delta baby travel cot

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Children & Infant Items

We try to make traveling with kids as easy and convenient as possible. So, before you head to the airport with your little one in tow, find out how much of your child's baggage you can bring on the plane with you and what items can be checked. Also, find more information about traveling with children .

CHILD SAFETY SEATS

Child restraint seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances. For instance, if there is an open passenger seat in your row or if you purchased a seat for your child, you may place your child in an FAA-approved child restraint in that seat during takeoff and landing. If an empty passenger seat is not available for your child restraint, the item must be checked at the gate by a Delta representative.

STROLLERS & CAR SEATS

For your convenience, we don't charge any fees for traveling with strollers or child-restraint seats, like an FAA-approved car or booster seat. These don’t count toward your (or your ticketed child’s) baggage allowance. You can easily check these items before you go through security; or if you prefer, you can check them at the gate.

OTHER CARRY-ON BABY ITEMS

In addition to the one-bag carry-on allowance, passengers may bring the following infant items onto the plane as an additional free item:

• Booster seat or other infant seat
• Breast pump and associated cooler bag

Please be aware that if you are bringing your baby’s FAA-approved infant seat as a carry-on item, it must be tightly secured to the seat using the aircraft seatbelt. Booster seats may be brought onboard, but cannot be used during taxi, takeoff or landing. These items must also meet the carry-on size restrictions . If children are traveling for free, they don’t have a baggage allowance. So any baggage for the child counts as part of the adult's baggage allowance .

CHILDREN’S BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Children’s baggage allowances are based in part by the fare paid for their travel. See the guidelines below.

Please keep in mind items such as portable cribs (Pack-N-Play), playpens, and wagons count as part of the checked baggage allowance and should be checked before going through security.

Unticketed Infant/Child

If children are traveling for free, they don’t have a baggage allowance. So any baggage for the child counts as part of the adult's baggage allowance .

Ticketed Infant/Child

Children traveling on an international ticket that is 10% of the adult fare are allowed one checked bag up to 20 lbs. (10kg) with a maximum outside dimension (length + width + height) of 45 inches, plus one checked fully collapsible stroller or push-chair.

For children traveling on a ticket that is 50% or more of the adult fare, the standard baggage allowance applies.

• An Infant in arms on a transatlantic (TATL) or Latin America Basic Economy Fare is not eligible for a free baggage allowance.
• See Child Fares and Ticketing for Delta's current policy on special fares and discounts.
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Delta Children

This Product Is No Longer Available

EZ Fold Ultra Compact Travel Bassinet

Full-Size Features

The most compact full-size model on the market

Compact Design

Lightweight frame with a compact fold for easy storage

Travel Ready

Included travel bag makes it easier to pack for trips and store when not in use

Mesh All Around

Mesh panels increase air flow and make it easier to keep an eye on sleeping babies

Removable Canopy

The all-encompassing canopy keeps babies safe from curious critters, and zips off when it’s not needed

• Product Details
• Includes a mattress pad and a machine washable fitted sheet
• No tools needed for assembly
• Certified by JPMA meet or exceed CPSC & ASTM standards
• Assembled Dimensions: 20.7" (width) x 24.8" (height) x 41.7" (depth)
• Product Weight: 13.13 lbs.
• Shipping Dimensions: 8.3" (width) x 26.8" (height) x 20.5" (depth)
• Shipping Weight: 16.13 lbs.

Whether you’re traveling with your baby or in need of a portable sleeper in your home, the EZ Fold Ultra Compact Travel Bassinet makes naptime and bedtime a breeze! This sleeper ensures your baby has the room they need to rest comfortably while the lightweight design means you can bring it anywhere and everywhere without trouble. 

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Fitted Bassinet Sheet Set, 2-Pack - Compatible with the Following Delta Children Bassinet: 25402

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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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• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
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• A Complete Guide to Traveling with a Newborn
• Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
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• The First Trip is the Toughest… Surviving Baby’s First Vacation
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier
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• Surviving Early Morning Flights with a Baby or Toddler
• What to Wear when Traveling with a Baby or Toddler

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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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Flying Delta Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Delta Airlines is our preferred airline when flying with our kids around the US and occasionally internationally as well if schedule and prices allow it.

While Delta doesn’t provide anything extraordinary, the biggest perk of flying Delta is that you can change your schedule or even a destination last minute – by simply clicking online. No need to hold onto the phone for hours waiting for a representative with your kids getting frustrated ( looking at your American Airlines ) – it’s easy and simple!

It’s something we had to do on various occassions and might be crucial when kids get sick or something else happens.

Delta Flying with Infant

Delta accepts newborns as young as 7 days old however if your baby is even younger, you can still fly as long as you have a doctor’s note of approval. 

For infants under 2 years old, standard U.S rules apply on domestic flights which means they can fly for free while sitting on your lap . Alternatively, Delta offers a limited number of bassinets (called SkyCots) on each flight, or if you prefer them to travel in an infant car seat you can choose to pay for a child’s seat for your baby. 

SUPER IMPORTANT: Nobody talks about it, but if you’re flying with two parents and two children under 2 years old (whether twins or siblings), Delta won’t let you sit next to each in the same row on one side unless one baby is in a car seat sitting on its own.

If you manage to book your seats and then add your infants at the gate you will be reseated! It’s due to the availability of air masks in a row, so you will need to either sit next to each other separated by the aisle, or behind each other.

Infant food on Delta 

Some long-haul flights offer baby food for kids under 1 year old but it must be requested more than 24 hours in advance by putting a special request with your booking or contacting reservations.

Bottle warmers are also sometimes available for use, but I wouldn’t rely solely on this option unless you have confirmed it directly with Delta before your flight. Since Delta doesn’t have too many baby facilities below, it might be a good idea to bring some travel baby gadgets like a portable bottle warmer if you are traveling for long trips. You are also free to breastfeed your little one onboard at any time. 

Delta Lap Infant

Flying with a lap infant on Delta is pretty flexible. You can add a ticket for your infant in arms on Delta when booking your flights online, or also at the check-in counter when you arrive at the airport if you didn’t have a chance to do it earlier (only if flying domestic though!).

To add an infant in arms ticket, you will need to open the “special service requests” section of your booking and click “request Infant in Arms” for the flight. 

Any children under 2 years old can fly for free on your lap with Delta inside the U.S. but reduced charges may apply for some international destinations depending on your flight path (generally about 10% of the adult ticket price). 

If you are flying alone or with more than one infant per adult, you will need to book a full-priced ticket and bring a car seat or harness so one of your children can sit in their own seat. 

Baby Facilities on Delta

Some lavatories on Delta flights have changing tables while others do not. Often, only certain bathrooms at the front and back of the plane will have a changing table so it’s worth asking the staff which lavatory is best for this when boarding. 

Delta Car Seat Policy

Any child under 2 years old who is traveling in their own seat must have an approved car seat to fly on Delta. 

When picking your seats, it’s important to know that kids under 2 years old can’t sit in seats that have airbag seat belts and car seats are not compatible with flatbed seats. 

Car seats are best installed in window seats as they cannot be between any other passengers and the aisle. They also cannot be placed in emergency exit rows or bulkhead seats on most planes. 

You can easily bring your car seat to the gate when flying Delta if you want to enquire about any available free seats for your infant.

Accepted Car Seats on Delta

Certain car seats can be used onboard Delta flights for children of all ages, as long as they are FAA-approved and installed correctly, however, booster seats of any kind are prohibited.

As long as your car seat meets FAA-approved child safety seat specifications it can be used on Delta flights within the U.S. 

That being said, many American car seats cannot be used outside of the USA so it’s important to read the regulations for your destination and all airlines thoroughly. Otherwise bringing your own car seat might be a big hassle for nothing. 

I have lots of experience traveling with and without a car seat for my boys all around the world, so check out this post for more tips to help you decide if it’s worth it for your trip. 

Note that vest and harness-type restraints other than “CARES harness” are not allowed on Delta flights and all car seats must have a label showing the seat is approved for air travel by a recognized organization such as foreign governments or manufacturers that comply with UN standards.

Baggage Allowance for Babies and Kids on Delta

The Delta baby policy doesn’t allow you to bring any additional luggage for your baby if they are booked as a lap infant . Their luggage should be included in your personal allowance. 

However, for all ticketed children with an assigned seat, you can bring one checked bag up to 20 lbs (10 kg) and a collapsible stroller (checked). 

Any other toddler items such as portable cribs and playpens will count as part of your checked baggage allowance.

Bassinet on Delta

Bassinets (called SkyCots on Delta) give you another great option for seating babies up to ​​20 lbs (9kg)/ 26 inches (66cm) in length.

While they are free to use, generally there are just two SkyCots available per flight as they must be installed in the bulkhead seats. 

What’s more, you are not eligible to use a SkyCot if you have already purchased a seat for your infant, it is only available to lap babies. 

How to reserve a SkyCot on Delta

You can request a SkyCot in advance by contacting Delta Reservations or simply as the gate agent before boarding. However, as there is such limited availability, it’s not guaranteed that you will receive a bassinet. 

