinets on all their flights, but size and weight limits apply. Remember to share your baby’s deets during reservation – it’s for safety reasons!

Frontier Airlines Frontier Airlines is skipping the bassinet party for now.

Garuda Indonesia Garuda Indonesia is offering baby bassinets on a first-come, first-served basis. when you request them well in advance but know they’ll only be confirmed at check-in.

JetBlue Airways does not offer bassinets.

Hawaiian Airlines is rocking bassinets on select A330 routes, available with advance reservations. Book those Extra Comfort seats (row 14), reserve your bassinet over the phone, and your infant, up to 20 pounds, will be lounging in style.

Iberia Iberia’s got cots for infants on long-haul flights, provided you’re in the right class and seat for infants weighing up to 24 pounds. Call ahead to reserve one.

Icelandair does not offer bassinets.

JAL (Japan Airlines) JAL is in the bassinet game, but reservations aren’t always a sure bet. When we flew them to Japan with our six month old , I tried to reserve ahead of time and was told I had to ask at the gate. However there weren’t any bulkhead seats left when I booked, which meant no bassinets. Still, it was a great experience flying Japan Airlines with our baby.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KLM’s got carycots on intercontinental flights, but reservations aren’t a guarantee. Request one through the website or the Customer Care Center. These cots are for babies no taller than 25.5 inches and no heavier than 22 pounds.

Korean Air offers reserved bassinets on international flights in economy and Prestige class. Give them a shout at least 48 hours in advance to secure one. These comfy spots are for infants under 24 pounds and shorter than 29.5 inches.

LATAM Airlines has bassinets on all routes operated by a 767, 777, or 787. Request yours in advance, but keep in mind it’s subject to availability for Babies weighing up to 22 pounds and measuring up to 28 inches.

Lufthansa Lufthansa’s got bassinets across its long-haul fleet, but book early – up to 52 hours before takeoff. Depending on your booking class, there might be a seat reservation fee. The bassinets are for babies under 24 pounds and under 26 inches.

Malaysia Airlines Malaysia Airlines is spreading the bassinet love on select aircraft, and it’s free of charge. Make the request 24 hours before departure through their Global Customer Contact Centre .

Qantas Airways has bassinets available to request at booking for babies up to 24 pounds.

Qatar Airways has bassinets for infants up to 24 months and 25 pounds. Give them a ring to check availability ahead of time. We found Qatar to be quite family friendly , especially if you can snag adjoining Q suites which turn into one large bed!

Ryanair does not offer bassinets – are we surprised?

Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines offers bassinets for babies up to 30 lbs and such seats are reserved especially for parents, only opening up to everyone else for booking 48 hours before take off. As a parent with a lap infant, you may even be put in one of the bassinet seats whether you book it or not, as we found on a recent flight. Singapore is great to fly with babies and is unique with their larger capacity and ease of booking bassinet seats!

South African Airways South African Airways has bassinets for its tiniest travelers, reserved for bulkhead seat passengers. Ring them up to secure your spot for infants not exceeding 22 pounds and 29.5 inches.

Southwest Airlines is all about families but not so much about bassinets – you won’t find any onboard.

SriLankan Airlines SriLankan Airlines has bassinets available on long-haul flights for infants up to 6 months old and weighing no more than 24 pounds. Request these cozy spots during your booking or through their reservations department.

Sun Country Airlines does not offer bassinets.

SWISS International Air Lines offers bassinets on long haul flights. Make sure to reserve one at least 24 hours before departure for infants up to 15 months old and weighing up to 28 pounds.

TAP Air Portugal TAP Air Portugal is bringing bassinets to the party, free of charge. These cozy spots are for infants up to 2 years old, weighing up to 26.5 pounds. Book them in advance through their Contact Center or when purchasing your ticket.

Thai Airways has bassinets for infants under 2 years old on all flights. These spots can support a maximum weight of 26.5 pounds, and are bookable during the ticket booking process, but aren’t guaranteed until check-in.

Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines is on the bassinet train, providing them on long-haul international flights. Request one during booking for babies up to 2 years old, weighing up to 28.7 pounds.

United Airlines has bassinets available on international flights, and we’ve also had success requesting one on a cross-country flight on an international-sized plane. These cozy spots are for infants up to 2 years old and weighing up to 25 pounds. I’ve only had luck requesting them at the gate, and as United’s bulkhead seats are not saved for parents, they’re hard to get. Read my full United with a baby review.

Virgin Atlantic has bassinets available during booking for infants under 2 years old, weighing up to 26 pounds.

Volaris , WestJet , and Wizz Air do not offer bassinets onboard.

Why We Rarely Utilized Airplane Bassinets

Even though I was initially thrilled about the idea of reserving a bassinet for my baby, and certainly would have done it more often if it were easier, most of the time, booking a bulkhead seat is pretty difficult. Everyone really likes to have these seats because of the extra legroom, and unless the airline specifically saves them for parents, like Singapore and Emirates, they book up early. In the case of United, it’s almost always in premium economy, so you will have to pay up for the privilege as well.

Additionally, having to wake my son up every time the fasten seatbelt came on actually made it harder to use the bassinet the few times we had one. For the most part, it was better for me to have him in a baby carrier on my body when he was younger or to use our miles to book business class for longer flights and share the seat with him.

He also aged out of bassinets pretty early on because he was always in the hundredth percentile for height and weight. However, smaller babies would have a much longer potentially use for them.

We also started buying my son his own seat on flights after his first year, both for safety and for our sanity. This gave us extra room, gave him a designated safe sleeping space in an FAA-approved car seat , and made it less of a big deal whether we got a bassinet or not.

If you really want to use a bassinet on a long haul flight, it’s worth considering flying with parent-friendly airlines like Singapore or Emirates that save those seats for parents. It’s one of the only ways to ensure you get the bassinet for sure!

Kristin is the founder of Parenthood Adventures, combining her love of travel and newfound joy of motherhood. She's the creator of one of the most-read women's travel blogs in the world, bemytravelmuse.com, with a readership in the millions each year.

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10 Best Travel Bassinets 2023 Reviews

While traveling with a baby might be a bit difficult for new parents, it’s definitely not impossible. Travelling with a baby is only enjoyable if your baby sleeps peacefully. If your baby can’t get a cozy and comfortable space they need and are familiar with, then your trip will most probably be a stressful one. If you’re accustomed to traveling light, bringing along a travel bassinet might feel like a burden.  This is where you need to choose the best travel bassinet, especially designed for your needs and budget.

In this article, we go through the basics that parents need to consider if they are to get the best travel bassinet for a family vacation. We will analyze the features of each bassinet and take a look at the pros and cons of each to help purchase the best travel bassinet for your child — so buckle up!

Top 10 Best Travel Bassinets

1. dream on me traveler portable bassinet.

The Dream on Me portable bassinet is one of the best and lightest travel bassinets out there. It weighs just 7.5 lbs. (3.4 kg) and folds to 23x20x3 inches (58.5x51x7.6cm), making it a comfortable fit inside the trunk of even the smallest of cars.

This bassinet is extremely easy to set up bassinet and has plenty of room, which means you can continue to use it as your baby continues to grow. The Dream on Me portable bassinet comes with both a mattress and a travel bag.

As with anything, however, this travel bassinet has a few shortcomings. The leg height is not adjustable, which can become an inconvenience when you are trying to interact with your baby on the same level. The sides are not meshed, and the mattress sometimes becomes bunched when your baby starts to move around.

2. Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Infant Travel Bed – Baby Lounge

The Lulyboo Baby Lounge is another excellent choice for a travel bassinet. It is a lightweight, easy-setup, travel-friendly, and multi-functional bassinet. You can use this baby bed as a changing station, a rest & play area, and it can also be placed on the bed as a co-sleeper bassinet.

Another great feature of the Lulyboo Baby Lounge is that you can convert it into a backpack and carry it on your back. This frees up your hands to hold other luggage you might need to carry.

If you and your baby like the great outdoors, this is the bassinet for you. The Lulyboo Baby Lounge also comes with a detachable canopy, which will protect your baby from harsh sunlight and flying insects and also hang toys, so that your baby is kept entertained. The bottom of this bassinet is waterproof, and the liner can completely be removed and washed. Like the Dream on Me Traveler, the Lulyboo is exceptionally portable and is great for car travel.

The bottom of this bassinet is, however, somewhat soft, so moving the whole bassinet once the baby is asleep in it can be a bit difficult. The Lulyboo Baby bassinet is also a bit more pricey than most of the other bassinets. This should not discourage you, though, as this is one bassinet that is worth every penny.

3. Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet

The Brica Fold and Go Bassinet is ideal for kids below 3 months. At just 3 lbs. (1.36kg), it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to set up and pack away. It has mesh sides making it easy to interact with your baby. This travel bassinet has a double locking tubular steel frame and solid bottom, which means sturdy and secure enough for you to move your little one between spots without waking them up.

It folds to just 22x17x3 inches (55.9×43.18×7.62cm) and can easily fit in a plane overhead locker or in a small suitcase. In addition to this, the bassinet is made using baby-friendly materials. It is BPA free, lead-free and latex-free.

