Southwest Airlines Infant Policy: Flying with a baby means doing your homework ahead of time. Southwest makes it easier than a lot of airlines and the eligible lap children fly free on domestic flights, you can check your stroller and car seat at no extra cost, and family boarding lets you get settled before everyone else rushes on. You can either hold your infant on your lap or buy them their own seat with an FAA-approved car seat. It really comes down to what works for your family. Either way, there are age requirements, documentation rules, seating restrictions, and safety guidelines you’ll need to follow. This guide covers all of it so you’re not figuring things out at the airport.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy?

Southwest’s infant policy lays out the rules for traveling with children under two on Southwest flights.

Infants who meet eligibility requirements may travel either:

• As a lap child without purchasing a separate seat on eligible domestic flights
• In their own purchased seat using an FAA-approved car seat

The policy is flexible enough to work for most families, but there are still rules to follow. Age restrictions, proof-of-age requirements, and seating regulations all come into play, and knowing them before you get to the airport makes the whole thing a lot less stressful.

How Does Southwest Airlines Define an Infant?

Southwest generally considers a child to be an infant when the child is:

• At least 14 days old
• Under two years of age on the date of travel

Once a child hits their second birthday, they’ll need their own ticket and seat regardless of when the booking was made. Age eligibility is based on the travel date, not when you booked.

Can Infants Fly Free on Southwest Airlines?

Yes. Eligible infants under two can travel as lap children on domestic flights at no extra cost. And one of the more genuinely family-friendly policies Southwest offers, and one that can make a meaningful difference in the overall cost of a family trip.

Requirements for Free Lap Child Travel

The infant must:

• Be under two years old
• Travel with a ticketed adult
• Meet age verification requirements
• Be added to the reservation

No separate seat purchase needed.

What Is a Lap Child?

A lap child is an infant who travels on an accompanying adult’s lap rather than in a separate seat. A simple arrangement that keeps costs down and works well for shorter trips, though it does come with its own set of documentation and safety requirements that parents need to follow.

Benefits of Lap Child Travel

• No separate ticket cost on eligible domestic flights
• Simplified booking process
• Reduced travel expenses

Free doesn’t mean no rules. Documentation and safety requirements still apply.

Can You Purchase a Seat for an Infant?

Yes, and plenty of families go this route, especially on longer flights where the extra space and the added security of an approved car seat make a real difference for parents who want their child properly secured the whole time.

Benefits of Purchasing a Seat

• Extra space for the child
• Use of an FAA-approved car seat
• Greater comfort on longer flights
• Improved sleeping arrangements for infants

It’s not required for lap-eligible infants. But it’s worth considering.

Southwest Airlines Infant Age Requirements

Age determines everything here.

Minimum Age for Travel

Southwest does not generally allow infants younger than seven days old to travel.

Eligible Lap Child Age

Children must generally be:

• At least 14 days old
• Under two years old

Verify eligibility before booking. Don’t assume, make it confirm.

Proof of Age Requirements

Southwest requires documentation proving your infant qualifies as a lap child. No documentation, no boarding, it’s that straightforward, and it catches more families off guard than you’d expect simply because they assumed a photo on their phone would be sufficient.

Acceptable Documents

Parents may be required to present:

• Government-issued birth certificate
• Valid passport

Originals only. Physical copies in hand.

What Documents Are Not Accepted?

Southwest is strict about this. The following are generally not accepted as proof of age:

• Photographs of birth certificates
• Electronic copies
• Screenshots
• Mobile phone images
• Immunization records
• Digital scans without original documentation

Bring the real thing. Every time.

One Infant Per Adult Rule

Simple rule. One lap child per ticketed adult. No exceptions, and it’s rooted in basic aviation safety requirements rather than airline preference.

Standard Rule

One lap child is allowed for each ticketed adult passenger.

What If You Are Traveling With Two Infants?

A single adult traveling with two infants will need to purchase a seat for the second child. A rule that exists to ensure every child on board is safely and properly accommodated throughout the flight.

Requirements

• One infant may travel as a lap child.
• A separate seat must be purchased for the second infant.

The purchased seat can be used with an FAA-approved child restraint system.