They generally prioritize the youngest babies first but in the situation where there is more than one baby of the same age, it will be first come first served.  

Since the SkyCots are generally only available in the bulkhead rows , it’s important to consider all your seating arrangements if you are flying with other young children as most car seats cannot be used in the same rows as SkyCots. 

Delta Stroller Policy

As I already mentioned, if you are traveling with a child you can check a folding stroller for free in addition to your regular luggage that goes in the plane’s hold. 

However, Delta’s gate-check policy is also quite generous and also allows you to check both your stroller and car seat at the gate if you prefer. 

Delta did break my stroller on two occassions , but both times I had zero issues when filing a claim with them.

Since we got our airline stroller Delta never forced us to gate-check it and we had it in the overhead bin.

Gate-checking Baby Items

Delta allows you to bring several additional baby items on board in addition to your personal cabin bag free of charge . 

You can bring: 

• Strollers 
• Breast pump & cooler bag 
• Booster seat/infant seat (booster seat can’t be used onboard).

Flying with a Toddler on Delta (Over 2 Years Old)

Children over 2 years old must have their own pre-purchased ticket which entitles them to their own seat onboard as well as a 20 lbs (10 kg) checked bag. 

Delta also tries to seat families together wherever possible so if you don’t see enough available seats together while booking, you can contact customer service to find a solution.

When we had to switch to a different plane last minute which caused our seat selection to reset everyone – gate agents and flight attendants were understanding and sorted it out.

One thing I will mention is that seat reservations aren’t necessarily guaranteed on Delta it seems like. On our super long flight to South Africa from the US (16h) I picked the seats almost 6 months in advance and I repetitively kept checking on them as I was wondering if there were any spare seats even a few hours before departure.

Imagine my surprise when I boarded the plane, sat in our seats, and then found out that we somehow lost the window seat I booked for my toddler and we got separated (without anyone telling us and our boarding passes stating we still had our seats!) until another passenger arrived claiming we were in her seat. Flight attendants sorted it out and we only got split by a row, but still… it seemed crazy.

Another time we boarded Delta plane with a baby to find out that we got switched to bulkhead bassinet seats as a favor supposedly, which I wasn’t a fan of but more importantly we weren’t legally allowed to be there as we had our cat with us and pets cannot sit in bulkhead row seats – which again, caused flight attendants to go back to the gate to sort our seats out and switch us.

Kids Meal Options on Delta

There are several kids’ meals available on Delta that have been designed to satisfy both the dietary interests of youngsters and their nutritional needs. 

You can book a kid’s meal online in advance through the “special meals” option when managing your booking. 

Are Airplane Beds for Baby or Toddler Allowed?

Delta allows the Jet Kids BedBox ride-on suitcase , Plane Pal , and Fly Tot onboard which means it should be okay to bring other similar airplane beds on your flight. However, it’s always best to check directly with Delta customer service in advance to be sure. 

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Anna Karsten is a travel blogger, journalist and psoriasis advocate. She has been traveling the world for the last 15 years - visiting over 100 countries and living on 5 continents. Anna has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Mail, Forbes and more.

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Flying Delta With a Baby

By: Author Kenny

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of flying Delta Air Lines with a baby or toddler. Whether you’ve already booked a flight or you’re considering Delta as the best option for your trip with a little one, we’ve got you covered with what you’ll need to know to prepare for the experience. Read on to learn all about flying Delta Air Lines with a baby!

About This Post

This post is mostly concerned with infants (under 2) who either need a car seat or fly as lap infants. That said, much of what we’ll have to say regarding seat selection and onboard experience will be relevant even once your little flyer can sit in their own seat unassisted.

You can find official policy from Delta here . You should always confirm details of policy directly with the airline. This post discusses not only those policies, but how they impact your planning and experiences. Delta’s website has exceptionally detailed information on flying with babies, so take some time to browse those, too.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

Booking Delta Air Lines With a Baby

Let’s start with a pretty basic question…

Can you bring a baby on Delta Air Lines?

Yes. As long as your baby is at least 7 days old they can fly on Delta. Babies under 7 days old require an “approval letter from a physician that gives permission” for the baby to fly.

Can my baby sit on my lap?

A child under two years of age can fly as a lap infant on Delta. Delta uses the term “infant-in-arms” to describe infants who don’t have their own seats (and thus sit on an adult’s lap).

Does my baby have to sit on my lap?

No. You can buy a seat for your baby when flying Delta Air Lines, even if the baby is under 2 years old. For safety reasons, small children should be restrained in an FAA approved safety seat (usually a car seat) when in their own seat.

Do babies fly free on Delta?

Babies under 2 years old who fly on an adult’s lap (i.e. without their own seat) fly for free within the United States on Delta. On international flights, they typically fly at 10% the rate of an adult ticket. Babies of any age who have their own seat will typically pay the full regular fare, though some destinations may have discounts.

How do I book a lap infant or a seat for my baby on Delta?

If you’re booking a seat for a baby (i.e. not a lap infant), you’ll book them just like any other passenger when booking your Delta flight. If you wish to fly with a lap infant (“infant in arms”), you’ll go through an extra step to fly with them.

When flying within the US, the process for adding a lap infant on Delta is simple, but a little different from most airlines. Specifically, on Delta you don’t add the lap infant when booking, you add them after booking.

First, book the flight without the infant in arms. After booking, you can go to “My Trips” and access your flight.

Scroll down to the passenger information, and you’ll see an “Add Requests” option next to each traveler. Click that.

“Infant In Arms” is a special request, so click that.

This will bring you to another passenger listing. Click “Request Infant In Arms” to open a form. Complete the form and click confirm.

As of this update, adding an “Infant In Arms” to an international flight still requires contacting Delta customer service, and it may require additional payment. (Also, remember when flying internationally that your little one will require a passport.)

Can you bring a car seat onboard Delta Air Lines?

If you book a seat for your baby, you’ll be able to bring an FAA approved car seat onboard for their seat (subject to restrictions about which seats can have car seats, discussed below). If you don’t book a seat for your baby, or if they’re old enough to not need the car seat, you can check (for free) one car seat per child. You typically won’t be able to bring it onboard without purchasing a seat, although Delta does say you can bring one “if there is an open passenger seat in your row.” You can check the car seat at the ticket counter (before security) or at the gate.

A collapsible car seat (affiliate link) that meets carry-on size limits could be brought onboard, but you should be prepared for the possibility that you’re charged a carry-on fee for this.

Delta also provides this list of responsibilities that the accompanying adult has when traveling with a car seat:

• Ensure that the child restraint seat meets FAA guidelines
• Ensure that the child restraint seat functions properly and is free of obvious defects
• Secure the child according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure the child does not exceed the restraint’s weight limit
• Ensure the child restraint is secured to the aircraft seat using the aircraft seat’s safety belt

Can you bring a stroller onboard Delta Air Lines?

You cannot bring a stroller onboard Delta (unless it’s some super cool compact stroller that folds into the size of a carry-on you purchased), but you can check one stroller per child for free at the ticket counter or the gate.

Delta does not specify a size restriction for gate-checking strollers, but I would recommend checking large strollers or double wides at the ticket counter before security (or at least asking them if you’ll be able to gate check it).

Does Delta Air Lines have bassinets?

A few Delta planes have bulkhead seats with the option to have a bassinet, which Delta calls a “SkyCot.” Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of publicly available information about these. SkyCots are fit for babies weighing up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) and up to 26 inches (66 cm) long. You can request them by contacting Delta before your flight and at the gate, but they can’t be guaranteed.

That last clause is what’s important—bassinets can’t be guaranteed. Based on my research, they’re few and far between. I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way in pursuit of a Delta SkyCot (i.e. if another airline is cheaper, maybe do that instead), but if a Delta flight was the best option, it might be worth contacting the reservation team to see if a SkyCot is available on your flight.

Does Delta Air Lines allow Diaper Bags?

If your child has their own seat, they’re entitled to the baggage allowance for their ticket, usually a carry on and personal item, which would include a diaper bag. If your baby is flying on your lap, Delta is a little ambiguous on this issue. They specify

passengers may bring the following infant items onto the plane as an additional free item Booster seat or other infant seat; Breast pump and associated cooler bag

It’s pretty bizarre to me that they don’t just say “diaper bag” here, but I assume a diaper bag falls under this policy. I can’t imagine a situation in which there’s a genuine dispute about that. To avoid any issue, throw a small handheld breast pump in your diaper bag, I guess.

Does my child need a birth certificate to fly Delta Air Lines?

You should always be prepared to prove the age of a child flying on your lap or on a discounted fare. In practice a scan of a birth certificate is probably enough, but personally we recommend getting your little one a passport as early as possible.

Delta Airlines With a Baby – Seat Selection

Delta includes seat selection on all fares  except Basic Economy fares. The airline states a “Family Seating Policy”:

Delta strives to seat family members together upon request. If you are unable to obtain seat assignments together for your family using delta.com or the Fly Delta mobile app, please contact Reservations to review available seating options.

While this is probably meant for situations when there aren’t neighboring seats available by the time you get to seat selection, it might be worth trying to use it to get seats assigned ahead of time if you book a Basic Economy fare.

