The Southwest Airlines Infant Policy is designed to make family travel simple, safe, and convenient for parents flying with babies and young children. Southwest allows infants under two years of age to travel as lap children or in their own purchased seat when using an FAA-approved child restraint system. The airline also provides family-friendly benefits such as free stroller and car seat check, family boarding, and flexible options for traveling with infant supplies. Understanding Southwest’s infant travel rules, age requirements, baggage guidelines, seating policies, and documentation requirements can help parents prepare for a smooth trip. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know before traveling with an infant on Southwest Airlines.
What Is the Southwest Airlines Infant Policy?
The Southwest Airlines Infant Policy outlines the airline’s rules for passengers traveling with babies under the age of two.
The policy explains:
- Infant eligibility
- Lap child travel
- Purchased seat options
- Child restraint systems
- Boarding procedures
- Baggage rules
- Required travel documents
- Family boarding
- Stroller and car seat policies
Southwest has created these guidelines to provide a safe and comfortable experience for families while complying with federal aviation safety regulations.
Who Qualifies as an Infant?
Southwest considers an infant to be a child who is under two (2) years of age on the date of travel.
Children who celebrate their second birthday before the flight must generally:
- Purchase their own ticket
- Occupy their own seat
Parents should verify their child’s age before booking to ensure the correct reservation type.
Does Southwest Airlines Allow Infants?
Yes.
Southwest welcomes infants on most flights.
Parents may choose between:
- Traveling with the infant as a lap child
- Purchasing a separate seat for the infant
Both options are available, although purchasing a separate seat provides the opportunity to use an FAA-approved child restraint system for additional safety.
Lap Child Policy
One of the most popular options for families is traveling with a lap child.
Under Southwest’s policy:
- An infant under two years old may travel on an accompanying adult’s lap.
- The accompanying passenger must provide acceptable proof of the child’s age.
- A lap child does not receive a separate seat.
The airline may request age verification at any point during your journey.
Proof of Age Requirements
Parents traveling with a lap infant should carry proof of the child’s age.
Acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Government-issued identification
Electronic copies, screenshots, photographs, and immunization records are generally not accepted as proof of age.
If acceptable documentation cannot be presented, Southwest may require the purchase of a seat for the child.
Can an Infant Have Their Own Seat?
Yes.
Parents may purchase a separate seat for an infant.
Benefits include:
- Additional comfort
- Greater personal space
- Ability to use an FAA-approved child restraint system
- Improved safety during turbulence
Many aviation safety experts recommend using an approved child restraint system whenever possible.
Child Restraint System (Car Seat) Policy
If an infant travels in a purchased seat, parents may use an FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS).
Important guidelines include:
- The CRS must display FAA approval.
- Window seats are generally preferred for installation.
- Car seats cannot be installed in exit rows.
- Crew members may inspect the restraint before departure.
Proper installation helps ensure the safest possible travel experience.
Can Parents Use Baby Carriers During Flight?
Parents may use baby carriers while boarding or moving through the airport.
However:
Baby carriers, wraps, or similar devices that secure an infant to an adult cannot be used during:
- Taxi
- Takeoff
- Landing
The infant must be held according to crew instructions during these phases of flight.
Southwest Airlines Infant Fare Policy
Lap infants generally travel without purchasing a separate seat on eligible domestic flights.
If parents prefer additional space or wish to use a child restraint system, they may purchase a ticket for the infant.
Pricing depends on:
- Route
- Fare type
- Seat availability
Purchasing a seat provides the infant with the same seating rights as other ticketed passengers.
Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Rule
Southwest Airlines allows eligible reservations to be canceled within 24 hours of booking for a full refund when the booking is made at least seven days before departure.
Families who discover booking errors shortly after purchasing tickets can take advantage of this policy if the reservation qualifies.
This rule also applies when purchasing tickets for infants occupying their own seat.
How to Add an Infant to Your Reservation
Parents can include an infant during the booking process or after making the reservation.
Step 1
Book the adult reservation.
Step 2
Select the option to add a lap child or purchase a seat.
Step 3
Provide:
- Child’s full name
- Date of birth
Step 4
Confirm the reservation.
Step 5
Bring acceptable proof of age to the airport.
If assistance is needed, Southwest customer service can help add the infant to an existing reservation.
Required Travel Documents
Parents should carry appropriate documentation for every infant.
Depending on the trip, this may include:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Government-issued identification
- Visa (if required)
- Entry documentation for the destination
International travel requires all passengers, including infants, to carry the documents required by the destination country.
Infant Baggage Policy
A lap child does not receive a separate baggage allowance because the child does not have a purchased ticket.
However, parents may still travel with essential baby items according to Southwest’s policies.
