How to get a free bassinet on a plane!

Did you know that when you're flying long haul you can get a free bed for your baby/toddler on the plane? Having a bassinet on board has been such a great perk for us as it means that our baby can have his own space to sleep and we can be hands free!

And the best of all is that most airlines offer the bed and seats with extra legroom to the parents for free! Some do charge so make sure you check with yours but here is how to check if you're entitled to one:

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Side note: If you can't get the bassinet provided by the airline because your baby/toddler has outgrown it then click here to check out these beds you can bring on board to make your child comfortable and more likely to sleep!

1. Book your tickets

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First of all you need to do what you would normally do which is to book your tickets for you and your baby/ toddler. Your child can only get a bassinet (if they're available) if they're flying as a lap infant and not if you've paid for a seat for them.

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2. Check on your airline's website if they offer bassinets for long haul flights and what the restrictions are

Every airline has a different type of bassinets so unfortunately they all have different restrictions! These are the likely restrictions:

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• Age - most airlines provide bassinets for babies up to 2 years old (under 24 months)

• Height - some airlines like British Airways don't have a height restriction and others have a restriction of around 30.2in or 77cm.

• Weight - this can vary but they're usually between 20lbs - 28 lbs (9 - 12.5 kilos)

3. Call the airline

You then need to call the airline and let them know that you'd like the bassinet seats on board. This is when they'll tell you if you can change seats for free or if they need to charge you. Also, even if your baby doesn't fit in the bassinet you might still be able to get the seats and benefit from the extra legroom! Just ask and if the seats are available they will accommodate you. We have gotten the bassinet seats with extra legroom many times even when our first baby had outgrown the bed.

4. Mention it during check in

Even if you've made the seat reservation over the phone you still need to bring it up during check in just in case. Usually they will tell you that you already have those seats but it's always worth checking! There have been a few cases where we asked at check in and our reservation had been lost so they had to re-assign the bassinet seats to us there and then. Lastly, even though it's not happened to us in theory it's also possible that the seats aren't available anymore because someone else needed them more. Airlines usually prioritise younger babies. So you will be told at check in for sure whether you will have those seats today or not.

5. Let the cabin crew know

Since you're at the bassinet seats the cabin crew will most likely know you're expecting a bassinet but do bring it up just in case they forget. They'll usually bring it straight after take off and will install it for you.

I hope you get to use this great perk for parents and that your baby sleeps longer than they would've in your arms!​

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For further help on how to make your flight comfortable click here to check out our plane must- haves or explore more articles below: