Airplane Bassinet: 12 Things You Will Be Glad You Knew
Traveling with children can add a whole new layer of stress to an already hectic travel day. With that being said, it’s temporary, and the preparation that goes into traveling with a baby or toddler will help tremendously. There are so many things to consider before the trip:
- Travel with a car seat or book an airplane bassinet?
- What travel toys to bring?
- What to pack?
With that being said, many parents don’t know about the airplane bassinet option, which can be a total lifesaver (and I’m gonna share all of my secrets below).
Our first flight with our son was when he was 16 weeks old, it was a 10 hour flight from the US to Europe and since then we’ve got to use the airplane bassinet close to 10 times total (both in business and in economy class) on international flights with our children.
I find them very helpful for many reasons, main 2 being:
- Comfortable and safe place for baby to sleep in and rest
- Gives us more leg space and frees up my hands from having to hold the baby.
While an airplane bassinet might sound like the perfect sleep solution, there are a few things that are important to know when it comes to it.
So, here are 10 things airlines don’t always tell you, that we learned from experience about airplane bassinet options.
Related: 5 Easy Ways to Prevent Toddlers’ Ear Pain On a Flight
Airplane Bassinet: 12 Things You Will Be Glad You Knew
What Is an Airplane Bassinet and Where Does It Go?
An airplane bassinet (also known as a sky cot), is a handy little baby bed that is provided by the airline for infants on long haul flights. It attaches to the wall on the airplane, in front of bulkhead seats and gives your baby a safe, flat space to sleep during the flight.
Styles and size limits vary by airline, but they’re a game-changer if you’re flying with a little one and want a break from holding them the entire time.
Is an Airplane Bassinet Safe?
Technically, the safest place for a baby on a plane is in an FAA-approved car seat (something like the Cosco Scenera NEXT), which is lightweight and super travel-friendly. That said, if you’re flying with a lap infant (under 2 years old without their own seat), a bassinet can be a really helpful option. Cosco scenera can be purchased at WalMart and is quite affordable.
Just know that for safety reasons, you’ll need to hold your baby during takeoff, landing, and any turbulence. The bassinet is great for in-flight naps, but it’s not meant to replace a car seat during key flight moments.
Read more from the FAA here.
Related: 15 Travel Toys for Babies We Used and Loved on Every Trip
Airplane Bassinet Age and Weight Limits
When it comes to airplane bassinets, I’ve learned they’re definitely not one-size-fits-all. The size, shape, and even the age or weight limits really depend on the airline, and I found that out the hard way. On a business class flight, I was shocked when my 4-month-old barely fit in the bassinet (photo below if you need proof!). On American Airlines, for example, *Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg) and they do NOT have bassinets in first or business class cabins.
Most airlines say babies can use them until they start sitting up, but I couldn’t track down specific limits for United airlines. From what we experienced, it’s probably best for babies under 6 months and under 20 pounds (give or take).
Does the Airline Provide a Baby Bassinet?
Yes! Most airlines do offer baby bassinets on long-haul flights, but here’s the catch: there are only a few on each plane, and you usually have to call ahead to request one. It’s not something you can count on being available last minute, so it’s definitely worth reserving early if you’re planning to use one.
How Much Does a Baby Bassinet Cost on a Plane?
In most cases, airplane bassinets are provided free of charge. Airlines typically offer them on a first-come, first-served basis for long-haul international flights.
From my personal experience, I’ve never had to pay for one, but availability can vary depending on the airline and flight, so it’s always a good idea to request it early and confirm the policy beforehand.
Who is Eligible for a Bassinet Seat?
Infants who haven’t started sitting up on their own yet and who fall within the airline’s age and weight limits are usually eligible for a bassinet. It’s always best to call the airline directly to double check their requirements and reserve the bassinet in advance, since availability can be limited and policies can vary.
What is the Alternative to a Bassinet on a Plane?
If you can’t get a bassinet (or choose not to use one), your two main options are: holding your baby on your lap for the flight or buying them their own seat and bringing an FAA-approved car seat ( like this Graco one) on board. We’ve done both — and while holding a baby for hours isn’t easy, having a car seat can make a huge difference if it’s in the budget.
Now let’s get to tips!
1. Don’t Expect a Clean Sheet for an Airplane Bassinet
While our United flight provided a clean sheet for the airplane bassinet, I’ve found out that many airlines don’t include a liner or sheet by default. So, without using something of your own, your baby might end up lying directly on the bassinet surface used by previous little passengers.
To keep things more hygienic and comfortable, it’s a good idea to pack a thin blanket or cover that you can use for the airplane bassinet.
2. Not All Seats Are Bassinet-Compatible
An airplane bassinet can be safely installed on the wall in specific rows of the aircraft, usually it’s the bulkhead seats. So, if those seats have been occupied by another family, you probably won’t be able to have an airplane bassinet as an option.