Ticketed children traveling in their own seat receive the same baggage allowance as other ticketed passengers.
Free Stroller Policy
One of Southwest’s most family-friendly benefits is its stroller policy.
Each ticketed customer traveling with a child may check:
- One stroller
at no additional charge.
Parents may check the stroller:
- At the ticket counter
- At curbside check-in (where available)
- At the departure gate
Gate-checked strollers are generally returned at baggage claim unless special arrangements are made.
Free Car Seat Policy
Southwest also allows:
- One child restraint system (car seat)
to be checked free of charge for each child traveling.
Parents may:
- Gate check the car seat
- Check it at the ticket counter
This free service is provided in addition to standard baggage allowances.
Portable Cribs and Pack-and-Plays
Unlike strollers and car seats, portable cribs and pack-and-play units are generally treated as regular checked baggage.
Standard baggage policies apply to these items.
Parents should review baggage limits before traveling.
Family Boarding
Southwest offers a convenient family boarding process.
Families traveling with:
- Children six years old or younger
may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the A boarding group and before the B boarding group.
This provides additional time to:
- Install child restraints
- Organize baby supplies
- Find seats together
Seating with an Infant
Parents traveling with lap infants should select seating carefully.
When using a purchased child restraint system:
- Window seats are generally recommended.
- Exit rows are prohibited.
- Crew instructions must always be followed.
Families boarding together often have better opportunities to find adjacent seats.
Traveling with Formula and Baby Food
Southwest permits parents to travel with infant necessities such as:
- Baby formula
- Breast milk
- Baby food
These items are also permitted through airport security in accordance with TSA regulations.
Parents should keep these items easily accessible during security screening.
Can Twins Travel as Lap Children?
Generally:
- One adult may travel with one lap infant.
If one adult is traveling with two infants:
- One infant may travel as a lap child.
- The second infant generally requires a purchased seat with an approved child restraint system.
This policy helps ensure compliance with onboard safety regulations.
Can an Infant Travel Alone?
No.
Infants cannot travel independently.
Every infant must travel with a responsible accompanying passenger.
Southwest Airlines Bassinet Policy
Unlike many international airlines, Southwest does not provide onboard bassinets.
Parents should plan accordingly for longer flights by bringing appropriate baby supplies and, if desired, purchasing a separate seat with an approved child restraint system.
Airport Check-In Tips
Families traveling with infants should arrive early.
Bring:
- Boarding confirmation
- Proof of age
- Stroller
- Car seat
- Baby supplies
- Feeding items
Extra time helps complete document verification and baggage check without unnecessary stress.
Rules Before Traveling with an Infant
Before your trip, remember these important guidelines:
- Carry acceptable proof of age.
- Book early if purchasing a separate seat.
- Use an FAA-approved child restraint system if bringing a car seat onboard.
- Arrive early for Family Boarding.
- Review baggage allowances.
- Keep baby supplies easily accessible.
- Follow all crew safety instructions.
Benefits of Traveling with an Infant on Southwest Airlines
Families appreciate Southwest because the airline offers:
- Lap infant travel
- Family boarding
- Free stroller check
- Free car seat check
- Flexible family-friendly policies
- Simple domestic travel procedures
These services help reduce both travel costs and stress.
Tips for a Smooth Trip with Your Infant
Carry Original Documents
Always travel with an original or photocopied government-issued proof of age.
Board During Family Boarding
Take advantage of Family Boarding if eligible.
Pack Baby Essentials
Bring:
- Diapers
- Formula
- Bottles
- Wipes
- Extra clothing
- Favorite toys
Consider Purchasing a Seat
For longer flights, a purchased seat with an approved child restraint system may provide additional comfort.
Arrive Early
Extra airport time helps avoid unnecessary pressure before departure.
Verify Your Reservation
Review your booking several days before travel to ensure all passenger information is correct.
Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid
Many travel issues can be avoided by planning ahead.
Common mistakes include:
- Forgetting proof of age
- Arriving late for Family Boarding
- Bringing a non-approved car seat
- Assuming bassinets are available
- Waiting until the last minute to add an infant to the reservation
- Packing essential baby supplies in checked baggage
Planning ahead helps create a more relaxed travel experience.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Airlines Infant Policy is designed to make family travel straightforward and affordable. Infants under two years old may travel as lap children or in their own purchased seat using an FAA-approved child restraint system. Southwest also offers valuable family-friendly benefits, including free stroller and car seat check, Family Boarding, and flexible options for traveling with infant supplies. Because proof of age is required for lap children and specific safety rules apply to onboard seating and child restraint systems, parents should review all travel requirements before departure. By preparing early, carrying the proper documents, and understanding the airline’s infant travel guidelines, families can enjoy a safer, smoother, and more comfortable journey with Southwest Airlines.
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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