Does Southwest have a child fare?

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.



In 2026, Southwest Airlines does not offer discounted child fares for children over the age of two; they must pay the same adult fare as everyone else. However, they do have a high-value Lap Child Policy where children under the age of two can fly for free on the lap of a fare-paying adult (limited to one lap child per adult). For children ages 5 to 11 traveling alone, Southwest operates an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service for an additional fee of roughly $50–$100 each way, which includes a mandatory lanyard and specialized supervision. While the lack of a "child discount" is standard for most U.S. domestic carriers today, Southwest’s "Bags Fly Free" and "No Change Fees" policies often provide enough incidental savings to offset the cost of a full-price seat for younger travelers.

People Also Ask

How much does a child ticket cost? The price of a child ticket will differ from airline to airline. Some airlines offer discounted prices for children, whereas others have a flat fare for adults and children. On average, discounted airline tickets for children are around 25—33% cheaper than adult tickets.

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Supply the airline's reservations representative with the minor's full name, age, parent or guardian contact information, departure and arrival airports and desired airline services. Book the flight and pay any associated unaccompanied minor fees.

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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age. Want your child to earn miles for their SkyMiles account.

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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.

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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age.

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Southwest offers Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.

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Re: Saving Seats Unfortunately, there's no policy to enforce. Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

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Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Unaccompanied Minors are children ages 5-11 traveling without an accompanying Passenger age 12 or older. These children must be escorted to the airport by a guardian and provide proof of age documentation such as a birth certificate.

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Write out the details: Anyone younger than 17 flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or guardian giving permission, destination and length of stay.

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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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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.

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