Flying With Two Infants – Seating, Bassinets, And Safety Rules? | Essential Travel Tips

Understanding the Challenges of Flying With Two Infants

Flying with one infant is already a complex task, but doubling that responsibility means doubling the preparation. The logistics of seating arrangements, bassinet availability, and safety compliance become critical. Airlines have specific policies for infants under two years old, and these rules vary widely. Parents must navigate these policies while ensuring both babies are comfortable and secure throughout the flight.

Infants require constant attention, feeding, diaper changes, and soothing. Managing all these tasks while confined to an airplane seat is challenging enough for one child; two infants demand even more coordination. Without proper planning, the journey can quickly become stressful for parents and disruptive for fellow passengers.

Seating Arrangements: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right seats is paramount when flying with two infants. Airlines typically allow infants under two to travel on an adult’s lap or in a separate seat with an FAA-approved child safety restraint system (CRS). However, securing two seats for two infants means at least one adult must sit separately or parents must find a way to manage both children in close proximity.

Bulkhead seats are often preferred because they offer extra legroom and space for bassinet installation. However, these seats are limited and usually assigned on a first-come-first-served basis or require advance requests.

Key Seating Options

• Laps Only: Both infants sit on laps of one or two adults without separate seats.
• Seats With Child Restraints: Each infant has a dedicated seat with a car seat or special harness approved by the FAA.
• Bulkhead Rows: Ideal for bassinet installation if available.

When booking flights, it’s crucial to communicate early with the airline about traveling with two infants. Some airlines restrict how many infants can be on one lap or may require purchasing additional seats.

The Importance of Seat Selection

Securing appropriate seating reduces stress during boarding and inflight care. For instance, sitting in adjacent bulkhead seats allows parents to install bassinets side-by-side and have easy access to both children. Conversely, scattered seating may force one parent to care for both children alone or rely heavily on flight attendants.

Bassinets: Comfort and Convenience at 30,000 Feet

Bassinets provide a safe place for infants to sleep during long flights and free parents’ hands temporarily. Most international flights offer bassinets in bulkhead rows but have strict size and weight limits—usually up to 20 pounds or about 9 kilograms.

Bassinet Dimensions and Availability

Airlines vary in bassinet dimensions but generally range around 30 inches long by 17 inches wide. These dimensions can be tight for larger babies nearing the weight limit. Parents should measure their infant’s size before booking.

Since bassinets are limited in number per flight segment, it’s essential to reserve them early—sometimes at booking time or shortly after ticket purchase.

Installing Bassinets Safely

Flight attendants typically assist with bassinet installation. The bassinet attaches securely to the bulkhead wall using brackets or straps designed by the airline. Parents should never attempt DIY installations as this compromises safety.

Once installed, bassinets allow infants to lie flat rather than being held on laps for hours—a significant relief during overnight flights.

Safety Rules: Protecting Your Infants Onboard

Safety regulations for flying with infants are stringent but necessary. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that all passengers use appropriate restraints during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and turbulence—even infants.

FAA-Approved Child Restraint Systems (CRS)

The safest way for an infant to fly is secured in an FAA-approved CRS such as an infant car seat or CARES harness system designed specifically for aircraft use.

• Car Seats: Must be labeled “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” They attach securely to airplane seats using seat belts.
• CARES Harness: A lightweight harness approved by the FAA that fits over the child’s torso and attaches directly to airplane seats.

Parents should bring their own CRS if they want maximum protection since airlines provide only basic restraints like seat belts that aren’t suitable for young infants.

Laws Regarding Infant Seating

In some countries including the U.S., there is no legal requirement that infants have their own seat on commercial flights—but it is strongly recommended by safety experts. Many parents opt for purchasing a separate ticket so their infant can ride safely in a CRS rather than on laps where turbulence could cause injury.

Turbulence poses significant risk when holding babies on laps without proper restraints. Parents should always keep their children buckled securely during any unexpected bumps. Flight attendants will announce when passengers must return to their seats with restraints fastened; compliance is vital when traveling with young ones.

Practical Tips For Managing Two Infants In Flight

Flying with two little ones requires strategy beyond just booking tickets:

• Packing Smart: Bring ample diapers, wipes, snacks (if age-appropriate), pacifiers, bottles/formula/breastfeeding aids.
• Dress Comfortably: Layer clothing allowing quick changes; consider soft fabrics that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
• Toys & Distractions: Small toys or books can soothe fussy babies during takeoff/landing.
• Divide Responsibilities: If traveling with another adult, split duties so one handles feeding while other manages diaper changes or entertainment.
• Board Early: Take advantage of early boarding privileges often granted when traveling with young children.

