Turkish Airlines: Booking A Seat For Your Infant

Oct 30, 2025 by Admin 49 views

Traveling with a baby on Turkish Airlines? Knowing the ins and outs of booking a seat for your infant is crucial for a smooth and comfortable journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from Turkish Airlines' policies to practical tips for securing the best arrangement for you and your little one. So, let's dive in and make sure your travel experience is as stress-free as possible!

Understanding Turkish Airlines' Infant Policy

Before you even think about booking a seat, it's super important to get your head around Turkish Airlines' specific rules and regulations for infant passengers. This is where you'll find out what's allowed, what's expected, and how to make sure you're following all the guidelines. Understanding these policies is the first step in ensuring a hassle-free booking and travel experience. Let's break it down:

What Age Qualifies as an Infant? Turkish Airlines defines an infant as a child under the age of two (24 months) on the date of travel. Keep this in mind because the rules and options change once your child turns two.
Infant Ticket Options: Generally, infants can travel in one of two ways: on a parent's lap or in their own seat. If your baby is on your lap, you'll typically pay a reduced fare, often a percentage of the adult fare, plus any applicable taxes and fees. However, if you prefer your infant to have their own seat (which we'll discuss more later), you'll need to purchase a separate ticket for them. This usually costs more but offers added comfort and safety.
Safety Regulations: Safety is paramount, and Turkish Airlines adheres to strict regulations. If your infant is traveling on your lap, you'll be provided with a special infant seatbelt extension that attaches to your seatbelt. If you've purchased a separate seat for your infant, you may be required to use an approved car seat that meets specific safety standards. It's crucial to check the airline's website or contact them directly to confirm the exact requirements for car seats. Always prioritize safety when flying with your little one!
Baggage Allowance for Infants: Even though they're tiny, infants are entitled to some baggage allowance! Turkish Airlines typically allows a certain amount of checked baggage and a carry-on bag for infants traveling on a lap. If you've purchased a separate seat for your infant, their baggage allowance will usually be the same as an adult's. This can be a lifesaver when you need to pack all those diapers, wipes, and extra outfits. Check the specific allowance on your ticket or the airline's website.
Bassinet Availability: On some longer flights, Turkish Airlines may offer bassinets for infants. These are small, lightweight cradles that attach to the bulkhead wall in front of certain seats. Bassinets can be a godsend for allowing your baby to sleep comfortably and giving you a break from holding them. However, bassinet availability is limited and usually assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Turkish Airlines in advance to request a bassinet and confirm its availability on your flight.

Understanding these key aspects of Turkish Airlines' infant policy will set you up for a smoother booking process and a more enjoyable flight. Don't hesitate to reach out to the airline directly if you have any questions or need clarification on any of these points.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Seat

Okay, now that you're clued up on the policies, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of actually booking that seat for your little bundle of joy. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, making sure you don't miss any important details. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a seamless booking experience.

Visit the Turkish Airlines Website: Head over to the Turkish Airlines website. This is your main hub for booking flights and managing your travel arrangements. Make sure you're on the official website to avoid any potential scams or misinformation.
Enter Your Travel Details: On the homepage, you'll find the flight booking form. Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and the number of passengers. This is where it gets important: make sure to accurately specify the number of adults and infants traveling. The system needs to know you're bringing a baby along to offer the correct options.
Select Your Flights: Browse the available flights and choose the ones that best suit your needs. Consider factors like flight duration, layover times, and departure/arrival times. When traveling with an infant, you might want to opt for flights with longer layovers to give you and your baby a chance to stretch your legs and relax.
Choose Seating Options: After selecting your flights, you'll be prompted to choose your seating options. This is where you decide whether your infant will travel on your lap or in their own seat. If you want your infant to have their own seat, make sure to select a seat for them and pay the applicable fare. Keep in mind that you may need to contact Turkish Airlines to confirm the car seat requirements if you plan to use one.
Provide Passenger Information: Enter the passenger information for all travelers, including your infant. You'll need to provide your infant's full name, date of birth, and other relevant details. Double-check this information to ensure it's accurate and matches the details on your infant's passport or other travel documents.
Review and Confirm Your Booking: Before finalizing your booking, carefully review all the details to make sure everything is correct. This includes the flight dates, times, passenger information, and seating arrangements. Pay close attention to the fare breakdown and any applicable taxes and fees.
Complete Your Payment: Once you're satisfied that everything is correct, proceed to the payment page and complete your payment using your preferred method. Turkish Airlines typically accepts major credit cards and other forms of payment.
Receive Your Confirmation: After your payment is processed, you'll receive a booking confirmation via email. This confirmation will include your booking reference number, flight details, and other important information. Keep this confirmation handy as you'll need it for check-in and other travel-related activities.
Contact Turkish Airlines (If Needed): If you have any questions or need to make any changes to your booking, don't hesitate to contact Turkish Airlines directly. Their customer service representatives can assist you with any issues you may encounter.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to securing a seat for your infant on Turkish Airlines and ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Tips for a Comfortable Flight with an Infant

