Business Class with Infant

[Anonymous]

OP you'll be fine in business with an infant. There will be other kids in business and there may even be other babies.

But now, usually the bassinet is limited to babies who cannot yet sit up so your 5 month old will probably not be able to use it.

And to the poster who says don't get the bulkhead because you want the diaper bag.... You stow it for takeoff and landing (the only times it's required to be in there overhead) and then keep it in front of you literally the rest of the flight.

[Anonymous]

I love how so many people are saying that other passengers won't mind a baby in business class because no one ever said anything to them. I know you're used to riding cattle car with the uncouth, so you might not be aware that people with home training won't be rude to a fellow passenger. Just because they're not telling you to shut your baby up doesn't mean they aren't quietly fuming. I guess that's their problem, not yours, just own the fact that you're being selfish.

[Anonymous]

People are not entitled to kid free spaces basically anywhere. That’s what I thought before I had kids and it’s what I think now. If someone launches an airline that includes strip shows I will reconsider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how so many people are saying that other passengers won't mind a baby in business class because no one ever said anything to them. I know you're used to riding cattle car with the uncouth, so you might not be aware that people with home training won't be rude to a fellow passenger. Just because they're not telling you to shut your baby up doesn't mean they aren't quietly fuming. I guess that's their problem, not yours, just own the fact that you're being selfish.

The passengers in economy will hate the baby too. I'd prefer silent anger to voiced anger from people I will never see again, but that's just me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are not entitled to kid free spaces basically anywhere. That’s what I thought before I had kids and it’s what I think now. If someone launches an airline that includes strip shows I will reconsider.

Not quite a strip show, but do you remember Hooters Air?

[Anonymous]

Honestly, don't worry about what other people think. Most of them have children or will have children or otherwise are entitled jerks. Bring your baby in business class - you get treated much better. If you can, fly Emirates or Qatar whose flight attendants will hold your baby while you go to the bathroom or when your arms need a break. Also, be aware that even in business class, some old fat guy will have decided he needs the bassinet row so make sure you check in early and get the bassinet double confirmed.

They have bassinets in business class because they expect people, even in the expensive seats, to procreate.

Finally, get a yoyo or other stroller that can fold up and go into the overhead compartment. Worth every penny to not have to hold the baby all the way to and from the gate (In Doha and Singapore, that's a very long walk!) and even if you want to hold the baby, you can put your carryon in it and walk like a civilized person rather than an overloaded bag lady.

Oh, finally, finally, pack a bunch of different textured toys that maybe your baby has never seen before or not recently. If your baby is awake (and the sound of the airplane usually lulls a baby to sleep) but when she is awake, having some thing to hold and look at is super helpful. Much better than the baby trying endlessly to play with the remote for the tv while you just want to finish the last ten minutes of your movie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you'll be fine in business with an infant. There will be other kids in business and there may even be other babies.

But now, usually the bassinet is limited to babies who cannot yet sit up so your 5 month old will probably not be able to use it.

And to the poster who says don't get the bulkhead because you want the diaper bag.... You stow it for takeoff and landing (the only times it's required to be in there overhead) and then keep it in front of you literally the rest of the flight.

That’s fine if the flight attendant looks the other way, but it is violation to have a bag unstowed on the floor like that because it can impede evacuation in an emergency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you'll be fine in business with an infant. There will be other kids in business and there may even be other babies.

But now, usually the bassinet is limited to babies who cannot yet sit up so your 5 month old will probably not be able to use it.

And to the poster who says don't get the bulkhead because you want the diaper bag.... You stow it for takeoff and landing (the only times it's required to be in there overhead) and then keep it in front of you literally the rest of the flight.

You can use the bassinet up to six months. They aren't going to test your baby for it's ability to sit up before you book the seat.

[Anonymous]

Just do everybody a favor and don’t change diapers out in the open and/or on a seat or table somebody else is going to have to use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are not entitled to kid free spaces basically anywhere. That’s what I thought before I had kids and it’s what I think now. If someone launches an airline that includes strip shows I will reconsider.

+1. People are entitled to spaces with considerate adults (which includes doing everything you can to keep your kid pleasant and quiet *within your control* -- i.e. no toddler seat kicking, no screaming because Mom is ignoring, etc.). That's where the obligation ends. Children are a part of society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how so many people are saying that other passengers won't mind a baby in business class because no one ever said anything to them. I know you're used to riding cattle car with the uncouth, so you might not be aware that people with home training won't be rude to a fellow passenger. Just because they're not telling you to shut your baby up doesn't mean they aren't quietly fuming. I guess that's their problem, not yours, just own the fact that you're being selfish.

Not everyone hates children as much as weird Americans. (I'm an American, but have lived in places where they are much more accepted in public spaces.)

[Anonymous]

The biggest issue I see is safety. The FAA, NTSB, and flight attendant and pilots unions all highly recommend that all passengers, including babies, be appropriately strapped in during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. The reason the FAA won't mandate it is because planes are safer than cars, and they are afraid more people will drive with babies if they have to buy their baby a seat.
So your plan may give you extra space, but it's at the expense of the safety recommendations from the experts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you getting a seat for your infant?

OP here - no, I am planning to use the bulkhead bassinet for the baby.

Thanks to other PPs for their responses. I'm feeling better about this decision!

Are you guaranteed to get one?

Yeah, I wonder what happens if there are multiple infants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP. I fly international business class for work all the time. This will not annoy most people in that cabin. There are noise canceling headphones and in many cabins doors to the individual seats. We keep to ourselves, and if there is infant noise, it’s never on top of anyone else.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The biggest issue I see is safety. The FAA, NTSB, and flight attendant and pilots unions all highly recommend that all passengers, including babies, be appropriately strapped in during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. The reason the FAA won't mandate it is because planes are safer than cars, and they are afraid more people will drive with babies if they have to buy their baby a seat.
So your plan may give you extra space, but it's at the expense of the safety recommendations from the experts.

Absolutely. OP should buy a second seat, whether that's in business class or coach, so her baby can be safe.