Picture of the Week: British Airways Britax Infant Seat

When I first read that BA supplied infant seats (for lap infants under age 2) made by Britax, I imagined something similar to our car seat. In reality, the seat, which attaches to a shelf in the bulkhead is a bit simpler but works great. This picture shows D (at 1 year old) sleeping comfortably on our flight from Madrid to Seattle. E slept comforably in a similar seat when he was about 16 months old.

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Flying with Children

12 comments | Posted on March 13, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

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  1. Chelsea S. on March 17, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.

    Hi, I just bought a ticket for a BA flight from London to Seattle direct. I got a pre-arranged seat in the bulk-head. I am now scared to death that I won't get one of those Britax seats for my very active one year-old. How easy was it for you? Thanks for the picture! I've been looking online all night to find one.

  2. Debbie on March 21, 2008 at 9:39 a.m.

    I wouldn't be too stressed about getting a seat. They usually have several on board, so unless the flight is full of babies, it isn't generally a problem.

    I usually talk to the flight attendant as soon as I board and tell them that I'll be needing a seat and ask them whether they have any on board. They don't install the seats until after takeoff, but since the seats are stocked in London, there's still an opportunity to get one onboard.

    Have a great time in Seattle, and be sure to check out our helpful guide to Seattle with Kids: www.deliciousbaby.com/travel/usa/wa/s...

    Debbie

  3. Jill on June 2, 2008 at 4:25 p.m.

    What is the weight restriction for those seats? My son is under 2, but is 31 lbs. I'm thinking he's probably too heavy.

  4. Debbie on June 2, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.

    According to the British Airways site, the seat can accommodate infants who weigh a maximum of 13kgs/29lbs.

  5. Deb on January 9, 2012 at 12:16 a.m.

    I'm about to fly and wonder if this infant seat is always very reclined or if it goes into a more upward position when your one year old is awake.
    If it was only reclined, like in this picture, would you suggest keeping the carrycot bassinet style so they can sit up?
    Suggestions please?

  6. Debbie on January 11, 2012 at 9:11 p.m.

    Deb,

    It's been such a long time now that I can't remember for sure. I think it had just one position - when they're awake, you probably don't want them up on that shelf.

  7. KHP on January 23, 2012 at 7:05 a.m.

    Hello - sorry to jump on the bandwagon but did you get this because you booked and paid for a child seat or complimentary instead of booking a seat - we're trying to decide if we need to book a seat for our 18 month old - Thank you in advance

  8. Debbie on January 30, 2012 at 9:33 p.m.

    @KHP For international flights, even a lap infant needs a reservation - the lap infant fare (Which is what we did here) is generally 10% of the adult fare plus any taxes or surcharges. One of the services that comes with that fee is the possibility of booking the bulkhead and requesting an infant seat.

    For US domestic flights, you do need to let the airline know that you will bring along a lap infant, but there is generally no fee. Telling the airline that you'll have an infant lets them a) seat you in a non-emergency row with no other infants and b) include the infant name on the passenger roster

    Hope this helps

  9. P on November 27, 2012 at 1:17 p.m.

    Hi Debbie,
    This is such a great website! I am so glad I came across it. I have a question for you:
    We are going to travel to India from Houston with our 21 mos old soon. We are flying BA airways too and have the bulkhead seats reserved for all the international flights.
    Looking at this pic, I wasnt sure where exactly is the seat placed? is it in front of the bulkhead seats on the floor and attached to the wall?
    Thanks again, P

  10. Debbie on November 28, 2012 at 6:31 a.m.

    P,

    Yes, there's a little shelf that drops down from the bulkhead wall and the seat gets strapped to that. The seat is removed for takeoff, landing, and turbulence

  11. Sarah on June 21, 2014 at 1:25 p.m.

    This is helpful to see. I'm traveling from Heathrow to Houston with my 18 month old, 5 year old, and 7 year old, by myself. I'm debating on whether or not to buy the 18 month old a seat and bring his carseat to harness him in (so he has a spot to sit, play, eat, etc. if I'm busy with stowing our bags, or helping the other two children; and so I don't have to move him to the baby seat for turbulence or landing if he's asleep) or just use this baby seat provided by BA. Thoughts? Thanks!

  12. Debbie on June 22, 2014 at 11:25 p.m.

    Sarah,

    I think the BA seat would be pretty small for an 18 month old. For a long solo flight like that, I think you'll want to buy him a seat if that's an option. You could consider using a CARES harness to strap him in, instead of carrying a carseat on board.

    Good luck on your flight!