Even if you called ahead and requested it early, there is no guarantee. I’ve followed all the right steps in requesting one before, and when I got there, I was told that a family with a younger child took priority.
3. It’s Usually First-Come, First-Served
What airlines often don’t tell you is that it’s first come, first served basis. What we heard was that airlines tend to prioritize babies under 6 months old, and the earlier you call, the better.
4. There Are Strict Weight and Age Limits
Each airline sets its own size restrictions, but many airplane bassinets are only for babies under 6 months old and under 20 lbs (9 kg).
If your baby exceeds the weight or age limit at the time of the flight, they won’t let you use it.
It’s a good idea to check your airline’s exact policy before booking.
5. You Usually Can’t Reserve One Online
Reserving, or requesting an airplane bassinet TYPICALLY requires a call to the airlines customer service line directly. Have your flight and ticket information ready beforehand and keep in mind this is a request not a guarantee.
You have to add a lap infant to your ticket, and unfortunately sometimes you might have to call them a couple of times.
6. Your Baby Must Be Removed During Takeoff, Landing & Turbulence
Even if you get a bassinet, you must be mindful of the rules and regulations. For example: you are required to hold your baby during takeoff, landing, and while the seatbelt sign is on. If there is any turbulence mid flight you will also need to take your baby out of the airplane bassinet for the time being.
7. Your Baby’s Bassinet Might Be Right Under a TV
Another thing that airlines might not tell you is that on some planes, the airplane bassinet is installed directly under a wall-mounted TV.
This isn’t always ideal, especially if you have a baby who’s sensitive to light or easily disturbed by movement on the screen.
While it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, it’s definitely something worth knowing ahead of time so you can come prepared with a cover or shade if needed.
8. You’ll Still Be Holding Your Baby a Lot
Another thing is that there is a good chance you’ll be holding your baby quite a bit during the flight. This was something I didn’t realize until we were mid-flight.
You’re required to take your baby out of the bassinet during takeoff, landing, and anytime the seatbelt sign is on.
That means if there’s turbulence (which there almost always is), you’ll be back to holding your baby.
It’s a nice break when you can use it, but it’s definitely not hands-free the whole flight.
I still recommend the airplane bassinet, but also having a backup plan for when you inevitably can’t use it.
Bringing a carrier like this one was amazing for us and we walked around the cabin with the baby as he rested on my chest.
9. Each Airline Has Different Rules
While it would be amazing if every airline had the same rules when it came to using an airplane bassinet, it’s just not the case.
For example: some offer them for free, while others charge a small fee.
The best thing to do is to get information ahead of time from the airline’s website or call directly and ask the agent.
10. First Class Bassinets Are Extremely Small and Some Might Not Even Have Them
Some airlines ( like United) offer bassinets in business class. While we didn’t use ours for long when traveling with our baby ( for obvious reasons), I still tested it out. One thing I realized very quickly is that they are EXTREMELY small.
Our son was just 4 months old on our flight, and he barely fit. It was a tight squeeze and definitely not suitable for older or longer babies. Just something to keep in mind!
Another important thing to note is that not ALL AIRLINES offer an airplane bassinet in business class!
11. There is No Guarantee Your Family Will Sit Together
Bulkhead bassinet seating is limited, and if another infant is already assigned to that area, your family may be placed in a different row and you might be split up.
Since seat assignments aren’t always guaranteed, it’s best to plan ahead and confirm with the airline a check in or at the gate.
12. You Can’t Use a Car Seat in the Bassinet Row
If you’re planning to use a car seat on the plane (and you purchased a seat for it), keep in mind that you won’t be able to sit in the bassinet row (usually the bulkhead seats).
That’s because car seats can’t be used in that area.
Airlines usually ask you to choose one or the other: either hold your baby in your lap and request a bassinet, or buy a seat and use a car seat ( not in bulkhead row).
They need to keep those special rows available for families who actually need the bassinets. So if you’re bringing a car seat, expect to be seated in a different part of the plane.
Related: 5 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport
Final Thoughts: What Airlines Might Not Tell You About Airplane Bassinets
An airplane bassinet can be a real game changer on long flights, as there are many pros to giving your baby a safe space to rest, and giving you a few hands-free moments to enjoy a meal (or a sip of coffee) in peace.
After taking 10+ international flights with my babies, I’ve learned many things that airline reps didn’t warn me about. There are limits, rules, and regulations that can make getting one more complicated than it seems.
With that being said, if you’re booking a lap infant, it’s smart to plan for the possibility that your baby might end up in your lap for parts of the flight. Regardless, the extra legroom alone in the bassinet row is still worth it.
The key is to book early, contact your airline, and understand how it works before you fly. Hope you find these tips helpful as you prepare for your flight with your baby.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find this information helpful!
– Mel
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Written by: Melanie Suggs
Aug 1, 2025
Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers on over 30 international flights and even more domestic ones.
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.