International and Partner Flight Infant Rules

Things can get a bit different when you’re traveling internationally or on a partner-operated flight. There may be additional requirements that don’t apply on a regular Southwest domestic route, so check the details of your specific itinerary before you travel.

Additional Considerations

Certain routes may require:

• Purchased seats for infants
• Additional documentation
• Different fare structures
• Additional travel requirements

Always check the itinerary-specific policies. Don’t assume domestic rules carry over.

How to Add an Infant to a Southwest Reservation

Straightforward process. A couple of options depending on where you are in the booking.

During Online Booking

Select the “Lap Children” option when entering traveler information.

After Booking

Contact Southwest directly to add the infant to the itinerary. Do it early, adding them at the airport last minute creates delays that are easily avoided with a quick call ahead of time.

Southwest Airlines Family Boarding Policy

Southwest lets families with young kids board before the general crowd, a small perk that makes a big difference when you’re already juggling a baby, a bag, and a car seat.

Family Boarding Eligibility

Family Boarding is generally available for:

• Up to two adults
• Traveling with a child aged six years or younger

Boarding happens after Group A and before Group B.

Benefits of Family Boarding

Benefits Include

• Additional time to settle in
• Easier access to overhead storage
• Reduced boarding stress
• Better seating opportunities for families

This policy helps create a smoother experience for parents traveling with young children.

Southwest Airlines Infant Baggage Policy

Southwest offers some useful flexibility on the baggage side that takes at least a little pressure off.

Free Stroller Check

One stroller per child can be checked at no charge.

Stroller Benefits

• Does not count toward baggage allowance
• Can be checked at the ticket counter
• May be gate-checked on eligible flights

One less thing to pay for.

Free Car Seat Check

One car seat per child can also be checked free of charge.

Advantages

• No additional baggage charge
• Separate from standard luggage allowance
• Useful for families traveling with younger children
• Between the stroller and the car seat, that’s meaningful savings for families already spending a lot just to travel.

Does Infant Equipment Count Toward Baggage Limits?

No. Strollers and car seats don’t eat into your standard baggage allowance. A detail that matters more than it might seem when you’re already packing for an infant and trying to keep the overall bag count manageable.

Examples include:

• Strollers
• Car seats

Pack accordingly. The flexibility is there so use it.

Gate Checking Baby Equipment

Gate checking is a genuinely useful option for parents who need their stroller accessible inside the airport but don’t want to deal with it on the plane.

How Gate Check Works

1. Bring the stroller or car seat through the airport.
2. Obtain a gate-check tag before boarding.
3. Leave the item at the aircraft door.
4. Retrieve the item after arrival.

Especially handy at larger airports and on connecting flights where navigating with a stroller makes a real difference.

Bringing a Car Seat Onboard

If you’ve purchased a separate seat for your infant, an FAA-approved car seat can generally come onboard, giving your child a familiar, secure environment for the duration of the flight rather than an unfamiliar lap they may not want to stay on.

Benefits

• Familiar environment for the child
• Additional safety
• Greater comfort
• Better support during longer flights

Verify FAA approval before you pack it. Not all car seats qualify.

Car Seat Placement Rules

Southwest has specific rules about where car seats can and cannot go. Know them before you board.

Approved Placement Locations

Car seats are generally permitted in:

• Window seats
• Middle seats when adjacent family seating arrangements allow

Restricted Locations

Car seats are generally prohibited in:

• Exit rows
• Rows directly in front of the exit rows
• Aisle seats

Emergency access has to stay clear. No exceptions.

Infant Safety During Flight

Safety comes first. Always. Parents must follow all crew instructions regarding infant handling, not occasionally, not when it’s convenient, but every single time, especially during the phases of flight where proper restraint matters most.

Important Safety Requirements

Infants must be properly secured during:

• Taxi
• Takeoff
• Landing
• Turbulence events

These aren’t suggestions. They’re requirements.

Can Baby Carriers Be Used During Takeoff and Landing?