The downside to this bassinet is that it’s just designed for immobile infants. Once your baby reaches the 3-month mark, you will have to get a replacement portable bed.

4. SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper

If you want your baby safely sleeping with you in your own bed, the Swaddle Me by Your Side baby sleeper is an ideal choice. It is definitely one of the best co-sleeper bassinets for travel.

As the baby lies on top of the bed with you, this is an excellent choice for breastfeeding moms. A typical characteristic of co-sleeper bassinets is that they are small and compact in order to fit comfortably and safely on the bed. This makes them perfect for travel. Also, the Swaddle Me by Your Side baby sleeper has high walls, making it a great, safe co-sleeping option.

This bassinet is very easy to move the baby in and out of and can fold down easy enough to fit inside a small suitcase. It includes musical vibrations to keep your baby entertained, and is one of the easiest bassinets to clean.

If parents want the baby to sleep in-between them, they need to have a big bed though, as fitting two adults and the bassinet on a queen-sized bed can be a bit difficult. The bottom of this bassinet is not waterproof, so if you don’t want to wake up to a huge wet spot in your bed, you need to have a waterproof layer underneath the fitted sheet.

5. Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet

Basing on buyer opinions, the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet comes highly rated. Most parents are happy with the rocking motion that effortlessly sends their babies to a peaceful sleep.

The Fisher-Price Portable Bassinet is perfect when you need a safe and comfy place for your baby to sleep on a short day trip. It’s a bit on the bulky side, so you have to be traveling by car and don’t have space or weight limits.

The bassinet takes a few seconds to set up and take-down. You can either get a version with an automatic rocker or one that rocks with a gentle push from you. If you buy the electronic version you, however, may need a plug converter when traveling.

6. Chicco Lullago Travel Crib

This portable bassinet can be placed right next to your bed if you need to be close to the baby without sharing the bed.  The Chicco LullaGo Travel Bassinet is extremely easy to move around, and you can set it up in another area of the bedroom — all you need is a little free floor space.

This travel bassinet is extremely easy to set up and comes with a travel bag. You can also strip down all the fabrics for easy washing and cleaning. It also has a slight incline, which is excellent for babies with reflux.

Like the Dream on Me Traveler Portable Bassinet, not adjustable and may not reach the height of your bed.

7. Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Lite Crib Playard

The Graco Pack n Play Bassinet is a playpen that doubles as a travel bassinet or a Pack n Play bassinet. Many parents love this bassinet, and for good reason too.

You can use this crib from when your baby is born up until he or she is a toddler as a crib and playpen. The bassinet has a push-button fold system makes it easy to set up and pack away and a space-saving construction that can fit in most hotel bedrooms. The Graco Pack n Play Bassinet Crib has mesh sides, making it possible for parents to see in and baby to see out.

At 20 lbs. (9.07kg) and measuring 39.5x29x29 inches (100×73.6×73.6cm), this is the heaviest and bulkiest option on this list. This is, of course, partly due to its quality material and sturdy construction. It has wheels make it easy to move around and is still portable enough for car travel.

8. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light – Silver

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light is widely regarded by many parents as the best travel bassinet. This is because it’s straightforward to set up – you just lift it up, put in the mattress, and you are good to go. The mattress is soft and comfortable enough for your baby to sleep comfortably. As the bed rests on the floor, the bassinet does not have an upper weight limit. You can even use it up until your baby is three!

The mesh sides allow you to see what your baby is up to without having to look over the side and also will make sure the baby does not get anxious as they can see out. The fabric is removable and machine washable, making it easier to clean. At 44x32x24 inches (111.76x81x61cm), the cot is compact, yet spacious and folds down to 23.5x19x5.5 inches (60x48x14cm). Folding the cot away takes a bit of skill, but once you get the hang of it, it is quick and easy.

9. Guava Lotus Travel Crib

The Guava Lotus crib has long been a favorite portable bassinet for many travelling families. It’s setup up is almost similar to that of the Baby Bjorn – just lift it up, put in the mattress, and you are good to go. At 13lbs (5.9kg), it is also the same weight as the Baby Bjorn and has almost the same dimensions as well. It also has mesh sides allow you to see what your baby is up to without having to look over the side and also will make sure the baby does not get anxious as they can see out.

In addition, it has zip-down sides that make it easy to move your baby in and out the cot. When folded, the Guava Lotus bassinet is suitable for plane carry-on luggage as it can fit in the overhead locker. It also comes with a handy backpack carry bag.

The Guava Lotus crib can be used from birth to around 3 years old. It does not come with sheets, but these can be purchased independently.

10. Scuddles 3-1 Portable Bassinet for Baby

The Scuddles- 3-1 portable bassinet is, hands down, the best travel bassinet for airplane travel.  It also functions as a mobile changing station and has five zipped pockets (one which is insulated) for keeping your baby’s diapers, favorite toys, and hot or cold bottles. The bassinet has an easy-to-carry on the shoulder carrying structure.

This portable bassinet can also be used in an adult bed as a co-sleeper! It features and snap-in bars that keep the sides stable and reduce the risk of entrapping the baby. The mattress is waterproof and washable, which means hustle-free cleaning.

How to Choose the Best Travel Bassinet

What on earth is a Travel Bassinet? A travel bassinet is a portable baby travel bed that you can easily bring with you when traveling or on vacation. A travel bassinet is usually foldable and is lighter than regular baby bassinets.

When all is said and done, when you are traveling with your little one, you want a bed that is lightweight, portable, easy to set up, and that you can take literally anywhere with you with minimal stress.

Key features to consider when choosing a travel bassinet

When you are browsing through online markets, you are obviously trying to choose the best travel bassinet for you, your baby, and how you usually travel. In this quest, there are a few things to consider if you are to get the best value for your hard-earned money.

How portable is the travel bassinet?

Some bassinets look so cute that you may be tempted to buy at first glance, but they would hardly suitable for travel. Portability should be your number 1 priority when looking for a travel bassinet. Your baby’s travel bed needs to be easy to transport from one place to the next. Adding your baby supplies is already going to make you feel like you’ve tripled your usual travel gear. You definitely don’t need something that is going to add on some more weight and make your travel that much harder.

The bassinet’s weight limit

There are two weight limits that you need to consider when trying to choose the best travel bassinet.

How much your bassinet weighs is undoubtedly something you need to keep in mind. If you are travelling by air, or if you’re backpacking , you are will need the lightest available bassinet. The Lulyboo To Go Bassinet  weighs only 1 pound and is definitely an option worth considering.

If you always travel by car, then weight might not be a significant concern but is still an essential factor to consider.

The other weight you need to consider is your baby’s weight. If your chosen bassinet is designed to be supported by a bed or other safe surfaces, then your baby’s weight might not be an important consideration. However, if your bassinet is self-supporting, it might have a limit to how much baby weight it can safely carry. If your baby is a bit bigger or heavier than most, you need to ensure your bassinet can safely and securely hold their weight.

The bassinet’s dimensions

How you intend to travel will limit the size of bassinet you can comfortably carry. If you are driving to your intended destination, bassinet size might not be a major consideration. If you are flying, however, you might need a bassinet that can be folded into the smallest possible dimensions.

The best travel bassinet for flying is one that will fold enough to fit in your suitcase but still provide roughly the same sleeping area size as much larger bassinets.

Our team voted the  SwaddleMe By Your Side  or the  Lulyboo Baby Lounge as the best choice in terms of bassinet size.

How quickly and easily you can assemble and fold the bassinet

After a long day of travel, and both you and your baby just want to crash down into deep sleep, the last thing you want to do is start cracking your head and try to figure out how to set up your bassinet! Please take our word on this. A bassinet that has clear instructions and does not occasionally surprise you with new difficulties will make your travel experience all that much more enjoyable.

Materials of construction

When it comes to our little ones, the importance of safety can never be overemphasized. It’s quite unfortunate, however, that there are many baby products on the market that have ever so often resulted in accidents. It’s, therefore, vital that the materials used are safe and robust enough to guarantee the safety of your child. It’s always a bonus and will help you rest easy if the bassinet you are going to buy has a recognized safety endorsement.

It is essential for the fabrics that are used to be natural, or at least not be treated with chemicals that may harm your baby. It’s also a plus if the fabrics are breathable, so your baby does not become hot and sweaty. Mesh sides, though not a necessity, provide better air circulation and make it much easier for you to see what your baby is up to inside the crib. Another major point is the quality and durability of zippers or Velcro if any is used.

Sometimes babies can make the biggest mess in the shortest time. If your baby’s bassinet can be wiped down with minimal effort, using soap and water, that is definitely a plus!

The best travel bassinet is one that has accessories

Once you buy your travel bassinet, you will realize that several accessories are going to make your life and that of your baby much easier.

A canopy not only makes you baby bassinet look cuter but help block out sunlight and flying insects from bothering your baby. You can also hang toys to the canopy so that your baby is kept entertained and you can get extra freedom to enjoy the trip. A bassinet that has its own bag to pack it in is a lot easier to travel with.