In case you don’t book seats ahead of time, Delta will randomly assign seats at check in. If the system somehow erroneously separates your child from all adults, you should contact Delta customer service or visit an agent at the airport. Keep in mind that, the Family Seating Policy notwithstanding, Delta only  has to make sure one parent is seated with a child. It’s possible a random assignment results in one parent sitting with a child while the other parent is somewhere else on the plane.

Seats That Babies Can’t Use

We’re going to start with seats that lap infants and car seats cannot use because these restrictions apply to all the classes of seats we’ll discuss below.

Neither lap infants nor car seats are permitted in exit rows or seats one row behind or in front of exit rows. Delta also asks that car seats not be used in bulkhead seats “when the safety seat is a combination car seat and stroller.”

There are a few seats with airbag seat belts on Delta planes. Usually these are able to be deactivated via an extender, allowing them to be used by children and car seats.

One slightly ambiguous area is the use of lie-flat Delta One seats. Delta specifies clearly that car seats cannot be used in these seats on the A330-200, A330-300, 777, 767 or 747 aircraft. Delta also specifies that this rule is because the airbag seat belts in these seats cannot be deactivated. And Delta mentions “children under 2 years of age are not allowed to sit in a seat equipped with an airbag seat belt.”

This would lead one to reasonably conclude you can’t have a lap infant (under 2) in these seats. However, at least one review shows this not to be the case (you can clearly see an inflatable belt in the photos, too).

Finally, I like to mention that if you’re flying any sort of long-haul or transcontinental flight in a premium cabin like business or first class, you’ll want to research the seat configuration beforehand. Seats labeled 2A and 2B could very well be separated by a wall. This makes them impracticable for a parent and child to use even when technically allowable.

Delta Main Cabin

Lap infants and car seats are allowed in most Main Cabin seats on Delta flights. We mentioned above the restrictions related to exit rows and bulkhead seats. Generally, car seats will go in the window seat (so they don’t obstruct passengers exiting in case of an emergency). If the window seat is empty the middle seat is allowable.

Delta Main Cabin seats typically have around 30 inches of pitch (distance between seat backs) and 18 inches of width. These will fit most infant car seats. You can see more details about Delta seat sizes on SeatGuru .

Delta Comfort Plus

Delta Comfort Plus seats can accommodate car seats and lap infants, subject to the restrictions already mentioned above. Because there are fewer Comfort Plus seats, you’re more likely to come up against the restrictions related to exit rows and bulkhead seats mentioned above.

Comfort Plus is probably our favorite option for flying with babies and toddlers on Delta. The extra snacks (typically five total options) and legroom make the overall experience a lot more tolerable. While families with car seats or lap infants will generally be able to pre-board, Comfort Plus boarding is great for families with slightly older kids.

We have a review of Delta Comfort Plus on the A321 here and a detailed comparison of Delta First Class vs Delta Comfort Plus here .

Delta First

Similar to the Comfort Plus seats, you  can fly with a car seat or lap infant in some Delta First seats, but you’re more likely to run up against the  restrictions discussed above.

Most Delta First configurations are 2-2, which works well for two parents and a lap child but not two parents and a seated child. While the added space in First is great, we prefer to have three adjacent seats to ourselves. Beyond that, the added cost of First Class is hard to justify on most domestic trips.

We have a review of Delta First on the A321 here .

Delta Air Lines With a Baby – Luggage

Every passenger with an individual ticket (i.e. not lap infants) gets both a carry on and a personal item on Delta. As of this post, that includes Basic Economy tickets. The carry-on size limit is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Best I can tell, Delta doesn’t specify a personal item size limit. The personal item should, however, be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Your checked baggage allowance will vary by your fare class and whether you pay an additional amount when booking. Car seats and strollers can be checked for free, however.

A car seat that is occupying a seat is not a carry on. A diaper bag shouldn’t count against your baggage allowance (see above). Besides the diaper bag, lap infants generally don’t get any baggage when flying Delta.

I say “generally” because Delta has a confusing baggage policy for cases where infants are not traveling for free. Specifically, if you’re flying internationally on Delta, I recommend directly consulting their child baggage page . That page contains details for baggage allowances for kids flying on discounted fares.

Online Check In

As always, when flying with a lap infant you should be prepared for online check-in to not work. This is because some airlines have a policy of confirming lap infant ages at the ticket desk before issuing boarding passes. We haven’t flown with a lap infant on Delta recently, but you should keep this in mind any time you fly with a lap infant.

Delta Lounge Access With a Baby

You can view the comprehensive access rules for Delta Sky Club lounge access here , but I’ll give an overview of the basic ways to gain access.

As is typical these days, you won’t get lounge access simply for flying a premium cabin (Comfort Plus or First) on most domestic flights. If you’re hoping for a ticket that grants you lounge access, you’ll need to be flying Delta One, the premium cabin on international and select domestic routes. In that case, each ticketed passenger will have access.

The main two alternative ways to access Delta lounges are with a Sky Club membership or access through select credit cards (primarily the Amex Platinum and the Delta Sky Miles Platinum from American Express). Unfortunately, all of these now require a $50 per guest fee be paid . For credit cardholders, the fee is waived for kids under 2. In general, this new fee renders paid access more or less useless for most family travelers, as lounge access will almost never be worth $50 for a kid.

If you can’t get access to Delta lounges, you’ll often find Priority Pass is the easiest way to get lounge access. Priority Pass memberships grant access to a network of lounges around the world.

Priority Pass is included as a benefit of several premium cards these days, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum . Guest policies for Priority Pass vary but typically include two guests, with additional guests allowed for a fee. A large family may want to find a way to have two Priority Pass accounts to maximize their guest count.

Finally, please keep basic etiquette in mind when visiting a lounge with a child. We fully support bringing kids into lounges, but finding a relatively isolated spot, not allowing your kid to run around, and leaving if they can’t control themself are the minimum steps you should take as a courtesy to other people in the lounge.

Delta Boarding With a Baby

Delta does not provide a general policy for family boarding, and specific reports online vary. Generally, you can expect families with children under 2 to be called as part of pre-boarding. Because the website doesn’t outline a specific policy, the details may vary (i.e. it could be “families with kids 2 and under” or “families with lap infants” and so on).

The lack of a fully transparent family boarding policy is a low-light for flying Delta with a baby. On a recent flight we even heard it emphasized that pre-boarding was “only” for parties that had “requested” it beforehand. For an airline that usually excels in service, this was an odd shortcoming.

Onboard Delta With A Baby

Delta’s onboard service is exceptional and makes traveling with a baby just a bit less stressful. Many flights have multiple snack options along with the standard beverage selection. We’ve also regularly had flight attendants provide water and coffee service a second time, which is nice in case you turned down coffee the first time around in the chaos of the moment.

We’ve primarily flown on Delta’s A321 and found that the middle restroom had a changing table while the rear restroom didn’t. Delta flies several smaller planes along short routes in the eastern half of the country, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many of those didn’t have changing tables.

Onboard entertainment is another area where Delta excels. Most Delta planes have seat back entertainment, and it’s usually a pretty large selection. I’ve written before that I don’t find this to be necessary, but it is nice with a small child.

Usually we don’t like to break out our own tablet—an Amazon Fire HD 10 (affiliate link)—until we’re left with no other options. The variety offered by seat back entertainment helps in this pursuit, but we also never count on that and always bring that tablet.

Wifi is available for purchase on most flights. Delta also offers free wifi to SkyMiles (their free-to-join loyalty program) members on over 500 of their domestic planes. Frankly, we just never recommend counting on Wi-Fi for anything when flying. If nothing else, the inevitable lagging can send a toddler into a spiral.

Outlets are widespread on Delta planes but you might still find a few seats without a proper outlet. Beyond that, most seats also have USB charging as part of the seat back entertainment unit.

Delta Air Lines With a Baby – Conclusions

Delta is consistently ranked as one of the better domestic airlines in the US, and this holds true for flights with a baby, too. Like basically  all economy cabins these days, the Main Cabin can feel cramped. This usually won’t interfere with standard car seats, though, which is a step up from the worst products around. The ability to upgrade to Comfort Plus alleviates this issue a bit without completely breaking the bank.

Other hard product features—outlets, seat back entertainment, changing tables—aren’t universal but are common enough that you’ll rarely be without them when flying Delta.

But as we’ve emphasized, it’s the service that really stands out. This starts with planning your trip. The Delta website is absurdly comprehensive when it comes to information on flying with children. Even their fleet information page is loaded.

Onboard service shines, too. Even on 2-hour trips we’ve had additional coffee and water service and a selection of three snacks. These aren’t the sort of thing to have me running to book Delta at any cost, but the airline has become our go-to for flying out of LaGuardia.

Delta Flight Experiences

This post focused on flying Delta (generally) with a baby. We also have posts reviewing specific Delta offerings, many of which we flew with our baby.

• Delta Basic Economy Explained
• Delta Main Cabin A321 Review
• Delta Domestic First Class Review
• Domestic Delta Comfort Plus Review

Wednesday 10th of May 2023

I am seeing conflicting information on the Delta website about car seats being optional or required. I'm traveling with my 19-month-old internationally soon and I purchased him his own seat. I cannot decipher from the website if I MUST have him in a car seat, or if it is optional. Any insights?

