Hellobee Boards

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.
But I never flew with a baby, so probably there are people who know way more than me.

Some airlines will release the bulk heads seat 24 hrs prior to departure for a upgrade fee, 20-35 per seat.

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.

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.

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.

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:
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/infants.php

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)

Many aircraft are equipped with changing tables in the bathrooms (again, this is listed in Seatguru)

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.

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.

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.

Finally, another suggestion if your baby likes to be worn, is to wear him during the flight.

Anyhow, if I knew your specific route, I could probably give you some better pointers but hopefully the above helps.

@zippylef:

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.

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.

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.)
Infant using a bassinet must weigh no more than 35 pounds / 15.8 kg

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/American_Airlines/infants.php

@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

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.

Here's some previous posts on the topic (I saved them for our future international trip):

http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-flown-with-a-lap-infant

Blog posts:
http://www.hellobee.com/2012/09/11/45-tips-for-flying-with-kids/

http://www.hellobee.com/2012/08/15/packing-for-an-international-trip-with-an-infant-and-a-toddler/

http://www.hellobee.com/2012/08/10/flying-with-your-baby-without-creating-enemies/

http://www.hellobee.com/2011/11/29/traveling-with-children/

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!

I also think the flight hammock looks pretty cool: http://flyebaby.com
although I've read that not all flights allow them to be used because they could damage the tray table latch.

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.

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.

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.