These strategies help reduce chaos during boarding and keep both infants calm throughout the journey.

The Role of Airline Policies & How To Navigate Them

Each airline has its own set of rules regarding infant travel:

Airline	Bassinet Availability	Lap Infant Policy
Delta Air Lines	Bassinets available on select international flights; advance request required.	One lap infant per adult allowed; second infant requires own seat.
British Airways	Bassinets provided on long-haul flights; size restrictions apply.	Laps allowed only up to age 2; CRS recommended but not mandatory onboard.
Lufthansa	Bassinets offered mainly on intercontinental routes; reservation necessary.	Laps permitted; separate seat recommended if CRS used.
American Airlines	Bassinets available on select aircraft types; must be booked early.	Laps allowed; second infant requires purchased seat if no lap available.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES	Bassinets provided free of charge upon request; priority given near bulkheads.	Laps allowed only one infant per adult; additional infant requires own seat/CRS.

Knowing these policies ahead of time helps avoid surprises at check-in or boarding gates.

Navigating Security Checks With Two Infants

Security screening adds another layer of complexity when traveling with multiple babies:

• Babies under two usually do not require separate boarding passes but need identification like birth certificates or passports depending on destination.
• You can carry breast milk/formula/pumped milk exceeding usual liquid limits but must declare them at security checkpoints.
• A stroller or baby carrier can be screened separately from other carry-ons—be prepared to fold strollers if required by TSA agents or equivalent authorities abroad.
• If traveling alone with two infants through security lines, consider asking TSA officers for assistance—they’re accustomed to helping families manage multiple children safely through screening processes.
• If possible, travel with another adult who can assist managing belongings while you handle children going through scanners separately as needed.

Preparation reduces wait times and stress at security areas where patience wears thin quickly around restless babies.

The Importance of Staying Calm And Flexible Throughout The Flight

Even after meticulous planning you might face unexpected challenges—crying fits triggered by ear pressure changes during ascent/descent or sudden fussiness from discomfort are common issues parents face mid-flight.

Remaining calm sets a positive tone not just for your kids but also fellow passengers who appreciate patience rather than frustration spreading through cabins packed tight together.

Try techniques such as:

• Nursing or bottle feeding during takeoff/landing helps equalize ear pressure naturally.
• Singing lullabies softly or gentle rocking motions soothe your babies without disturbing others too much.
• If possible walk aisles briefly holding each baby alternately—this movement sometimes calms restless little ones better than being confined in seats constantly.
• If overwhelmed ask flight attendants discreetly—they often have experience helping families handle difficult moments onboard discreetly without drawing attention negatively from other travelers.
• Avoid rigid schedules onboard—flexibility allows you adapt quickly when needs arise unexpectedly without added stress piling up unnecessarily!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best seating options when flying with two infants?

When flying with two infants, bulkhead seats are often the best choice as they provide extra legroom and space for bassinet installation. Alternatively, parents can choose laps only or seats with FAA-approved child restraints, but these options require careful planning to ensure both infants are comfortable and secure.

How can parents arrange bassinets for two infants on a flight?

Bassinets are usually available in bulkhead rows and must be requested in advance due to limited availability. When flying with two infants, securing adjacent bulkhead seats allows installation of two bassinets side-by-side, providing convenience and comfort for both babies during the flight.

What safety rules should be followed when flying with two infants?

Parents must adhere to airline policies regarding infant seating and use FAA-approved child safety restraint systems if infants occupy separate seats. Infants should remain securely fastened during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Always check specific airline regulations before traveling to ensure compliance.

Are there airline restrictions on seating when flying with two infants?

Yes, many airlines limit how many infants can travel on one adult’s lap and may require purchasing additional seats for each infant. Early communication with the airline is essential to understand their policies and secure appropriate seating arrangements for both babies.

How can parents manage feeding and diaper changes while flying with two infants?

Managing feeding and diaper changes requires careful timing and preparation. Bulkhead seats offer more space to handle these tasks comfortably. Parents should bring necessary supplies onboard and plan feedings around quieter flight times to minimize disruption for themselves and other passengers.