How do kids fly free on Southwest?

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.



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Need to know about the Southwest lap child policy? For domestic flights, kids under the age of 2 can fly for free when sitting on an adult's lap. They don't need a ticket, but you'll need to bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate, when you check in.

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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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It is an FAA regulation that children aged 2 and older require their own ticket and seat. I recommend buying a ticket even for children under the age of 2 and strapping them into an airline approved carseat.

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Standard Pillows These pillows are generally allowed on the plane if they can be stored under your seat. In cases where your pillow is too big to be stored under your seat, it will need to be stashed in your carry-on bag.

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If you are traveling domestically, you will only need 1 valid form of identification — either your REAL ID or your passport, not both.

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We may ask for age verification at any point within your journey, so you should travel with the documentation. If asked to provide proof of age and unable to do so, Customers will be required to purchase a ticket for the child.

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SouthWest: SouthWest includes diaper bags as part of your carry on allowance. As a carry on, it should be no larger than 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). If you are using your diaper bag as a personal item, it should be able to fit under the seat, 16.25” (L) + 13.5” (W) + 8” (H).

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Employees have free, unlimited travel privileges for themselves and eligible dependents on Southwest Airlines. Eligible dependents include spouse or committed/registered partner, eligible dependent children under 19 years old (or up to 24 if a full-time student), and parents.

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Preboarding is available for Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.

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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that is 2 years old or older. 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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