https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:35:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-327516 Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:13:18 +0000 shortcake 327516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, just want to add I would not recommend first class. There is no bassinet. Also, you do not need to upgrade to business class or pay more for bulkhead seats with a baby if you reserve in advance. </p> <p>One other thing, each airline has different policies about where the baby should be on take off and landing. They are only allowed to take the bassinet out after reaching altitude. We had to keep baby on our lap with the seatbelt attached and a seatbelt extension for baby on one flight and just on my lap on the other flight. They did not let us use a carrier or baby b'air during takeoff or landing. Again, depends on the airline and sometimes the specific destination. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-327499 Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:01:36 +0000 shortcake 327499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just took a trip to germany with our 4 month old. A lot depends on the airline. Before you book, call and ask what their policy is with the bassinet and then the second after you book, call and request the bassinet seat. they are very accommodating to people flying with babies. I think most planes have them, you just need to call and make sure. And yes there are changing tables in the bathrooms, they fold down above the toilet. Super easy. </p> <p>On the way to europe, we flew luftansa and called to request the bassinet. The only problem was my husband had to sit right behind me, but really no problem, i was sitting next to another family with a baby and a toddler so they had the rest of the row. On the way home, we flew on a smaller plane on united and also had the bassinet, but again my husband did not sit with us since there was a family with a wheelchair already in the row. Again, not a big deal. In fact someone switched his seat last minute so my husband could sit closer. </p> <p>Happy to report, baby slept the whole time both ways. Airlines, flight attendants and other people were super nice and helpful everywhere. So happy we went, Mrs. Bee is right, it is easiest to travel with them before they are mobile. Enjoy planning your trip and don't be nervous. Email me with any questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324853 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:56:48 +0000 baby98765 324853@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: You know how the seats across large planes go 3 seats/aisle/4 seats/aisle/3 seats? We ended up in the 2 middle seats in the middle section. The 2 'gentlemen' on either side of us (aisle seats) immediately reclined their seats and put on eye masks - international symbol for 'do not bother us, we are not getting up'. It was a 8 or 9 hour flight with a 9 month old, who is tall for his age and very active. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324823 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:35:23 +0000 wheres_c 324823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also think the flight hammock looks pretty cool: <a href="http://flyebaby.com" rel="nofollow">http://flyebaby.com</a><br /> although I've read that not all flights allow them to be used because they could damage the tray table latch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324819 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:32:22 +0000 wheres_c 324819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: If you have AA status, you used to be able to reserve the bulkheads online 24 hours in advance. I don't think this option was available though when I flew last year, or else all of the bulkheads were still reserved. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324810 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:24:13 +0000 SugarplumsMom 324810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's some previous posts on the topic (I saved them for our future international trip):</p> <p><a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-flown-with-a-lap-infant" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-flown-with-a-lap-infant</a></p> <p><u><i>Blog posts</i></u>:<br /> <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/09/11/45-tips-for-flying-with-kids/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/09/11/45-tips-for-flying-with-kids/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/08/15/packing-for-an-international-trip-with-an-infant-and-a-toddler/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/08/15/packing-for-an-international-trip-with-an-infant-and-a-toddler/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/08/10/flying-with-your-baby-without-creating-enemies/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/08/10/flying-with-your-baby-without-creating-enemies/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2011/11/29/traveling-with-children/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2011/11/29/traveling-with-children/</a></p> <p>Some airlines will charge a small fee for international flights for lap infants. For instance, KLM charges ~10% the cost of a ticket. You might also be able to book your seats online, try to find the bulkhead seats (double check with Seat Guru) and be sure to call to reserve them. We're planning a trip in a few months, LO will be a little older but more wiggly! We'll see how it goes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324792 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:08:51 +0000 shopaholic 324792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mamamoose &amp; @mrs.bee - Thanks! Will read those tonight! