Are you planning to fly with baby? Wondering if infants can travel for free, what documents are required, or how lap child seating works? Many parents get confused before first flight, regarding rules and safety guidelines. Do not worry! Southwest Airlines lap child policy is available for families traveling with children under 2 years old. However, understanding terms and rules can help to avoid hassle at airports. From adding a lap infant to reservation to carrying stroller and diaper bags, every detail matters when flying with a young child.

This guide will explain everything about lap child policy. Including age rules, ticket booking, boarding process, baggage, safety requirements, and more. So, continue to read further.

What is Southwest Airlines Lap Child Policy?

It allow infants under 2 years old to travel on adult lap during a domestic flight. In domestic routes, infants can travel free if not getting another seat. A lap child means baby sits on accompanying adult lap for entire flight. One adult can travel with one lap child. If a passenger is traveling with two, one should have a separate seat. This is useful for families who want to travel cheaper while flying with young children.

Important Rules for Traveling With a Lap Child

Southwest has guidelines for passengers traveling with infants. Parents should follow rules to ensure safe and smooth travel. These are as follows:

  • One Lap Child: Each passenger can travel with only one infant. If flying with two, a separate booking is required.
  • Seating Restrictions: Passengers traveling with lap children cannot sit in emergency exit rows because of separate rows.
  • Boarding Pass: Even if baby flies free, children should have boarding verification document during check in.
  • Safety During Takeoff: Babies will stay safe on adult lap during landing, and turbulence.

Age Requirement for a Lap Child on Southwest Airlines

Southwest airlines allows infants d to travel as lap children on domestic flights. This helps parents travel with babies without purchasing a separate seat. However, airline follow strict age and travel requirements for infant passengers. Parents should check if child is under 2 on date of travel to qualify as a lap infant. The airline will ask for valid proof of age during check in before allowing infants to board the flight.

How to Add a Lap Child to a Southwest Airlines Reservation

Parents can add baby during booking, after or at airport. Adding infant reservation is important because child will require verification if no separate ticket is required. Completing this process early can help to skip delays.

During Online Booking

  • Visit Southwest Airlines website www.southwest.com.
  • Enter travel details and passenger information.
  • Select option indicating you traveling with an infant.
  • Provide child basic details, including name and date of birth.
  • Review reservation before payment.
  • Complete booking and save confirmation details.

After Booking

If booked a ticket without adding an infant, passengers can still update reservation later. Contact Southwest Airlines customer service and request to add a lap child to itinerary. The airline representative will ask for infant name and date of birth before updating booking. So, complete this step before arriving at airport.

At Airport

Parents add a lap child during airport check in. Airline staff ask for proof of child. Moreover, this option is available, but arriving early is important, because infant verification and document checks take time before boarding.

Does a Lap Child Fly free on Southwest Airlines?

Yes, lap children under 2 years can travel free on domestic flights when seated on adult lap. Parents do not require to purchase a separate ticket for infants. However, child should be added to reservations before travel. For international flights, some government taxes and fees apply even if infant travels as a lap child. Parents should carry valid proof of child age, such as a birth certificate or passport, during check in.

Southwest Airlines Infant Seating Policy

Southwest Airlines gives parents option to either keep infants on lap or purchase a separate seat for child. Families who buy an extra seat can use an FAA-approved car seat during journey for better comfort and support. Approved child should be placed in appropriate seats according to airline safety guidelines. This option is for during longer flights to give both parents and infants more space during travel.

Southwest Airlines Boarding Process for Families

Southwest Airline offers a family boarding option to make travel easy for parents. This process helps passengers to find seats together and settle comfortably.It gives parents extra time to store baby items and install car seats if required.

  • Family Boarding is available for families traveling with children aged 6 years.
  • Boarding takes place after “A” group and before “B” group.
  • Parents can find nearby seats easily during family boarding.
  • Extra time is provided for storing strollers, diaper bags, and baby supplies.
  • Families using approved cars can install before general boarding begins.

