Are you planning a trip with your little one on American Airlines and wondering how to ensure they have a comfortable space to sleep? Traveling with an infant can be challenging, but a bassinet can make a world of difference on long-haul flights. Let's walk through the process of requesting a bassinet on American Airlines, step-by-step, to help you prepare for a smoother journey!
Navigating Your Trip with a Little Traveler: How to Request a Bassinet on American Airlines
Traveling with an infant can be both exciting and a little daunting. The thought of keeping your baby comfortable and happy during a long flight is often a primary concern for parents. Thankfully, American Airlines offers bassinets on select aircraft to provide a safe and cozy sleeping space for your little one. However, securing one requires proactive planning and understanding the airline's specific policies.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about requesting a bassinet on American Airlines, from initial booking to boarding day.
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| How To Request Bassinet American Airlines |
Step 1: Get Engaged & Understand American Airlines' Bassinet Policy
First things first, are you ready to make your flight with your infant as comfortable as possible? Great! The very first step is to familiarize yourself with American Airlines' bassinet policy. This is crucial because not all flights or aircraft offer bassinets, and there are specific eligibility criteria.
1.1 Key Considerations for Bassinet Eligibility:
Aircraft Type is Paramount: American Airlines primarily offers bassinets on their wide-body aircraft used for long-haul international flights. Specifically, you'll find bassinets on Boeing 777-200, 777-300, and 787 aircraft. If your flight is on a different aircraft type (e.g., smaller domestic planes like the Airbus A320 series), bassinets will not be available. You can usually find the aircraft type listed on your booking confirmation or by checking the flight details on the American Airlines website.
Age and Weight Limits: Bassinets are designed for infants who are younger than 2 years old and typically weigh no more than 20 lbs (9 kg). While the age limit is generally 2 years, most babies outgrow the bassinet's size by around 8 months. It's essential to consider your baby's size and weight closer to your travel date. If your child exceeds these limits, they will not be permitted to use the bassinet, even if one is available.
International vs. Domestic Flights: Bassinets are generally available for long-haul international flights, particularly those to destinations like India. For domestic flights, it's highly unlikely you'll find bassinet availability.
First-Come, First-Served Basis at the Gate: This is one of the most critical pieces of information. American Airlines bassinets are NOT reservable in advance through online booking or typically even by phone directly for a guaranteed spot. They are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate on the day of your flight. This means that even if your aircraft type supports bassinets, securing one is not guaranteed until you are at the airport.
Bulkhead Seating: Bassinets attach to the bulkhead walls (the dividing wall between cabins or galleys). Therefore, to use a bassinet, you must be seated in a bulkhead row. These seats often come with extra legroom, which is a bonus, but they also have specific restrictions (e.g., no under-seat storage during takeoff and landing). Bassinets are generally not available in First or Business Class cabins, and often must be placed in the bulkhead rows of economy or premium economy.
Step 2: Booking Your Flight with Bassinet Potential
While you can't guarantee a bassinet at the time of booking, you can strategically book your flight to increase your chances.
2.1 Choosing the Right Flight:
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Identify Wide-Body Aircraft: When searching for flights, pay close attention to the aircraft type. Look for flights operated by Boeing 777-200, 777-300, or 787 Dreamliner. American Airlines' website or third-party flight search engines usually display this information. If the aircraft type isn't listed or is subject to change, proceed with caution, as your chances of a bassinet diminish.
Long-Haul International Routes: As bassinets are primarily for longer flights, focus on your international segments.
Consider Bulkhead Seats (with a caveat): While you can't reserve the bassinet itself, you can often select bulkhead seats when booking your flight, sometimes for an additional fee. Doing so will put you in the correct location should a bassinet become available. However, remember that selecting a bulkhead seat does not guarantee a bassinet, and sometimes you may even pay extra for a bulkhead seat and not get the bassinet.
2.2 Adding Your Infant to the Reservation:
Lap Infant or Purchased Seat: For infants under two years old, American Airlines allows them to travel as a lap infant (free on domestic flights, typically 10% of an adult fare plus taxes for international flights). If your infant is on your lap, you still need to include them in your reservation. If you choose to purchase a separate seat for your infant and use an FAA-approved car seat, you won't need a bassinet, but you must ensure the car seat is compatible and installed correctly.
During Online Booking: When booking on aa.com, you should have an option to add an infant to your reservation on the passenger details page. Make sure to accurately enter their birth date.
Via Phone: If you encounter any issues or want to explicitly mention your desire for a bassinet-compatible seat, you can always call American Airlines Reservations. Their special assistance line might be helpful, though they generally reiterate the "first-come, first-served at the gate" policy for bassinets.
Step 3: Pre-Flight Preparation and Confirmation
Even with your flight booked, there are crucial steps to take before you head to the airport.
3.1 Contacting American Airlines (Optional but Recommended):
A Few Days Before Travel: While American Airlines generally states bassinets are on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate, it doesn't hurt to call their customer service or special assistance line a few days before your flight. You can reconfirm the aircraft type for your flight and express your strong interest in a bassinet. While they can't guarantee it, sometimes notes on your reservation can be helpful for gate agents.
Inquire About Bassinet Dimensions: While not readily published for American Airlines, asking about the approximate dimensions of their bassinets can help you gauge if your baby will fit comfortably. Generally, they are suitable for infants up to about 20 lbs (9 kg) and often around 29-30 inches long.
3.2 Checking Your Reservation:
Review Aircraft Type: Double-check your flight details on the American Airlines app or website to ensure there haven't been any last-minute aircraft changes. An equipment swap could mean the difference between a bassinet-equipped plane and one that isn't.