Friday 12th of May 2023

You're right that the website does appear inconsistent and at times to imply it's mandatory.

This is likely to be somewhat crew dependent. I don't see any reason a car seat would be required, though, since a 2 year old can be a lap infant. You'd be able to hold them during takeoff and landing, whether the crew will request that I can't say (they definitely could). When the seatbelt sign isn't on, I don't see why they wouldn't be allowed to use the open seat.

We did this with another airline, Icelandair, when Zoe was about 22 months. At the gate the agent said we'd have to hold Zoe "the whole time". On the flight it was like I said, we held during takeoff and landing / seatbelt on, but otherwise the crew didn't care how we used the third seat.

You could probably reach out to their customer support to see if you could get any clarity.

Friday 10th of February 2023

Does Delta have a stroller size restriction? Planning on gate checking but not sure if we need to buy a smaller one. We have the Chicco Viaro stroller.

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

They don't specify a size restriction and I haven't seen one. Delta just says on their site that strollers can be checked at the gate. I'd be comfortable bringing something the size of the Viaro to the gate. You might also try reaching out to them on twitter, though I suspect they'll give you the same information from the website.

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

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

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Jessica Merritt

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

What is a bassinet and where does it go, are airline bassinets safe, car seat vs. bassinet, which airlines offer bassinets, airline bassinet policies, how to reserve a bassinet, tips for using a bassinet, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Age and Weight Limits

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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

Air New Zealand

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

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

Air Seychelles

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

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

Air Transat

Air Transat offers bassinets at bulkhead seats only for infants who can not yet sit upright and have a maximum weight of 24 pounds (11 kg). Availability is limited.

The bassinets measure 27 x 12 x 6 inches (68 x 30 x 15 cm).

Alaska Airlines

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

Lap infants are not guaranteed a seat, but if there is an empty seat available on a flight, the infant may occupy that seat for no extra charge .

American Airlines

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 Airways

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

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

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

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

Frontier Airlines

Frontier does not currently offer bassinets on its flights.

Garuda Indonesia

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

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

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

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

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

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

JetBlue Airways

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

Hawaiian Airlines

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

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

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

If you’d prefer not to purchase an Extra Comfort seat, you may see an airport customer service agent at check-in (on the day of departure) for bassinet availability. If the Extra Comfort upgrade is provided as a courtesy, only 1 adult is eligible for the upgrade. You can make up to 2 requests per flight. Confirmed bassinets are assigned during the boarding process. Priority is given to the customer with the earliest check-in time. Note that bassinets are not guaranteed if requested upon check-in.

Iberia 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 (Japan Airlines)

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

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

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

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM offers carrycots onboard intercontinental flights but requests are not guaranteed.

You can request one via the My Trip section of its website or by contacting the KLM Customer Care Center .

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

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

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

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

LATAM Airlines

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

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

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

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

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

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines offers bassinets on select aircraft free of charge.

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

MIAT Mongolian Airlines

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

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

Porter Airlines

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

Primera Air

Primera Air does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Qantas Airways

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

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

Qatar Airways

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

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

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

Ryanair does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Singapore Airlines

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

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

South African Airways

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

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

Southwest Airlines

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

SriLankan Airlines

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

Sunwing Airlines

Sunwing does not offer bassinets on its flights.

Swiss International Air Lines

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

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

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

TAP Air Portugal

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.

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

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

Wipe It Down

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

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

Bring Your Own Blankets

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

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

Follow Familiar Routines

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

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

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

Bring a Pacifier or Bottle

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

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

Use a Cover or Tent for the Bassinet

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

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

Play Music or White Noise

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

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

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

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!

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Booking a Baby Bassinet for Your Flight

How Your Baby Can Get a Some Rest on a Long Flight

When the time comes and you need to fly internationally with an infant, what do you need to do to be prepared? One of the biggest questions is when you are on a long flight, you will want to have a place where baby can get some sleep. Most airlines these days have skycots or bassinets that attach to bulkhead walls. More than 50 airlines make such accommodations for a bassinet of some kind.

Bassinet Rule Differences

A bassinet is a small bed for smaller babies. Bassinets are sometimes referred to as   skycots, baskets, and cots .  There are a limited number of these onboard, which makes them very popular for families flying with infants. If you need one, you need to request a bassinet seat for yourself.   This is a normal passenger seat, which can either have the bassinet fixed to the wall in front of you or in premium cabins, it may have a special bassinet compartment built into the wall.

The differences between airlines are the allowable age of the baby, size of the baby for the bassinet, proof of baby's weight (some require recent documentation from a pediatrician), placement of the cot (some go on the floor), and style of bassinet (some are cardboard, others are more substantial).

In most cases, the airlines will require you to hold your baby during taxi, takeoff, landing, and during turbulence.

Take a Look at Some Airlines

Since most airlines, definitely international carriers with longer-hauls, offer bassinets, it would be best if you check with your specific carrier about its rules for bassinet use. In most cases, you can find the information on the airline's website.

Some airlines request bassinet reservations in advance, others have bassinets only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some require the purchase of a child seat, others do not.

Take a look at the varying rules for reserving bassinets for a few popular airlines.

Air France allows travelers to request a bassinet on long-haul flights in the Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, subject to availability. They are are designed for infants weighing less than 22 pounds and measuring less than 27 inches. Bassinets must be reserved at least 48 hours before departure and travelers need to phone in to check availability. A baby kit is available that contains a bib, a diaper, Nivea wipes, and more.

American Airlines accepts infants as young as two days old. If you are traveling with an infant less than 7 days old, your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. Infants must be accompanied by a person 16 years or older or by the infant's parent (any age) in the same cabin. Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the gate for travel only on the carrier's Boeing 777-200, 767-300, 777-300, and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available in first or business class cabins.

British Airways

British Airways has carrycots and child seats available for children up to two years old. They are free, but the carrier warns they are subject to availability onboard the aircraft on the day of travel. They will be given to the people sitting in the skycot/child seat positions on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve a skycot in advance, using the Manage My Booking function on the airline's website. 

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines offers free bassinets for passengers assigned to a bulkhead seat on equipped aircraft for some of its international flights. Bassinets can be requested by contacting Delta  Reservations  before arriving at the airport and then speaking with a gate agent. The airline cannot guarantee a bassinet due to a limit of two per aircraft and weight restrictions. Only infants weighing 20 pounds or less and be no longer than 26 inches in length can use bassinets. Infants must be held during takeoff and landing.

Emirates travelers can request a baby bassinet in the passenger details section when booking a flight on its website or by calling the local Emirates office. The bassinets are approximately 29.5 inches long and can hold babies weighing up to 24 pounds. Designed for babies up to two years old, according to the airline, it really depends on the size of the baby. Bassinets are limited in number and subject to availability.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers bassinets to select cities on its international flights. Babies must be under 2 and cannot weigh more than 20 pounds. Travelers can reserve a bassinet on Airbus A330 flights to seven international cities: 

• Auckland, New Zealand 
• Beijing, China 
• Brisbane, Australia 
• Incheon, Korea 
• Haneda-Tokyo, Japan 
• Narita-Tokyo, Japan
• Osaka-Kansai, Japan 
• Sydney, Australia 

To complete a reservation, call  Hawaiian Airlines Reservations  and request a bassinet. The traveler must also buy an Extra Comfort seat in Row 14 (AB CD, EG, or HJ). Once the seat is purchased and the bassinet is reserved, a reservation is confirmed. For those who do not want to buy an Extra Comfort seat, they can see an airport customer service agent at check-in on the day of departure to see if a bassinet is available. The airline will accept up to two requests per flight. 

For those traveling on the carrier's Boeing 767s, a bassinet cannot be reserved for flights to Sapporo, Japan, and bassinets are not available on flights to and from American Samoa and Tahiti. Travelers can request a bassinet from an airport customer service agent when checking in on the day of departure. The carrier will accept up to two requests per flight, and confirmed bassinets will be assigned at boarding. 

United Airlines

United Airline's bassinets can hold an infant weighing 22 pounds or less. The bassinet cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

A limited number of bassinets are available for use, free of charge, on international aircraft in United Polaris class on select Boeing 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft and in United Economy on Boeing 757, 767, 777, and 787 aircraft. Bassinets are not available for customers traveling in United Polaris first class, United First, or United Business.

Request a bassinet by calling the United Customer Contact Center at 800-864-8331 within the U.S. or the  Worldwide Contact Center  for other countries. The airline cannot guarantee a bassinet due to limited availability.

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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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11 best travel cots for hassle-free holidays and overnight stays

Help little ones (and yourself) get some shut-eye with these best-rated snug and secure travel cots, article bookmarked.

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Babies don’t travel light. But if you’re planning a relaxing trip, whether it’s a UK staycation or something more exotic , you can’t skimp on the travel cot.

