Woman's Distressing Experience Flying Solo with Baby on Turkish Airlines

Flying solo with a baby is no small feat, especially on an international journey. However, for one mother, her baby’s first flight turned into a nightmare when her experience with Turkish Airlines fell drastically short of expectations. The ordeal, shared by TikTok user @/Area Na, sheds light on the challenges faced by parents traveling alone with infants and the lack of support from airlines.

A Flight Full of Disappointments

Area Na embarked on an 18-hour journey with her baby, hoping that the bassinet seat she had paid for would make the trip manageable. She had spent 76 euros (approximately 109 SGD) on this upgrade, expecting some relief during the grueling 11-hour leg from Istanbul.

However, to her dismay, she was not seated in the bassinet seat during boarding. After a frustrating wait while holding her baby, she was finally moved to a vacant bassinet seat, only to be told four hours later that no bassinet was available on that flight.

This left her holding her baby throughout the flight, unable to eat, and suffering physical discomfort as her menstruation began. The lack of assistance forced her to endure the flight without basic necessities, leading to her leaving blood stains on her seat—a distressing and humiliating experience.

Reactions, and Shared Struggle Among Passengers

The video sparked a wave of empathy and shared frustrations from other passengers who had similar experiences.

One commenter, who works for another airline, pointed out that bassinets are typically first-come, first-served but emphasized that in this case, the mother had paid for the service and deserved better treatment.

Another commenter shared a similar ordeal on a Turkish Airlines flight, where they were forced to demand a refund before the bassinet was provided. The lack of clear policies and the failure of some crew members to assist passengers make it even harder for solo travelers with infants

Additionally, the physical toll of holding a baby for hours on end is significant. As one commenter pointed out, muscle pain from such a prolonged position can be agonizing, especially without proper support.

Complaint to Turkish Airlines

In a recently updated video, she mentioned that she has already filed a complaint with Turkish Airlines but has yet to receive a response. She expressed hope for full compensation to purchase another ticket to return to Helsinki, possibly with Qatar Airways, given the positive feedback she has received about the airline.

Despite the viral nature of her video, she holds no ill will toward Turkish Airlines but noted feeling slightly guilty that the video gained attention before she submitted her complaint.

Watch the video here:

@areana473

This is my Baby’s first international flight .A total of 18 hrs flight with Turkish Airlines . I bought a bassinet seat for my baby worth around 76e during check in because I’m gonna travel alone with him. To my dismay they didnt put me to bassinet seat during our 11 hrs. Flight from Istanbul. I complained and told the flight attendant that I pay for a bassinet seat , he kept me standing with my baby until everyone has seated. Then they put me to vacant Bassinet Seat , So I thought everything is okay but when I ask him for the bassinet he said he will install it after take off , four hours had passed so I decided to ask another crew for my baby’s bassinet but she just said that they dont have bassinet for that flight . I ended up holding my baby the whole flight without eating any meal and bleeding cause my menstruation has arrived and I dont have anyone to hold my baby . I ended up leaving some blood stains on my seat. #fyp #flyingwithbaby #turkishairlines #philippines

♬ Return To Innocence – Enigma