Although you probably don’t want to skimp when it comes to the needs of your baby, the best travel bassinet doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of very affordable bassinets that can fully cater for your needs if you know how to choose one. Lucky for you, this article will help you do just that. We’ll go through the top 10 travel bassinets, the questions that you ought to ask before buying one, and the answers to these questions. Please read on!

What is a travel bassinet?

A travel bassinet is a portable travel bed for babies under 3 months old. A travel bassinet is usually foldable and is lighter than regular baby bassinets and is generally used when traveling or on vacation.

Why should I buy a travel bassinet?

If you need to travel with a baby, your journey is only going to be enjoyable if your baby sleeps peacefully. A travel bassinet is an easy and portable solution to ensure that your baby can sleep safely and comfortably while you are out and about with him or her.

Can I use a travel bassinet at home?

The great thing about travel bassinets is that you can take them just about anywhere. You can even choose to get your baby to sleep in a travel bassinet at home. That way, no matter which room you are spending time in, your little one can tag along and still have a safe and familiar place to sleep.

When must I not use a bassinet?

You should stop using a bassinet, and start using a crib, once your baby is older than 3 months. When your baby can sit up, they may venture over the sides and may easily tip over and fall out.

What is the difference between a bassinet and a crib?

A bassinet and a crib are for all intents and purposes quite similar. They mainly differ in terms of size and the age of babies that they can carry. Travel bassinets are much more compact compared to travel cribs and are mostly used for sleeping and are only for babies under 3 months.

One way to make sure you can still enjoy your trips is to make sure you have the best travel bassinet as part of your luggage. But with so many options available, it’s a bit tricky to decide which one is best for you. In the end, the choice will be determined by your specific needs, budget, and your preferences in terms of quality and comfort.

Our team recommends the  Lulyboo Baby Bassinet and the Scuddles 3 in 1 bassinet as these bassinets have all the necessary features at a very reasonable cost.

After going through this guide, however, we hope you are now in a better position to identify your specific needs and narrow down the particular type of bassinet that will make traveling with your baby the most enjoyable experience.

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Angelita McCrory

Hello! My name is Angelita E. McCrory, I like writing about travel, food and lifestyle. My hobbies are learning about culture, language, history and cuisine.

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Airplane Bassinet: How to Book & Use

Wait what? Do planes have baby bassinets? Is the airplane bassinet worth it? Do airplane bassinets cost extra?

An airplane bassinet on a long-haul flight can be a lifesaver! Many first-time parents don’t know how to book them or whether they need to pay extra for them, so after over 100 flights with babies , toddlers , and pets (or all of them together on at least 50 flights) I have all the answers for you !

In our experience after so many flights with or without bassinets, they can be a hit or miss and there are a few cons we discovered during our experience with airline bassinets.

What Is an Airplane Bassinet?

An airplane bassinet for babies is an in-flight bassinet cot that is available on most international large flights for those flying with an infant in-lap.

They’re sometimes referred to as baskets, airplane baby beds, or skycots.

When you book an  infant ticket  for children under 2 years of age (if you’re American, keep in mind that you MUST book a ticket for an infant on an international flight – you cannot add an infant to an international flight at the airport just like you do for domestic US flights ), an infant is required to sit on an adult’s lap unless you purchase a seat for an infant and bring a car seat.

On all non-US airlines, a baby sitting on an adult’s lap is also required to wear a seat belt that attaches the adult’s seat belt.

We all know that holding a child for hours can be tiring, so this is when a bassinet comes in handy. A baby bassinet is a place where a baby can lie down and sleep in flight. It hangs from the walls of the aircraft on a special shelf on designated seats called bassinet seats.

Bassinets vary between airlines and airplane types! They can be bigger, or smaller, and some even recline, but usually, it’s rectangular boxes with velcro or zipper on top for safety that must be closed at all times when the baby is in the skycot.

Where are the Bassinet Seats?

The airplane seat where the bassinet basket is used is commonly referred to as  the “bassinet seat” .  In economy class, it may also be called the  bulkhead seats  or  bulkhead row  (usually with either the toilets, or cabin divider in front of you).

However, keep in mind that not all bulkhead rows have bassinets.

In business class and first class cabins, many airlines now have special shelves where the bassinet is fitted on a flat surface right by your seat. These are great as your movement getting in and out of your seat is not restricted by the bassinet unlike it is often in economy class.

If you’re flying with a pet you cannot sit in the bassinet seat but some airlines will still bump you up when they’re too busy to switch you. In this case, your pet carrier might sit on a seat instead of underneath the seat (this happened to us 3 times and 4th time I requested to switch out of bassinet seats)

Is There an Age or Weight Limit on Airplane Bassinets?

Bassinets are great as long as your baby is small. There is no standardized airplane bassinet, but in most cases, they may be requested for infants up to 18 months of age, but the recommended age limit for bassinet use on international flights is maximum 8 months.

Many airlines prioritize smaller babies so if two people request a bassinet the younger one will get it -which makes total sense.

In fact, most airlines will not let you have a baby in a bassinet if they can sit up unassisted for safety reasons. Don’t believe these idiotic TikTok videos of people trying to squeeze their almost 2-year-old into the bassinet – no sane flight attendant will let you do that.

If you have a baby that’s in the 70th or higher percentile for weight or height then I’ll say even at 8 months it might be a tight and uncomfortable fit on some airlines.

Dylan was always a tall baby and when we had a bassinet on the most recent flight, he pretty much hated it. It was way too small for him already, he couldn’t turn on his size in it and refused to fall asleep.

Do You Have to Pay Extra for a Baby Bed on the Plane?

The biggest myth about bassinets is that you need to pay extra for them. They’re absolutely FREE . 

On some airlines, you might need to pay extra for the bulkhead seat as it’s a “better seat”, but that’s rare.

How Do You Get the Bassinet on a Plane?

In terms of booking them, it depends on the airline. For instance, Emirates offers plenty of bassinets and automatically assigns you to one after booking your infant. I didn’t even need to call and request it. Plus we got a free baby package full of toys and useful items.

Delta or American usually only have 2 bassinets on the plane and they block the seats (AKA seats will appear as taken when you look at the seat map). You can only receive these seats at the gate. 

Alitalia will require you to pre-book these seats by calling the airline in advance. I recently whitnessed one family being surprised because they couldn’t get a bassinet at the gate as these seats were already booked.

That said, always enquire with the airline to avoid surprises. I included a list of airlines and their bassinet policies at the end of this post.

Can You Use a Bassinet and Carseat?

No, you cannot. Car seats cannot be installed on bulkhead seats, so before deciding on your seats you must pick. If you prebook a seat for your baby under 2 years of age on board you won’t be given bassinet seats.

Possible Cons of Airline Bassinets

We used bassinets on various flights and I must say that on some flights when our babies were under 5 months old, they worked great, but anything after was a nightmare and I was trying to swap out of bassinet seats – which wasn’t an issue because everyone wants them.

If you’re flying in economy class, some people love the bulkhead seats because there’s usually more legroom and no seat in front of you.

However, these seats come with cons as well. To start with, they’re often right next to toilets which often leads to lines, people opening and closing the doors, and making other noises that make it hard for the baby to sleep.

They’re also almost always under a bright screen with a flight map which doesn’t help (you can ask the flight attendant to turn it off, but not all of them will do it), which leads more parents to purchase CoziGo – a smaller version of SlumberPod for strollers and bassinets.

Most airlines will ask you to take the baby out of it when there’s turbulence and naturally, the bassinet is folded away for takeoff and landing . The only exception is Virgin Atlantic and British Airways because the bassinet has a harness.

We had one flight when Dylan was basically only allowed to be in the bassinet for half an hour before they turned the seatbelt sign on and we had to take him out – on an 8-hour flight!

This brings me to the next point – if you suddenly discover there is turbulence or that your child doesn’t fit in the bassinet, the bulkhead seats don’t have moveable armrests (some newer airlines like Air Tahiti Nui have movable armrests in the middle in a 3 or 4-seater configuration) which makes it super uncomfortable for another child to spread out over parents.

Not to mention that it’s not possible to eat on those trays that come out of the armrest when holding a baby because they’re tighter than those coming out of the back of the seat in front of you.

Most importantly, you cannot have any bags on the floor for take-off and landing , which you might think its not an issue… until you sit on the tarmac for an hour after landing because there’s an issue and you can’t get up or open the bin while your child is screaming for milk, snacks, diaper, or anything that’s in your diaper bag stowed away.

Airlines Bassinet Policies & How to Book Them

Different airlines have different policies regarding booking and/or using bassinets (see below). Most are for babies six months old or younger and have a weight limit of about 20 lbs.

They also can only be used for babies who are not yet able to sit upright unassisted (which makes sense, since you don’t want your baby trying to climb out of the bassinet mid-flight!).