While some hotels and Airbnbs promise to provide travel cots for the tiniest members of the family, you’ve no idea how many children have slept on them before your little darlings, or predict what that means for how comfortable and sturdy they are. Taking a baby out of their usual safe, strong cot with a supportive mattress and putting them in a shaky cage with a rock-hard or spiky mattress is a fast way to ensure nobody in the family gets much shut-eye.

Different travel cots have different age and weight limits, so, before buying one, consider how many years of use you want to get from your cot. Size is another key factor when looking at travel cots, as those with a larger surface area can double up as a playpen in the day. Also, if you’re in unfamiliar territory and are travelling with a mini-escape artist, a travel cot with high mesh sides means you can see your child and they can see out, but they’re perfectly safe at all times.

However, size should not come at the expense of portability. Remember, you’re going to have a lot of other things to carry as well as the cot, and every extra kilo counts. Plus, heavier cots tend to be more effort to erect and collapse, and you don’t want to waste precious moments of your holiday in a sweaty mess trying to put up your travel cot.

All products in this round-up meet the European Standards for safety, which should always be your first consideration when buying a travel cot. Christina Rolles from safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust says: “A travel cot should have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress, covered in a waterproof material. Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and feel harder than those in a permanent cot, but don’t be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them more comfortable, as this could cause injury, suffocation or overheating.”

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How we tested travel cots

With the help of a seven-month-old and a two-year-old, we tested the travel cots for size, comfort and safety. The toddler has a habit of swinging their leg up and escaping their regular cot, so we tried to find ones that kept them contained. We also tested each cot for speed of assembly and disassembly and picked it up when folded, to see if it was something that could be carried around an airport.

The best travel cots for 2024 are:

• Best travel cot overall – Graco foldlite: £80, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel cot – Red Kite sleep tight travel cot: £27, Asda.com
• Best travel cot for entertaining baby – Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce: £190, Boots.com
• Best lightweight travel cot – BabyBjörn travel cot light: £219.90, Amazon.co.uk
• Best travel cot for breathability – Nuna sena aire: £250, Nunababy.eu.uk

Graco foldlite travel cot

• Best : Travel cot overall
• Dimensions : L 119cm x W 63.5cm x H 68cm
• Weight : 6.78kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg (approximately three years old)
• Lightweight
• Easy to erect and collapse
• Strong base

The foldlite from Graco is up to 30 per cent lighter than most other cots, which we definitely noticed and appreciated – you can easily lift it one-handed. You might even find it lighter than your nappy bag, which is a win if you’re carrying a lot of other luggage for your trip.

Erecting this cot was a joy – taking less than 30 seconds. All you need to do is unwrap the mattress, push up the sides, put the mattress in the bottom and it’s ready to go. Collapsing it is just as simple – it folds up super thin, too. We also liked the sturdy material and strong base. It’s a great price at £80 and it’s made to last.

Red Kite sleep tight travel cot

• Best : Budget travel cot
• Dimensions : L101cm x W72cm x H71cm
• Weight : 7.1kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg
• Budget-friendly
• Mattress quite stiff

This is the cheapest travel cot we tried but it’s perfectly functional. It’s safety-tested, comes with a carry bag, is easy to assemble and has mesh sides, to give you a clear view of your child as they rest or sleep.

It doesn’t win any prizes for design, as there are no frills – it’s simply a place to sleep. Plus, the mattress is a tad on the stiff side, so you may want to spend some of the money you’ve saved on the cost of the cot on a plumper mattress. However, it’s still a very good choice if you’re only going to use it now and then throughout the year.

Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce

• Best : For entertaining baby
• Dimensions : L106cm x W70.5cm x H80cm
• Weight : 14.8kg
• Excellent value for money

This is a travel cot, changing table and bouncer in one, so you can create a home from home for your baby when you travel. The bouncer is a decent size, providing a place to relax and play for babies too young to sit up. It even has cuddly toys for little ones to reach and grab.

The starry print, which is exclusive to Mamas & Papas, gives the smallest babies something to look at to help them make sense of the world, and this also helps older kids relax. We suggest counting the stars on the mattress to encourage early numeracy skills in a fun way.

This cot is taller than most others we tried, which is great if you have a mini Houdini. It makes for an excellent play and sleep solution to keep at grandparents’ house and works out at excellent value for money, when you consider it’s three useful items in one.

BabyBjörn travel cot light

• Best : Lightweight cot
• Dimenions : L 112cm x W 82cm x H 64cm
• Weight : 6kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to three years
• Easy to set-up
• Kind to sensitive skin

This gets top marks for ease of setup. There’s no need to bend down or fiddle with anything on the floor – all you need to do is shake it out and then secure the sides. There’s a handy YouTube video showing how to put it up in just 25 seconds, and the presenter demonstrates it isn’t even going at top speed.

Weighing just 6kg, including the carry bag, your back will thank you when you’re taking it in and out of cars or planes. Our toddler tester approved of the mattress, which makes for a cosy sleeping place. But what we liked most about this cot is knowing that its fabric is OEKO-TEX-approved, which means all materials coming into contact with your baby’s skin are kind to sensitive skin.

Nuna sena aire

• Best : For breathability
• Dimenions : L107cm x W73.5cm x H74.5cm
• Weight : 12.26kg
• Soft and sturdy

If you’re all sharing a bedroom when you travel, it may get stuffy very quickly, especially if it isn’t an air-conditioned room. We like how the Nuna sena aire addresses this issue with its mesh sides, floor and mattress providing 360 degrees of ventilation, for ultimate airflow. The better a child can breathe, the deeper they sleep, giving everyone a more relaxing trip.

We were really impressed by the feel of the triple-layered mattress, which is designed to pull away heat and humidity, and will come in useful if you’re jetting off to tropical climes.

Its clever zigzag leg design pops open easily into a soft, sturdy dreamland and it’s one of the easiest to collapse – we found we could do it one-handed.

Silver Cross slumber carbon travel cot

• Best : For style
• Dimensions : L 112cm x W 80cm x H 67cm
• Weight : 6.25kg
• Newborn inserts

The first thing to note is this comes with a premium duffle bag carry case, so you’ll look stylish when you arrive at your destination. Open the cot – with ease, as it weighs just 6.25kg – and you’ll notice the material on the top and sides feels very high-quality. The decently padded mattress caused our two-year-old to exclaim, “I like ’dis one!”

We really liked the newborn insert, which raises very young babies to typical bed height, so you don’t have to break your back lifting them in and out of the cot. It also makes it easier to nurse a baby and transfer them back to a cot. If you’re using this as a playpen, you’ll also appreciate that one of the sides unzips, so tots can crawl in and out.

Kinderkraft lovi 3-in-1 baby crib

• Best : For fussy babies
• Dimensions : L 88cm x W 61cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg
• Rocking motion
• Time-consuming to set-up
• Newborns will outgrow it

While it takes a bit of time to erect this travel cot and rocker, there’s a very good YouTube video to show you the process. You can access it via a QR code on the instruction leaflet included, and it’s very simple to follow along.

The rocking motion is brilliant for little ones that need movement to settle, mimicking the gentle swaying motion of the womb. Babies are at a higher level in this cot, too, so you can pick them up and settle them down without pulling a muscle.

The only slight downside to this cot is that a baby will outgrow it within the year. That said, our youngest tester loved playing with the toy bar and three adorable hanging toys that come with it, so, while their time in it may be short, it will also be very sweet.

Bugaboo stardust travel cot

• Best : Two-in-one cot and playpen
• Dimensions : L 64cm x W 98cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 6.7kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to two years old
• Keep its shape well
• Newborn insert
• Mattress is a little fir

Setting up this pop-up travel cot was a total breeze, despite how tall and strudy it is once erected. We were surprised by how much the mattress kept it’s solid shape, with no crease or fold from being flat-packed within the cot and travel bag.

Mums will be grateful for the newborn insert, which raises babies to bed level. The breathable mesh is ideal for all seasons to keep baby’s temperature regulated.

The mattress is nicely padded for playtime but feels a little firm for bedtime. When topped with a matrress protector and Bugaboo’s breathable fitted sheet (£27.95, Bugaboo.com ), we nailed baby’s recquirements for a peaceful snooze. You really do get more bang for your buck with this travel cot, as it doubles up as a playpen and lasts until your little one is two years old.

Halo flex portable bassinet

• Best : Portable bedside crib
• Dimensions : L75cm x W100.3cm x H108.6cm
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months

A lightweight and portable bedside crib is hard to come by, so, we were very grateful Halo’s offering ticked a lot of boxes for parents to get that reassuring ‘home away from home’ feeling when on the move.

It can be a daunting experience taking a little one away for the first time, especially when they are used to co-sleeping at home. We were delighted that this bassinet meant babies could feel just as close to their parents as they do at home. The mattress is extra soft when wrapped in Halo’s 100 per cent cotton fitted sheet (£16.64, Halosleep.co.uk ), and the cot is surrounded by breathable lining to suit all temperatures, and enable parents to keep a 360 view of baby.

We have to admit, we did use this more at home than on our travels, as it was so easy to adjust the height of the crib for when you’re sitting on the sofa during the day or when you’re sleeping at night and want to comfort your baby quickly. The side of the crib lowers easily, with no need to stand up or hunch over. This is particularly helpful for mums recovering from C-section delivery as well as for night feeds.

An over-the-shoulder carry bag comes included but it is less sturdy than other holdalls we’ve tested, and one side is partially open, due to its drawstring closing, which didn’t feel as secure. The packing away was a simple enough four-step process.

Fisher-Price on the go travel baby dome

• Best : For on-the-go parents
• Dimensions : L80cm x W76cm x H71cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months (until babies can sit unaided)

This travel cot combines the perfect solution for on-the-go parents and tired babies. It’s lightweight, easy to set up and allows babies to nap or play wherever they are.

We love that this cot can be used indoors and outdoors, to encourage the whole family to get more vitamin D. The canopy keeps your little one protected from the sun as well as keeping out creepy crawlies.

As it folds up flat, we found it easy to keep it stored in the car for spontaneous day trips and overnight stays with the grandparents. However, it doesn’t come with a carry bag, which would have made it easier to keep clean and compact. Two overhead linking toys are included, to keep your baby entertained and relaxed.

ergoPouch easy sleep portable crib

• Best : For summer use
• Dimensions : L80cm x W49cm x H27cm
• Weight : 2.2kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg (or when baby starts rolling over)
• Ideal for summer
• Short-lived usage

You can’t get any more portable than this lightweight pop-up cot that folds up as a small rucksack and weighs just 2.2kg. The mosquito net is ideal for summer babies, if you want to get some fresh air and let them have a safe daytime nap outdoors.

If you are travelling with a baby less than three months old on a flight, we recommend taking this one for sleeping on-the-go, if you get the luxury of seats with extra leg room. The backpack will fit neatly under your seat or in the overhead lockers.

The only downfall is this bassinet is only suitable until your baby shows signs of rolling over, so it’s quite a hefty price for short-lived use.

Travel cot FAQs

What age is a travel cot for.

This will depend on the cot you buy – bassinets are designed for newborns up to three months old, while larger options are available for children up to five years old.

Can a baby sleep in a travel cot every night?

It’s not recommended to use a travel cot regularly for a long period of time, as they’re not designed to support your baby’s development. Instead, limit their use for short trips away and daytime naps.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

You already have enough to think about while travelling with your baby, so the best cots are hassle-free. They should be easy to assemble, collapse and store, while the addition of wheels and a carry bag should make cots easier to transport from A to B. If you’re shopping for a newborn up to three months old, a bassinet is the way to go – these are raised, to give you a clearer view of your little one during the night, while you can lift them up without the risk of throwing out your back.

Do travel cots need a mattress?

Yes – the cots themselves are thin and hard, so a mattress is essential, though most of our top picks come with a mattress included.

The verdict: Travel cots

The Graco foldlite is excellent value for a lightweight cot that’s easy to erect and collapse, and we felt both our seven-month-old and two-year-old testers were safe in there. It will grow with your child, and provide a secure place to sleep and play for up to three years.

The BabyBjörn travel cot light also deserves praise for ease of setup and for the comfort of its mattress, while the Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot solves three of a baby’s needs – sleep, play and hygiene – in one neat package.

Provide extra comfort by investing in the best cot mattresses

Voucher Codes

Delta Airlines Skycots?

Does anyone have experience with Delta Airlines Skycots for intercontinental flights? We’re planning our winter holidays and I’m estimating that LO will be right around the cot size limits 20lbs and 26-27 inch long at that time. I am wonderingly he’ll fit?

Did you have any trouble getting a SkyCot during busy travel times? We already booked exit row seats that allow to install the cots, but there is a limit of 2 per flight..

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Best travel cots 2024: real parents' verdict on the best cots to pop up and down wherever you are

Whether used at home, at the grandparents' or as a playpen, a travel cot can be a familiar place for your baby to sleep, wherever they are. After rigorous research and testing, we reveal the best travel cots to buy in 2024.

By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Aug 20, 2024

While you may have dedicated a lot of time to finding the best crib , moses basket or cot bed for your child, we tend to give less thought to which travel cot to buy. But getting the best sleep possible is just as important while you're away from home, so we've put some of the best travel cots on the market through their paces.

While they're mainly used for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays, travel cots can also be used instead of a traditional crib or playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry, fit in your car boot and should be fairly lightweight too. Pack your travel cot along with a baby monitor and your little one's best baby blanket and you're good to go.

How we chose the best travel cots

We put several of our best travel cot picks through their paces with real parent-testers and their babies and toddlers. We also turned to the Mumsnet forums - home of the UK's largest network of parents - to seek out authentic recommendations and honest reviews of the travel cots they'd used with their own children. Referring to expert review sites for extra information, we collated all the information to bring you our top picks, of the best travel cots 2024.

Best travel cots at a glance

Best travel cot for quick assembly: Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot | £225

Best travel cot for air travel: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | £220

Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot | £100

Best budget travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot | £35

Best larger travel cot: BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot | £85

Best travel cot to use as a playpen: Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot | £195

Best easy-fold travel cot: Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot | £85

Be st lightweight travel cot: LittleLife Arc 2 | £106

Best travel cot with a changing table: Joie Commuter Change | £100

Best travel cot for toddlers: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot | £250

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot, £225

Great quality mattress

Takes just one second to unfold and three seconds to fold

Can be folded with the mattress left in

Carrycot insert for newborns

On the expensive side

Only suitable up to 2 years

Price on writing: £225 | Suitable from: Birth to two years | Weight: 6.7kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Bugaboo Stardust travel cot review

For those considering a travel cot to use from birth, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. It comes with a carrycot insert which means the cot can be used as a bedside crib - perfect for co-sleeping away from home.

It has a height-adjustable mattress and an incredibly easy fold up and down. When folded up, the travel cot is nice and slim, making for easy storage. The mattress is great quality and thicker than the others on our list. At just over £200, it's on the premium end of the spectrum, and the manufacturer recommends only using it up to 2 years, so it doesn't have quite the longevity of most other travel cots, which generally can be used until the age of three.

Great for parents who

Want to co-sleep safely away from home

Are expecting to use the cot frequently for sleeping

Related: The best breast pumps, as recommended by Mumsnetters

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £220

Durable construction

Very comfy mattress

Mattress and fabric is removable and machine-washable

Mattress is fairly close to the floor – one side can be unzipped for easy access though

It’s one of the more expensive cots around

Price on writing: £220 | Suitable from: Birth to three years | Weight: 6kg (including carry bag)

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BabyBjorn Light review

If you have a little extra to spend, then the luxury and comfort of BabyBjörn's Light will make sleepovers fuss-free no matter where you go. Our tester found it sturdy, simple to set-up and really easy to transport. The mattress is considerably more comfy than those you'll find in cheaper travel cots, and all the fabric parts are removable and machine washable.

The main drawback is the price tag, but if you have the means, then this cot won't let you down.

Need a small portable crib that can be taken on short or long trips

Want to invest in a travel bed that can stand heavy use

Related: The best teddy bears and soft toys for kids of all ages

Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £100

Lift and lower side panel means baby can be picked up and placed down without hassle

Compact frame that packs down into a travel bag

Mesh panels on all four sides

Padded top rail

Too small to be used as a playpen

Material isn't machine-washable

Price on writing: From £94 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg) | Weight: 8.79kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie kubbie™ Sleep review

The Joie kubbie™ Sleep is a real steal and a brilliant choice for new parents who want something that covers all bases - that's why we've named it our best travel cot overall for 2024. Versatile in style and cocoon-like in the way it nurtures and grows with newborns, the kubbie™ Sleep also comes with a bassinet that can easily be attached and detached.

A unique feature of the kubbie™ Sleep that our tester was impressed by is that when your baby is in the bassinet, you can tuck the cot close to your bed and adjust the height of the crib so that it acts like a co-sleeper. It's a lovely feature if you're travelling with a tiny baby, it provides extra peace of mind and easy access for changing and breastfeeding .

Have a newborn

Like the idea of a co-sleeper and want to keep their baby close during the night

Want a cot that can last up to three years old

Read next: The best changing bags Mumsnetters swear by

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £35

Lightweight and folds down compactly into a travel bag

Quick to assemble and fold away

Easy to clean

Mesh sides make it easy to see baby

The mattress is thinner than some other baby travel cot mattresses on the market, such as the Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Doesn't have wheels

Price on writing: £35 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg | Dimensions when assembled: 76 x 103 x 73cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot review .

Robust and simple in design, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a basic, practical travel cot that you'll be glad to have for the odd night away from home with your little one. With breathable mesh on four sides, a carry bag and padding over the poles and edges, it's got everything you need for a safe night's sleep - or a handy play pen.

Mumsnetters say the mattress could be thicker and better quality, which is often the case with cheaper travel cots. If you're looking for a separate mattress, this one from Mother Nurture fits the Red Kite perfectly and folds up for extra practicality while on-the-go.

Need a bed for short trips or as a secondary for the grandparents' house

Are on a tight budget

Read next: The best cabin bags to buy for your next family holiday

BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot, £85

Extra large (120 x 60 cm) so you can use your cot mattress for extra comfort

Travel bag included

Has a handy storage pocket

No stand-out features such as newborn insert

Quite a basic design

Price on writing: £83 | Suitable from: Not specified | Weight: 8 kg | Size when assembled: 60 x 120 x 80cm

Looking for a travel cot under £100 big enough to last at least as long as your little one's cot ? Look no further.

