u/buckshot1234

My wife and I are new parents traveling internationally with our 2-month-old infant, and I’m looking for advice on what options we realistically have with Air India at this point.

Before booking, I had multiple conversations with Air India agents. I clearly explained that we were traveling with a newborn and that bassinet seating was absolutely essential for us on this long-haul trip. I specifically said I would only book if the bassinet was confirmed.

After repeated assurances that bassinets were available and confirmed, I purchased Business Class tickets.

After payment:

First, I was told the bassinet was “blocked” and unavailable.

Then after more follow-ups, I was told it was confirmed.

Then Air India changed aircraft/equipment and removed the bassinet again.

The frustrating part is that the assurances came directly from Air India agents during recorded calls before I paid.

There were also schedule changes totaling nearly 3 hours across both flights.

At this point I feel like:

We were induced to buy these tickets based on inaccurate information

The bassinet commitment was never honored

We’ve spent weeks going in circles between Air India and the travel agency

We’re now stuck planning a 14+ hour journey with a 2-month-old without the accommodation we specifically booked for

I’ve asked for a full refund, but Air India says the schedule changes don’t qualify under their disruption policy and that cancellation would follow fare rules.

One additional detail that really upset me: in their latest email they implied the bassinet assurances may have come only from the travel agency. I responded telling them not to make false statements and to review the call recordings with their own agent before saying that.

Has anyone dealt with something similar with Air India or another airline?

Were you able to get a refund or chargeback?

Is this something the Canadian Transportation Agency would actually help with?

Any practical advice for traveling long haul with an infant if the bassinet falls through?

Would appreciate any advice from people who’ve gone through this.

Hi, I am a CPA with 2 master's degrees and intl experience in Afghanistan and two African countries. I currently work for the Canadian govt, and have been applying to ADB, world Bank and UN agencies for a while.

I have 15 yrs total experience, but I know no one in these organizations. Is there any chance of getting in without knowing anyone. I hear most of the time, they have a person in mind and these jobs adverts are just formalities.

Should I keep applying or work on networking somehow?