Booking the seat is just the beginning! To really nail this travel-with-an-infant thing, here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to make the actual flight as smooth as possible for everyone involved. These tips are tried and tested by parents who've been there, done that, and survived to tell the tale!

Request a Bassinet (If Available): We mentioned this earlier, but it's worth repeating. If you're on a long-haul flight, a bassinet can be a lifesaver. It gives your baby a comfortable place to sleep and frees up your arms. Contact Turkish Airlines in advance to request a bassinet and confirm its availability on your flight.
Choose Your Seats Wisely: When selecting your seats, consider factors like proximity to the restrooms and aisle access. Aisle seats can be convenient for quick diaper changes or walks to soothe your baby. Bulkhead seats (the ones at the front of a section) often offer more legroom and are where bassinets are typically located.
Pack Smart: Pack a well-stocked diaper bag with all the essentials: diapers, wipes, changing pad, extra clothes, burp cloths, and a small toy or two. It's also a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks for yourself and your baby (if they're old enough). Having everything you need at your fingertips will make life much easier during the flight.
Time Feedings Strategically: Feeding your baby during takeoff and landing can help relieve ear pressure and prevent discomfort. Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, having your baby suck on something can make a big difference. This is a simple trick that can work wonders!
Bring Entertainment: Pack some of your baby's favorite toys, books, or teething rings to keep them entertained during the flight. A tablet with pre-downloaded shows or movies can also be a lifesaver for older infants. Just remember to bring headphones so you don't disturb your fellow passengers.
Dress Comfortably: Dress yourself and your baby in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Airplanes can be chilly, so it's a good idea to dress in layers. Comfort is key when you're spending hours in a confined space.
Stay Calm and Relaxed: Babies can sense when their parents are stressed, so try to stay calm and relaxed. Take deep breaths, listen to calming music, or read a book. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for help from the flight attendants or your fellow passengers. Remember, you're not alone!.

Car Seat Considerations

If you've opted to purchase a separate seat for your infant, you might be considering using a car seat on the plane. This can be a great option for added safety and comfort, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Approved Car Seats: Not all car seats are approved for use on airplanes. The car seat must have a label indicating that it meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Look for a sticker that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Using an unapproved car seat could result in it not being allowed onboard.
Size and Fit: Make sure the car seat fits properly in the airplane seat. It should not block access to the aisle or interfere with other passengers. If you're unsure whether your car seat will fit, contact Turkish Airlines in advance to confirm.
Installation: You'll be responsible for installing the car seat yourself. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure it's properly secured. Flight attendants can assist you if needed, but they are not responsible for installing the car seat.
Location: Car seats are typically installed in window seats so they don't obstruct the aisle. However, this may vary depending on the aircraft and the airline's policies. Check with Turkish Airlines to confirm the approved locations for car seat installation.

Final Thoughts

Booking a seat for your infant on Turkish Airlines might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little preparation and the right information, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Remember to familiarize yourself with Turkish Airlines' infant policy, follow our step-by-step booking guide, and implement our tips for a comfortable flight. By taking these steps, you'll be well on your way to a memorable and enjoyable travel experience with your little one. Happy travels, guys!