• Aer Lingus – call book. Available for babies without purchased seats.
• Aeroflot – call to book for babies under 1 (and up to 11kg).
• Aeromexico – available if you buy AM Plus Seat but not guaranteed – subject to check-in availability.
• Air Canada – call to request (first come first serve at check-in). Only available on some planes and up to 12 kg or until baby sits upright.
• Air France – call to request up to 48h before departure. Only available for babies up to 10 kg and less than 70 cm (27″)
• Air India – call to request, but subject to fitting into the bassinet so babies under 70 cm height.
• Air Mauritius – call to book. For babies under 12 months or up to 11 kg or 74 cm tall.
• Air New Zealand – you can book online (seats are marked with a baby symbol). For infants up to 8 months and less than 11 kg.
• Air Seychelles – call to request as soon as you book your ticket for babies under 6 months old.
• Air Tahiti Nui – call to request for babies under and 75 cm 14kg.
• Alaska Airlines – no bassinets available.
• Alitalia (ITA Airways) – call to request or ask at check-in for babies under 11 kg and less than 76 cm tall.
• American Airlines – bassinets available only on 777-200, 767-300, 777-300 and 787 . No bassinets in First or Business class. First come, first serve upon check-in.
• ANA – call to request for babies under 10 kg.
• Asiana – call to book for babies under 71 cm tall. Bassinets for A350 Economy Class are smaller than regular.
• Avianca – contact to request. Available for babies under 12 months and under 74 cm or 11 kg.
• British Airways – both bassinets or seated cots for older children up to 2 years (or 12.5 kg) available. You can reserve online during booking.
• Cathay Pacific – Book when purchasing flights for infants up to 6 months. Not available on Airbus A321neo .
• China Airlines – call to request for babies under 6 months, 71 cm or 11 kg.
• Condor – call to request for babies under 6 months or 8 kg.
• Czech Airlines – request by calling for kids under 11 kg.
• Delta Airlines – call to request for babies under 20 lbs and 26 inches.
• EasyJet – no bassinets available.
• El Al Airlines – for babies up to 9 months old for free (Lite tickets require a charge).
• Emirates bassinets – can be booked online when picking seats. Available up to 2 years, but only if child fits so usually under 12 months and definitely under 12 kg.
• Etihad Airways – book online for babies under 11 kg and 75 cm tall.
• Eva Air – request when making a reservation. Depending on the aircraft babies might have to be smaller than 70 cm or 76 cm.
• Fiji Airways – bassinets allocated at check-in.
• Frontier Airlines – no bassinets available.
• Garuda Indonesia – call to request & distribute upon check-in for babies under 9 kg.
• Gulf Air – call to book for infants up to 7 months and less than 66 cm or 10 kg.
• JetBlue Airways – no bassinets available.
• Hawaiian Airlines – book in advance in Extra Comfort seats for babies under 20 lbs, or upgrade at check-in – subject to availability.
• Iberia – call to request for infants up to 11 kg. Might cost extra.
• Icelandair – no bassinets available.
• Japan Airlines – distributed at check-in for babies up to 10.5 kg.
• KLM – request the bassinet online. Only for babies up to 65 cm tall and 10 kg.
• Korean Air – only in economy class and Prestige class. Request online for babies under 11 kg and 75 cm.
• LATAM – request by calling for babies under 10 kg and 71 cm.
• Lufthansa – request by calling for babies under 11 kg and 67 cm. Lufhansa might automatically bump you to bassinet seats at the gate.
• Malaysia Airlines – request by calling.
• Qantas Airways – request when booking online for babies under 11 kg.
• Qatar Airways – request by calling or at booking. Not available on A380. Baby must fit in thebassinet and be under 11 kg.
• Ryanair – no bassinets available.
• Singapore Airlines – book when purchasing a flight for up to 14 kg.
• South African Airways – request by calling for babies under 10 kg and 75 cm.
• Southwest Airline s – no bassinets available.
• Sri Lankan Airlines – request must be made when booking a flight.
• Swiss International – request by calling for babies under 8 months and 11 kg.
• TAP Air Portugal – request by calling for babies under 12 months and 11 kg.
• Thai Airways – request when booking for babies under 6 months, 67 cm and 10 kg.
• Turkish Airlines – call to request.
• United Airlines – request by calling for babies under 10 kg.
• Virgin Atlantic – request online.
• WestJet Airlines – only available on Dreamliner in rows 9 and seat 25E. For babies under 26 inches and 11 kg.

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Airplane Bassinet: A Guide for Traveling with Infants

Air travel with an infant can be a daunting task, especially for first-time parents. One of the biggest concerns for parents is how to keep their baby comfortable and safe during the flight. This is where airplane bassinets come in handy. Airplane bassinets are specially designed cots that attach to the bulkhead wall of the aircraft and provide a comfortable sleeping area for infants.

Understanding Airplane Bassinets Airplane bassinets are typically reserved for infants who are under a certain weight and height limit, usually around 20-25 pounds and 26-32 inches respectively. They are available on most long-haul flights and some short-haul flights, but availability may vary depending on the airline and aircraft. It is important to note that airplane bassinets are not guaranteed, and parents should always call ahead to confirm availability and make a reservation if possible.

Airline Bassinet Policies and Procedures Each airline has its own policies and procedures when it comes to airplane bassinets. Some airlines require parents to bring their own blankets and pillows, while others provide them. Some airlines also have restrictions on when the bassinet can be used, such as during takeoff and landing or when the seatbelt sign is on. It is important for parents to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the airline they are flying with to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Key Takeaways

• Airplane bassinets are specially designed cots that attach to the bulkhead wall of the aircraft and provide a comfortable sleeping area for infants.
• Airline policies and procedures for airplane bassinets vary by airline and parents should always call ahead to confirm availability and make a reservation if possible.
• It is important for parents to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the airline they are flying with to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Understanding Airplane Bassinets

Basics of airplane bassinets.

An airplane bassinet is a small, fold-down bed that is attached to the bulkhead wall in the aircraft cabin. It is designed to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for infants during long flights. These bassinets are typically reserved for families traveling with infants and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most airplane bassinets have weight limits that range from 20 to 30 pounds and are suitable for infants up to 6 months old. The size of the bassinet can vary depending on the airline and aircraft type, but they are generally around 30 inches long and 14 inches wide.

To ensure the safety of the infant, parents must follow the guidelines provided by the airline. This includes using the provided harness to secure the infant in the bassinet and not allowing the infant to be unattended in the bassinet.

Types of Bassinets on Aircraft

There are two main types of airplane bassinets: overhead and bulkhead. Overhead bassinets are attached to the overhead compartments and can be accessed by the parent during the flight. Bulkhead bassinets are attached to the bulkhead wall and cannot be accessed during the flight.

Overhead bassinets are generally larger and can accommodate infants up to 30 pounds, while bulkhead bassinets are smaller and can accommodate infants up to 20 pounds. Some airlines also offer convertible bassinets, which can be adjusted to fit infants of different sizes.

It is important to note that not all airlines offer bassinets on their flights, and those that do may have limited availability. It is recommended to check with the airline prior to booking to ensure that a bassinet will be available for use during the flight.

Airline Bassinet Policies and Procedures

When traveling with an infant, parents often wonder if they can reserve a bassinet seat on the airplane. Most airlines do offer this option, but it is important to understand their policies and procedures before making a reservation.

Booking and Reservation Policies

To reserve a bassinet seat, parents must usually contact the airline directly or make a request through their travel agent. It is important to note that bassinet seats are limited and subject to availability. Some airlines may charge an additional fee for this service, while others offer it free of charge.

It is recommended that parents book their bassinet seat as early as possible to ensure availability. Most airlines require that infants using a bassinet seat be under a certain weight and height limit, typically around 20 pounds and 26 inches.

Safety and Usage Guidelines

Airline bassinets are designed to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for infants during a flight. However, it is important to follow the airline’s safety and usage guidelines to ensure the safety of the child.

Parents should always secure their child in the bassinet using the provided harness and follow any instructions given by the flight attendants. It is also important to note that the bassinet may only be used during certain phases of the flight, such as cruising altitude, and must be stowed away during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

Overall, parents should familiarize themselves with the airline’s policies and procedures regarding bassinet seats before making a reservation. By doing so, they can ensure a safe and comfortable flight for their infant.

Choosing the Best Bassinet Seat

When traveling with an infant, choosing the right bassinet seat can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and stress-free flight. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best bassinet seat for your baby.

Bulkhead Seats and Their Advantages

Bulkhead seats are the most popular choice for parents traveling with infants. These seats are located at the front of the cabin and have a wall or partition in front of them, providing extra legroom and space for a bassinet to be attached. Bulkhead seats are usually reserved for passengers with infants and are often available for free or at a reduced cost.

One of the main advantages of bulkhead seats is that they offer more space and privacy for parents and their baby. The lack of a seat in front means that there is no one reclining into your space, and you can easily access your carry-on bags and other items during the flight. Additionally, the partition in front of the seat provides a barrier between your baby and the rest of the cabin, reducing noise and distractions.

Weight and Age Considerations

When selecting a bassinet seat, it’s important to consider the weight and age restrictions of the airline. Most airlines have a weight limit of around 20-25 pounds for bassinet use, and some may have age restrictions as well. It’s essential to check with the airline before booking your flight to ensure that your baby meets the requirements for using a bassinet.

