Bassinett on plane for infant?

[dnlsmith]

Hi we are traveling Sothwest air with a 4 month old. Our doctor told us that planes have a thing that comes out of the wall in the front seat and they have a bassinett to put the infant in.

Has anyone ever seen this? Do you know if Southwest air has them? Is it available only if you buy a ticket for the child.


I havn't read anything about it on their website. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[mamamac]

I have never seen/heard that. I know that when you sit in the very first row you aren't even allowed to put your carryon infront of you. If you have a sling or carrier that's what I used when I flew with my dd at that age. Also on SW if they have an open seat, you can use your infant carrier on a seat.

 

[tnd]

I've only seen these on European airlines, never on an American one. You should call the airline to find out.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

As PP said, I have only ever seen them on int'l flights (We don't usually fly European carriers, so I'm thinking the domestic airlines do have them too- but for int'l flights.) You're talking the big planes too, not the ones that get used domestically.

 

[Katy Belle]

We fly a lot interenationally and I see them all the time. Definitely on British Airways, not sure of the others. Perhaps on Continentals International flights? You still have to hold the baby on take off and landing and in turbulance, but they look great for a sleeping tiny baby! I doubt it will be available for domestic flights. Just attempt to get bulk-head and hope for the best!
Katy

 

[lastminutemom]

Not on domestic flights.

 

[MiniGirl]

I am a former flight attendant, and we had them but on long-haul international flights only. Your best bet is simple to call the carrier and ask if they have it. I doubt SW does though because I don't think the smaller planes have it and also because of the boarding procedure SW has. Since you can't reserve the seats, they would never know when to have one available.

I did not/do not work for SW though. Just give 'em a call.

 

[dsneygirl]

I have never seen these on a SW plane. perhaps only on larger aircraft with a double aisle.

 

[all4fun]

We don't usually fly SW so I can't speak spefically for them, but I highly doubt it; as previously stated this is a common amenity on international flights, but I've never seen one in use on the many domestic flights we've taken (we also live in WA and have been to WDW 10x with ds and numerous times before that as well).

Seatguru doesn't mention it, nor does SW airlines site, but I think if you want to have a place to set your baby down, then you would have to buy a seat and bring your car seat along (recommended).

sorry.

 

[EthansMom]

I've never seen them on a flight (domestic).

I do highly recommend buying an infant his/her own ticket for long flights and taking the car seat.... much more comfortable for him/her and Mom and Dad!!!!! We flew that way several times with our kids. It's a bit of a hassle to take the carseat and install it on the plane, but totally worth it to know that baby is secure and to have your own hands free for much of the flight.

 

[tjmw2727]

SWA definately dosen't have the bassinets - as pp's said some international carriers do.

Your choice is to hold the baby on your lap - for free or purchase a seat and use your carseat. Make sure the carseat has a sticker indicating it is approved for use on aircraft.

You can not wear baby in a sling or snugil - this is prohibited by the FAA and they will make you remove the sling and store it.

SWA has great info on the website about travling with baby including what you can and can't use here:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

If you haven't flown SWA I advise you to become familiar with the boarding policies - you can do that here:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/checkin.html

I Love SWA and fly them often

TJ