Will Southwest let me sit with my kids?

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.



Yes, Southwest Airlines has systems in place to ensure families can sit together, though their process is changing significantly in 2026. Historically known for "open seating," Southwest is transitioning to assigned seating for flights taking off on or after January 27, 2026. Under this new model, you can select and purchase specific seats for your family at the time of booking, similar to other major airlines. If you choose the "Basic" fare (which assigns seats at check-in), Southwest has committed to a "Family Seating Policy" where they will endeavor to seat at least one adult with a child (age 12 and under) at no extra cost, provided seats are available. If you have a reservation for a flight that still uses the old open-seating model, you should utilize "Family Boarding," which occurs between Group A and Group B; this allows two adults to board with children ages 6 and under, virtually guaranteeing a row together. For the best peace of mind in 2026, it is recommended to book the "Choice" or "Preferred" fare tiers which allow you to lock in your family's seats the moment you buy your tickets.

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If the conditions are satisfied, airlines that assign seats and guarantee fee-free family seating will provide adjacent seat assignments to the adult traveling with a child age 13 or under no later than on the day before the flight.

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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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Like many other airlines, Southwest begins boarding about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. The similarities largely end there, though, because Southwest's boarding process is unlike any other airline thanks to its open seating policy, which means you can sit just about anywhere you want without assigned seats.

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Southwest Airlines has long argued that its unassigned seating policy is popular with passengers and facilitates speedier boarding. That means planes spend less time at the gate and more time in the air generating Southwest money. Over the years, the airline has tinkered with the no-system boarding system.

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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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Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.

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Southwest Airlines has long argued that its unassigned seating policy is popular with passengers and facilitates speedier boarding. That means planes spend less time at the gate and more time in the air generating Southwest money. Over the years, the airline has tinkered with the no-system boarding system.

MORE DETAILS

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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Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform Southwest Airlines that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Only one lap child is allowed per adult.

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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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If you can buckle your seatbelts, you guys should be able to fly without any issue. If the seatbelts don't fit, you should contact whichever airlines you're considering and confirm whether or not they will offer a seatbelt extender.

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You should be fine. You could try and google the largest seat in your class category and try to book it. You will be fine, you probably won't even need an extender on your belt. A size 22 won't have difficulty fitting in a airline seat, and doing up the seat belt.

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While there is no exact weight or size limit, a customer of size is someone that needs more than one seat on the airline. Southwest (and most airlines) state that the lowered armrest is the border of the seat, and if you cross over it, or under it, then you may want to utilize the Customer of Size Policy.

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6 ways to get the best seat on Southwest flights
  1. Check in 24-hours before departure. ...
  2. Pay for Early Bird check-in. ...
  3. Earn elite status with Southwest. ...
  4. Pay for a Business Select fare. ...
  5. Have the right Southwest credit card. ...
  6. Bring your kids with you or say you need extra time.


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Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure, when it is available. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and, when available, can be added to a reservation up to 30 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure.

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Unaccompanied minors less than 12 years old, pay an extra fee for an unaccompanied minor ticket, and can preboard. There is some other assistance that they receive.

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What are the Rapid Rewards Rules and Regulations? Rapid Rewards is a rewards program offered by Southwest Airlines® Co. for Southwest Airlines Customers.

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When a Customer requests to preboard, our Employees will ask 1) do you need assistance boarding the aircraft? and/or 2) do you have a specific seating need to accommodate your disability?

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