Traveling with babies can be stressful—especially if you’re a grandparent helping your children or grandchildren on a long-haul trip. Many seniors wonder: Does Turkish Airlines provide bassinets or special seats for infants? The good news is yes, but there are specific rules you’ll want to know ahead of time. And if you’d rather not sort through fine print, you can always call 877-764-3622 for quick help in arranging infant seating or bassinets before your flight.
Turkish Airlines is known for being family-friendly, which makes it a solid choice when traveling internationally with little ones. Let’s break down what the airline actually offers.
Turkish Airlines defines an infant as a child under 2 years old. The standard policy is:
Infants can travel on an adult’s lap with a special lap belt provided by the airline.
If you’d prefer extra comfort, you can purchase a separate seat for the infant, usually at a discounted rate.
Infant tickets generally cost about 10% of the adult fare, making them affordable.
This flexibility helps families choose between keeping a child on their lap or buying them their own seat with a car seat.
Yes—Turkish Airlines does offer bassinets on most long-haul international flights. These are small cradle-like beds that attach to the bulkhead wall, perfect for infants who need to rest during a long journey.
Key things to know:
Age/Weight Restrictions: Bassinets are usually available for infants under 2 years old and weighing less than 11 kg (~24 lbs).
Advance Request: Bassinets must be requested at booking or through customer service; they’re limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bulkhead Seating: Families requesting a bassinet are typically placed in bulkhead rows for convenience.
For example, one grandmother traveling with her daughter and infant grandson to Paris noted how the bassinet helped the baby sleep peacefully for most of the flight.
If you’d rather not use a bassinet or lap seat, Turkish Airlines allows parents and grandparents to bring their own FAA-approved car seat if a separate ticket has been purchased for the child.
Pros:
Extra comfort and safety for the infant.
Familiar seating that makes travel smoother for both baby and family.
Cons:
Adds cost since you’re purchasing an additional seat.
Car seats must meet size and safety requirements.
If you’re unsure whether your car seat qualifies, calling 877-764-3622 before booking is a smart move to avoid last-minute stress.
Pack essentials in your carry-on: Include diapers, wipes, and any medications.
Choose seats wisely: Bulkhead rows give you more space and access to bassinets.
Request assistance early: Turkish Airlines staff can help with boarding, strollers, or mobility support if you need it.
Plan for connections in Istanbul: Ask for meet-and-assist services if changing planes with young children.
A retiree from Florida shared that requesting help at Istanbul Airport made her layover with her daughter and newborn much less overwhelming.
Turkish Airlines: Free bassinets, discounted infant fares, attentive staff.
Delta/United: Lap infants allowed, but bassinets are limited and not always available.
Emirates: Bassinets available but with stricter size limitations.
Overall, Turkish Airlines stands out for its combination of affordability and family support.
Yes—Turkish Airlines is one of the better airlines for seniors traveling with babies or young grandchildren. With bassinets, affordable infant fares, and thoughtful staff assistance, the airline helps make long-haul flights smoother for multigenerational families.