Here you will find everything you need to know about the British Airways bassinet seats policy, including the bassinet size and age/weight restrictions, how to request a bassinet seat on BA, photos of the different types of bassinet seat and more. British Airways provides lots for children including a generous luggage allowance, kids’ meals, and childrens TV and movies on select routes and, for babies, offer the most onboard flexibility for helping a baby to sleep on a plane.

Does British Airways supply a bassinet/carrycot?
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Yes, they do! It is on request like all airlines. BA provide both bassinets and reclinable child seats free of charge. You can reserve a bassinet/child seat position for infants (under 2 years) on long haul flights only (excluding flights from London City Airport to JFK). To compare other airplane bassinet measurements, this chart details over 60!
Child seats and carrycots are supplied free of charge, but are subject to availability on-board the aircraft on the day. They will be given to the people sitting in the carrycot/child seat positions on a first-come, first-served basis.
Even if you’ve chosen this type of seat, you may have to move on the day if there is a person with a greater need who requires it, such as a wheelchair user.
Where are the British Airways bassinet seats?
These are located at the bulkhead positions – meaning the partition between a cabin, galley or toilet section of an aircraft. A bulkhead seat offers slightly more legroom, so is a desirable seat.
However, on some seats the armrest is solid and immovable (this is where the tray table is stowed) which can be a bit uncomfortable if your baby is lying on you.
All baggage at a bulkhead position MUST be stowed away for taxi, take-off and landing.
What is the British Airways bassinet weight limit?
Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old, and weigh no more than 12.5kg (27.5lbs). They must also be laying down flat.
Alternatively, the child seat is more suitable for older babies as this can be adjusted to a variety of reclined positions. The weight limit for the child seat is also 12.5kg (27.5lbs).
To compare with other airlines bassinet measurements, see here.
What does the British Airways baby bassinet look like?
There are two styles, the British Airways carrycot and the British Airways child seat. Here are British Airways bassinet seat pictures of both styles. They are the same in all cabin classes:
- British Airways carrycot
How do I request a BA Bassinet?
Reservations must be made in advance via ‘Manage My Booking’ on the British Airways website. The seats are marked on the seat maps with a baby icon. These seats are allocated subject to availability, and on a first come, first served basis. One rare beneficial feature is that if you are travelling with an infant on British Airways you can choose seats for everyone in your booking immediately and for free. You do not need to wait 24 hours before check in.
I always double check and call the airline to check my request has been noted. I also use the airline seat map to check it is correct by using www.seatguru.com and the airline website – check the aircraft type and my seat number.
- After take-off, a crew member should immediately get the bassinet and install it for you once the seat belt sign has been switched off. If they forget, do ask!
- Most airlines require you to remove your baby from the bassinet if it bumpy or turbulent in-flight. A bassinet cannot be used for taxi, take-off or landing.
- Plane bassinet weight limits must be adhered to. You may be asked the weight of your baby before they set it up for you.
When can I choose my seat on British Airways?
When you travel with an infant (under 2) who won’t be travelling in a seat of their own, you can reserve a seat for yourself and everyone in your booking, free of charge, as soon as you’ve made your booking (except for bookings of over 9 people).
Subject to availability, one person in your booking and the infant will be able to reserve a carrycot/seat position. The remainder of your party will be able to select other seats for free. However, bear in mind you may not all be sitting together as the bassinet position and others in your booking will not be able to choose another bassinet/carrycot position as it may be needed for another family or wheelchair user. Therefore, you will either be adjacent or the row behind.
I’m on a codeshare flight, who should I request the bassinet with?
This should always be done through the airline operated the flight. e.g the actual airline you will physically be flying with.
Is there a charge for requesting the bassinet seat?
No. Bassinet seats on BA may be requested, free of charge, by adults travelling with infants.
For further information on airline baby bassinets, please see the highlighted links.
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USING AN AIRPLANE BASSINET COVER ON BRITISH AIRWAYS

The CoziGo (affiliate link) retails at AUS $99.95 easily fits over airplane bassinets. It blocks light, movement and stimulation helping baby to sleep without constant distraction. It can also be used on strollers too as it protects from UV rays. We used it everytime we flew with a baby and regularly recommend it to friends flying long haul with an infant.
It can be shipped worldwide and shipping is FREE to Australia, USA, Canada from their site, or it can be bought from Amazon.co.uk if you are based in the UK (affiliate link) All other seat comfort devices are not permitted for use in the cabin on British Airways. Devices not allowed include, but are not restricted to, seat extenders for children, hammocks for lap held infants, inflatable footrests and devices that attach to the seat to restrict movement or for leg support.
Interested in seeing other airlines bassinets?
- Delta Bassinet
- Emirates Bassinet
- Singapore Airlines bassinet
- Turkish Airlines Bassinet
- United Airlines Bassinet
- Virgin Atlantic Bassinet
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