Seat Selection: Confirm you are in a bulkhead seat, if you managed to select one.
Step 4: At the Airport – Your Best Chance to Secure a Bassinet
This is where your persistence and timing pay off. The airport is your primary point of contact for bassinet requests.
4.1 Early Arrival is Key:
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Arrive Well in Advance: Since bassinets are assigned at the gate on a first-come, first-served basis, arriving significantly early for your flight is paramount. This means arriving at the airport at least 3-4 hours before an international flight.
Check-in Desk: Upon arrival at the airport, head straight to the American Airlines check-in counter, even if you've checked in online. Politely but clearly state your desire for a bassinet for your infant. The agents here can confirm your flight's aircraft type and make notes on your reservation. They might even be able to pre-assign you to a bassinet-compatible bulkhead seat if one is available and not already assigned.
4.2 Gate Agent is Your Ultimate Resource:
Proceed Directly to the Gate: Once you've cleared security, make your way directly to your departure gate.
Speak to the Gate Agent: As soon as the gate agent arrives (usually about 1-1.5 hours before boarding), approach them immediately and politely reiterate your request for a bassinet.
Be Prepared to State Your Case: Explain that you have an infant meeting the age and weight requirements and that a bassinet would greatly assist with their comfort during the long flight.
Confirm Eligibility: The gate agent will be the final authority on bassinet availability. They will check their system for unassigned bassinets and verify your infant's eligibility (age/weight).
Priority for Younger Infants: While it's first-come, first-served, gate agents may prioritize bassinets for the youngest infants on board, as they have the most difficulty with extended lap holding.
4.3 Boarding and Bassinet Setup:
Pre-Boarding Advantage: American Airlines typically offers pre-boarding for families with young children, including infants. Take advantage of this! It gives you extra time to get settled and for the flight attendants to assist with the bassinet.
Flight Attendant Assistance: Once on board and the aircraft reaches cruising altitude (usually about 15-20 minutes after takeoff), the flight attendants will assist you in setting up the bassinet. It's usually a simple attachment to the bulkhead wall. They will also instruct you on its proper use and any safety guidelines.
Bassinet Limitations: Remember, you'll need to remove your infant from the bassinet during turbulence, takeoff, and landing.
Step 5: During Your Flight
Once you have the bassinet, enjoy the added comfort!
5.1 Maximizing Bassinet Use:
Monitor Your Infant: Even when sleeping, keep a close eye on your infant in the bassinet.
Be Prepared for Disruptions: As mentioned, during turbulence or for takeoff/landing, your baby must be removed from the bassinet. Be ready to pick them up quickly.
Bring Familiar Items: A small blanket or toy from home can help your infant feel more secure in the bassinet.
Conclusion: Patience and Preparation are Key
Requesting a bassinet on American Airlines is a process that requires understanding their policies, strategic booking, and most importantly, proactive engagement at the airport. While a guaranteed reservation isn't possible, following these steps will significantly increase your chances of securing this valuable amenity for a more relaxed journey with your little one. Good luck, and happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you in your journey with an infant on American Airlines:
How to confirm if my flight has bassinets available?
You can confirm if your flight's aircraft type (Boeing 777-200, 777-300, or 787) is equipped with bassinets by checking your booking details on the American Airlines website or app. However, actual bassinet availability on your specific flight is only confirmed by the gate agent on the day of departure.
How to increase my chances of getting a bassinet on American Airlines?
To increase your chances, book a long-haul international flight on a Boeing 777 or 787 aircraft, arrive very early at the airport, and politely request a bassinet from the check-in agent, and most importantly, the gate agent as soon as they arrive.
How to know the size and weight limits for American Airlines bassinets?
American Airlines bassinets are typically for infants under 2 years old and weighing no more than 20 lbs (9 kg). While specific dimensions aren't widely published, they are designed for smaller infants, and many babies outgrow them by 8 months.
How to book a bulkhead seat on American Airlines for a bassinet?
You can often select bulkhead seats during the online booking process on aa.com, though they may incur an additional fee. However, reserving a bulkhead seat does not guarantee a bassinet, as they are assigned separately at the gate.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
How to add a lap infant to my American Airlines reservation?
When booking online on aa.com, you'll typically see an option to add an infant to your reservation during the passenger details section. For international flights, a small percentage of the adult fare plus taxes usually applies.
How to travel with two infants on American Airlines if only one adult is traveling?
American Airlines generally allows only one lap infant per adult. If you are traveling with two infants, you will likely need to purchase a separate seat for the second infant and bring an FAA-approved child restraint system (car seat) for them.
How to get special assistance for traveling with an infant on American Airlines?
You can request special assistance during the online booking process on aa.com or by calling American Airlines Reservations. While bassinets are a gate-day request, they can assist with other needs like pre-boarding.
How to prepare for my infant's comfort during take-off and landing without a bassinet?
During takeoff and landing, encourage your infant to suck on a bottle, breastfeed, or use a pacifier. This helps equalize ear pressure and can minimize discomfort. Dressing your baby in layers is also helpful due to varying cabin temperatures.
How to manage luggage when traveling with an infant on American Airlines?
American Airlines allows parents traveling with an infant to bring a diaper bag, breast pump, and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to their standard carry-on and personal item. Strollers and car seats can also be checked free of charge.
How to ensure my infant has appropriate documentation for international travel on American Airlines?
Even infants require their own passport for international travel. Ensure all necessary travel documents, including birth certificates if required by the destination country, are in order well in advance of your trip.
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