If you\u2019re traveling on a long flight with an infant, it\u2019s a good idea to ask your airline or travel agent if it\u2019s possible to reserve a bassinet on board when booking your tickets. This is essentially a small bed for your baby, and can go by different names: cot, baby basket, carrycot, or cradle for example.<\/p>\n
Always ask for this if you are traveling with a very small child, because it is a fantastic perk: your baby gets a place to sleep, and you get your hands (and lap!) free for at least part of the flight. Usually, these cots are free of charge.<\/p>\n
Usually a child under the age of 2 travels for free if they sit on your lap. Another alternative is to purchase a seat for your infant and use an approved car seat (check with your airline what seats can be used on board). If your child is over 1 year old, you could also use something like the Child Aviation Restraint System, CARES.<\/p>\n
However, if you do qualify for a bassinet, that is your best and cheapest option.<\/p>\n
The age, size and weight requirements for bassinets vary between different airlines. Listed below are links for various airlines, and what each airline\u2019s website has to say about their policy for bassinets on board.<\/p>\n