The BabyDan Travel Cot may not feature all the bells and whistles of the likes of Bugaboo or Babybjorn, but at the same size as most standard cots, it's large enough to keep going until your toddler is ready to make the switch into a bigger toddler bed .

Similar in design to the Red Kite, you get a little more space for your money here as well as little extra touches such as the handy side pocket in which you can store nappies , blankets or toys during your travels. Sure, its larger size may be an issue if you're short on space, but being able to fit a standard cot mattress is also a big bonus - as most travel cot mattresses are known for being quite thin.

Silver Cross Slumber travel cot, £195

Has a 3-in-1 design so works as a newborn co-sleeper, a playpen and travel cot up to three years

Sloped sides mean toddlers less likely to climb out

Has a zip-up door

Can be a bit tricky to put up for the first time

Sloped legs can take some getting used to - you may trip on them at first!

Price on writing: £190 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.25 kg | Size when folded up : L88 x W34 x H17cm | Size when assembled: L112 x W80 x H67cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Silver Cross Slumber travel cot review

If you're looking for a travel cot you can use right from birth up until your toddler is three, the Silver Cross Slumber offers a sleek, simple solution from a trusted brand.

The sloped sides mean toddlers are less likely to be able to climb out but still have plenty of space to play, and there's also a little zip-up door in the side which makes it feel more fun (and less like a 'baby cage'!)

While our tester found it slightly tricky to assemble the first time around, this was a minor niggle as she pointed out that she's likely to get so much use out of the Slumber travel cot, putting it up and down will soon become second nature.

Our tester was also particularly impressed with how lightweight the Slumber was to carry, despite its robust sturdiness when assembled.

Want a travel cot and playpen combination

Have a larger space to put the travel cot in

Are looking for a travel cot which will last them years

Read next: Discover the best pregnancy pillows and pregnancy tests according to Mumsnetters

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot, £85

Lightweight and easy to fold up and down

Collapses to just 26 cm wide

Comes with a removable infant bassinet

2 wheels for easy manoeuvring

The mattress could be thicker

Price on writing: £85 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.78 kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot review

With two ways to fold, the Graco FoldLite LX is a brilliant cot for frequent use. The quick fold is designed for speed, while 'Home Fold' is ultra-thin at just 26cm wide - perfect for storing away at home.

We love the two-wheel design that makes the cot easy to drag around, and it's not bad to look at either. The base is one of the lowest to the ground on our list, making it a good option for using as a playpen. It also comes with a removable infant bassinet for smaller babies.

Graco are well-loved by Mumsnetters thanks to their good-quality, affordable baby gear, and this travel cot is no exception.

Want a cot that can be put up and down frequently without too much hassle

Have limited space for storage

Read next: The best nursing chairs to buy, as recommended by mums

LittleLife Arc 2, £106

Insect-proof mesh for hot weather and the outdoors

Has a front panel with a safety toggle that can be zipped open or closed, making it a great option to use as an outdoor playpen

Colour-coded poles make assembly simple

Lightweight option

Thin mattress

Sunshade must be bought separately

Price on writing: £106 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg), but we'd recommend it for toddlers | Weight: 2.5kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Arc 2 review

The LittleLife Arc 2 is extremely lightweight (practically featherweight, really, at just 2.5kg), is designed just like a tent and can be folded down compactly to fit into a backpack, which comes with it. This makes it perfect for use on public transport, holidays and camping.

It works just as well outdoors as it does indoors and is great for those grab-and-go moments. Our tester really liked its tent-like design - close to the floor means there's no risk of kids falling out and the cosier sleeping space makes it ideal for younger babies. She was also impressed by the mosquito net - perfect for travel wherever you're headed.

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

Joie Commuter Change, £100

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

Side of the cot can’t be pulled down like the new Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Price on writing: £100 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Weight: 12.3kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie Commuter Change review

Winner of the Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018 award, the Joie Commuter Change didn’t quite make our top five this year, but it’s still a great product and definitely worth considering.

Our tester loved all the added extras that come with the Commuter Change. Not only is there a full-size bassinet, which will save your back when reaching down to your child, but the cot also comes with a changing table which handily clips onto the top.

Read next: The best cot mattresses for a safe night's sleep

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot, £250

Easy to assemble

Plenty of space for toddlers inside

Comfortable

Designed for maximum airflow (ideal for summer holidays!)

Not a lot of outstanding features

Price on writing: £250 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Size when assembled: L103cm x W76cm x H73cm | Size when folded: L30cm x W24cm x H86cm | Weight : 12kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

Although it's one of the more premium travel cots on our list, our parent-tester was particularly impressed with the sturdiness of the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot, saying she had no worries about it moving when put through its paces by her toddler daughter.

The Nuna features breathable mesh sides and a ventilated mesh mattress, which is particularly useful if you're travelling to sunnier climes - and it's very simple to put up, even if you're on the petite side. If you need a reliable, premium travel cot for frequent use, the Nuna is a solid option on a cost-per-use basis, but if you're looking for something to use once or twice a year, there isn't anything particularly remarkable which makes this one stand out above its cheaper peers.

What age is a travel cot for?

This type of cot is usually used from the newborn stage up until toddlerhood – or until the little wriggler can climb out by themselves.

Do I actually need a travel cot?

The short answer is: no, not necessarily, but that depends entirely on your lifestyle.

Portable beds can be expensive and can take up unnecessary space in an otherwise baby-filled home, so if you think you'll only get use out of one for two weeks of the year, then you could probably do without.

If you already have a co-sleeper, Moses basket or carrycot that you use with a travel system , you might be able to use that when you're away from home with a smaller baby.

If, however, you tend to travel often or think your little one will have regular sleepovers with the grandparents, then a travel cot is a great solution.

It'll not only be easier to cart around, but it'll offer a familiar and comforting environment for your child no matter where they rest their head.

Are travel cots safe?

Safety is crucial when buying a travel bed for your little one so, while all products should have some sort of testing certification, be sure to check the safety features out yourself.

If you plan to buy in-store, ask to see it being assembled

Check how sturdy it is – could it withstand being knocked into?

Look for safety locks on wheels if there are any – can they also be tucked away when not in use?

Choking hazards are also something to look out for so make sure that small parts, like zips, are well covered

Check for sharp corners and padded rails

Assess whether your child would be able to climb out easily – check that the side panels are high enough

Safe sleeping and travel cot mattresses

The Lullaby Trust says that all cots need to comply with British Standards Institution (BSI) safety standards regardless of how old they are. If there is no safety standard number visible then you shouldn't buy it.

When it comes to safe sleeping, they also insist that the bed's original mattress needs to be firm, entirely flat and waterproof with no soft or cushioned areas, particularly around the baby's head. Babies should be placed on their backs with their feet at the foot of the cot.

Soft mattresses are known to increase the risk of SIDS as they make it harder for babies to lose body heat, which can cause them to become too hot.

Sleep positioners and pillows must not be used and there should also be no loose or bulky bedding inside the crib as this can cause a baby to overheat.

Even if the mattress feels thin, don't be tempted to place folded blankets underneath your child. Go for a baby sleeping bag or a well-fitted swaddle instead.

The Lullaby Trust also advise that portable cribs aren’t placed against radiators and remain out of reach of blind cords.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £20 to over £200, and your budget will probably depend entirely on how much you think you'll use it.

As with anything, the most expensive option won't necessarily be best suited to you and your child. Some cheaper models may do just the trick and will last well into the toddler years too.

Can I buy one secondhand?

Yes, you can, but make sure you always follow the manufacturer's instructions before using.

Make sure it isn’t damaged or broken, that the frame is intact and that there aren’t any sharp edges that could cause injury. If possible, ask to assemble and fold it down before you buy to check it works as it should.

Secondhand travel cots can go from anywhere between £10 and £80.

Other things to consider when buying a travel cot

1. portability.

Check the size and weight. Can it be folded down compactly? Is it likely to fit into the boot of your car?

If you tend to travel by public transport, you'll want a bed that's lightweight and easy to carry. For planes, some small cots may even be able to fit into an overhead locker.

2. Assembly and storage

By nature, travel beds are usually easy to put up and fold down. Pop-ups are, of course, the easiest, but check to see if your chosen product is quick to assemble, fold and pack away.

When it comes to storage, the amount of space you have at home will influence your decision.

Some models have mattresses that fold with the frame before they go into a bag, and most will fit into the back of a cupboard or under a bed when stored away.

3. How to clean

Babies create mess – and a lot of it too. Look for a removable mattress that comes with a fitted sheet, which you will be able to stick in the washing machine.

Some cots have removable side panels, but if they don’t then you can always wipe them clean with warm water.

4. Extra features

Many larger models double up as a playpen which is great for keeping your child safe at all times no matter where they are. Some even come with changing tables, mobiles and bassinets for newborns.

