First things first - You're not alone!
However, life doesn’t have to stop when you have a baby – it just becomes a little... different. The good news is that holidays and travelling with a baby is totally possible and enjoyable with a little prior research, planning and preparation before jumping on that plane.
Most new parents have no idea that airlines provide a dedicated bassinet/bed/cot for babies to fly in on a medium or long haul flight. This is an amazing service that a lot of airlines provide and will literally change the way you fly with your baby - All you have to do is ask!
Find answers to common questions below
A small onboard cot attached to bulkhead seats on many long-haul or medium-haul flights
Usually infants under airline-specific age, length, and weight limits
No, it is usually a request, not a guarantee
Usually in bulkhead rows, often near galleys or toilets
Request it during booking, then reconfirm before departure
Aircraft type, cabin class, airline rules, and crew discretion all matter
Policies vary, but the bassinet itself is generally not charged as a separate item. Access usually depends on being assigned an eligible bulkhead seat and meeting the airline’s infant rules.
Usually no. On many airlines, a bassinet remains a request and is subject to availability, aircraft type, and operational decisions.
No. Many do, but not every aircraft or cabin has the same setup. Always check the specific flight or aircraft where possible.
On many airlines, babies must be removed during turbulence, take-off, and landing. There are exceptions on some carriers or bassinet styles, so check your airline’s policy.
Last updated: April 2026. Airline bassinet policies can change, so always confirm the latest details directly with your airline before you fly.
If you are flying with a baby and trying to work out which airlines offer bassinets, how to request one, and what restrictions apply, this guide is designed to help. Airline bassinets can make long-haul and overnight travel much easier, but policies vary by airline, aircraft, cabin, and crew. This updated guide brings the essentials together in one place so you can research faster and travel with more confidence.
What is an airline bassinet?
Why parents use them
What you need to know before booking
How to book a baby bassinet
Airline bassinet information by airline
Tips for better sleep on the plane
How CoziGo helps on the flight
An airline bassinet is a small onboard baby bed that attaches to the bulkhead wall on selected aircraft. Depending on the airline, you may also see it called a carry cot, sky bed, basket, cot, or infant bassinet. Some are more like a traditional rectangular cot with raised sides, while others are more structured or seat-like in design.
Most airline bassinets are designed for infants travelling as lap babies. Availability depends on the airline, the aircraft type, the cabin configuration, and whether a bassinet position is fitted in your bulkhead row.
When a bassinet is available, it can make flying with a baby much more manageable. It gives your baby a safer and more comfortable place to rest than staying in your arms for an entire long-haul flight, and it gives parents a little more space to eat, rest, and reset during the journey.
Bulkhead seats also usually offer extra room because there is no seat directly in front of you. That extra space can make a noticeable difference when you are managing feeds, sleep, toys, blankets, and all the small movements that come with travelling with a baby.
Airline bassinets are useful, but there are a few important realities to understand before you rely on one.
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Age and weight limits | Each airline sets its own infant size and weight limits, and these can vary between aircraft. |
| Availability | Bassinets are limited in number and often assigned on a first-requested basis. |
| Seat location | They are usually attached to bulkhead rows, and not every bulkhead position supports a bassinet. |
| Use during flight | Many airlines allow use only when the seatbelt sign is off. For take-off, landing, and some turbulence, babies usually need to come out. |
| Aircraft differences | The same airline may have different bassinet styles and rules across different planes and cabins. |
Some airlines also prioritise younger or smaller infants for bassinets. Because of that, even when you have requested one, it is still worth confirming your request again before departure and again at check-in if needed.
In most cases, you should request a bassinet as early as possible. Some airlines let you do this online, some require you to call, and others note the request on your booking but do not confirm it until closer to departure.
The safest process is simple. Request the bassinet when you book, check that the request is attached to your reservation, and then reconfirm before travel. If an airline allocates bassinets at the airport rather than in advance, arrive early and ask again at check-in or at the gate.
A practical tip: ask not only whether a bassinet is requested, but whether your seat is in a bassinet-compatible bulkhead position for that aircraft.
The links below point to official airline pages covering infants, children, bassinets, or family travel information. Policies can change, so always check the airline source directly before booking and before departure.
Even if you secure a bassinet, the environment around it can still be challenging. Bulkhead rows are often close to toilets, galleys, queues, and bright cabin lighting. That means the bassinet itself is only part of the equation.
It helps to keep your baby’s sleep routine as familiar as possible. Many parents find it useful to change into sleep clothes, bring a favourite comfort item, use white noise, and recreate some of the same wind-down steps they use at home. It is also worth preparing emotionally for interruptions. If turbulence means you need to take your baby out of the bassinet, that is normal and it does not mean the flight is off track.
Sleep consultants also highly recommend limiting light and visual stimulation as much as possible whilst in-flight. This is where the COZIGO comes in!
One of the biggest challenges with airline bassinets is not the bed itself. It is the environment around it. Bright lights, passing passengers, and activity around the bulkhead can make it harder for babies to settle and stay asleep. That is where CoziGo can help.
CoziGo is designed to create a darker, calmer sleep space for babies on the go. It can help reduce visual distractions around the bassinet and shield your baby from bright cabin lighting. Because it is also a universal sleep and sun cover for strollers and prams, many families continue using it through airport transit, layovers, holiday outings, and everyday naps after they land.
View CoziGo sleep and sun cover
Airline bassinets can make flying with a baby much easier, especially on long-haul and overnight routes, but the details matter. The more you know before you fly, the better your chances of getting the right seat, asking the right questions, and creating a calmer experience for both you and your baby.
If you are planning a trip soon, you can also explore our related guides on flying with a baby and our airplane bassinet cover to help you prepare.
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Magic!
I used CoziGo during a trans-Atlantic flight. I think it’s magic! It’s very well designed such that it clips on and stays in place with plenty of room inside. Lots of zips and peak-a-boo windows to check on baby. Folds up to a small size that fits in a backpack. The airline didn’t dim the cabin lights so this was key to have. Baby slept for a solid 5 hours and would have slept for longer if the flight was longer! Thank you
- Karen H.
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Once you’ve landed, make sure you have the right stroller for the type of trip you’re on and pair it with the same CoziGo cover that provides amazing sun cover, and allows your baby to sleep on the go whilst you enjoy your vacation.
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Must have for a plane trip
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