Ever wondered if your little one flies free on Southwest Airlines? Many parents ask this very question when planning a family trip. The good news is, Southwest has a pretty generous policy for young travelers! Let's dive deep into understanding what age is considered "free" on Southwest Airlines and all the crucial details you need to know for a smooth journey with your child.
Understanding Southwest's Infant Policy: The "Free" Age Defined
Southwest Airlines offers a fantastic perk for families: children under a certain age can travel without needing to purchase a separate seat. This is commonly referred to as a "lap infant" policy.
Step 1: Discovering the "Free" Age and Initial Engagement
Alright, parents, grandparents, guardians, and anyone else planning to fly with a little one – are you ready to save some money and make your travel planning a breeze? The key to unlocking free travel for your infant on Southwest Airlines lies in one crucial age: under two years old (24 months).
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
That's right! If your child is at least 14 days old but has not yet celebrated their second birthday, they can travel on your lap without an additional ticket on domestic flights. This is a significant saving and a huge advantage for families.
Step 2: Key Requirements for Lap Infants
While the "free" aspect is wonderful, there are important rules and considerations to ensure a smooth boarding and flight experience.
One Lap Child Per Adult: Each adult (12 years of age or older) can only travel with one lap child. If you're traveling with more than one infant under two, you'll need to purchase a seat for each additional infant.
Proof of Age is Essential: Southwest Airlines will ask for proof of your infant's age. This is not just a suggestion; it's a requirement. Be prepared to present an original or photocopy of one of the following:
Birth certificate
Passport
Government-issued ID card
Please note: Electronic screenshots, phone images, or immunization records are not accepted. It's vital to have physical documentation with you. If you can't provide proof of age, you might be required to purchase a full-price ticket on the spot. Don't worry, if this happens, you can submit valid proof of age to Southwest later for a refund.
Domestic vs. International Travel:
For domestic flights, lap infants truly travel free.
For international flights, while the "lap infant" concept still applies for age, you will likely be responsible for government-imposed taxes and fees, and a more official ticket may be issued for your child.
Step 3: Booking Your Flight with a Lap Infant
The process for booking is straightforward, but it's crucial to inform Southwest that you'll be traveling with an infant.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Online Booking: When searching for flights on Southwest.com, make sure to select the number of lap infants traveling in addition to the adults. During the "who's traveling" section, you'll enter the adults' information and then the child's details.
Rapid Rewards Points Bookings: If you're using Rapid Rewards points to book your flight, you'll need to call Southwest Airlines directly to add a lap infant to your reservation.
Modifying Existing Reservations: If you've already booked your flight and need to add a lap child, you can often do so at a self-service kiosk at the airport for domestic flights. You can also contact Southwest customer service or visit a ticket counter.
Boarding Verification Document: While a boarding pass isn't required for a lap infant, you will need a Boarding Verification Document. This can be printed at a check-in kiosk or ticket counter at the airport on the day of travel, or accessed online/via the mobile app after check-in. Arriving a bit early on your travel day to get this sorted is a smart move.
Step 4: Considerations for Comfort and Safety
Flying with a lap infant can be cozy, but sometimes a separate seat offers more comfort and safety.
Purchasing a Seat for Your Infant: You always have the option to purchase a seat for your infant, even if they qualify as a lap child. This is highly recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Southwest Airlines for enhanced safety, as it allows you to use an approved Child Restraint System (CRS) like a car seat.
Child Restraint Systems (CRSs) / Car Seats:
If you purchase a seat for your infant, you can use an FAA-approved car seat.
Car seats must have specific labels indicating they are certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. For US-manufactured CRSs after February 26, 1985, look for the red sticker stating "This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft" and "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards."
Placement Restrictions: CRSs are allowed in middle and window seats only. They are never allowed in exit rows or the row directly in front of or behind an exit row.
Weight Recommendations: For children under 20 pounds, the CRS should face the back of the plane. For children between 20-40 pounds, it should face the front.
CARES Device: Southwest also allows the use of a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device, which is a harness-type restraint.
Not Allowed: Booster seats and harnesses that secure an infant to your chest (like a papoose) are generally not permitted for use during flight.
Strollers and Car Seats as Free Checked Items: When traveling with children, each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to their regular baggage allowance. These can be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
Family Boarding: Southwest offers "Family Boarding" between the A and B boarding groups. This allows families traveling with a child age six or younger to board early. This is a fantastic benefit as it helps ensure you can find seats together, which is crucial with little ones, especially on Southwest's open-seating flights (though remember, Southwest is moving to assigned seating in phases starting 2026). This benefit is generally limited to two parents and their children.
Step 5: Preparing for Your Flight with a Little One
Beyond the official policies, a few practical tips can make your journey smoother.
Pack Smart: Remember your carry-on allowance (one carry-on and one personal item). If you're breastfeeding, you're allowed an extra bag for a breast pump and breast milk. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, snacks, formula/breast milk, and entertainment for your infant.
Medical Release: If your infant is under 14 days old, a medical release for travel is required.
Arrival Time: Give yourself ample time at the airport. Checking in, getting your boarding verification document, navigating security, and finding your gate all take longer with a baby in tow.
During the Flight: Be prepared for changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing by offering a bottle, pacifier, or encouraging breastfeeding to help with ear pressure.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
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| What Age Is Free On Southwest Airlines |
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about flying with infants and children on Southwest Airlines:
How to confirm my infant is eligible to fly free on Southwest? Confirm your infant is at least 14 days old and under two years (24 months) old on the day of travel. You'll need valid proof of age like a birth certificate or passport.
How to add a lap infant to an existing Southwest reservation? For domestic flights, you can add a lap child at a self-service kiosk at the airport or by calling Southwest customer service. For international flights or bookings made with Rapid Rewards points, you must call Southwest.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest with a lap infant? Utilize Southwest's "Family Boarding," which occurs between the A and B groups. This allows families with children aged six or younger to board early, increasing your chances of finding seats together.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
How to check a car seat and stroller for free on Southwest? Each ticketed customer traveling with a child can check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system for free, in addition to their regular baggage allowance. You can check them at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
How to use a car seat on a Southwest flight? If you've purchased a seat for your infant, ensure your car seat is FAA-approved with the correct labels. It can only be used in window or middle seats, never in exit rows.
How to handle a child turning two years old during a Southwest trip? If your child turns two during your trip, a ticket will need to be purchased for any flight segment on which they will be two years old or older.
How to get a boarding verification document for a lap infant? This document can be printed at a self-service kiosk or ticket counter at the airport on the day of travel, or accessed online/via the mobile app after check-in.
How to travel internationally with a lap infant on Southwest? While the age limit for lap infants (under two) remains, you will likely be responsible for government-imposed taxes and fees for international travel, and a ticket will be issued for your child.
How to prepare for ear pressure changes for my infant during a Southwest flight? Encourage your infant to swallow during takeoff and landing by offering a bottle, pacifier, or breastfeeding, which helps equalize ear pressure.
How to confirm car seat compliance for my Southwest flight? Check your car seat for the required FAA approval labels: "This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft" and "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards."
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