Ever wondered about the nitty-gritty of flying with kids on Southwest Airlines? You're in the right place! Understanding airline policies regarding children's ages can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. But fear not, because we're about to break down everything you need to know about what age is considered a child on Southwest Airlines, step-by-step. Let's make your next family trip as smooth as possible!
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Age Categories – More Than Just "Child"
Did you know that Southwest Airlines actually categorizes young travelers into a few distinct groups, each with its own set of rules and requirements? It's not just a simple "child" designation. Getting this right from the start can save you a lot of hassle at the airport.
Infants (Lap Children): 14 days old up to 2 years old
This is perhaps the most common category for very young travelers. Southwest allows one child between 14 days old and under two (2) years of age to travel free of charge domestically, provided they do not occupy a seat and travel on the lap of an adult (12 years or older). For international travel, even lap children will incur applicable government-imposed taxes and fees.
Key takeaway: If your little one is under two and you don't mind them on your lap, this is your go-to.
Important note: A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.
Children Requiring a Seat: 2 years old and older (or infants for whom you purchase a seat)
Once your child hits their second birthday, they must have their own ticket and occupy a seat. You also have the option to purchase a seat for an infant under two years old if you prefer them to have their own space, especially if you're bringing a car seat.
Unaccompanied Minors (UMs): Ages 5 through 11 traveling alone
This category applies to children traveling without an adult who is at least 12 years old. Southwest has a specific Unaccompanied Minor service with rules, fees, and flight restrictions. They must be on nonstop or direct flights that do not require a change of aircraft.
Crucial detail: Children under 5 years of age are not allowed to travel alone as Unaccompanied Minors.
Young Travelers (YTs): Ages 12 through 17 traveling alone
Southwest considers children aged 12 through 17 who are traveling alone as "Young Travelers," not Unaccompanied Minors. While they can travel alone, Southwest generally expects them to have the maturity and capability to handle their travel independently, including check-in, security, boarding, and baggage claim, without continuous supervision from Southwest Employees. There is no mandatory unaccompanied minor service for this age group, but special considerations apply, and they cannot fly to or from international destinations or on itineraries with overnight connections.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
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| What Age Is Considered A Child On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Documentation is Your Best Friend
You might have the cutest kid on the planet, but without the right paperwork, your travel plans could hit a snag. Proof of age is paramount, especially for lap children.
For Lap Children (under 2 years old):
Accepted documentation: Original or photocopies of government-issued identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo identification card.
What's NOT accepted: Electronic screenshots, phone images, or immunization records are not valid forms of proof of age.
Be prepared: Southwest may ask for age verification at any point during your journey, so keep that document readily accessible. If you can't provide proof of age when asked, you might be required to purchase a ticket for the child.
For Unaccompanied Minors and Young Travelers:
While children under 18 generally don't need ID for domestic travel with an adult per TSA guidelines, if they are traveling alone as an Unaccompanied Minor or Young Traveler, specific information will be required during booking and potentially at check-in (e.g., child's full name, date of birth, contact information for drop-off and pick-up individuals). For international travel, a passport is always required for all individuals, regardless of age.
Step 3: Booking Your Flight with Young Travelers
Now that you know the age categories and documentation, let's get down to booking.
Booking with a Lap Child:
You can typically add a lap child to your reservation online when you book. If you forget or need to add one to an existing reservation, you can call Southwest Reservations or inform a Customer Service Agent at the airport on the day of travel. Remember, only one lap child per adult is allowed. If you're traveling with more than one infant under two, you'll need to purchase a seat for each additional infant.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Booking for Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-11):
This service can be booked online at Southwest.com or by calling Southwest Reservations.
You will be charged an Unaccompanied Minor service charge each way.
Ensure the reservation is for a nonstop or direct flight that does not require a change of planes.
You'll need to provide detailed information about the child and the individuals dropping off and picking up.
Booking for Young Travelers (Ages 12-17 traveling alone):
These travelers can be booked like any other adult passenger. While there isn't a specific "Young Traveler" service fee, parents/guardians should ensure the traveler is mature and capable of independent travel.
