Southwest Airlines Infant Policy: Lap Infant Rules, Fees & Requirements

 

Traveling with a little one can feel like preparing for a small expedition. Between the diaper bags, the strollers, and the specialized gear, there is a lot to coordinate before you even get to the airport. Fortunately, the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy is widely considered one of the most family-friendly in the sky. Whether you are planning your baby’s very first flight or you're a seasoned pro looking for a refresher on the 2026 rules, here is everything you need to know to keep things smooth and stress-free.

The Basics: Age and Eligibility

Southwest defines an "infant" as a child at least 14 days old and under two years of age. If your baby is a newborn (under 14 days), you will typically need a medical release from a doctor to fly.

Once they hit that 14-day mark, you have two main options for how they travel:

  1. As a Lap Child: They sit on your lap for the duration of the flight. This is free for domestic flights.

  2. In Their Own Purchased Seat: You buy a ticket for the infant and use an FAA-approved car seat (Child Restraint System).

Pro Tip: While the "Lap Child" option saves money, the FAA and Southwest both recommend that every child has their own seat with a proper restraint for the highest level of safety during turbulence.

Booking Your Flight with an Infant

Booking is relatively straightforward, but there are a few quirks to keep in mind depending on how you want to fly.

Booking a Lap Child

You can add a lap child to your reservation directly on the Southwest website or mobile app when booking your own ticket. If you’ve already booked your flight and forgot to add them, don’t panic. You can call Southwest customer service or handle it at the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport.

For international flights, even though a lap child doesn’t require a full fare, you will still need to pay government-imposed taxes and fees, and a specific ticket will be issued for them.

Purchasing a Seat

If you want a guaranteed spot for your baby’s car seat, you’ll need to buy a ticket. Southwest often offers "Infant Fares," which are discounted rates for children under two. These aren't always available online, so it’s worth calling their reservations line to see if you can snag a better price than the standard adult fare.

Essential Documentation: Don't Leave Home Without It

This is the part that trips up many parents. Even if your baby clearly looks like a baby, Southwest is strict about age verification.

To fly with a lap child, you must provide proof of age. Acceptable documents include:

  • An original birth certificate

  • A photocopy of a birth certificate

  • A valid passport

Crucial Note: Digital versions—like a photo of the birth certificate on your phone or a screenshot—are not accepted. You need the physical paper or the passport in hand. If you can’t prove the child is under two, Southwest may require you to purchase a full-fare seat at the current day's price, which is a headache nobody needs.

Strollers, Car Seats, and Baggage

One of the best perks of the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy is the generous equipment allowance.

Free Gate Checking

Every ticketed customer traveling with a child can check one stroller and one car seat free of charge. This is in addition to the standard baggage allowance. You can choose to check these at:

  • The curbside check-in (if available)

  • The ticket counter

  • The boarding gate (using a gate-check tag)

If you gate-check your stroller, it will be waiting for you on the jet bridge when you land, which is a lifesaver for navigating long terminal walks.

Diaper Bags and Pumps

Good news for your carry-on limits: a diaper bag does not count toward your "one bag plus one personal item" limit. You can bring your diaper bag, a breast pump, and milk/formula as additional items. TSA allows "reasonable quantities" of breast milk, formula, and baby food through security, though they may need to test them separately.

Onboard Safety and Seating

Southwest is famous for its "open seating" policy, but they have specific rules for where infants can sit for safety reasons.

  • No Exit Rows: This is a standard FAA rule—no children or infants are allowed in exit rows.

  • Car Seat Placement: If you’re using a car seat, it must be placed in a window seat so it doesn’t block the exit path for other passengers. It also cannot be placed in the rows immediately in front of or behind an exit row.

  • Oxygen Masks: On most Southwest aircraft, there is an extra oxygen mask in each row. However, to ensure every person has access to one, only one lap child is allowed per row.

The Boarding Process

Traveling with an infant qualifies you for Family Boarding. This happens right after Group A and before Group B. It’s the perfect window to get on the plane, find a row together, and get your gear stowed before the rest of the plane fills up.

If you already have an "A" boarding pass, feel free to board then! But if you ended up in Group C, Family Boarding is your "get out of jail free" card to ensure your family stays together.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • The Boarding Verification Document (BVD): Even if your lap child doesn't have a boarding pass, you need a BVD. You can get this at the airport kiosk or ticket counter after showing your proof of age.

  • Nursing and Feeding: You are welcome to nurse or bottle-feed anywhere on the plane. Doing this during takeoff and landing can actually help your baby's ears adjust to the pressure changes.

  • Changing Tables: Most Southwest planes have changing tables in at least one of the restrooms (usually the forward one). Ask a flight attendant if you're unsure which one to use.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Infant Policy is designed to take the edge off an otherwise hectic day. By bringing the right paperwork and taking advantage of the free gear checks, you can focus on making memories (and keeping the snacks flowing).

Safe travels to you and your little wanderer!

Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Advanced Air Infant Policy: Everything You Should Know Before Flying with a Baby

Image
  Traveling with a tiny human is a major milestone, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like you’re preparing for a high-stakes mission. If you are flying with Advanced Air , a boutique airline known for its convenience and regional reach, you’re in luck. Their smaller-scale operations often mean less stress than at a major hub, but you still need to know the ground rules. Contact Flights Counsel at +1 (877) 337-0761 for expert help with flight bookings, Name Change, cancellations, Date Change, changes, refunds, Baggage Policy and travel assistance anytime. Here is everything you need to know about the Advanced Air Infant Policy to ensure your trip is as smooth as a lullaby. 1. The Basics: Age and Eligibility Before you pack the diaper bag, you need to know if your baby qualifies as an "infant" in the eyes of the airline. Age Limit: To fly as a "lap child," your baby must be under 2 years old (24 months) at the time of travel. The Birthday Rule: If your child t...
Read more

Does Aeromexico transfer baggage?

  Traveling can be exciting, but managing baggage can often be one of the trickiest parts of a journey. Many passengers wonder: Does Aeromexico transfer baggage? Whether you’re connecting between multiple flights, traveling internationally, or booking through a partner airline, understanding how Aeromexico handles baggage transfer can save time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll explain Aeromexico’s baggage transfer policies, how to prepare your luggage, and tips to ensure a smooth travel experience. Flights Counsel at +1 (877) 337-0761 Overview of Aeromexico Baggage Transfer Policy Aeromexico allows baggage transfer for passengers traveling on connecting flights within their network or through codeshare partners, subject to specific rules. Key points include: Connecting Flights : Baggage is usually checked through to your final destination if all flights are on a single itinerary with Aeromexico or its partners. Single Ticket Booking : If your flights are booke...
Read more

PlaneSense Infant Policy: Age Limits, Seating & Important Guidelines

Image
  Whether you are a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time fractional share owner, flying private with a little one brings up a lot of questions. If you’re flying with PlaneSense , the experience is designed to be much more seamless than the chaos of a commercial terminal. However, safety and regulations still come first. Contact Flights Counsel at +1 (877) 337-0761 for expert help with flight bookings, Name Change, cancellations, Date Change, changes, refunds, Baggage Policy and travel assistance anytime. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the PlaneSense Infant Policy , covering everything from age limits and seating arrangements to the small details that make traveling with a baby much easier. Understanding the PlaneSense Infant Policy PlaneSense operates a world-class fleet, primarily featuring the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and the Pilatus PC-24 jet. Because these are private aircraft, the rules are slightly different—and often more flexible—than what you’d find on a major commer...
Read more