Does my 2 year old need a plane ticket on Southwest?

A Lap Child may be carried free of charge domestically. For international travel, applicable government-imposed taxes and fees must be paid, and a ticket will be issued for each person, regardless of age.



People Also Ask

One child over 14 days old and under two (2) years of age not occupying a seat may be carried free of charge when traveling with someone 12 years of age or older. If you plan to travel with an infant as a Lap Child, you must pay the taxes and fees that apply to the international portion of the infant's itinerary.

MORE DETAILS

Who qualifies as a Lap Child? One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried as a Lap Child when traveling with an adult (12 years of age or older).

MORE DETAILS

Lap infants
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and many others have similar policies for domestic flights, with a cutoff age of 2 years old. On international flights, there is no fare for lap infants, but fees may apply. In most cases, you'll need to add the infant to the adult's ticket.

MORE DETAILS

The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

MORE DETAILS

To prove your child's age to an airline, one of the following documents will suffice: Child's passport (how to get a U.S. passport for an infant and things to know about children's passports) Child's birth certificate. Child's immunization form or other medical records may also work domestically.

MORE DETAILS

Customers with children are allowed to check one stroller and one car seat without charge. This allowance applies to any type of stroller and/or car seat and is in addition to the regular baggage allowance. Customers may check the stroller and car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Employees may ask for age verification at any point, so please travel with a copy or original form of any government-issued ID, such as a birth certificate or passport for your child. A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.

MORE DETAILS

Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses. As such, airlines must, by regualtion require that any child who has reached or exceeded two years of age be seated in a cabin seat and may travel under lap child status.

MORE DETAILS

Related: Why you should travel while your baby is an infant If you have a trip that spans your child's second birthday, only the outbound flight will be free. On the return flight, you will be required to purchase your now-2-year-old a seat with a one-way ticket.

MORE DETAILS

12-18 Months Old One year olds are often highly mobile yet totally uncontrollable, making for a potentially dangerous travel combination. At this age, children are still too young to understand and follow instructions, so discipline is ineffective.

MORE DETAILS

16 Tips for Flying With Toddlers and Young Kids
  1. Book an Early Morning Departure.
  2. Save Your Upgrades for Toddler-Free Travel.
  3. Talk to Your Kids About What to Expect.
  4. Dress in Layers and Skip Shoes With Laces.
  5. Bring Surprises.
  6. Consider Using a Smaller Stroller.
  7. Pack Just Enough.
  8. Plan Your Packing List.


MORE DETAILS

In addition, Southwest Airlines offers two special fares for children: Infant Fare and Child Fare. Offering very affordable Infant Fares, Southwest Airlines sustains the FAA recommendation that babies under 40 pounds be secured in an appropriate child restraint system when traveling by air.

MORE DETAILS

Many airlines offer discounts for children, which is usually considered ages 2-11. Some of the discounts vary and are not available for every route.

MORE DETAILS