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324789 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:08:22 +0000 erwoo 324789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you can, I would upgrade for sure and to a bulk head seat (the one in front of the wall where you can put a bassinet). Some airlines will let you reserve this seat ahead of time some won't. Just ask for it when you book your flight, when you check in, AND when you get to your gate. Sometimes they "forget." They forgot on one of my legs and good thing they actually had one on the plane when I reminded them about it. I flew my oldest (then 10-month-old) on a 24+ hour flight by myself and am so glad we flew first class all the way. I held off on my food until I was ready to eat it and they were really nice about it. Most international bathrooms will have a changing table in one of their bathrooms so find out as soon as you get a chance to talk to a flight attendant after you board the plane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324788 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:07:55 +0000 shopaholic 324788@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Travelingbrit - Oh my goodness - you are AMAZING! I will definitely look into all the points you've listed. I've definitely already planned to bring a soft carrier wrap (like the moby) for the flight and wear baby when I can. Thanks for all the tips. Will look into it all more in depth tonight! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324783 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:06:16 +0000 loveisstrange 324783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingbrit: Thanks! The tickets we are looking at buying are connecting at O'Hare and they are both 777 on the international leg. It looks like they have 2 rows of bassinet seats! Well, we'll just have to get to the airport super early. lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324779 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:05:20 +0000 Mrs. Bee 324779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>it is pretty easy to fly with an infant that young. they'll just sleep! No need to upgrade to business. As far as diaper changes, esp if you are in the bulkhead, you can do them at your seat if they're just pee. The airplane we took did have changing tables, but Olive didn't poop so we never used them.</p> <p>Here are a bunch of travel tips I wrote recently!</p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/09/11/45-tips-for-flying-with-kids/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/09/11/45-tips-for-flying-with-kids/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324769 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:00:27 +0000 wheres_c 324769@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: </p> <p>AA has bassinets on their 777 aircraft and some 767 aircraft. Most of the Europe flights are 777's. Bassinets cannot be reserved in advance, you will need to ask at check in.</p> <p>If you haven't already reserved your flights, the aircraft type displays in the search. Look for 77W (777 widebody). That would be most ideal and they have better amenities overall, like entertainment system. Some of the flights listed as 763 will have them, but is less likely. The 744's will probably not have them.</p> <p>Flying to STL you'll have to make a connection with AA regardless. The flights connecting in Dallas and Chicago are the ones most likely to be 777s (with Bassinets.)<br /> Infant using a bassinet must weigh no more than 35 pounds / 15.8 kg</p> <p><a href="http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/American_Airlines/infants.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/American_Airlines/infants.php</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324768 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:00:01 +0000 MamaMoose 324768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: Mrs. Bee did a series of blog posts about taking Charlie and Olive on their international vacation so definitely take a look at those for advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324745 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:50:22 +0000 wheres_c 324745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never traveled with an infant, but I've travelled a lot solo, work in the aerospace industry and also have been doing research for our first trip to Europe once DS is born. </p> <p>Bassinet availabilty and rules vary not only by airline, but also by aircraft. So one carrier may have bassients in one aircraft but not another. You can usually tell what type of aircraft is scheduled when you're looking at flights in the "more details" section.</p> <p>Seat Guru is a great start to checking all of the policies. I dont think there is a main infant site, but for each airline, they outline the policies and availability. Here is an example for united, but they list all of the other airlines also:<br /> <a href="http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/infants.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/infants.php</a></p> <p>I would agree that the bulkhead with a bassinet would be the best option for an infant (but again, I havent traveled with one yet)</p> <p>Many aircraft are equipped with changing tables in the bathrooms (again, this is listed in Seatguru)</p> <p>If there are no on-aircraft changing tables, then it is best to try to see if there is room in the restroom, or find an empty row to change your baby. Worst case would be to change your baby in the seat, but if it is the only option, it's the only option. When in doubt, ask the flight attendant for the most suitable location.</p> <p>I don't think upgrading is better purely to accommodate an infant. Obviously upgrading gives you a more comfortable ride overall, but typically you'll have more room for the baby if you were to get the bulkhead. Most first/business don't have room for a car seat or bassinet, so you would literally have the baby on your lap the entire time.