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What are the rules for child boarding on Southwest?

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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Depends on your definition of young. Here's Southwest's policy regarding family boarding: An adult traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding.

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Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.

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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.

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Will minors need an ID to fly domestically? Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. There is, however, an exception for Unaccompanied Minors traveling on Southwest Airlines.

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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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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.

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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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Q: Can I use family boarding if I am traveling with a 7-year-old? A: No, technically, you won't be eligible for family boarding if your child is 7. However, it definitely happens and you probably won't be turned down at the gate.

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Depending on their ages and which airline you have chosen, some airlines invite families to board in front of everybody else, while others allow those with kids to slide in somewhere between elite passengers and regular coach-flying folk.

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However, children over the age of 2 must pay for a flight ticket and have their own seat on the aircraft. Many airlines will only charge between 50% to 80% of an adult ticket, for a child flight ticket.

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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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In addition to Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, the following documents are also acceptable for flying within the United States: S. passport or passport card. DHS trusted traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST)

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You do not need id to check in at Southwest. You need a confirmation number and your name. You can get that by logging in to your account or by referring to the e-mail that Southwest sent you when you completed the booking. If you don't know how to do that you can check in by using a credit card at the airport.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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U.S. citizen children traveling abroad If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel.

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