Business Class with Infant

[Anonymous]

I work for an airline. If I were traveling with an infant now I would book in coach. Long haul flights are empty in the back,
and you will have much more room to move around on 90 plus percent of flights in the back than in business, where effectively you're confined to your own seat. Business is great when you want to lie flat and sleep. You won't be doing that with a baby. Most aircraft configurations in business also would make it difficult to take care of a baby if you had two business class seats. Take a look at the seat map or ask a friend in the industry for booking levels of the flights you're looking at as you make your decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely--go for it! I flew business alone from Asia to the US about 6 times by the time my older kid was 2 years old (LOVED Korean Air, if that's an option). Business class is such an upgrade and honestly pretty delightful when my first son was that little. I never had any issues with other passengers but I also planned ahead packing-wise, which helps! I did my best to make sure I didn't disrupt any other passengers (as I always would when sharing space with other people!) but my philiosophy is that if someone is a jerk on a flight, I'll never see them again once we get off the plane. I'll be on my way and they'll continue being an ass somewhere else!

Biggest pieces of advice:

1. Book for a time when your baby typically sleeps. Change them into their PJ's at the usual time, if possible. If the seats lay flat, you may be able to lay side by side or at least lay them down for clothing changes. Overnight flights are ideal. You might be exhausted but your baby will likely snooze for most of the flight. At that age, my son slept on my chest or in the ergo and I watched movies or read a book. The flight attendants were so helpful making sure I had drinks/food and even holding him while I used the bathroom.

2. Bring about 5-10 more diapers than you think you'll need in case there are delays. Bring lots of wipes and bags for dirty diapers so you don't stink up the bathroom. Put some sanitizing wipes to wipe down your seat and the bathroom changing area before and after use and a bottle of hand sanitizer.

3. Bring multiple changes of clothes for BOTH of you. I usually stashed a couple pairs of black leggings and two shirts for myself (and if you're nursing, an extra bra) and then PJs and separate tops and bottoms for my baby. Bring those Aden and Anais swaddle type blankets for either keeping the baby warm or laying them down.

4. Bring lots of little novelty items (doesn't necessarily have to be toys) that your baby can examine, and hold. My kid loved stacks of post-its, an old remote to press buttons, board books etc.

5. Bring an ergo (or whatever baby carrier) so that you are hands free in the airport and can put them in it to walk the aisles, if needed.

Safe travels, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

[Anonymous]

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!

That isn’t safe. Better for baby to be in car seat in a separate seat. Buy two seats in coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

Oh we have found this person again. There is always one person in a thread about kids flying that insists that ever kid needs their own seat w/ a car seat strapped in.

[Anonymous]

Something to consider is whether you'd prefer to buy two economy seats instead. With an infant, you will definitely be put in a bulk-head seat that accommodates a bassinet...but those bassinets aren't always comfy for baby (and they can't be strapped into them). Many airlines will allow you to put an infant carseat into a seat, though, so you can have baby sleeping in their carseat next to you...which frankly for me was nicer than having the extra legroom of business class. With the full recline business class seating these days, the extra space isn't as usable for a baby, IMHO.

It's important to check whether the airline allows baby carseats. Some international ones don't, though I think most US carriers do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

Oh we have found this person again. There is always one person in a thread about kids flying that insists that ever kid needs their own seat w/ a car seat strapped in.

There’s at least two of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

Oh we have found this person again. There is always one person in a thread about kids flying that insists that ever kid needs their own seat w/ a car seat strapped in.

There’s at least two of us.

Well, that's disappointing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely--go for it! I flew business alone from Asia to the US about 6 times by the time my older kid was 2 years old (LOVED Korean Air, if that's an option). Business class is such an upgrade and honestly pretty delightful when my first son was that little. I never had any issues with other passengers but I also planned ahead packing-wise, which helps! I did my best to make sure I didn't disrupt any other passengers (as I always would when sharing space with other people!) but my philiosophy is that if someone is a jerk on a flight, I'll never see them again once we get off the plane. I'll be on my way and they'll continue being an ass somewhere else!

Biggest pieces of advice:

1. Book for a time when your baby typically sleeps. Change them into their PJ's at the usual time, if possible. If the seats lay flat, you may be able to lay side by side or at least lay them down for clothing changes. Overnight flights are ideal. You might be exhausted but your baby will likely snooze for most of the flight. At that age, my son slept on my chest or in the ergo and I watched movies or read a book. The flight attendants were so helpful making sure I had drinks/food and even holding him while I used the bathroom.