Baggage Allowance for Lap Children

Southwest offers several baggage benefits for parents traveling with babies and young children. This helps passengers carry baby items easily during journey. Parents can bring infant supplies without worrying about extra baggage costs.

Strollers and Car Seats

Parents can check strollers and car seats free of charge. These items can be checked at counter or gate before boarding, depending on travel preference.

Diaper Bags

Allowed along with passenger regular carry-on allowance. Parents can keep baby supplies easily accessible during flight.

Carry On Baby Items

Southwest Airlines allows parents to carry baby essentials onboard, including:

  • Baby formula
  • Breast milk
  • Baby food
  • Infant medications
  • Feeding bottles

Can I Bring Breast Milk and Formula on Southwest Airlines?

Yes, Southwest allows parents to bring breast milk, baby formula, baby food, and feeding items onboard for infant travel. These items are permitted through airport security under special TSA family travel guidelines, even if exceed normal liquid limits. Parents should inform security before screening and keep baby items separately packed for easier inspection. Ice packs and cooling accessories used for storing breast milk are allowed during travel.

Can Two Adults Share One Lap Child?

No, Southwest Airlines does not allow 2 adults to share one lap child during flight. The infant should remain with one accompanying adult on reservation for safety and travel documentation purposes. Although another adult may help care for the child during the journey, the airline officially assigns the lap infant to only one passenger.

Southwest Airlines Lap Child Policy vs Separate Infant Seat

Southwest allows parents to choose between traveling with a lap child or purchasing a separate seat. Both options have different perks related comfort, cost and safety depending on family travel needs.

Lap child   Separate Infant seats
Infant sits on the adult’s lap during the flight Infant gets a separate assigned seat
Usually free on domestic flights Requires purchasing a child ticket
Best for shorter flights Better for long journeys
No car seat required FAA-approved car seat can be used
Lower travel cost for families More comfort and space for the child
Limited movement during flight Child can remain secured in one

How to Contact Southwest Airlines for Infant Travel Assistance

Parents who require assistance with lap child reservations can contact Southwest Airlines customer service before organize trip. Airline provides assistance through phone airport ticket counters, and online service options. Travelers can ask questions about adding infants, rules and travel requirements. To contact dial Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-435-9792 for general travel assistance and infant related questions. Further, visit support page for travel help and contact information:

Tips for Flying With a Lap Child on Southwest Airlines

Traveling with child can be easier when parents plan journey in advance. It helps families manage airport procedures, keep babies comfortable, and reduce travel stress. The tips & tricks are as follows:

  • Arrive early at airport for infant check in and document verification.
  • Carry child birth certificate or valid age proof.
  • Pack extra diapers, wipes, baby food, and clothes in carry on bag.
  • Use family boarding to find seats together easily.
  • Bring toys, pacifiers, or snacks to keep child calm.
  • Choose flight times that match baby sleeping schedule.
  • Keep baby essentials easily accessible throughout journey.

Conclusion

The Southwest Airlines lap child policy makes traveling with infants easier and more for families. Babies under 2 years old can fly free on domestic flights when sitting on adult lap. The airline offers family boarding, free stroller and infant travel service. Moreover, parents should review details before trip by adding proof of age, and understanding safety rules. Whether choose a lap child option or purchase a separate seat , planning ahead can make journey smoother and comfortable. For additional assistance reach out to us at (lookflyfares) and get answers of all your queries in no time.

See More Related Post Links:

How to Book Southwest Airlines Military Discount Ticket?

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

FAQs

Does Southwest allow infants to fly for free?

Yes, infants under 2 can fly free on domestic destinations when traveling as a lap child.

Do I need a birth certificate for baby on Southwest?

Yes, Southwest flights will request proof of age such as a birth certificate during check in.

Can I bring a stroller and car seat on Southwest Airlines?

Yes, parents can check strollers and car seats free, but will

When does family boarding happen on Southwest Airlines?

Family boarding happens after Group A boarding and before B for families traveling with children aged 6 or younger.