A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-old?

[xtra]

Hi guys

My wife and I are booked to fly QF1/2 in F with our then eight-month-old in a few months' time. We've been allocated 4A+5A.

I had assumed it would be a very comfortable experience but - after seeing the bassinet when sitting in 5A last week - I'm having second thoughts. The bassinet (which is like a hole in the wall) seems a lot smaller than the wall-mounted bassinets I've seen in other classes and on other airlines.

I'd prefer to travel Business or another airline with baby-in-bassinet over being in First with baby-in-lap. Does anyone have any first-hand experience on the best airline+class combination for infants?

I think BA might be a good option (One very good reason to fly British Airways with your baby (or lap-held toddler) | Travels With Baby Tips) but are there similar alternatives? I've never been a huge fan of BA.

(And to head it off at the pass, anyone who's going to suggest babies should only be in economy need not bother. I'm not going to get into that debate.)

 

[simongr]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

My experience of BA with a toddler was a disgrace. The least helpful crew I ever found.

 

[Boris spatsky]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

From personal experience, even largish babies at 8 months fit into most of the airline bassinets. Never had a problem.

I did have a problem when ms spatsky was 18 months. That was another (horrible) story entirely...

 

[simongr]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

From personal experience, even largish babies at 8 months fit into most of the airline bassinets. Never had a problem.

I did have a problem when ms spatsky was 18 months. That was another (horrible) story entirely...

babygr didnt fit at nine months on QF.

 

[Gold Member]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Hi guys

My wife and I are booked to fly QF1/2 in F with our then eight-month-old in a few months' time. We've been allocated 4A+5A.

Pls quote dates so that I can reschedule my upcoming FCL flight on QF1/2 without a potential screaming kid making bad smells permeating throughout F cabin.

 

[xtra]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Pls quote dates so that I can reschedule my upcoming FCL flight on QF1/2 without a potential screaming kid making bad smells permeating throughout F cabin.

It was only a matter of time ...

Not going to get into the old kids in F debate, but can honestly say she's better behaved on flights than most adults I know.

 

[mannej]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Pls quote dates so that I can reschedule my upcoming FCL flight on QF1/2 without a potential screaming kid making bad smells permeating throughout F cabin.

I am sure a private jet would also eliminate all potential sources of annoyance...

 

[elbarto]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Plenty of adults permeate bad smells too. I feel sorry for the person who had to sit next to me KTA-PER last night. I'm not sure they were asleep or knocked out.

 

[Gold Member]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

I am sure a private jet would also eliminate all potential sources of annoyance...

Why thank you, highly practical solution.

At over $10k a pop for FCL QF, baby's on a flight doing what they do are to be expected, even in F cabin. I am merely asking an open and honest question regarding dates so I don't suffer the potential consequences. So please, no more 'lose your ego' assertions and condescending tones.

 

[Hvr]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Plenty of adults permeate bad smells too. I feel sorry for the person who had to sit next to me KTA-PER last night. I'm not sure they were asleep or knocked out.

Were you silent whilst emitting? Or loud and proud?

 

[mannej]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Why thank you, highly practical solution.

At over $10k a pop for FCL QF, baby's on a flight doing what they do are to be expected, even in F cabin. I am merely asking an open and honest question regarding dates so I don't suffer the potential consequences. So please, no more 'lose your ego' assertions and condescending tones.

Both the question and that response were condescending and inflammatory. My response merely highlighted the options should one want a flight without annoyance!

 

[Penny Carter]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

It was only a matter of time ...

Not going to get into the old kids in F debate, but can honestly say she's better behaved on flights than most adults I know.

I like to deal with facts, not petty throw away lines. Clearly you have had problems with adults in F Class. I do hope that you or the flight staff sorted out the problems that destroyed the ambience of your particular F Class flight? I would love an example, if you actually have one.

 

[Penny Carter]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Both the question and that response were condescending and inflammatory. My response merely highlighted the options should one want a flight without annoyance!

Reasonable responses by yourself would be less inflammatory.

 

[Gold Member]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Both the question and that response were condescending and inflammatory. My response merely highlighted the options should one want a flight without annoyance!

Thank you for your opinion. However, given your throw away 'g3t f'd and HTFU' comment regrading private charter, I don't believe that my response was inflammatory. I merely sought to understand the OPs schedule so that I could avoid potential consequences.

OTH, your response for a private jet charter was totally inflammatory considering (99.99+) of all AFF members could not afford/consider this option (bossreggie and select few others excluded).

Ultimately, it's a matter of choice. If I am not comfortable risking a screaming and smelly baby in FCL for which I paid over $10k, then this is my problem. I will reticket with MH where babies are not allowed in the First cabin.

 

[serfty]

[MOD HAT]

Please restrict further discussion in this thread to the size and usefulness of the bassinet in first on Qantas 388 aircraft.​

[/MOD HAT]

 

[Boris spatsky]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

Thankyou mod. At last.

 

[knightman7]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

My partner flew F on an A380 to take his newborn to visit his in-laws recently. His son was 8 months old and didn't fit into the bassinet. I would recommend flying J based on what he said.

 

[kingjjj]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

This may sound like a silly question, but can someone confirm that the bassinet on A380 F cabin is in seat 5A?

Just booked QF11 as a classic award (on 2 May 2014 for those trying to avoid this flight, for reasons mentioned above).
The seat selection tool and the seat map pdf would seem to suggest the bassinet is in 5A, but the QF customer service rep who booked my ticket said she would 'requesst' 1A and 2A, because she said that's where the bassinet was.

I'm thinking I'll just go and move my seats to 4A and 5A, but wanted to hear if anyone here can confirm?

Thanks

 

[Flying mermaid]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

This may sound like a silly question, but can someone confirm that the bassinet on A380 F cabin is in seat 5A?

Just booked QF11 as a classic award (on 2 May 2014 for those trying to avoid this flight, for reasons mentioned above).
The seat selection tool and the seat map pdf would seem to suggest the bassinet is in 5A, but the QF customer service rep who booked my ticket said she would 'requesst' 1A and 2A, because she said that's where the bassinet was.

I'm thinking I'll just go and move my seats to 4A and 5A, but wanted to hear if anyone here can confirm?

Thanks

Definitely wasn't in 2A when I have sat there . I would move to 4A and 5 A - while I haven't taken much notice of where the bassinet is, I have seen numerous posts saying it is 5A.

 

[xtra]

Re: A380 F bassinet relatively small? And SYD-LHR alternatives for an eight-month-ol

It's definitely 5A and is built into the wall. The bassinet is also very small - I've flown in this seat twice now and our baby wouldn't have fit into the bassinet at four months.

The bassinets in J are much bigger.

FWIW, having recently flown QF J, EK F, EY J and VA J with an eight-month-old, my pick is VA (followed by EK, QF and EY). If you're travelling with a partner, you can get the two window seats together in row 5 with the bassinet. They have a heavy curtain they can put around the area, which essentially means you're in a private cabin. It meant we had an awesome flight, even though VA's seat and lounges aren't up to QF's quality.