Request A Bassinet To Keep Your Baby Comfortable And Quiet On Long Flights

Flying with a baby can be a headache. Here’s one way to make at least the flight go smoothly: Request a bassinet (or cradle) from your airline if you’re taking a long haul. You’ll get some legroom and baby gets to be comfortable.

Image from jim_and_laura

A bassinet is also gives you a safe place to put your baby so they’re not stuck on your lap the entire flight. Aeroplane cradles typically attach to the wall in front of bulkhead seats and there are usually only one or two per airline, so don’t wait until check-in to ask for one. Travel blog Style Hi Club lays out what you need to do to make sure you get one:

1. Book your flight as early as possible. While you can sometimes request a cradle (aka bassinet) online when buying your ticket, you may have more success doing it on the phone to make sure you have one reserved.
2. Know where cradles fit on your plane. Check your airline’s website for a layout of your plane. Even if cradle friendly seats aren’t labelled, you can guess where they are based on which ones face bulkhead walls.
3. Confirm your cradle reservation. Call your airline a few times leading up to your trip to make sure they have your bassinet reservation on record. Since there may only be one per plane, you want to make sure you have it.

Not all U.S. airlines offer bassinets, but will show you at a glance. If you’re flying internationally, check the airline’s website or call their customer service number. If you do score a bassinet, you get a little more legroom and some privacy, your baby gets a place to sleep (and hopefully stay quiet), and everyone flies a little happier.

How to Travel with an Infant/Small Baby [My Beautiful Adventures]