Flying 14 Hours in Business Class with a 4-Month-Old Baby – Our Japan Adventure
As a travel addict, one of my favourite hobbies is stalking the British Airways Reward Availability calendar to see which destinations on my ever-growing list have availability. Naturally, the places I want to visit are also the most popular, so when I spotted a two-week trip to Japan in business class, I jumped at the chance.
Before I knew it, our 4-month-old was about to embark on his first trip — across the world — flying in business class!
Should Babies Be Allowed in Business Class?
Flying business class with a baby tends to ruffle a few feathers. Some believe it should be an adults-only space. I disagree — and I’d argue that parents, especially those with babies, benefit most from the added comforts of business class. From lounge access to lie-flat seats, parents deserve that and more! 😅 You can be sure I’ll always advocate for babies in business class.
Packing for a Long-Haul Flight with a Baby
Flying business class with British Airways meant our luggage allowance increased to 2 x 32kg bags each. We took full advantage, packing CJ’s travel pram, travel cot, and bath into one bag.
Technically, we could have used the infant allowance too, but combining everything simplified the check-in process. In hindsight, we didn’t need all those items — but knowing we had them gave us peace of mind in case a hotel couldn’t accommodate us.
For the flight, I packed CJ’s overnight bag with our inflight essentials: nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, a few muslins (including a large one that became surprisingly versatile!), and a small baby blanket.
Boarding and Settling In
We spent a little too long enjoying the lounge and ended up boarding during the final call 😅 — but we still had time to settle into our Club Suite seats before pushing back.
This was our first time experiencing British Airways’ private suite configuration, and as a breastfeeding mum, I loved it. The privacy made feeding so much more comfortable without worrying about flashing fellow passengers.
The “Bassinet” Experience
Once the flight was underway, the cabin crew brought out the bassinet — or rather, the padded box.
It wasn’t the most practical design: the straps went over the top, making it fiddly to put CJ in and out. Plus, it couldn’t be used during turbulence, which felt like a bit of a flaw.
There was no bedding provided either, so I was grateful for the large muslin and blanket I had packed.
I had also brought a Cozigo, which was a game-changer for creating a dark, cozy environment for naps. At 4 months, CJ still had short wake windows, so I knew he would sleep for a good part of the flight if he settled — and he did! He even managed a 4-hour stretch, during which I also grabbed a much-needed nap.
The only downside to the Cozigo was that it made it hard to see him, and the background noise of the plane made it tricky to hear him — though the white noise effect worked brilliantly for his sleep!
In-Flight Life with a Baby
The British Airways crew were incredibly helpful throughout the flight, offering to hold CJ if I needed to eat or use the bathroom. (Since I was travelling with my husband, I didn’t need to take them up on it, but solo travellers — take advantage!)
When CJ was awake, I reclined the seat into a bed and used it as a mini play area, giving him space to stretch and kick without needing to put him on the cabin floor.
Changing him was straightforward too — although, predictably, the bathroom was tiny, so I made sure to only bring the essentials for quick changes.
The only time CJ was unsettled was during descent. I wasn’t able to feed him during landing to help with ear pressure, and it was a lot for him. Thankfully, once we landed, he was completely fine.
While he slept, I managed to watch Challengers (it was alright) and enjoy a glass of champagne — as you do!
The Kindness of Strangers
Like many parents, I worried about disturbing other passengers if CJ cried. But no one batted an eyelid — in fact, one lovely lady even came over to tell me I was doing great.
It’s funny: we often hear horror stories on social media about flying with babies, but the good experiences rarely get a mention. This flight reminded me that people are generally more supportive than we give them credit for.
Final Thoughts: Would I Fly Business Class with a Baby Again?
After 14 hours in the air with an infant, I felt like I could do anything. It was nerve-wracking at first, wondering if we were making the right decision — but once we landed and spent two magical weeks exploring Japan, I knew we had made the right choice.
Flying in business class was 100% worth it. The private pods, extra space, and smaller cabin made the experience so much more enjoyable and relaxing for all of us.
If you’re considering flying with your little companion and wondering whether it’s worth paying extra for the comfort — do it.
Don’t worry about what others might think. You deserve to travel comfortably just as much as anyone else.