What is the baby policy on SouthWest?

If you choose to travel with your infant on your lap (at no additional charge), they don't need a boarding pass; however, you'll need a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) for the infant so they can board. BVDs can be printed at the airport on the day of travel at a kiosk or the ticket counter.



Southwest Airlines is widely considered one of the most "family-friendly" carriers due to its flexible baby and toddler policies. If your child is under the age of two, they can fly for free as a "Lap Child" on domestic flights, though you must provide a birth certificate to prove their age at the ticket counter. However, for the safest experience, Southwest and the FAA recommend purchasing a separate seat for your baby and using an FAA-approved car seat. One of the best perks is "Family Boarding," which occurs between Group A and Group B; this allows an adult traveling with a child aged six or younger to board early to ensure they find seats together. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest allows you to check two pieces of "baby equipment"—such as a stroller and a car seat—for free, in addition to your two free checked bags. You can either check these at the ticket counter or "gate-check" them as you board. Additionally, if you didn't purchase a seat for your lap child but the flight isn't full, Southwest often allows you to use an empty seat for your baby's car seat at no extra cost, making it a favorite for parents.

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Lap infant fares on international flights Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

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When you travel with a child under 2 years old, you may choose to travel with the child on your lap (infant-in-arms) or travel with your child in an FAA-approved child safety seat. To use a FAA-approved safety seat, you must purchase a ticket for your child so they have a reserved seat.

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

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Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

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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.

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Lap infants are not allowed an extra bag. Your plane ticket allows for one carry-on bag, one diaper bag, one stroller, one car seat, and a breast pump with an associated cooler, free of charge.

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Don't forget the time you'll spend at the airport prior to the flight, and after landing at your destination, as well. A common rule of thumb is to pack one diaper per hour of travel time. It doesn't hurt to pack a few extra ones beyond the ones allotted for flight time.

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Lap infants do not qualify for any checked baggage allowance. Checking a child safety seat will not count towards your checked baggage allowance and there is no fee assessed; however, playpens, wagons, and other infant beds will count as a checked bag and must meet size and weight requirements.

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Each airline will have its rules about who can sit where, but a bulkhead seat is generally considered an excellent option for families traveling with young children. The bulkhead is at the front of the cabin and sitting in those seats usually guarantees you some extra leg room.

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First, choose the bulkhead, the window, and near the toilets. These seats are the most convenient spots for families when flying. Second, if you have an infant, get a bulkhead seat, and request a bassinet, a crib that attaches to the cabin's front wall.

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If your upcoming trip is an international one, you're probably wondering whether or not your baby will need a passport. The answer is yes: Every person, no matter how young, needs a passport if she will be leaving one country and entering another.

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Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

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Lap infant fares on international flights Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

MORE DETAILS

If children are traveling for free, they don't have a baggage allowance. So any baggage for the child counts as part of the adult's baggage allowance. Children's baggage allowances are based in part by the fare paid for their travel.

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

MORE DETAILS