It’s also important to note that not all bassinets are created equal. Some airlines provide larger and more comfortable bassinets than others, so it’s worth doing some research before booking your flight. Additionally, some airlines may only have a limited number of bassinets available, so it’s essential to book your seat early to avoid disappointment.

In conclusion, choosing the best bassinet seat for your baby can help make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable. Consider the advantages of bulkhead seats and the weight and age restrictions of the airline when making your decision. With a little research and preparation, you can ensure a stress-free flight for you and your baby.

Traveling with Infants on Airplanes

Preparing for the flight.

Traveling with an infant on an airplane can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Parents should check with the airline about their policies on traveling with infants and make sure to book a bassinet in advance if needed. It is also important to pack all necessary items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag. Parents should also consider bringing a baby carrier or a stroller that can be gate-checked.

During the Flight

Once on board, parents can request a lap belt for their baby or use a FAA-approved car seat if they have purchased a seat for their infant. If a bassinet has been reserved, parents should inform the flight attendant and follow the instructions for setting it up. During takeoff, landing, and turbulence, parents should hold their baby securely in their lap or use the lap belt provided. It is also important to keep the baby calm and comfortable by feeding, changing, and providing opportunities for rest.

Overall, traveling with an infant on an airplane requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the airline’s policies, packing essential items, and keeping the baby safe and comfortable during the flight, parents can have a successful and enjoyable trip.

Airline-Specific Bassinet Information

Major international airlines.

For international flights, several major airlines provide bassinets for infants. These airlines include American Airlines, Air France, Air New Zealand, ANA, Emirates, Etihad, and Qantas. It is important to note that each airline has different policies and guidelines regarding the use of bassinets, so it is recommended to contact the airline directly for specific information.

American Airlines provides bassinets on a first-come, first-served basis for infants weighing up to 20 pounds. Air France offers bassinets for infants weighing up to 22 pounds, but they must be reserved in advance. Air New Zealand provides bassinets for infants up to 8 months old and weighing up to 26 pounds. ANA offers bassinets for infants up to 18 months old and weighing up to 22 pounds. Emirates provides bassinets for infants up to 2 years old and weighing up to 22 pounds. Etihad provides bassinets for infants up to 2 years old and weighing up to 30 pounds. Qantas provides bassinets for infants up to 8 months old and weighing up to 22 pounds.

Regional and Budget Airlines

Regional and budget airlines may also provide bassinets for infants on international flights, but the availability and policies may vary. It is recommended to contact the airline directly for specific information.

In general, it is important to note that bassinets may not be available on all flights, and there may be restrictions on their use. For example, some airlines may not allow the use of bassinets during takeoff, landing, or turbulence. It is also important to ensure that the infant meets the airline’s age and weight requirements for using a bassinet.

Overall, parents traveling with infants should contact their airline in advance to inquire about the availability and policies regarding bassinets. With proper planning and communication, parents can ensure a comfortable and safe flight for their little one.

Additional Considerations and Tips

Cost and fare implications.

Airplane bassinets are typically provided free of charge by airlines for passengers traveling with infants. However, it is important to note that not all airlines offer this service, and those that do may have limited availability. It is recommended that passengers check with their airline in advance to confirm availability and any associated costs.

In addition to the bassinet, passengers may also need to purchase an infant ticket for their child. This can vary in cost depending on the airline and the destination. Passengers should also be aware that some airlines may require that infants have their own seat, which can significantly increase the cost of travel.

Packing and Accessories

When traveling with an infant, it is important to pack efficiently and bring only the essentials. Passengers should consider bringing a small bag or backpack to store items such as diapers, wipes, and extra clothing. It is also recommended to bring a few blankets, as airplane cabins can become chilly.

One accessory that can be particularly useful when using an airplane bassinet is the Cozigo sleep and sun cover. This cover fits over the bassinet and helps to create a dark and cozy environment for the infant to sleep in. It also provides protection from the sun and other distractions.

Passengers should also be aware that there may be restrictions on the types of items that can be brought on board the plane. It is important to check with the airline in advance to determine what items are allowed and any size or weight restrictions.

Overall, traveling with an infant can be challenging, but with proper planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding experience. Passengers should prioritize their child’s comfort and safety, and be prepared to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Alternatives to Airplane Bassinets

Travelling with an infant can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to ensuring their comfort and safety on a long flight. While airplane bassinets are a popular choice for parents, they may not always be available or suitable for every situation. In this section, we will explore some alternatives to airplane bassinets.

Using Car Seats on Planes

One option for parents is to use a car seat on the plane. This can provide a familiar and comfortable environment for the infant, as well as ensuring their safety during the flight. However, it’s important to note that not all car seats are approved for use on airplanes, so parents should check with the airline beforehand. Additionally, car seats can be bulky and heavy, which may not be practical for some parents.

Portable Travel Solutions for Infants

For parents who prefer a more portable solution, there are a variety of travel cots and portable bassinets available on the market. These can be lightweight and easy to pack, making them a convenient option for parents on the go. However, it’s important to ensure that the cot or bassinet is suitable for use on airplanes and meets all safety regulations. Additionally, some airlines may have a limited number of bassinets available, so parents should check with the airline beforehand and make arrangements if necessary.

Overall, there are a variety of alternatives to airplane bassinets that parents can consider when travelling with an infant. By doing some research and planning ahead, parents can ensure that their child’s journey is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weight limit for using an airplane bassinet.

Most airlines have a weight limit of around 20 pounds for using an airplane bassinet. However, this can vary depending on the airline and the specific model of the bassinet. It is best to check with the airline before booking your flight to ensure that your baby is within the weight limit.

Up to what age can my baby use the in-flight bassinet?

The recommended age limit for using an in-flight bassinet is around 6 months old. However, this can also vary depending on the airline and the specific model of the bassinet. Some airlines may allow babies up to 1 year old to use the bassinet. It is best to check with the airline before booking your flight to ensure that your baby is within the recommended age limit.

How do I secure a bassinet seat when flying with United Airlines?

To secure a bassinet seat when flying with United Airlines, you will need to call the airline’s customer service and request a bassinet seat. These seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended to request a bassinet seat as early as possible to ensure availability.

What are the dimensions of Delta’s in-flight bassinets?

Delta’s in-flight bassinets have dimensions of approximately 29 inches x 13 inches x 7 inches. These dimensions may vary slightly depending on the specific model of the bassinet. It is best to check with the airline before booking your flight to ensure that your baby’s dimensions are within the recommended size limit.

Which airlines offer the best bassinets for infants during travel?

The quality and availability of bassinets can vary greatly among different airlines. Some airlines that are known for offering high-quality bassinets for infants during travel include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways. However, it is recommended to check with the airline before booking your flight to ensure that they offer bassinets and that they meet your specific needs.

Are passengers allowed to bring their own foldable bassinets on a plane?

Most airlines do not allow passengers to bring their own foldable bassinets on a plane. This is because the airline’s own bassinets are designed to meet specific safety standards and regulations. It is best to check with the airline before booking your flight to ensure that you are aware of their specific policies regarding bringing your own bassinet on board.

Popular Posts

Best Travel Bassinet – TSA Approved And Portable To Fly

If you’re in search of the “best travel bassinet,” you’re likely planning a trip with your little one. You need a secure, portable, and TSA-approved option for a comfortable journey.

From safety features to portability and airline compliance, finding the perfect travel bassinet that fits all your travel and baby’s comfort needs can be challenging. As a travel enthusiast with first-hand experience in family travel, I’ve navigated the complexities of traveling with infants and know the importance of having the right gear.

This guide is for parent travelers looking to ensure their child’s comfort and safety during travels without sacrificing convenience. Let’s navigate this journey together, finding you the ideal travel bassinet that meets both your and your baby’s needs. Ready to travel with ease and assurance? Let’s roll!

Travel Bassinet Quick Overview(Updated List)

What makes a bassinet tsa approved.

Flying with a baby introduces you to an entirely new set of rules and regulations, especially when it comes to TSA approvals. Understanding these can make your journey much smoother.

TSA Guidelines for Baby Gear

According to the TSA, baby gear, such as strollers, car seats , and carriers, can be checked in or pass through the security check. But what about travel bassinets?

TSA Measurements

The main concern here is the size. For an item to be allowed in the cabin, it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The standard dimensions for the overhead bin are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the space under the seat is typically 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Keep in mind; these measurements can vary between different airlines and airplane models.

Travel Bassinets and TSA Rules

The best travel bassinets are designed with these dimensions in mind, ensuring you can carry them onboard conveniently. But it’s essential to check with your specific airline before flying, as rules can sometimes differ.

Gate Checking

If your bassinet doesn’t meet these requirements, don’t worry! There’s another option – gate checking. In this process, you can use it right up until you board the plane. Then, you check the bassinet in just before entering the plane to be seated. The airline will place it in the cargo hold. When you deplane, it’s returned to you, allowing you to use it while you navigate the airport.

Remember, whether you bring your bassinet onboard or gate-check it, having a TSA-approved bassinet for airplanes ensures a more comfortable journey for you and your little one.

Travel Bassinet Product Reviews

Without further delay, here are our top picks for a travel bassinet.

