Can you check a car seat southwest?

Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.



Yes, you can check a car seat (Child Restraint System) on Southwest Airlines free of charge, and it does not count toward your standard checked baggage limit. This policy applies to all ticketed customers traveling with a child. You have three main options for checking the seat: you can do it at the curbside (where available), at the ticket counter, or directly at the boarding gate. Gate-checking is often preferred by parents because it allows you to use the car seat to transport the child through the airport, though you will have to claim the item at the baggage claim area upon arrival rather than at the jet bridge (unless you specifically request otherwise for connecting flights). If you have purchased a separate seat for your infant and want to use the car seat during the flight, it must be FAA-approved and have a visible label stating its certification for aircraft use. Southwest also allows you to check one stroller for free in addition to the car seat, ensuring that parents can bring the essential gear they need without incurring the usual "extra bag" fees.

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The quick answer is: we don't recommend checking your car seat. The likelihood of damage is very high regardless of how you package it not to mention in most airline fine print, they aren't responsible for damage! Your best options for traveling with little ones is to bring the car seat with you on the plan.

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Gate Checked Items Are Rarely Lost! An airline losing your car seat would surely start your vacation off on the wrong foot. Sometimes airlines have car seats available for passengers in instances they lose yours. However, it's not a guarantee and you never know the condition of the one they provide.

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Gate-checking the carseat should be encouraged if and when it isn't possible to use it on board the aircraft for the child. If nothing else, a gate-checked seat is much less likely to be lost than a seat that was checked with luggage.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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If you choose to travel with your infant on your lap (at no additional charge), they don't need a boarding pass; however, you'll need a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) for the infant so they can board. BVDs can be printed at the airport on the day of travel at a kiosk or the ticket counter.

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Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

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First, choose the bulkhead, the window, and near the toilets. These seats are the most convenient spots for families when flying. Second, if you have an infant, get a bulkhead seat, and request a bassinet, a crib that attaches to the cabin's front wall.

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