Step 4: Airport Procedures and Onboard Experience
The journey doesn't end with booking! Knowing what to expect at the airport and on the plane will make for a less stressful experience.
At the Airport - Dropping Off & Checking In:
Arrive early: This is especially crucial when traveling with children or if your child is traveling alone.
Ticket Counter for Lap Children/UMs: For lap children, head to the ticket counter to present proof of age and receive a Boarding Verification Document (BVD). For Unaccompanied Minors, check in at the ticket counter as well.
Gate Passes: If you wish to accompany an Unaccompanied Minor or Young Traveler to the gate, you can request a gate pass at the ticket counter. You'll need a valid, government-issued ID to obtain one.
Stay until departure (for UMs): For Unaccompanied Minors, the adult dropping them off should remain at the gate until the flight has departed.
Boarding and Seating:
Family Boarding: Southwest offers Family Boarding after the "A" group and before the "B" group boards. This allows up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger to board together. This is a great perk to help families find seats together, as Southwest has open seating.
Assistance with seating (ages 7-13): If you are traveling with a child aged seven to 13, and you need assistance sitting together, you can speak to Gate Agents or Flight Attendants, and they will endeavor to seat the child next to an accompanying passenger (14 and older) at no additional cost.
Unaccompanied Minors: Southwest Flight Attendants will not continuously monitor UMs throughout the flight, nor will they escort them off the plane at the destination. The child should have the maturity to seek help if needed.
Onboard Expectations:
Follow Crew Instructions: All passengers, including children, must follow instructions from Crewmembers.
No Exit Row for Lap Children/Infant Seats: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit lap children or infant seats in exit rows. Passengers in exit rows must be at least 15 years old.
Car Seats/Child Restraint Systems (CRSs): If you've purchased a seat for your child and are using a CRS, ensure it's FAA-approved and correctly installed. Southwest provides guidelines on accepted CRSs.
Step 5: Picking Up Young Travelers
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
The final leg of the journey!
Arrive early: Be at the arrival airport at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.
Gate Pass: If you wish to meet your Young Traveler or Unaccompanied Minor at the gate, obtain a gate pass at the ticket counter with your valid, government-issued ID.
Check-in at the gate: Inform a Southwest Employee at the gate that you are picking up a Young Traveler or Unaccompanied Minor.
Notification: Be sure to notify the person who dropped off the Young Traveler/Unaccompanied Minor that they have been picked up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to determine if my child is a "lap child" on Southwest?
Your child is considered a "lap child" if they are between 14 days old and under two (2) years of age on the date of travel and will not occupy their own seat.
How to book a flight with a lap child on Southwest Airlines?
You can add a lap child when booking your reservation online. Alternatively, you can call Southwest Airlines Reservations or inform a Customer Service Agent at the airport on your day of travel.
How to prove my child's age for a lap child on Southwest?
You must present an original or photocopy of a government-issued identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo identification card. Electronic copies are not accepted.
How to book an Unaccompanied Minor flight on Southwest Airlines?
You can book Unaccompanied Minor travel online at Southwest.com or by calling Southwest Airlines Reservations. Be aware of the associated service charge per way.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
How to know if my child needs to pay for a ticket on Southwest?
If your child is two (2) years old or older on the date of travel, they must have their own ticket and occupy a seat.
How to get seats together with my children on Southwest?
Southwest offers Family Boarding after the "A" group boards for up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger. For children aged 7-13, you can request assistance from Gate Agents or Flight Attendants to sit together.
How to check a stroller and car seat on Southwest Airlines?
Each ticketed Customer traveling with a child may check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge, in addition to their regular baggage allowance.
How to prepare my child for flying alone as an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest?
Ensure your child has the maturity to travel independently, can follow instructions, and can seek help from a Southwest Employee if needed. Provide them with copies of their itinerary and contact information for pick-up.
How to handle proof of age if my child turns two during the trip on Southwest?
If your child turns two during your trip, you will need to purchase a ticket for any subsequent flights on which they will be two years old or older.
How to find out what infant amenities are available on a Southwest flight?
Infant amenities vary by aircraft. You can often find this information on Southwest's website under their "Traveling with an Infant" section or by contacting their customer service for details specific to your flight.
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