The Beberoad travel bassinet is for babies 0-5 months of age. It has a see-through front panel to view your baby with a removable breathable mesh mosquito net. In addition, it folds into a handy, convenient carry case with a carry handle, and it locks when open. Here is a perfect travel bassinet for any trip. Not to mention, it comes in 3 color options. 

• Durable steel locking frame
• It folds into a compact carrying case with a shoulder strap
• Convenient carry case with a carry handle
• Breathable mesh mosquito net
• Three color options
• If you lay it on the belt for security scanning, you will pass through the security checkpoint or place it with other baby items . Be sure to let security know it is a travel bassinet if they ask, and check with the airline you are flying.
• It is a steel frame construction.

The Lulyboo is a patented, award-winning portable bassinet option and an indoor/outdoor bed that easily folds into a backpack. In addition, it is a simple design with a machine-washable waterproof mattress, a removable, washable cover, and a removable canopy. It is suitable for 0-9 months of age. Not to mention it is a play station along with a changing station. Oh, and it also comes in 4 glorious color options.

• Sturdy foam siding
• It folds in half to become a portable backpack
• 4 color options
• Removable canopy
• Machine-washable waterproof mattress
• Play station
• Changing station
• Made of soft cushion and cloth to pass through security with ease
• It is not made for sleep; therefore, do not place it in a bassinet or crib

The Joovy Gloo is a baby beach tent suitable for 6 months to 3 years. A smaller size newborn-ready size is available.

It is an excellent choice to take on a beach vacation to keep the sun off your little one. It has a removable, washable pad that covers a self-inflating mattress. Open it up, and it will inflate immediately. So easy to operate! It compacts into a small round carrying case and comes in 2 sizes and 6 colors.   

• Self-inflatable bottom
• It does not need assembly; it just pops up
• It easily folds into a compact round case.
• 2 different sizes
• 6 colors available
• Compact size will easily pass as a carry on
• You cannot use it as a bassinet during a flight

The Yinuoday portable baby bassinet has a soft cotton base and a pad to support your baby’s spine. The guardrails on the side are nice to keep your baby safe and folds nicely into a small purselike bag. If you need a co-sleeper bassinet or a portable travel one, this will serve both needs.

You can choose from 3 beautifully designed colors. With the end ties and you can custom-fit it to your child’s size. Just open it, and magically it fills with air for immediate use, which makes it the perfect travel baby bed. 

• Soft cotton base
• Hand and spot washable
• Cotton padded mattress
• Stay-in-place bumper pads
• Folds into a compact zippered bag
• Co-sleeper bassinet
• Portable travel bassinet
• Pad to support your baby’s spine
• Safety side guardrails
• No metal so it will easily pass security checkpoints.
• Magically inflates with air for immediate use
• Available in 3 colors
• It requires only a gentle cleansing because it loses its shape in the washer.

The Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is a simple yet highly functional baby bassinet. Its mesh side panels keep your baby cool, and the lightweight steel frame is very portable. In addition, it folds into a flat case with an adjustable shoulder strap.

• Sturdy steel locking frame
• It folds into itself for a compact carrying case
• Lightweight
• Convenient carry handle
• Mesh side panels
• Highly functional
• If you lay it on the belt for security scanning, you will pass through the security checkpoint or place it with other baby items. Be sure to let security know it is a travel bassinet if they ask, and check with the airline you are flying.
• The maximum child weight is 15 lbs

Benefits Of A Bassinet For Travel?

For trips around town and even extended stays away from home, the best travel bassinet is a great way to keep your baby secure and comfortable. It folds nicely into a compact size that fits most cars and planes. Additionally, you can use it as an alternative to the infant carrier for shorter trips.

A portable travel bassinet lets you keep your little one close and secure while creating lasting memories during nap time, nighttime sleep, or outings.

Not only is your new bassinet useful at home, but you can also use it when going on family outings, trips to the hairdresser, and other fun activities with friends.

A travel bassinet is like a private bedroom for your baby that no one else has used, and it is a clean, safe space.

Key Features of the Best Travel Bassinet

When shopping for the best travel bassinet, there are several features to consider. This choice could significantly impact your travel experience and, more importantly, your baby’s comfort and safety.

Portability

Portability is a prime factor. The best travel bassinet should be compact and lightweight for ease of transportation. It should also be easy to assemble and disassemble.

Imagine fumbling with complicated instructions while your baby is crying out for sleep! That’s a situation you’d like to avoid.

Safety should never be compromised. Always check if the travel bassinet meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC is an independent agency of the U.S. government that regulates the sale and manufacture of consumer products to prevent unreasonable risks of injuries and death.

A safe bassinet should have a sturdy build, ensuring it remains stable and doesn’t tip over. The sides should be breathable to avoid suffocation risks, and there should be no sharp or protruding parts that could harm the baby. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

When it comes to comfort, consider the internal dimensions of the bassinet to ensure there’s enough room for your baby to sleep comfortably. The mattress should be firm, flat, and fit snugly within the bassinet with no gaps where a baby could potentially get stuck.

The material of the travel bassinet is equally important. It should be durable to withstand the rigors of travel yet soft and cozy enough for your baby’s skin.

Look for bassinets with removable and washable fabrics to ensure easy cleaning. Additionally, the material should be breathable to maintain good airflow and help regulate your baby’s temperature.

FAQs About A Travel Bassinet

Here are some commonly asked questions about a travel bassinet for carry on.

Do airlines provide bassinets for infants?

Many airlines provide an airline bassinet that is attached to the wall. You will need to reserve these bassinets way ahead because they go fast, and there are not many on each plane. You will also need to upgrade your seating to a bulkhead seat.

Can I use a travel bassinet on a plane?

The specific usage of a travel bassinet in flight depends on the airline’s policies. Check with the airline you fly before your flight. As a rule of thumb, a child under 2 on most airlines does not require an airplane ticket and can use a bassinet while on a flight.

What age is appropriate for a travel bassinet?

Travel bassinets are suitable for newborns until they can roll over or sit up unassisted, typically around six months. After this age, it’s best to transition to a travel cot.

What is a bassinet you can fly with?

A bassinet in flight, often called a travel bassinet or airplane bassinet, is a compact, portable baby bed designed with travel-specific features. It fits within airline size restrictions, either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Additional Resources

If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on accessories, here are some additional posts about accessories:

3 Best Strollers For Big Kids – Raise A Star

Best Luxury Travel System Strollers – Fly With Ease

Top Insulated Pouches For Meds: Guide To Diabetic Travel

Travel Bassinet – Conclusion

So that concludes our review of a travel bassinet for airplanes. Travel bassinets are a safe way to keep your baby comfortable when on vacation. In my opinion, a travel bassinet is a must for your peace of mind and for you and your baby’s comfort.

Happy travels, my friends.

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Laura Fuller

Hello, I am a luggage and travel fanatic. With a vast knowledge of TSA regulations, I am here to assist you on your journey. Please join me, and together, we will navigate the world of travel. From TSA and air to cruising the high seas, we will explore the best accessories and tips for smooth travel.

What Is Carry On Luggage – The Essential Guide for Travelers

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Best Travel Cribs

The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as carrier-of-all-the-stuff a tad easier., by jen labracio.

Traveling with babies and kids can be so rewarding, but there’s one thing you need when you get going: gear. To make things easier, you may want to have a travel stroller (or maybe your usual travel system will work just fine) and a travel car seat , but no matter how lightly you want to pack, your little one will need a safe place to rest. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as the baby gear schlepper a tad easier.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Cribs

• Best Lightweight: Babybjörn Travel Crib Light
• Best Affordable Lightweight: Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard
• Best for Flying: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard
• Best Affordable: Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard
• Best for Toddlers: Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard
• Most Versatile: UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard
• Most Portable: Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot
• Best for Small Spaces: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
• Best for Car Travel: Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard

In This Article

How we chose the best travel cribs.

• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Crib?

Do you need a travel crib, what to look for in a travel crib, babylist’s picks for the best travel cribs, best lightweight travel crib.

Babybjörn Travel Crib & Organic Sheet Bundle - Dark Green

Why we love it.

Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the Babybjörn Travel Crib is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market, making it especially ideal if you’re a family who’s routinely on the go. Top features include an incredibly easy setup (it unfolds and breaks down in one motion, and there are no loose parts to worry about), breathable mesh sides and a firm but ultra-comfy mattress that parents rave about. The mattress and the fabric frame are both machine washable, so it’s easy to clean. And when the crib is folded in its carrying case, it will fit within any airline baggage compartment. Wheels up, with baby in tow!

