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Checklist: What to Consider when Choosing a Seat with an Infant in Lap

Before you confirm your seat, run through this quick checklist — especially if you're traveling with a lap infant.

🛏 Bassinet

☐ Book a bulkhead seat if possible — it typically offers the most legroom and space for airline bassinets.

☐ Request a bassinet immediately after booking and confirm again at check-in. They are free but limited and first-come, first-served.

☐ Confirm weight and size limits for bassinets with the airline.

👶 Lap Infant Realities

☐ For short-haul flights, assume you will hold your baby the entire time — bassinets are rarely available.

☐ Review the airline’s lap infant policy carefully before departure.

💺 Seat Position Strategy

☐ Choose aisle or window strategically:

  • Aisle = easier access to stand up, walk aroung, without having to climbing over others

  • Window = more support to rest your head and fewer disturbances from other passengers moving about

☐ Avoid middle seats whenever possible — you’ll want as much elbow room as you can get.

☐ If you already reserved a Bulkhead seat, you're already ahead!

      💰 Comfort vs. Cost

      ☐ Consider upgrading your seat for extra legroom or preferred placement.
      Remember: you’re already saving a whole ticket by flying with a lap infant.

      ✅ Final Check

      ☐ Confirm bassinet availability at the counter to remind the flight crew knows your intentions of booking a bassinet. 

      If you want to see how this played out for me on a real long-haul flight — including what happens when the seatbelt sign stays on and the bassinet becomes unusable — read my full flight experience here.

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