No. Baby wraps, slings, and soft carriers are restricted during the critical phases of flight and for good reason, since these devices don’t provide the kind of secure, structured restraint that aviation safety standards require during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Generally Restricted During

• Taxi
• Takeoff
• Landing

Examples include:

• Baby wraps
• Slings
• Soft carriers

During these phases, infants must either:

• Be held directly in the parent’s lap
• Be secured in an approved car seat

Southwest Airlines Infant Fees

Honestly, Southwest’s infant fee structure is one of the better ones out there. The costs are minimal compared to what other airlines charge, and the free services add up to real savings for families who are already spending plenty just to travel.

Potential Cost Savings

• Free domestic lap child travel
• Free stroller check
• Free car seat check
• Family boarding access

Additional costs only come up if you choose to buy a separate seat, which is optional for eligible lap children.

Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Booking Considerations

Once the reservation is made, go back and review it. Soon. Don’t wait until the day of travel to discover that the infant wasn’t properly added or that a document requirement slipped through the cracks. Small errors caught early are easy to fix, while the same errors caught at the airport are anything but.

Why Early Review Matters

It allows families to:

• Verify infant information
• Confirm documentation requirements
• Ensure lap child status is properly recorded
• Correct booking errors before travel

Early review helps avoid airport complications.

Tips for Traveling With an Infant on Southwest Airlines

Bring Original Documents

Always carry the child’s original birth certificate or passport.

Arrive Early

Families often require additional time for check-in and security screening.

Use Family Boarding

It exists specifically for situations like yours. Take advantage of it.

Consider Purchasing a Seat

On longer flights, having a dedicated seat and car seat for your infant is genuinely worth the extra cost, both for their comfort and yours.

Gate Check Large Equipment

Gate checking strollers can simplify airport navigation.

Pack Essentials in Carry-On Bags

Diapers, formula, snacks, extra clothing. Keep it all within easy reach, not buried in a checked bag.

Confirm Infant Details Before Departure

Review the reservation carefully before arriving at the airport.

Important Southwest Airlines Infant Rules

Travelers should remember these key policy points:

• Infants must generally be at least 14 days old to travel.
• Southwest does not permit infants younger than seven days old.
• Lap children under two years old may travel free on eligible domestic flights.
• Original proof of age documentation is required.
• One lap child is permitted per ticketed adult.
• A separate seat is required for additional infants traveling with a single adult.
• One stroller and one car seat may be checked free of charge per child.
• Family Boarding is available for eligible families.
• FAA-approved car seats may be used when a separate seat is purchased.
• Baby carriers and slings cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing.

Final Thoughts

Southwest is honestly one of the more family-friendly airlines when it comes to traveling with a baby. Free lap child travel, complimentary stroller and car seat checking, family boarding, and car seat accommodations together; those benefits add up and take some of the stress out of what can otherwise be a pretty overwhelming experience. Just make sure you’ve looked into the age requirements, have the right documents, know the seating rules, and understand the safety procedures before you leave. Do that, and the trip becomes a lot more manageable or maybe even something you and your little one actually enjoy.

Southwest Airlines Infant Policy FAQs

1. What is the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy?
The Southwest Airlines Infant Policy allows children under two years to travel with an accompanying adult.

2. Does Southwest Airlines allow lap infants?
Yes, infants under two years may travel on an adult’s lap during flights.

3. How old can a lap infant be on Southwest Airlines?
A child must be under two years old to qualify as a lap infant.

4. Does Southwest Airlines charge for lap infants?
No, lap infants generally travel free on domestic Southwest Airlines flights.

5. Can an infant have their own seat on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, parents may purchase a separate seat for an infant if preferred.

6. Does Southwest Airlines allow car seats for infants?
Yes, FAA-approved child restraint systems may be used in purchased infant seats.

7. What documents are required under the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy?
Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, may be required for infant travel.

8. How do I add an infant to a Southwest Airlines reservation?
You can add an infant during booking or by contacting Southwest Airlines.

9. Does Southwest Airlines provide bassinets for infants?
No, Southwest Airlines does not offer bassinets on its aircraft.

10. Can one adult travel with more than one infant on Southwest Airlines?
Generally, each lap infant must be accompanied by an adult passenger.

11. Is there a baggage allowance under the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy?
Checked strollers and child safety seats are generally accepted for infant travel.

12. Can infants travel on international flights under the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy?
Yes, infants may travel internationally, subject to documentation and destination requirements.

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