Keep in Mind

You’ll want to stop using this travel crib around three years old or until your little one is able to climb out of it. But unlike many other travel cribs, there’s no weight limit for the Babybjörn, since the crib’s mattress rests on ground. This means you’ll get more time out of this travel crib than most.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Very happy with this travel crib – lightweight, packable, set up is incredibly easy, and it’s simple to disassemble for cleaning. The thing that set this crib apart for other similar travel-appropriate pack-and-plays for us was the thicker mattress – our 9 month old slept just as well in this travel crib as she does at home. Great product, we would highly recommend!” -BH

Additional Specs

Best Affordable Lightweight Travel Crib

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard - Dove

A lightweight travel crib is a sound investment if you’re a family who’s frequently on the go or if you plan on using it for multiple children, but many cost upwards of $300, especially after you add on accessories like sheets. Chicco’s Alfa Lite is a stellar lightweight travel crib but is about half the price of other similar options. And don’t worry—you won’t be sacrificing on features or quality. It weighs 13 pounds, is easy to open and close, folds down into a zippered carrying bag (with a large shoulder strap) and even has a zip-down side for easy access to your little one.

The Alfa Lite is Greenguard Gold Certified. Some parents mention that the mattress is on the thinner side.

“This travel playard is perfect. The design is sleek and the safely measures are advanced. The side opening zipper is buckled to the leg so no little hands can magically unzip themselves. The mattress pad also gets buckled in place. It took seconds to set up and take down. The travel playard makes your life so much easier while traveling and doesn’t take up much of any space in the car. 100/10 recommend buying!!!” -Sophia K.

Best Travel Crib for Flying

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard

If you’ve ever traveled with kids, especially via plane, you know the value of having one less thing to tote around. Meet the Lotus: the travel-crib-turned-backpack that no traveling family should leave home without. This ultra-lightweight crib folds seamlessly into a compact, backpack-style carrying case, leaving your hands free to deal with the other 142 things they’ll be tasked with for attempting to leave the house with your littles in tow. (This feature comes in especially handy in airports.) We also love the unique zip-down “door” feature of the crib’s mesh side—it makes getting down on baby’s level for cuddles, feeding or play super easy, then quietly zips back up and locks into place.

Like the Babybjörn Travel Crib, the Guava’s mattress is flush to the ground, meaning there’s no weight limit usage recommendations here, either. Some parents report that the mattress is fairly thin, however.

“The Lotus crib is one of the best products we have. It is lightweight, folds and assembles in just a few snaps, and has mesh sides. The fabric comes completely off and is machine washable.” -Kristin

Best Affordable Travel Crib

Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard - Reign

If you’re looking for simple, sturdy travel crib that will stand the test of time but won’t break the bank, this Pack ‘n Play from Graco fits the bill. Although it’s basic, the features are anything but—there are a ton of things that you (and your little one) will love. We especially appreciate the sturdy frame, the roomy area for play and sleep and the push-button fold for quick and easy breakdown. And at around $70, this travel crib is perfect for using as an extra playard around the house and for keeping at the grandparents’ house or anywhere else you know you’ll be visiting on a regular basis.

You can’t attach any extras to this travel crib, like a bassinet or changing table. And some parents complain that the mattress is on the thin side, so that may be something to consider if you’re planning on using it for more than just the occasional weekend away. It’s also fairly heavy, so you won’t want to use it if you’re traveling by plane or anywhere else where you’ll need to carry it around frequently.

Best Travel Crib for Toddlers

Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard - Grey (2023)

As your baby grows into a toddler , many parents still need the safety that the confines of a crib provide—especially while traveling. But what happens when your toddler is too big for their travel crib but too little for a bed? Enter the Newton. The mattress is about two times larger than most travel cribs, making it ideal for an older toddler who may be sized out of a smaller playard. It’s also 100 percent breathable and washable, made with the same Wovenaire technology used in the brand’s much-loved crib mattress. It’s flush to the ground, so there’s no weight limit, and it’s super comfy and GREENGAURD Gold Certified.

The playard weighs in at about 17 pounds, so while it’s not the lightest on the market, it’s still fairly easy to travel with and the weight is for a good cause. Assembly and breakdown are easy and the crib comes with a travel bag for easy storage. And it’s not just for the toddler years; there’s a bassinet insert for use from day one. Oh, and when you are ready to graduate your toddler from the travel crib, check out these great toddler travel beds .

Because of the Newton’s larger sleep space, it’s a bit bulkier than some of the other travel cribs on our list. The travel bag only has a handle, not a shoulder strap or backpack straps. And the crib is too large to store in the overhead compartment of an airplane

“I despise traditional pack n play style things. Newton’s playard is innovative and will definitely grow with a child from infancy through the preschool years! My 4.5 year old can still sleep in it comfortably with plenty of space. I really appreciate the thought that went into this product.” -Mona

Most Versatile Travel Crib

UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard - Charlie

And speaking of multifunctional products, the Remi from UPPAbaby is the best choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one travel crib and playard to use both at home and when you’re on the go. There’s a ton of functionality built in to this smartly designed (and beautiful) playard. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified and includes a removable bassinet, a zip-down side panel, a triple layer air mesh mattress and a smooth, simple fold that takes one hand and only a few seconds. There are also lots of accessories to add on. A few of our favorites include the changing station , organizer and canopy .

The Remi is expensive, and even moreso when you start adding on accessories. It’s also fairly heavy, weighing in at about 20 pounds. This isn’t a big deal if you’re planning to use it mostly at home and for the occasional overnight trip, but if your family travels frequently and you need to bring along a place for your baby to sleep, it may not be your best option.

“Incredibly easy to set up. Our baby just started crawling and we don’t have a good play yard set up yet, so this was great to put him in a for the meantime. We purchased it instead of a Graco pack and play because of the zipper access and mattress quality. Love it!!!” -Rachel

Most Portable Travel Crib

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot - White Sand

Pop-up tent meets travel crib in the Aeromoov. This 11-pound playard works just as well for a day at the beach or the park as it does for an overnight at grandma’s and is our top pick if you’re looking for one piece of gear you can use both indoors and out. The origami-style fold takes about two seconds (literally), and once it’s folded down, the whole thing slips into a bag and is less than five inches wide. It’s easy to stash for travel or throw over your shoulder and carry if you need to bring it along for an outdoor adventure. (There are also lots of useful accessories available like a sunshade and a mosquito net.) Another feature we love: there are two levels, one upper level bassinet-style for newborns up to about two months and a the main lower level for older babies and toddlers.

If you’re using the crib indoors and your little one moves around a lot, the fabric makes a “swishing” sound that’s a bit loud.

Best Travel Cribs for Small Spaces

Bugaboo stardust playard - grey melange.

Simple, streamlined and seamless. The Bugaboo Stardust is one of the smaller travel crib + playards on our list, but it packs a big punch. Unlike most travel cribs that open from the center of the base and feature fold-out legs, the standout feature here is the accordion-style fold. It makes it quick and easy to open and close by either pushing or pulling each side. You can even fold the Stardust with the mattress still inside—a pretty big deal and a huge time-saving (and sanity-saving) feature.

The Stardust weighs about 14 pounds and has a compact design that’s ideal for spaces that can’t handle a giant playard, either at home or when you’re on the go. There’s also a bassinet attachment for younger babies, a really comfortable mattress and all-around mesh panels.

The maximum weight limit for the Stardust is similar to the other travel cribs on our list, but because of smaller size, your little one may outgrow it in height sooner than they would with other playards. It’s also on the pricier side.

“I’m a first time mom and it feels like I have tried all the baby products out there. We were in the market for a new pack n’ play so I recently purchased this for my 5.5 month old and it is a game changer when it comes to portability and ease. I’ve found other products like this are bulky and difficult to store, but the Stardust is slender, lightweight and unfolds in one second. (No exaggeration.) I would highly recommend this product for travel, sleeping or playtime - in fact, we’re looking forward to traveling with it over the holidays!” -AlexT

Best Travel Crib for Car Travel

Maxi-cosi swift play yard - classic graphite.

Weighing in at just over 18 pounds, the Maxi-Cosi Swift is too heavy and bulky for regular air travel. But it’s also quite a bit lighter than many of the standard playards on the market, so we still wanted to consider it for our best-of list. That’s why think it’s an ideal choice if you’re a family who travels frequently by car. While you won’t want to lug it around on the regular, it’s easy enough to load and unload from any vehicle. And the setup and breakdown? It’s an actual dream, especially during travel when you have 14 other things to do after you set up your little one’s sleep space. Parents rave about how easy it is—it actually folds in one step using only one hand. Other pros to love include a super sturdy design, a comfortable mattress and a bassinet attachment that comes included at no extra cost.

As noted above, the Swift weighs about 18 pounds, so it’s not the lightest travel crib of the bunch, but isn’t the heaviest, either.

“We have tried a handful of play yards and the difficulty of putting them down and back up is what always frustrates us. The swift is truly like no other. It takes less than 5 seconds to set it up and less than five seconds to break it down. Not only is it so easy but it’s also so aesthetically pleasing!!” -Momof3

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel cribs.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

A travel crib is a portable crib you can use for sleep or play when you’re away from home with your baby or toddler. While you can use most playards for the same purpose, travel cribs are specifically designed with travel in mind; they’re lighter, more compact and easier to set up and break down than your average playard. Travel cribs generally accommodate newborns to toddlers about three years old.

Whether or not you need a travel crib depends on how often you travel and where you’re heading on your next adventure.

