Flying with little ones can be an exciting adventure, but navigating airline policies can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Especially when it comes to adding a child to an existing reservation, you want to ensure everything is smooth sailing. Southwest Airlines, known for its unique boarding process and customer-friendly policies, has specific guidelines for traveling with children. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of adding a child to your Southwest Airlines flight, ensuring you're prepared for a hassle-free journey.
Ready to make your family travel dreams a reality? Let's dive in!
Adding a Child on Southwest Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of adding a child to your Southwest Airlines reservation depends primarily on the child's age and whether they will occupy their own seat or travel as a "lap child." Let's break it down.
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| How To Add A Child On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Determine Your Child's Travel Category (Lap Infant vs. Ticketed Child)
Before you do anything else, it's crucial to understand Southwest's definitions for children traveling. This will dictate your entire process.
Lap Child (Infant): This applies to children who are over 14 days old and under two (2) years of age on the day of travel and who will not be occupying their own seat. They will sit on an adult's lap.
Important Note: Each adult (12 years or older) can only travel with one Lap Child.
Cost: Domestically, Lap Children travel for free. For international travel, government-imposed taxes and fees apply, and a ticket will be issued for the infant.
Proof of Age: You will need to provide proof of age, such as an original or photocopy of a government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card). Electronic screenshots or immunization records are not accepted. Keep this readily available!
Ticketed Child: This applies to children who are two (2) years of age or older on the day of travel, or any child under two for whom you wish to purchase a separate seat.
Cost: A regular ticket fare applies, just like for an adult.
Boarding Pass: They will require their own boarding pass.
Take a moment to confirm which category your child falls into. This will be your guiding principle throughout the process.
Step 2: Adding a Lap Child to an Existing Reservation
If your child qualifies as a Lap Child, the process is quite specific, especially if you've already booked your own ticket.
Sub-heading 2.1: Adding a Lap Child at the Time of Booking (Online)
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
If you're booking your flight and know you'll have a lap infant, this is the easiest scenario.
Start your flight search: Go to the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app.
Enter passenger details: When selecting the number of passengers, you'll see an option to indicate "Infant on lap" or similar. Select the appropriate number.
Associate the Lap Child: As you proceed through the booking, you'll be prompted to enter information for each passenger. If multiple adults and/or lap children are traveling, you'll use a dropdown to associate each Lap Child with an adult passenger.
Complete the booking: Finish the reservation process as usual.
Sub-heading 2.2: Adding a Lap Child to an Already Booked Reservation (The Most Common Scenario)
This is where many travelers find themselves. Unfortunately, you generally cannot add a Lap Child to an existing Southwest reservation online if you've already completed your booking.
Call Southwest Airlines Reservations: This is the most reliable and recommended method to add a lap child to an existing reservation.
Dial Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Be prepared to provide your confirmation number and the child's information (full name, date of birth).
The representative will be able to add the lap infant to your existing reservation and link them to an accompanying adult.
Tip: While on the phone, confirm any documentation needed for your specific travel (domestic vs. international).
Add at the Airport on the Day of Travel: While possible, it's highly recommended to call ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.
Go to a Southwest Airlines ticket counter on the day of your flight.
Present the child's proof of age documentation (original or photocopy of birth certificate or passport is essential).
A Customer Service Agent will assist you in adding the lap infant to your reservation and provide you with a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) for the infant. This BVD acts as their "boarding pass."
Remember, for lap children, while no separate ticket is typically issued for domestic flights, a BVD is crucial for airport procedures.
Step 3: Adding a Ticketed Child to an Existing Reservation
If your child is two years or older, or you prefer for your under-two child to have their own seat, they will need a separate ticket. This process is generally similar to booking an adult ticket.
Sub-heading 3.1: Booking a New Ticket for the Child
Access the Southwest Airlines website or app: Go to the booking portal.
Enter flight details: Input your flight origin, destination, and dates.
Select number of passengers: Choose "1 Adult" (or the appropriate number of children who need their own seat) for this separate booking.
Enter child's information: Fill in the child's full name, date of birth, and any other required details.
Complete the purchase: Pay for the child's ticket.
Link reservations (optional but recommended): While the child will have a separate confirmation number, you can often ask a Southwest representative to link the reservations together. This helps the airline recognize your family is traveling as a group, which can be helpful for assistance. Call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to do this.
Sub-heading 3.2: Important Considerations for Ticketed Children
Proof of Age (if applicable): While generally not strictly required for check-in if they have their own ticket, it's always wise to carry proof of age (birth certificate, passport) for younger children in case of any questions.
Seat Assignment (Open Seating): Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats.
