Flying with a Baby: Your Complete Guide to Airplane Bassinets & Skycots
- Nikki Taylor
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
✨Airplane Bassinets & Skycots: What You Need to Know When Flying with a Baby
Flying with a baby can feel overwhelming. Long-haul flights, cramped airplane seats, and the constant worry about whether your little one will sleep make even the most seasoned parent nervous. One feature that can make a huge difference, though, is the airplane bassinet—or skycot, as some airlines call them. Having tried both, I can honestly say that knowing what to expect before you fly can make your journey far less stressful.
✨What Exactly Is a Bassinet or Skycot?
An airplane bassinet is essentially a small, flat bed that attaches to the bulkhead wall—the front row of seats in a cabin section. It allows your baby to lie down and sleep safely, freeing your arms for a while. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic call theirs “skycots.” These are sometimes a little larger and more seat-like, so older babies may fit in them more comfortably.
Most bassinets are designed for babies up to six months and have weight and length requirements, though smaller babies may fit longer. My own experience showed that even an eight-month-old baby could just squeeze in, though it was snug. Skycots, on the other hand, can sometimes accommodate older babies; when my 12-month-old flew on a skycot with Virgin Atlantic, he fit comfortably. The key takeaway? Always check the airline’s specific age and weight limits, because it varies widely. If airlines do state they can be used for children until the age of 2, ignore it! They absolutely cannot. Some business class cabins have bassinets that are slightly bigger but even they won’t fit a 2 year old.
✨Where Can You Get One?
Bassinets are only available in bulkhead seats. These are the very first rows in each cabin section, and they are the only seats where bassinets can be safely attached. That means you need to request these seats in advance, and even then, availability is limited. Some airlines, like Turkish Airlines, may even charge for bulkhead seating or bassinets, so it pays to check when you book. Have a think if the whole family needs the bulk head seats or just the parent with the baby. We payed around £700 extra for out flights to the Maldives for two adults, a child and a baby to have bulkhead seats. Maybe we should have just payed for one seat for mum and baby.
Booking a bassinet usually isn’t as simple as selecting it online. I’ve found that calling the airline directly after booking your flight works best. Request a bassinet or skycot and make sure you are seated in the bulkhead. Doing this early is essential, as bassinets are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
When flying with Virgin Atlantic although we requested one over the phone as soon as we book it wasn’t until we checked in that we had confirmation that we had the sky cot as you cannot pre book these seats. They are offered to those who need them most.
✨Are Bassinets Really Worth It?
Honestly? Yes—but with realistic expectations. A bassinet gives your baby a safe place to lie down and sleep, which can make a long-haul flight far more manageable. It also frees up your arms for a little break (or a chance to sip your coffee!).
That said, size limits mean that older or larger babies may not fit, and some babies simply refuse to sleep in a bassinet at all. You may also need to remove your baby during turbulence, takeoff, or landing. This is where airline policies can make a big difference.
✨Real-Life Airline Differences
Here’s a tip that most parents don’t realize: bassinet rules vary widely between airlines. For instance, Turkish Airlines required us to take the entire bassinet down whenever the seatbelt sign was on—even during mid-flight turbulence. On the other hand, Virgin Atlantic allowed the skycot to remain in place even during turbulence, which made a huge difference in convenience. And of course, no airline allows babies in the bassinet during takeoff or landing. Knowing these small but important differences can save you a lot of stress.
✨What If You Don’t Get One?
Not getting a bassinet isn’t the end of the world. Many parents fly long-haul with babies successfully without one. A sling or carrier can help your baby sleep in your arms, or if your little one is old enough, a separate seat can make things easier once in the air. They must be seated on your lap during take off and landing. The bassinet is a helpful extra, not a necessity.
✨Tips for Making the Most of a Bassinet
If you do have the chance to use one, a few small preparations can make the experience smoother. Bring a familiar blanket or comfort item to help your baby settle, know the weight and size limits ahead of time, and always have a backup plan for times when the bassinet cannot be used.
✨Final Thoughts
Airplane bassinets and skycots can truly make flying with a baby easier, but they’re not a magic solution. Understanding the rules, checking airline policies, and preparing for what will—and won’t—work can make the difference between a stressful flight and a manageable one. With the right planning, your baby can rest comfortably, and you might even get a moment to breathe, too.
Flying with a baby isn’t easy, but with a bassinet or skycot, it’s a lot more doable.
Take a look at our blog on flying with babies to Orlando, it offers you lots of extra information.
We also have a guide to flying with older children, if that is more useful to you.
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