Airplane Bassinet Seats: Pros and Cons of Booking a Bassinet Seat in 2026
Travelling with a baby can already be overwhelming, but sometimes booking a bassinet seat might be the best option for a smoother flight. If you’ve ever wondered whether a bassinet is worth it for your next flight, this guide breaks down all the pros and cons of airplane bassinets so you can decide what’s best for your family.
Things to know before:
What is an airplane bassinet seat?
An airplane bassinet is a small crib-like attachment provided by airlines for infants. It usually clips onto the bulkhead wall in front of designated seats, allowing your baby to lie flat and sleep during the flight.
Do all airlines offer this seat?
No, not all airlines offer this bassinet seat, and the ones that do only carry a limited number, so you have to book in advance. We booked it on Turkish Airlines when we purchased our tickets, and I recommend doing this to avoid any hassle or disappointment on the day of your flight. Remember, even if you book your seats and the bassinet, it is not guaranteed, so call and confirm with the airline, and also confirm at the gate the day of departure.
Is a bassinet guaranteed if I request one?
No. Even with a reservation, bassinets are limited and assigned based on availability, baby’s size, and airline policies. Always bring a backup sleep solution.
What age is a bassinet seat good for?
The bassinet seat is good for infants and babies who are up to 20 pounds (9kg). Upon receiving your seat, the airline asks the weight of your child to make sure it's safe for them to use.
So is the bassinet seat worth it? Let's get into the pros and cons!
Pros
1. You don't have to hold your child the entire time and can get some time to eat your meal hands-free without having to hold your baby in your lap for the whole flight.
2. The bassinet seats are usually right at the front, so you get extra legroom and can actually stretch your legs.
3. The baby can sleep better since they're lying flat instead of in your lap, moving around constantly (especially if you have wiggly kiddos)
4. The location of the seats is conveniently located in the front near the restroom, and if you're in a bind for time or the restroom is full, you can even change the diaper in the bassinet itself.
Cons
1. As mentioned earlier, you aren't always guaranteed this seat, so the best thing to do is book ahead of time. If you don't book ahead, you might not be able to use your bassinet if another family has booked a bassinet seat next to you.
2. Even though you do get the legroom, you lose the storage space since you'll have nowhere to store your stuff on the floor in front of you. Everything, even the essentials, would have to go in the overhead bin. You'll constantly have to get up, which can be an inconvenience not only to you but also to anyone sitting beside you.
3. If there is any turbulence, your baby has to be taken out and kept in your lap, which can disturb their sleep.
4. Sometimes, depending on the airline, you might have a shared screen above the bassinet seat, which can make it difficult if you want to watch anything.
5. The bassinets are attached to the bulkhead, so you won't be able to move it around.
6. There is a weight limit to use one, about 15-20 pounds so if you have a big baby (like my little one) then chances are, you won't be able to use it at all.
So, is the bassinet seat worth it?
Personally, with all the cons I still do recommend booking one if you are able to. Book the seat so you can take a nap and enjoy your meal, even if it's only for a limited time.