Before you fly
Travel Nest works best when you have done four things before the trip. None of them take long.
1. Check your airline's policy
Rules vary by airline, and sometimes by aircraft and route. Some airlines allow inflatable seat extenders in general, some only allow specific products, and some do not allow them at all. Search your airline's site for "comfort device", "seat extender", "inflatable footrest" or "sleep device", or ask when you book. If you can, ask them to add a note to your booking and save a screenshot of the policy so it's handy if anyone asks.
2. Book the right seat
Book your child a window seat if you can, so nobody has to climb over the bed to get out. Middle seats in a centre block usually need a yes from the airline. Never use it in an aisle seat, an exit row, or anywhere it blocks another passenger's way out. Bulkhead rows can come with extra restrictions, so ask about those too.
3. Do a practice run at home
Inflate the bed the day before: valve 1 for the main bed, set the support block on the floor in front of a chair, then valve 2 for the headboard. Leave it up overnight to check it holds air, then deflate it and roll it into its bag with the pump. Pack it in your carry-on, not in checked luggage, so it is with you on board.
4. On board
- Set it up only once the plane is cruising and the seatbelt sign is off, and only if the crew is happy with it. Their instructions always come first.
- Deflate it and stow it under the seat for taxi, take-off and landing, and whenever the crew asks.
- Keep your child's seatbelt fastened low across their hips the whole time they are on the bed, head toward their own seat back.
- An adult should supervise at all times. It is not a car seat or a crib, and it is for your child's own booked seat only.
If the crew says no on the day, deflate it, stow it and let us know at helptravelnest@gmail.com. We will help.