airline doesn't provide bassinets - need advice | ExpatWoman.com
 

airline doesn't provide bassinets - need advice

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 23:07

So, bought the tickets for our holiday, but airline doesn't provide bassinet :( need your advice on how to make the 5 hour flight more comfortable for DD who is 3 m.o. and me :) anyone has experience with that?

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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 July 2011 - 11:38
they are so much more supported in the carseat though, especially when teeny tiny, but the harness is a good idea, there is also the CARES harness when they are older
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 22:48
Just as you would put the lap belt part of a seatbelt when putting in a car, (if you are familar with how the maxicosi goes with a car seat belt when you don't have the base) so it doesn't have the shoulder strap part going around the back but in my mind is still much safer than if the child is on your lap, with the airline belt. I see, thanks for the info. There is a harness that you can buy to attach to your belt too, it think.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 21:33
Just as you would put the lap belt part of a seatbelt when putting in a car, (if you are familar with how the maxicosi goes with a car seat belt when you don't have the base) so it doesn't have the shoulder strap part going around the back but in my mind is still much safer than if the child is on your lap, with the airline belt.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 20:45
I have done it with the maxi-cosi cambrio-fix, :) How did you fix it to the lap belt?
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 14:27
I have done it with the maxi-cosi cambrio-fix, I wasn't allowed to on Qantas as it is not approved for use in Australia and I had a minor altercation with the air hostess who was trying to convince me it wouldn't be as safe as putting the ridiculous token lap belt around my 4 month old, especially given that after take off he would be allowed to lie in the empty seat they had blocked with no belt at all instead. We used it on Air NZ domestically and I was very grateful he was in his seat, not on me when we had major turbulence on landing and he did the biggest trio of vomits I have ever seen :(, poor wee boy. I never paid for extra seats, but managed to get them blocked as the planes were not that full, helps if you find a staff member who looks to right age to also have small children. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 13:56
I had this problem flying from the Uk to Dubai. I was told the cost i had paid covered a seat for the lil one (then 4 month old) - this was not the case as i found out when recieving confirmation!!! After hours on the phone, they agreed i could take the car seat on board and i would be able to use it - this was not the case, when i was boarding i was told it would have to be taken away with the pram!!! Fortunatly, there was a few spare seats on the flight (one i probably paid for!!!!) so they kindly moved a few people around for more space for us at least so we wasn't too closed in. My little one sat and slept on me the entire way - was a little star - no crys at all. Hope you have a safe flight :) When you say 'cost you paid', do you just mean the generic flight cost for a baby? Or did you buy a full fare seat seperately and allocate your baby to it? How did they take that away from you, if so? TBH I am scratching my head a little at the OP. You bought a seperate seat for a 4 mo for a shorthaul flight? I don;t know how a baby capsule can be belted safely onto a airplane seat, has anyone done that? What was the brand? That would be great to know for any long haul trips next year with the next bub. Seriously though a small baby just sits on you. I flew to singapore, oz and then back to oz with a 5/6 month old this year and didn't use the basinnet once. Just held him and he's a big 'un. You have to have them strapped into their seat belts for safety (thus attached to you) during turbulance anyway, and then always seems to hit just as they drop off!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 19:27
I had this problem flying from the Uk to Dubai. I was told the cost i had paid covered a seat for the lil one (then 4 month old) - this was not the case as i found out when recieving confirmation!!! After hours on the phone, they agreed i could take the car seat on board and i would be able to use it - this was not the case, when i was boarding i was told it would have to be taken away with the pram!!! Fortunatly, there was a few spare seats on the flight (one i probably paid for!!!!) so they kindly moved a few people around for more space for us at least so we wasn't too closed in. My little one sat and slept on me the entire way - was a little star - no crys at all. Hope you have a safe flight :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 13:15
Thanks for replies :) I've already got the separate seat for LO, was costly but better to be safe than sorry :) good idea about sling, have to check. Airline rep said that I can use carseat but I am afraid that once we get to check in they will say no, so I won't risk taking carseat with me. Soooo, sling and pillows :) <off to check Dubizzle & Classifieds>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 11:59
If you take the carseat, and ask at check-in if there is any chance of blocking a seat beside you, you might be allowed to use it depending on the seat and the airline. We were not allowed to use our maxi-cosi capsule on a Qantas flight, but we allowed to domestically on Air NZ which was great! I'm guessing if the plane doesn't have bassinet seats at all, it is probably a small one on a short flight, you baby will be fine sleeping on you, they only really fit in the bassinets a a few months and after than you're stuck with them on your lap anyway. You could take a small soft carry cot and sit it on your lap.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 11:58
Just to add that you can take your car seat with you. My DS was 2mo and he was ok and happy in the car seat. The airline had bassinets, but too full with kids, so were left out :( Airlines do not always allow this. It is based on a few factors whether they will or won't. Best not to think it will always be allowed. ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 11:45
Just to add that you can take your car seat with you. My DS was 2mo and he was ok and happy in the car seat. The airline had bassinets, but too full with kids, so were left out :( b ut you need to buy a seat for the 3.m.o. and does a capsule fit on an airplane seat? Does anyone know a website that lets you know which seats fit on which airlines seats etc?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 11:14
Just to add that you can take your car seat with you. My DS was 2mo and he was ok and happy in the car seat. The airline had bassinets, but too full with kids, so were left out :(
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 11:11
agreed, a sling is great, and you know how clean it is too, plus having your baby close is probably more comfy for your baby.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 09:29
At 3 months you'll be absolutely fine. Just hold your little one. Ask for some extra cushions to prop your arms, or put your handbag under your arm? I flew with my 2m.o. and had a bassinet for 8 hours and never used the basinet once.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 09:06
Slings are great. Also, just make sure you've got a comfy pillow under her for your back to relax. Your LO won't mind at all being snuggle-cuddled the whole way there ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 07:54
A sling. I flew with mine at just under 3 months and put her in a sling. We didn't have a bassinet for the entire journey (to UK). Not sure this summer's flight with a now 13month old is going to be as simple!
 
 

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