</p> <p>The other option is to bring your car seat. If you weren't able to secure bulkhead/bassinet for the flight, they might be able to pair you with an empty seat. Then you will usually be allowed to bring an FAA approved car seat on board and baby can get his own seat. Not sure if you want to be lugging a car seat all over Europe though.</p> <p>Finally, another suggestion if your baby likes to be worn, is to wear him during the flight. </p> <p>Anyhow, if I knew your specific route, I could probably give you some better pointers but hopefully the above helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324726 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:44:33 +0000 shopaholic 324726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef - If you can remember, please catch me up after that trip on how it goes for you! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324723 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:44:00 +0000 shopaholic 324723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charlotte - Never used it before but I will check it out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324721 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:43:11 +0000 shopaholic 324721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@foodnerd81 - Sort of what I was thinking too about the busniess or first class. But we are a United family and my FIL often gifts us with upgrades. </p> <p>@baby98765 - Yikes! 7 babies on one international flight? Eek! Makes me think there should be a "family/babies" section on planes! Miserable? Can you elaborate a little more? Where did you go and how old was baby? Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324720 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:42:49 +0000 loveisstrange 324720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do any of you know about AA's policy with bassinet seats? We're flying home to St. Louis from London in December. C will be 8 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324718 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:42:23 +0000 charlotte 324718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not a huge help because I don't know how the families actually got those bassinet seats but I know that Lufthansa has them and they looked very roomy on my recent flight to Europe. </p> <p>Regardless of your airline I would definitely call ahead to find out what the rules are for getting them...and maybe when you book also try to use the seat selection button to pick "backup" seats that you'd be okay with just in case you can't get the bassinets. Not sure if you've used seatguru.com before but I love it! You just put in your aircraft and it tells you which seats are good / bad / have extra leg room, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324715 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:40:57 +0000 amy 324715@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Some airlines will release the bulk heads seat 24 hrs prior to departure for a upgrade fee, 20-35 per seat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324693 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:31:53 +0000 baby98765 324693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would say the best seats are the bassinet ones, because there is more leg room for all your baby gear and easy access to the aisles. We were told to show up early to get the bassinet seats so we got there 3.5 hours early. Unfortunately there were 7 babies on our flight and only 4 bassinets so we didn't get one. If you don't get one, my advice is to just keep asking. Even when you get on the plane, ask the flight attendants if they can help you find more accommodating seats. We didn't because we didn't want to be a bother and it was MISERABLE. You change your baby in the bathroom, there are changing tables in there, usually folded against the wall like a tray table. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324584 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:51:46 +0000 Foodnerd81 324584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never done it, but I'm fairly sure it varies by airline. I'd call the airlines that you are considering to find out. I do know Virgin (Atlantic, but probably also America) reserves the bulk head until the day of or something like that, and it's usually full of families with babies. I would definitely call before booking. I kind of wouldn't want to be in business or first class-- I feel like those people who paid even more for their seats would be even more pissy if your LO fusses or cries.<br /> But I never flew with a baby, so probably there are people who know way more than me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/intl-flight-how-to-get-the-best-seat#post-324353 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:35:24 +0000 shopaholic 324353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom has been super excited trying to plan our family vacation to Europe next year (when baby will be about 3 or 4 months). Since we'll be cruising there, I'm not too worried about baby's schedule, etc. </p> <p>My concern comes with the looong flight!<br /> - Anyone taken an international flight with an infant? Tips? Advice?<br /> - I also know I've seen some planes that you can request a seat with the wall in front and they put a bassinet. Does anyone know how to request this and/or what to do to try and get this spot? Or do you recommend a better seating area?<br /> - Also, how and where do you change the baby on the airplane? On the seats just next to the other passengers? Do most international flights have a changing table in the bathroom? (I say no, DH thinks yes.)<br /> - Lastly, do you think upgrading to Business or First Class is better with an infant or useless (without the bassinet thing?) </p> <p>I'm sure more travel questions will arise as we get closer, but since we are in the process of booking flights, I was hoping to get my requests in sooner for better seats. </p>