Assistance in flying with Infant, Require Bassinet, SYD-SIN-SYD Jan 2013

[Pinkmoose]

Hi Everyone,
I have tried to find this in the thread, but was unable to find anything recent.
I will be flying with my 1 year old in January next year and would like to get a bassinet for him to fly in. Recently people have been complaining (on the forum) that they have been bumped from particular requested and paid for seat. I'm quite worried about booking seats near a bassinet and then getting bumped to different seats. I unfortunately was unable to fly last year, so I lost status, so that will be of no help.

Is there anyway to guarantee getting a bassinet?
Would other parents just suggest buying another seat (as Qantas is having a flight sale for kids at the moment), or trying for a bassinet?

Thanks for all your suggestions and sorry if this has been asked earlier.

 

[markis10]

Unlikely to get bumped if you book and then ring for a bassinet seat, its actually that process that may see others being bumped from that seat who did not have a bassinet seat request in, being front cabin they are normally blocked anyway except for top tier travellers.

 

[Red Roo]

Hi Everyone,
I have tried to find this in the thread, but was unable to find anything recent.
I will be flying with my 1 year old in January next year and would like to get a bassinet for him to fly in. Recently people have been complaining (on the forum) that they have been bumped from particular requested and paid for seat. I'm quite worried about booking seats near a bassinet and then getting bumped to different seats. I unfortunately was unable to fly last year, so I lost status, so that will be of no help.

Is there anyway to guarantee getting a bassinet?
Would other parents just suggest buying another seat (as Qantas is having a flight sale for kids at the moment), or trying for a bassinet?

Thanks for all your suggestions and sorry if this has been asked earlier.

Purchasing a seat for your infant is often a personal preference. Some parents purchase a seat so their infant can travel with a car/booster seat, and also earn Qantas points for the flight.

It's not common for changes to occur once seats are pre-selected, however seating or bassinets is not guaranteed due to various adhoc operational requirements.

You may also find this link helpful in making your decision:

Children and Infants | Qantas

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

 

[Pinkmoose]

Hi Red Roo,
Thanks for your suggestions, but I had already checked out the website and link you provide is not exceptionally helpful. It states "As bassinets are limited, please ensure that you request this at the time of booking."
I was trying to find out how I could try and increase my chances of getting one?
Should I arrive at the airport early?
Should I pay for and book the seats closest to the bassinet and then ring Qantas to try and reserve a bassinet?
Or should i go or a huge MR and try and get P1 status and then try to reserve a bassinet (my personal favourite, but my wife won't let me do this at the moment)?

 

[Red Roo]

Hi Red Roo,
Thanks for your suggestions, but I had already checked out the website and link you provide is not exceptionally helpful. It states "As bassinets are limited, please ensure that you request this at the time of booking."
I was trying to find out how I could try and increase my chances of getting one?
Should I arrive at the airport early?
Should I pay for and book the seats closest to the bassinet and then ring Qantas to try and reserve a bassinet?
Or should i go or a huge MR and try and get P1 status and then try to reserve a bassinet (my personal favourite, but my wife won't let me do this at the moment)?

The number of bassinets are limited, and can be very popular on longer flights and over peak periods. While you've not mentioned to where you're travelling, the aircraft type may also be a factor to consider.

Once you've made your booking, our Reservations team can assist you with your seating options. They'll also ensure that relevant notes are added to the booking so that your request for a bassinet is considered in the case of aircraft change.

 

[Pinkmoose]

Hi Red Roo,
Thanks for this message. Much more helpful.
I still need to confirm the exact dates, but I'm trying to get onto QF5 around the 23rd of Jan and returning via QF82 around the 8-10th of February. I'm guessing these will be really full as it is around the Chinese New Year and everyone (and their kids) will be travelling back home for the holiday.
Wish me luck!

 

[AnonymousCoward]

1. Check on ExpertFlyer etc first to see if there's a bulkhead seat free where there are bassinets located.
2. Then book your flights
3. Then call reservations and get the seat+bassinet allocated.

Alternatively, just do it all over the phone.

Once you have a seat+bassinet allocated, you are unlikely to be "bumped" from it - the main reason would be if the aircraft needs to be subbed for a different one. To keep on top of that, check your seat allocations regularly, and call immediately if you lose your seat.

 

[Red Roo]

Hi Red Roo,
Thanks for this message. Much more helpful.
I still need to confirm the exact dates, but I'm trying to get onto QF5 around the 23rd of Jan and returning via QF82 around the 8-10th of February. I'm guessing these will be really full as it is around the Chinese New Year and everyone (and their kids) will be travelling back home for the holiday.
Wish me luck!

Bassinet seating is currently available for QF5 23JAN and QF82 8-10FEB.

Please do keep in touch if there's anything more I can do to make this journey more comfortable.

Looking forward to welcoming you and your family aboard in the year of the Horse.