Southwest Airlines Infant Policy

Flying with a baby for the very first time might be overwhelming enough, not to mention figuring out how airlines will treat you before you even buy a ticket. The Southwest Infant Policy is one of the friendliest for children in the airline industry; however, being aware of the specific age limitations, requirements in documentation, and special seating ahead of time can definitely help avoid unnecessary stress when you reach the gate. The following guide will tell you everything about the Southwest infant policy you need to know.

What Is the Southwest Infant Policy?

Infants younger than 2 years old are permitted to travel as lap children with their parents free of charge on domestic flights in the United States. It means that your child may stay on your lap during the whole trip without needing to purchase another seat or ticket. At the same time, if you want to provide more comfortable and safer seating for your baby, Southwest Airlines also offers an opportunity to purchase a seat and use an approved car seat for them.

While some airlines have a policy of charging a percentage of the adult fare for the lap infant, even while flying within the United States, there is no such fee charged by Southwest Airlines for the lap infant on domestic flights. However, a lap infant fee might be required when flying internationally, based on the policies of the destination countries.

Age Requirement of the Lap Infants

• Less than 2 years: Eligible for free flights as a lap infant on domestic flights.
• Age turning 2 on your journey: If your child turns 2 before you return from your journey, you will have to purchase a separate seat for your child on the returning flight.
• 2 years and above: Should have their own separate seat booked and are not allowed to fly as a lap infant.

Is Proof of Age Necessary for a Lap Infant?

Yes. Proof of the age of the infant is necessary when checking in or boarding the flight with Southwest Airlines. Usually, the following documents are accepted as valid proof of age:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Any other government-issued document that states the date of birth of the child

Domestically, a birth certificate is sufficient. Internationally, the child should have a valid passport. If only one parent is traveling with the child, then a visa and/or notarized letter of parental consent might be required as additional documents.

Lap Infant Booking Options

Although lap infants under 2 years old receive a free ticket, it is mandatory to book a seat for them when flying domestically. You cannot do without it because the crew needs to know the exact number of passengers onboard the plane. You can book your infant on a flight:

• During the online process of booking reservations
• By calling Southwest reservations
• At the airport counter (although it is better to book online to save time)

Only one lap infant per adult passenger is allowed. In case a parent travels with twins or more than one infant under 2 years old, each extra infant will need to have their own adult seat or a paid seat.

Instead of Lap Holding, You Can Fly Using Car Seats

Although traveling as a lap infant does not cost anything, many parents and safety advocates advise buying an extra seat and flying using an FAA-approved car seat. This possibility is supported by Southwest, and it allows you to use approved car seats in airplane seats with an FAA label.

Advantages of using a car seat while flying include:

• Extra security in case of unexpected turbulence
• Comfortable place to sleep for the baby
• Hands-free traveling for the parents

However, you should understand that if you choose this way, you will have to pay for the seat according to the fare prices.

Boarding and Seating with an Infant

Southwest Airlines follows an open boarding policy, and families flying with kids up to 6 years old get access to family boarding right after the “A” boarding group and just before the “B” boarding group starts. It is easier for parents to secure adjacent seats along with the bulkhead seats where they can store their diaper bag, bassinet, or car seat.

It is better to board early regardless of whether it is mandatory, because taking care of a diaper bag, stroller, and baby along with finding seats will be more challenging during family boarding.

Strollers, Diaper Bags, and Baby Gear

It is possible to check your stroller and car seat for free on top of two pieces of luggage allowed by the airline. The umbrella stroller may usually be gate-checked and retrieved instantly upon disembarking, which is very convenient for connection flights or airport navigation with a baby.

The diaper bag is usually permitted as another piece of luggage apart from the carry-on and personal item because Southwest does not include diaper bags in the carry-on piece limitation for families with infants.

Traveling Internationally with Infants

Should you travel internationally with Southwest Airlines, it should be noted that:

• Infants need a passport
• Additional consent documents may be required if both parents are not traveling
• An extra infant tax may be imposed by the government even if it is a lap infant
• Check entry requirements in the destination country because they may differ from one another

Since policies for international infant flights depend on treaties and regulations of the destination country, it would be better to verify them either with Southwest Airlines or the embassy of the destination country beforehand.

Also Read: Southwest Airlines Pet Policy

How to Ensure Your Baby Has a Smooth Flight?

Here are some expert tips to ensure your baby has a smooth flight

• Book in advance: Include your infant in your reservation to prevent delays at the gate.
• Carry all necessary documentation: Even on a short domestic flight, bring your infant’s proof of age.
• Use a paid seat with a car seat: If the budget allows, pay for a seat rather than hold your infant.
• Store necessities in your personal bag: Diapers, formula milk, and extra clothing should be easily reachable.
• Feeding at critical times: Feed the infant during takeoff and landing to help relieve the baby’s ear pressure.

Conclusion

Flying with a baby doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, especially since the Southwest infant policy caters to your needs. If you decide to travel with your baby in the capacity of a free lap infant, or buy an airplane seat for your baby using an FAA approved car seat, there is no need to be worried because Southwest provides family-friendly policies that make it easy for you to travel with your little one both domestically and internationally. The only thing that you need to do to ensure that everything goes smoothly is to book the seat for your infant in advance, have all necessary documents in order, bring everything you need for your baby easily accessible, and use the family boarding option.

Frequently Asked Questions