Family Boarding: Southwest offers Family Boarding after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding. This allows you to find seats together.
If your child is between seven and thirteen years old, you will board with your assigned boarding group. However, you can speak to Gate Agents or Flight Attendants to request assistance in seating your child next to an accompanying adult. Southwest states they will endeavor to do so "to the maximum extent practicable and at no additional cost."
Child Restraint Systems (Car Seats): If your child has their own seat and you wish to use a car seat, ensure it is FAA-approved for aircraft use.
Look for a label stating "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
Car seats are not allowed in exit rows or aisle seats. They should be placed in window or middle seats.
You can also use a CARES device, which is the only harness-type device approved for use onboard.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Step 4: Preparing for Travel Day with Your Child
Once your child is added to the reservation, it's time to prepare for the actual flight.
Sub-heading 4.1: Documentation Checklist
For Lap Children: Original or photocopy of government-issued identification (birth certificate, passport) for proof of age. Your Boarding Verification Document (BVD) received at the airport.
For Ticketed Children: While not always required for domestic travel, carrying a copy of their birth certificate or passport is a good practice.
Your own valid ID: As the accompanying adult.
Sub-heading 4.2: Baggage for Children
Strollers and Car Seats: Southwest Airlines allows each ticketed Customer to check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge. These items are transported with a limited release of liability.
Note on Strollers: Recent policy updates may impose size and weight restrictions on strollers, potentially incurring an oversized baggage fee for larger or double strollers. It's highly recommended to check the latest Southwest baggage policies or confirm with them directly if you have a larger stroller.
Diaper Bags/Child Essentials: These generally count as your personal item or carry-on. You can bring necessary items like formula, breast milk, and baby food in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed the liquid limitations for carry-on luggage. Be prepared for them to be subject to additional screening.
Sub-heading 4.3: Check-in and Boarding
Online Check-in (24 hours prior): For ticketed children, check in online 24 hours before your flight to get the best possible boarding position (A, B, or C group).
Airport Check-in (Lap Children): If you're traveling with a lap child and haven't called ahead, proceed to the ticket counter at the airport for their BVD.
Family Boarding: Listen for the Family Boarding announcement, which typically occurs after the "A" group boards and before the "B" group. This is your opportunity to board early if you have a child aged six or younger.
Onboard Seating: Due to Southwest's open seating, once onboard, quickly find seats together. Flight attendants are usually helpful in assisting families.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to add your child to your Southwest Airlines flight and enjoy a smooth journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to add a lap infant to an existing Southwest flight reservation?
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
You generally cannot add a lap infant to an existing Southwest reservation online. You must call Southwest Airlines Reservations at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit the ticket counter at the airport on your day of travel to have them added and receive a Boarding Verification Document (BVD).
How to purchase a separate seat for a child under two on Southwest Airlines?
You can purchase a separate ticket for a child under two years old just like you would for an adult passenger, either online through the Southwest Airlines website/app or by calling reservations.
How to get a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) for a lap infant on Southwest?
You will receive a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) for your lap infant at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel, after presenting proof of the child's age.
How to determine if my child needs a ticket on Southwest Airlines?
If your child is under two years old on the day of travel and will be sitting on an adult's lap, they generally do not need a ticket for domestic flights (but will need a BVD). If your child is two years or older, or you want a separate seat for a child under two, they will need a ticket.
How to utilize family boarding with a child on Southwest Airlines?
Family Boarding on Southwest Airlines occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group. Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during this time to find seats together.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
How to check a car seat or stroller for free on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines allows each ticketed Customer to check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge. These can be checked at the ticket counter or gate.
How to show proof of age for a lap infant on Southwest Airlines?
You must present an original or photocopy of a government-issued identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, or government-issued photo identification card, to prove the lap infant's age. Electronic images or immunization records are not accepted.
How to ensure my family sits together on a Southwest flight with open seating?
For families with children aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding. For older children, check in exactly 24 hours prior for the best boarding position, and upon boarding, quickly find available seats together. You can also speak to a Gate Agent or Flight Attendant for assistance.
How to travel internationally with a lap infant on Southwest Airlines?
For international travel, a lap infant will incur government-imposed taxes and fees, and a ticket will be issued for them. You will still need to provide proof of age. Call Southwest Airlines for specific international lap infant booking procedures.
How to handle child restraint systems (car seats) on Southwest Airlines?
If using a car seat, ensure it is FAA-approved and labeled for aircraft use. Car seats are only permitted in window or middle seats, never in exit rows or aisle seats. The CARES device is also an approved alternative.
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