You’ll find that the added extras will usually need to be carried separately once the frame is folded down. Brands that offer attachments like these include Joie (the Joie Commuter Change won Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018), BabyBjorn and Graco.

Some, like the Arc 2, also come with added extras like built-in mosquito nets for camping.

What's the best travel cot to buy?

The Joie kubbie Sleep is the best travel cot to buy in 2024. Mumsnetters love that it doubles as a co-sleeper, making it a versatile, useful and great value buy. The compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, while the bedside feature allows for easy access to your baby during the night. Overall, the Joie Baby Kubbie Sleep Bedside Travel Cot is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and comfortable sleep solution for their little one.

How we tested and why you should trust us

For continuity, we try to get one tester to test all the products in a single category. This reduces any potential variables during the testing process and ensures that our results are based on like-for-like comparisons. After approximately 24 hours of research, our tester, Ruth, produced a shortlist of 14 cots to put to the test. The list included the most highly recommended cots by Mumsnet users and other review sites, plus a wide range of designs and price tags, from nifty pop-ups to more studier models akin to traditional cribs.

Each product was tested in rooms with both carpet and laminate flooring, then scored on six key areas:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use, cleanliness, value for money.

Five products were then awarded a Mumsnet Best badge – these are the products that we feel offer the absolute best value for most parents. We also gave honourable mentions to four others.

Ruth scored each product based on each criteria below, with the highest scoring coming out on top as the overall winner. Honourable mentions were then given to nine other top-performing beds.

We looked at a number of factors including:

Durability and materials – how well was each product made and finished?

Safety features – did the product have padded rails, lockable wheels, mesh ventilation, firm bedding, a locking system etc? And could a baby's fingers become trapped? Ruth studied everything from the frame to the mattress

Choking hazards – were there any parts that could come loose?

Sturdiness – she walked into it, knocked it against furniture and dropped it when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – she also looked for the appropriate safety labels

Height of side panels – could a child climb out easily?

Assembly and folding

How straightforward was it to assemble and fold?

Were written or visual instructions clear and precise? Could the instructions also be accessed online and were there video tutorials to guide you through?

Each cot was assembled and taken down 20 times – this was also timed to see how long it would take

We also wanted to see which products might cause difficulty for people with mobility issues and which were the easiest to assemble and take down

Ruth also considered how easy it would be to access spare parts and whether each cot came with a warranty

Ruth looked at how much space the cot took up in a room – did it slot in easily, and was it more suited to indoors or outdoors?

Could it be moved around easily, particularly through doorways, from one room to another, and up and down the stairs? Did it have to be folded in order to do so?

How easy was it to place the child inside? Could the side panels be lowered?

When inside, was the little one comfy? Did they like it and was there enough room to sleep and to play?

Was it heavy to carry and did it fit comfortably in the boot of an average-sized family car? Could it be taken on public transport easily?

Ruth analysed looks, including colours, fabrics and overall design

Did the bed fit in with the décor? Was the design attractive and user-friendly?

Were there different colours to choose from?

The likes of mud, sand, peanut butter, milk and orange juice were smeared and spilled onto the interior and exterior to see how easy stains were to remove

Ruth also checked for removable bedding that could easily be thrown into the washing machine

We tested products with a variety of price tags and compared the more expensive models to those that were cheaper

If pricey, was it worth the price tag?

And were there any extras included to make the investment more justified?

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

We commissioned Ruth Lumley to write about and test a variety of toddler and baby travel cots. Ruth is a journalist who has used a number of baby beds with her three young children – from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood and while holidaying abroad and visiting relatives in the UK.

During the research process, she looked at the types of products available, scoured the Mumsnet forums for recommendations and spoke to baby sleep experts from The Lullaby Trust , an organisation that provides advice on safer sleep for babies.Ruth tried out each bed with her youngest child, who was 18 months old at the time of testing. She tested each for at least three nights, both at home and at the grandparents' house, which meant that all the models were subject to the same environmental factors and held a child of the same age and weight.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy , The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy  and Mother Power . She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.

Can I Use a Travel Cot Instead of a Cot?

As a nursing mother, you will want your baby to have a very safe sleep whether you are at home or traveling. You might have wondered whether it is best to put your baby in a travel cot especially when you find out that there may not be enough space within your home that can accommodate a normal cot. You may even want to try and reduce expenses since the normal baby cot costs quite a fortune.

Hey! By the way… any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it! .

Can babies sleep in travel cots?

Why do some travel cots appear different, do travel cots need a mattress, what age can a baby go in a travel cot, how long can you use a travel cot, are travel cots safe for long term use, can you use a travel cot instead of a moses blanket.

You can definitely use a travel cot if you are finding it difficult to get around the idea of getting a normal cot. A travel cot will provide you with the space you want since you can easily fold it whenever it is not in use. The following reasons are why you should consider using a travel cot instead of a cot.

• Safety: If you are particularly concerned with safety, then travel cot may be the way to go. With the travel cot, you don’t need to worry about buying extra bits for preventing your baby legs and arms wriggling out the cot’s side.

Your baby will not accidentally bump the head or other body part on any wooden frame when shuffling around during their sleep. You would not need to worry about the baby falling as a result of trying to climb out of the cot if you are using a travel cot.

• Fun: Travel cots are moveable and may be used by your baby as a playpen.
• Good for travel: You will not need to worry about how or where your baby will sleep when travelling.
• Hygiene: Travel cots are more hygienic since they are foldable and can be packed, and washed. Babies are less likely to become infected with germs when they are using their own cot especially while travelling than one provided by the hotel or some colleague.
• Relatively cheaper: travel cot are more cheaper than normal cot and can be good if you are looking for where your baby can sleep for few months till he/she outgrow sleeping on cots.

Travel cots are generally categorized into two; the first is the typical traditional cot which is mainly made using a sturdy frame with fabrics all around it and this type of cot is easily collapsed when not in use. An example of this is the Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome Playard . The second is the easy-to-carry and lighter pop-up cot which forms the desired shape as soon as it is immediately opened. An example of this is the Lotus Travel Crib .

You will need to know the main reason why you want to opt for either of these two. You can get the pop-up travel cot if you travel often but the traditional and sturdy frame type may be used at home since they can serve as semi-permanent fixtures for your toddler.

Although, most travel cots come with a padded mattress. The mattress may be too thin for the comfort of your baby, so, it is good if you can get your own mattress. Ensure that the type of mattress you are getting is foldable and can easily fit the travel cot. You should also try as much as possible to air, clean, and dry the mattress before use. Besides, travel cots are made to be used with an original mattress so that your baby can be stable and comfortable when sleeping. There are great mattresses on Amazon such as the Dream On Me Fiber Portable Crib Mattress , Newton Baby Crib Mattress, and Toddler Bed .

You can put your baby in a travel cot from about 3 months to 5 years. If you have an already grown toddler, you should get a bigger travel cot that will adequately suit the size of their body. Although many of these travel cots are very light and easy to fold, they may not last very long. It is, therefore, necessary that you check the guidelines of the manufacturer for any of the cots you are buying.

It is not usually safe to use travel cots outside the stipulated guidelines. Hence, you should know that there are different travel cots for different age ranges of babies. You will know the exact travel cot to buy for your baby depending on the length of time such baby is to use it.

You can easily opt for the travel bassinets if your baby is within the first few months of birth. But you may soon discover that you may need another type of cot as your baby grows. There are some other travel buggy carrycots that are approved for sleeping overnight for your baby. Some of these carrycots comes with stand and are also moveable.

The fact that travel cots can be used to substitute for normal cots especially for a night away from home or sometimes daytime nap by your baby does not mean that they can be used over an extended period of time. Most travel cots can last for up to 18 months irrespective of their size.

Some safety tips when using travel cots

Although, travel cots are generally safe for your babies but still you may also need to adequately ensure the safety of your baby in case of accidental occurrences. Here are some safety tips you might need;

• Ensure that the cot is stable and balanced so that your baby does not tip over while sleeping.
• Make sure the cot is adequately fixed in the corner so that your baby’s cloth will not easily get caught; or else it may result in strangulation in an attempt by your baby to climb over the cot.
• Be very cautious if you are using a kind of pop-up tent travel cot which has a flexible side; this is to ensure that you don’t accidentally stumble on it especially during the night since it would not be able to hold your weight.
• Protect your baby from choking hazards by ensuring that any detached part such as zip is adequately fixed.
• Wheeled travel cot should be amply locked if your baby is not asleep to safeguard against inadvertent rolling.
• If you will be taking a trip and you the travel cot is new, it is better that you try it before you commence such trip.

Travel cots are not recommended for long term use because the mattresses are 8cm deep. This means the baby can climb or fall out from the bed. However, if you can get a thicker mattress, the baby won’t be able to climb out or fall.

Yes, you can. But ensure that the mattress fits properly. However, your back will suffer because you will be bending and reaching down for the baby.

Whether you need a cot that can serve for travel purposes, or want a baby sleeper that will not consume much space within the home, then, a travel cot maybe your best bet. From its easy-to-use feature to cheaper cost, you may necessarily not need to opt for the more expensive and permanent normal cot.

About The Author

Hephzy Asaolu

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