Booking Flights with Baby Bassinet Seats and Traveling with Prams - A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Travelers

Traveling with an infant can be challenging, especially when flying long distances. Australian families often plan overseas vacations or domestic trips with their little ones, and one of the most important considerations is ensuring comfort and convenience during flights. Fortunately, many airlines provide facilities like baby bassinets and offer allowances for prams to make the journey smoother. This guide covers everything you need to know about booking baby bassinet seats on airlines and the rules for taking prams while traveling from Australia.

1. What is a Baby Bassinet Seat?

A baby bassinet is a small, foldable cot provided by airlines on long-haul flights for infants under a certain age or weight. These bassinets are usually attached to the bulkhead seat in front of the parents and provide a comfortable space for the baby to sleep. Since bulkhead seats offer extra legroom, this setup allows parents to attend to their baby with ease.

Most airlines set limits for the use of bassinets, including restrictions based on the baby’s weight (often around 11-14 kg) and age (usually up to 12 months). The bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and travellers must book them in advance or request them during the booking process.

2. How to Book Baby Bassinet Seats on Airlines

Booking a baby bassinet seat is not always as simple as selecting your seat online. It’s crucial to understand the specific policies of each airline and the steps required to ensure your baby gets a bassinet for the flight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Bassinet:

1. Research Airlines: Not all airlines offer bassinets, so it’s essential to check the policies of the airline you intend to fly with. Popular airlines like Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific all provide bassinet seats, but their requirements differ.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure your baby is within the age and weight limits specified by the airline. Bassinets are not guaranteed, even if you meet the criteria, so early booking is critical.
3. Select Flights: When booking your flight, choose long-haul or international flights, as these are more likely to offer baby bassinet seats. Short domestic flights within Australia typically do not have this option.
4. Request the Bassinet: During the booking process, either online or over the phone, request a baby bassinet. Most airlines have an option for this under "Special Requests" or "Assistance for Infants." You may also need to call the airline directly after booking to confirm the request.
5. Confirm the Bulkhead Seat: Bassinets are typically only available in bulkhead seats, so ask to be seated in one of these rows. Some airlines may charge extra for bulkhead seating, while others offer it at no additional cost if you're traveling with an infant.
6. Follow Up with the Airline: After your booking is complete, follow up with the airline a few days before your flight to ensure the bassinet request has been processed. It’s wise to reconfirm on the day of your flight as well.

Airline-Specific Bassinet Policies:

• Qantas: Offers bassinets on international flights for infants up to 11 kg. You can request one while booking but must confirm via phone afterward.
• Virgin Australia: Bassinets are available on long-haul international flights. Contact the airline to book a bassinet seat.
• Singapore Airlines: Offers baby bassinets for infants up to 14 kg and 76 cm in length. Request this service during booking and reconfirm closer to the flight.
• Emirates: Provides bassinets for babies up to 11 kg. They recommend contacting the airline after booking to secure a bassinet seat.
• Cathay Pacific: Bassinets are available for babies under 12 kg, and seats must be requested when booking.

3. Rules and Guidelines for Taking Prams on Flights

Traveling with a pram is another common concern for parents flying with infants. Most airlines accommodate prams, but rules and allowances vary. Understanding the specific policies regarding prams can save you from unexpected hassles at the airport.

Types of Prams Allowed:

• Collapsible Strollers: Most airlines allow small, collapsible strollers to be checked at the gate. These are lightweight and easy to fold, making them the most convenient option for airport use.
• Full-Sized Prams: Larger prams or travel systems may be checked in as baggage. These may not be allowed beyond the check-in counter, so plan accordingly.

Pram Policies on Australian Airlines:

• Qantas: Allows prams to be checked in at no extra cost in addition to the baby’s luggage allowance. You can take your stroller to the gate, where it will be tagged and checked before boarding. Upon arrival, the stroller is usually returned to you at the gate.
• Virgin Australia: Permits strollers, prams, or car seats as part of the infant’s checked baggage allowance. You may take the pram to the gate and check it at no extra cost.
• Jetstar: Allows prams to be checked in for free, though you must hand over the pram at check-in. Prams cannot be taken to the boarding gate.
• Rex (Regional Express Airlines): Allows parents to check in prams without additional charges as part of the free baggage allowance for infants.

International Airline Pram Policies:

• Singapore Airlines: Accepts strollers as checked baggage and offers a limited number of loaner strollers at certain airports for passenger use. You can check your stroller at the gate.
• Emirates: Allows a collapsible stroller to be taken through to the boarding gate and checked in there. If the flight is full, the stroller may need to be checked with your luggage at check-in.
• Cathay Pacific: Accepts prams as checked baggage free of charge. You can use the stroller until you reach the boarding gate, where it will be taken by staff and returned at the gate upon arrival.

Important Tips for Traveling with a Pram:

1. Label the Pram Clearly: Ensure your pram has a baggage tag with your contact details in case it gets misplaced.
2. Use a Pram Bag: Some airlines recommend using a protective pram bag to prevent damage during transport.
3. Check Weight Limits: Some airlines have weight restrictions for strollers and prams, so check these limits before you travel.
4. Bring a Baby Carrier: Since your pram will be checked in at the gate, consider bringing a baby carrier for convenience during boarding and disembarkation.

4. Essential Tips for Flying with a Baby

Beyond booking a bassinet and preparing your pram for travel, there are additional steps you can take to ensure a smooth flight with your baby.

• Board Early: Most airlines allow families with infants to board first, giving you extra time to settle in and arrange your baby’s seat.
• Pack Light but Smart: Bring only the essentials for the flight (nappies, wipes, snacks, toys, and extra clothes) but avoid overpacking, as space is limited.
• Bring Comfort Items: Familiar blankets, pacifiers, or toys can help soothe your baby during the flight.
• Feed During Takeoff and Landing: Feeding your baby (whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding) during takeoff and landing can help relieve ear pressure.
• Use the Airline’s Services: Don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendants for assistance, whether you need help with heating bottles or extra supplies.

Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you plan ahead and take advantage of the baby-friendly services that airlines offer. By booking a baby bassinet seat early and knowing the rules for taking prams on board, you can make your journey more comfortable for both you and your baby. Each airline has slightly different policies, so it's essential to double-check the rules before your trip and prepare accordingly. Safe travels!