Accompanied children ages two through 11 may purchase the applicable Child Fare for the flight (does not apply to unaccompanied children ages five through 11). Please contact us via phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to confirm if a child fare is available for a specific flight.

On Southwest Airlines, the fare for a child depends on their age and whether they are occupying a seat. For infants under age two (Lap Children), travel is free of charge domestically when the child sits on an adult's lap; however, for international flights, parents must pay the applicable government-imposed taxes and fees. Once a child reaches age two, they must have their own seat and pay the full adult fare, as Southwest does not typically offer discounted "child fares" for standard seating. For children aged 5 to 11 traveling as Unaccompanied Minors (UM), the parent must pay the full adult ticket price plus a specific UM service charge (currently around $100–$150 each way). While Southwest is famous for its "Bags Fly Free" policy which saves families money, the base ticket price for any child over the age of two is the same as that for an adult traveler.

That’s an excellent question, and the answer is a key part of what makes Southwest Airlines unique.

No, children do not pay full price on Southwest in the same way they do on most other airlines. Here’s the breakdown:

The Core Rule: Two Children Under 2 Fly Free Per Adult

Southwest has a famously generous policy for infants and toddlers: One child under 2 years old may sit on an adult’s lap for free on any flight. A second child under 2 traveling with the same adult can also fly free, but they must have a purchased ticket to occupy a separate seat (you pay the applicable child’s fare, not the adult fare). You must call Southwest Reservations to add a lap child to your booking, as it cannot be done online.

For Children 2 Years and Older: They Pay the Same Fare as an Adult, But…

Once a child turns 2, they require their own seat. You book and pay for a regular adult ticket for them.

However, the critical advantage on Southwest is their unique fare structure and benefits:

1. No Change or Cancel Fees: The fare you pay for your child’s ticket is never lost. If your plans change, you can cancel the flight and the full value becomes a travel fund in the child’s name (or, if you booked a refundable fare, you can get cash back). You can reuse that money for a future flight.
2. Two Free Checked Bags: Your child gets the same two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply) as every other passenger. This is a huge savings for families with car seats, strollers, and extra luggage.
3. Family Boarding: Southwest has open seating (no assigned seats). To help families sit together, they offer Family Boarding between the “A” and “B” boarding groups. This occurs after the “A” group has boarded, as long as at least one child is 6 years old or younger. This makes it much easier to find adjacent seats.
4. Fare Sales Apply: You can book your child’s ticket during one of Southwest’s frequent sales, often securing a very low fare.

Key Comparison to Other Airlines:

• On most legacy airlines (Delta, American, United), a child’s ticket is essentially the same price as