2. Bring about 5-10 more diapers than you think you'll need in case there are delays. Bring lots of wipes and bags for dirty diapers so you don't stink up the bathroom. Put some sanitizing wipes to wipe down your seat and the bathroom changing area before and after use and a bottle of hand sanitizer.

3. Bring multiple changes of clothes for BOTH of you. I usually stashed a couple pairs of black leggings and two shirts for myself (and if you're nursing, an extra bra) and then PJs and separate tops and bottoms for my baby. Bring those Aden and Anais swaddle type blankets for either keeping the baby warm or laying them down.

4. Bring lots of little novelty items (doesn't necessarily have to be toys) that your baby can examine, and hold. My kid loved stacks of post-its, an old remote to press buttons, board books etc.

5. Bring an ergo (or whatever baby carrier) so that you are hands free in the airport and can put them in it to walk the aisles, if needed.

Safe travels, OP!

Thank you for these tips!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is not what you want to hear, but take it from a single mom: the people around you paid a LOT of money (or points) to have space and QUIET in business class. Please do not bring your baby, who may sleep like a champ or may cry inconsolably and uncontrollably for hours, into business class on an international flight.

Before I became a mom, I used to travel halfway around the world all the time for work and we flew business class. Comfort plus total peace and quiet. This summer I took my kids, who are older now, to Italy, and a family with young kids (maybe 5-8YO?) were in business class and the kids had piles of toys/activities. I thought that was fine because the kids were big enough to behave properly.

Granted, I have traveled with an infant, and even with an infant and toddler only across the country but never overseas, so you can say I do not know what I am talking about. And of course, you are paying for your seat, too.

Your question specifically was about etiquette. You already know to say, "I am so sorry my baby is screaming," but do you really think that's enough?

F this noise. If you're such a delicate flower than fly private. OP's money spends just as much as yours PP. If she buys a seat in business class she can do whatever she wants within the rules of the airline.

My inlaws live in Europe. I have flown plenty of overseas flights, in business, with children from 6 weeks and older. I even breastfed in Business. Hope that doesn't give PP a heart attack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

Oh we have found this person again. There is always one person in a thread about kids flying that insists that ever kid needs their own seat w/ a car seat strapped in.

There’s at least two of us.

NP. There are at least three of us. And the FAA agrees.

[Anonymous]

If it’s 1 business class seat vs. 2 coach seats, it may be easier with the 2 seats so you can put the baby down in a carseat, especially when baby is sleeping. My kid (big now but a baby when I was doing these long haul international flights) never slept/stayed in the bassinet - I think it was too different and not comfortable. Plus at 5 months, baby may not even fit comfortably if a big baby? I wouldn’t want to have to hold the baby during the entire flight...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

Oh we have found this person again. There is always one person in a thread about kids flying that insists that ever kid needs their own seat w/ a car seat strapped in.

There’s at least two of us.

NP. There are at least three of us. And the FAA agrees.

Unless the rules have changed recently kids under 2 can be on a lap for the entire flight

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the PP who said not to bring a baby. Ugh

DD has flown 4 long haul flights in Business and we’ve never had an issue. The people around you are probably parents and they get it. DD had an ear infection on a flight when she was around 18 months old and cried off an on for an hour or so. Everyone survived and no one gave us a dirty look.

How old is the infant? That will be helpful as far as tips go but honestly- you’ll be fine!!

Thanks PP. My baby will be about 5 months at the time of the flight

No way would I buy a seat for a 5 month old. They will want to sit on your lap 100% of the time. Often the business class seats are in those little private pods as well, so it isn't like you would even be next to your baby if they were in their own seat.

It’s not safe for them not to be secure during turbulence. What an infant “wants” is irrelevant. If your kids want to ride in a car without a seatbelt, do you just let them do what they want?

Oh we have found this person again. There is always one person in a thread about kids flying that insists that ever kid needs their own seat w/ a car seat strapped in.

There’s at least two of us.

NP. There are at least three of us. And the FAA agrees.

Unless the rules have changed recently kids under 2 can be on a lap for the entire flight

Yes, it is allowed. But the FAA's official position "is that the safest way for children to travel is in an independent seat in an FAA-approved CRS."

https://www.faa.gov/about/plans_reports/congress/media/FAA-180810-001-Safety-of-Lap-held-infants-Forwarded-to-Congress.pdf