When flying with a baby on a plane, each seating option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison of booking a baby their own seat with a car seat, booking a business class seat for both adult and baby, and booking a bulkhead seat with a bassinet:
Flying with a baby – Option 1: Booking a Baby Their Own Seat with a Car Seat (Economy or Other Classes)
The first option is to book two separate seats, one for yourself and one for the infant to sit in a carseat. The pros and cons to this option are as follows:
Pros:
Safety: Using a FAA-approved car seat offers maximum safety for the baby, especially during turbulence. It also provides a familiar environment for the baby, which can be calming.
Comfort: The baby has a designated seat and space, giving parents freedom to move without holding the baby all the time. The baby may also nap better in a car seat, which mimics their usual travel routine.
Better Sleep Routine: If the baby is used to sleeping in a car seat, they are more likely to sleep during the flight, making it easier for the parents.
Cons:
Cost: You need to purchase an additional seat for the baby, increasing the overall ticket cost.
Car Seat Bulkiness: A car seat can be heavy and bulky to carry through the airport and install on the plane.
Limited Movement for the Baby: Depending on the plane’s size and seat pitch, the car seat could take up a significant amount of room, leaving less space for the baby to stretch or play.
Flying with a baby – Option 2: Booking a Business Class Seat for Both Adult and Baby
The second option is to book one business class seat for yourself and the infant. The pros and cons to this option are as follows:
Pros:
More Space and Comfort: Business class typically provides more room for both you and the baby. This means better recline options for sleep, easier movement, and a more comfortable environment for you to care for the baby.
Better Service: The enhanced service, including more attentive flight attendants, better meals, and access to lounge areas before flights, can ease the travel experience with a baby.
Privacy: Many business class seats offer more privacy or even semi-enclosed seating, making it easier to care for the baby without disturbing other passengers.
Cons:
Cost: Business class tickets are significantly more expensive, and buying one for both the adult and the baby might be prohibitively expensive for many families.
Potential Disruption to Other Passengers: Babies can cry or become fussy, and despite the extra space, the noise may still be a problem in a quieter business class environment.
Limited Bassinet Availability: Some business class sections do not offer bassinets, and babies may still need to be held for much of the flight.
Flying with a baby – option 3: Booking a Bulkhead Seat with a Bassinet
The third option is to book a Bulkhead seat and request a bassinet. The pros and cons to this option are as follows:
Pros:
Convenience: Bulkhead seats usually come with a built-in bassinet option, which gives the baby a dedicated space to sleep. You don’t have to hold the baby for the entire flight.
No Extra Cost for the Bassinet: Unlike buying an additional seat, the bassinet is often provided free of charge (but needs to be requested in advance). Additionally, if you call the airline before selecting the seat, when traveling with an infant, they will often provide you the seat for no extra cost as well.
Extra Legroom: Bulkhead seats usually provide extra legroom, which can be helpful for both parents and the baby.
Cons:
Limited Availability: Bassinets are typically limited in number, and they are not always guaranteed. Early booking is essential, but you may not secure one.
Weight and Size Limits: Airlines usually have strict weight and size restrictions for babies using bassinets (generally for babies under 6-8 months old), so older or larger babies may not qualify.
Limited Use During the Flight: Bassinets may need to be stowed during turbulence, takeoff, and landing, requiring you to hold the baby at certain times.
Front Row Downsides: Bulkhead seats can be near bathrooms, meaning higher foot traffic, noise, and potential disturbances from other passengers. Additionally, you have to place all your personal belongings in the overhead bin during take-off and landing, and when with a baby, some of those items are necessary right way (i.e., bottle or a specific toy).
Summary:
When flying with a baby, there are a few different options when booking your airplane seat. Each comes with it’s own set of pros and cons.
Baby’s Own Seat with Car Seat: Best for safety and for parents who want their baby in their own space. This option is ideal for babies who sleep well in a car seat but comes with the cost of an extra seat and the hassle of carrying a bulky car seat.
Business Class Seat for Both: Best for comfort and convenience if budget allows. This option offers privacy and better amenities but comes with a higher price and may be overkill if the baby remains fussy or needs holding.
Bulkhead Seat with Bassinet: Best for babies under 6-8 months old. It’s convenient and cost-effective, though availability is limited, and it may not be useful for the whole flight.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your budget, the baby’s age, and how comfortable you are managing your baby during the flight. For my full post on tips on flying with babies and toddlers, visit here.