Many hotels and even some rental homes may supply a travel crib. Using a baby gear rental company is an option, too. But if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t supply a crib, you don’t want to rent or you simply prefer to be in control of what your baby sleeps in while you’re away, investing in a travel crib is probably a good idea.

Besides being a place to rest, travel cribs are also a safe place for your little one to play, especially when you’re away from your usual surroundings and potentially dealing with a non- babyproofed space. (We’re looking at you, sharp table corners and exposed electrical sockets.) You can even use some travel cribs as a napping spot on days spent at the beach or park.

Travel cribs can be expensive. A travel crib is also something you’ll use for years, especially if your family travels frequently. Think through these features before you buy.

• Weight. This is one of the most important features to look for in a travel crib. A lightweight travel crib is easier to lift and carry than a heavier option. To figure out if this is important to you or not, think through how often you’ll be traveling and which modes of transport you generally use. Do you travel infrequently and often by car? Plan to use your travel crib only for a trip to the grandparents’ once a year? Then your travel crib’s weight may not be hugely important to you. Are you planning several trips by plane where you’ll need to bring your travel crib along? Then the weight of the travel crib you choose should jump to the top of your priority list.
• Size and portability. Similar to weight, the size and overall portability of your travel crib are important features, but also dependent on how often you travel and how you get wherever you’re going. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll want a travel crib that’s not only lightweight but portable, too. Look for a compact crib and something that has either backpack straps or another easy way to carry it through someplace like an airport or train station. If not, however, a slightly larger travel crib or one that doesn’t come with built-in carry straps may be just fine.
• Longevity. How long you’ll be able to use your travel crib is a big factor to consider while shopping. One thing to consider is the crib’s design. Although not outwardly labeled this way, there are two basic types of travel cribs: cribs with raised mattresses and cribs where the mattress lies flush with the floor. Most travel cribs with raised mattresses have weight maximums. This means that if you have a larger, heavier child, they may exceed the travel crib’s weight long before you feel comfortable letting them sleep in a regular bed or even a toddler travel bed while you’re away from home. Travel cribs where the mattress sits directly on the floor, however, often do not have weight maximums. While your little one still may outgrow the crib by height, these types of travel cribs often can be used for a longer period of time.
• Ease of breakdown and setup. Travel with babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Look for a travel crib that sets up and breaks down quickly and easily so you can spend less time grappling with gear and more time enjoying your vacation.
• Materials and breathability. Look for a travel crib with a breathable mattress, breathable mesh sides and one that’s made from soft, comfortable materials. If it’s important to you, you may prefer a travel crib that’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified or uses organic materials. Removable and machine washable sides and covers are also nice-to-have features in case of a mess.
• Budget. Travel cribs can get pricey, especially if you want one that’s extremely lightweight and portable. Thinking through how often you’ll be traveling and what types of features will make the most sense to you can help you determine your budget.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Flights to Moscow - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to moscow to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., how many airports are there in moscow, there are 4 airports in moscow: moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), moscow vnukovo airport (vko), moscow domodedovo airport (dme) and moscow zhukovsky airport (zia). the busiest airport is moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), with 51% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to moscow, the duration of your flight to moscow depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to moscow on kayak are from san francisco , which takes 19h 20m, los angeles , which takes 20h 30m, new york , which takes 22h 15m, and miami , which takes 23h 25m., when to book flights to moscow, faqs - booking moscow flights, what are the stopover options for the us to moscow flights.

The stopover options for the US flights to Moscow depend on your airline, departure city, and arrival airport. If you're flying with Turkish Airlines from New York, expect layovers in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya. United Airlines, British Airways, EI AI, Azerbaijan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Emirates offer flights from New York to DME with common layovers in Tel Aviv-Yafo, London, Baku, Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam respectively. Flights from Los Angeles have common layovers in New York, Frankfurt, Dubai, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Vienna.

Which US airports offer flights from the US to Moscow?

If you’re looking to fly to Moscow from the US, you will be happy to know that several US airports offer these flights. You can get flights from the US to Moscow from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL) among others.

Does Sheremetyevo International Airport offer accessible services?

Yes. SVO is an accessible airport with management that strives to ensure that all passengers traveling through the airport get full access to its programs and services. The airport’s terminals are well configured to provide easy access for passengers with reduced mobility. SVO also offers accessible restrooms throughout its terminals. Disabled travelers are welcome to use Saturn Lounge in Terminal D or Sirius Lounge for passengers flying from Terminals D, E, and F.

How can I access the lounges at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport?

Art Lounge is near Gate 23 on the Second Floor of Terminal A. The lounge admits passengers on in-transit or international flights only and remains open for 24 hours. You can access the lounge through a pass or membership programs. Fountain Lounge is in the food court area on the Second Floor of Terminal A and admits passengers on membership programs. You can access Top Lounge through membership programs. The lounge is near Gate 21 on the Third Floor of Terminal A. Prokofiev Premier and Tchaikovsky Lounge admit travelers through membership programs. Prokofiev is near Gate 13 in Terminal A while the latter is on the International Airside of the same terminal.

What shopping options are available at the Moscow airports?

Travelers looking to shop while in Moscow need not go any further than the airports, as both airports have a wide range of options from fashion to jewelry and souvenirs. Popular shops in Sheremetyevo International Airport include Red Machine, Yarmarka, and Swarovski. For Domodedovo International Airport, Natura Siberica, Consul, and Frey Wille are all great stores to take a peek at.

What restaurant options are there at the Moscow airports?

Just as the shopping options were extensive at both airports, the dining is the same. For Sheremetyevo International Airport, consider paying a visit to Kolbasny Tsekh and Mama Russia. If you are flying into Domodedovo International Airport, Uzbechka and Edim Letim are sure to satisfy.

What facilities are available for children and families at Moscow’s airports?

In Sheremetyevo International Airport, travelers will be happy to note that there is a children’s play area in Terminal D. There are also mother-and-child rooms that feature play areas, showers, and couches for young children and their mothers. As for Domodedovo International Airport, there are two children’s play areas located at the International and Domestic Terminals.

How do I get from Domodedovo International Airport to downtown Moscow?

Fortunately for travelers, Domodedovo International Airport is very well-connected to downtown Moscow. If you are just in town for a visit, likely the cheapest and most convenient way to get into town is the Aeroexpress. Aside from the Aeroexpress, however, there are also bus, shuttle and taxi options available.

Which Moscow airport is closest to central Moscow?

There are 4 major airports in Moscow. The nearest airport from Moscow city center is Moscow Vnukovo (17 miles), followed by Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (18 miles), Moscow Zhukovsky (25 miles), and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (25 miles).

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Moscow?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Moscow.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Moscow?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Moscow is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Moscow?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Moscow with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Moscow?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Moscow up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Moscow?

Of the 18 airlines that fly to Moscow, Aeroflot offers the most flights, with around 2,352 per week, followed by Pobeda with 452 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Moscow

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Moscow flight deals.
• Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal D. The former is the main terminal that serves most international and domestic flights. Terminal D mostly serves flights arriving from North Caucasus. The terminals are a short walk from each other as they are adjacent and are connected by walkways.
• Passengers arriving at Moscow Domodedovo International Airport (MDE) can utilize the airport’s shower facilities to freshen up before leaving the airport. Showers are available in the Left Wing of the International Arrivals Area.
• Passengers looking to explore MDE luggage-free are welcome to leave their luggage at the airport’s storage lockers. You can find the lockers Landslide of the International Arrivals Area and on the Ground Floor of the Domestic Arrivals.
• Gadget-totting travelers can charge their devices at MDE. The airport offers stand-alone charging stations in every waiting lounge. You can also rent battery chargers from the Left Luggage room.
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is completely smoke-free in the terminals. However, the airport offers designated smoking pavilions to accommodate smoking passengers. The smoking pavilions are outside at the terminals’ entrances.
• For flights to Moscow, travelers have four different airports to choose from: Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA). However, most travelers will be flying into either Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo International Airport, as they are by far the most popular of the four airports.
• Getting from Sheremetyevo International Airport to downtown Moscow is simple, thanks to the Aeroexpress, which connects directly to both Belorussky Railway Terminal and Okruzhnaya station. From either station, you can head to a number of locations across Moscow in no time.
• Looking to head straight to the hotel after your flight to Moscow? If you are landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel is within walking distance of the airport’s terminals. For Domodedovo International Airport, on the other hand, there is the Domodedovo AirHotel, which is located just half a mile away from the airport and offers free transfers to and from the airport.
• If you need to get between Domodedovo International Airport and Sheremetyevo International Airport, your best bet is to take a combination of the Aeroexpress and the Moscow Metro. There is even a special “Between Airports” ticket available for purchase at the Aeroexpress ticket office.
• Got a few hours to spare at Sheremetyevo International Airport? Why not stop off at the Aero-beauty hair salon for a cut, trim, or maybe even a dye? Another option is to spend some time at the History Museum of Sheremetyevo, which has several unique exhibitions on the history of the airport.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Moscow?

Find which airlines fly direct to Moscow, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Moscow

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, Aero Nomad, +52 more

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AZIMUTH, AZUR air, Aero Nomad, +51 more

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