Southwest Lap Child and ticketed infant policy: key facts
Southwest Airlines primary sources reviewed June 17, 2025. Check the child’s travel date, operating carrier, route and payment currency against the live Southwest Airlines record. This summary covers Southwest Lap Child and ticketed infant guidance.
Flying with a baby on Southwest Airlines is a common experience for many families. The airline's infant policy covers everything from the minimum age to how to handle car seats and strollers. Understanding the rules before you go can make your trip much smoother.
This guide is designed to answer all your questions in plain language. We'll cover the basics, from the lap child policy to how to manage all the baby gear you'll need to bring.
Can my baby fly on Southwest?
Yes, but there are age and ticket rules. A lap child must be at least 14 days and under two for the entire trip. If the child turns two, a ticketed seat is required under the applicable booking.
For a lap child, they sit on your lap for the duration of the flight. For safety, the FAA recommends that all children use a car seat, but it is not required for lap children.
If you prefer, you can purchase a separate seat for your infant and use an FAA-approved car seat on board. This is the safest option and gives you more space.
Understanding the age rules for infants
The rule is clear: a lap child must be at least 14 days and under two for the entire trip. If the child turns two, a ticketed seat is required.
This means if your child is under 2 on the outbound flight but turns 2 on the day of the return flight, they would need a paid seat for the return flight. The age is determined per segment.
For example, if your child turns 2 on the second day of a three-day trip, you would need to purchase a ticket for them for the final flight. It's important to check the dates carefully when booking.
What to know about the in-flight experience
Bringing a baby on a plane requires some preparation. While flight attendants will help where they can, they are not there to babysit. You are responsible for your child's care throughout the flight.
Breast pumps and medical supplies follow medical-device/security rules; request disability support separately. If you need special assistance, like help with a mobility device, you should request that separately from the infant booking.
How to book for your infant
Adding your infant to your reservation is easy. You add the lap child to the adult reservation and bring accepted age proof; purchase a seat when using an approved restraint or when age requires it.
Before you pay
When you book, make sure to select the option for a lap child. You will need to enter the child's name and date of birth. If you are purchasing a seat for your infant, you'll book it like any other ticket.
After you book
After booking, you will receive a confirmation that includes the infant's name on the reservation. It's a good idea to check that the child is correctly listed. Save your confirmation and any receipts.
For a lap child, you don't get a separate boarding pass, but the infant is still listed on the adult's ticket.
Travel documents for your baby
You will need proof of age. Southwest accepts an original or photocopied passport, birth certificate or government-issued photo ID; screenshots and immunization records are not accepted.
For domestic flights, a birth certificate is usually sufficient. For international flights, a valid passport is required. It's best to bring a physical copy of the document, as a photo on your phone may not be accepted.
If your child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent letter from the other parent is not always required for domestic flights but is recommended, especially if there are custody issues.
Understanding the costs
Southwest's infant policy is very budget-friendly. Domestic lap travel does not require a separate seat fare, while a purchased seat uses the applicable fare; international taxes/documents may apply.
This means you can fly with your infant on your lap for free on domestic flights. You will still need to pay any applicable taxes or fees for the infant.
If you choose to purchase a seat for your child, you will pay the applicable fare for that seat, just like an adult.
Baggage for your baby
Infants don't get their own baggage allowance. A lap child has no separate carry-on allowance; the adult packs infant supplies within their permitted items.
This means you will need to pack all your child's supplies—diapers, formula, snacks—within your own carry-on or personal item. Plan accordingly.
However, you can check one stroller and one car seat per ticketed passenger for free. This is a great benefit that can save you money.
Strollers and car seats
These items are free to check. One stroller and one car seat/CRS can be checked free per ticketed customer at curb, counter or gate.
You can check a stroller at the gate, which is convenient because you can use it through the airport. You can check a car seat with your checked baggage or at the gate.
If you have purchased a seat for your child, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat on board and secure your child in it for the flight.
Check-in and at the airport
The airport process for families is similar to other passengers. Use the counter for age verification when asked and tell the agent where gate-checked equipment should be returned.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time. When checking in, you may be asked to show proof of your child's age. Be ready to present a birth certificate or passport.
If you are gate-checking your stroller, tell the agent so they can tag it. You will pick it up at the gate upon arrival, not at baggage claim.
Connections, codeshares, and international flights
The rules can change based on your route. Every segment must keep the child under two for lap eligibility; Getaways packages have their own whole-trip birthday rule.
If your trip has a connection, the child must be under 2 for every segment to qualify as a lap child. If you are on a codeshare flight, the operating airline's infant policy may apply.
For international travel, all passengers need route-specific entry and exit documents regardless of age. Check the visa and entry requirements for your destination and transit countries.
Special assistance for families
If you need extra help, you can request it. Breast pumps and medical supplies follow medical-device/security rules; request disability support separately.
If you need help with mobility, or have a medical condition, you should contact Southwest's special assistance team before your flight. They can help arrange the support you need.
A real-life planning example
A parent is planning a trip from Dallas to Los Angeles with their 10-month-old baby. The first step is to check the age: the child is under 2, so they qualify for the lap child policy.
The parent books the flight online, adding the infant as a lap child. They pack diapers, formula, and snacks within their carry-on. They decide to bring a stroller and check it at the gate for free.
At the airport, they go to the counter, show the birth certificate, and receive their boarding passes. They have a smooth flight and pick up their stroller at the gate upon arrival.
Final tips for traveling with an infant
Traveling with a baby requires some extra planning. Here are a few final tips:
Pack extra supplies: Carry extra feeding and diaper supplies and recheck the infant listing after any reservation change. You never know when a delay might happen.
Label your gear: Carry paper age proof, add the child before airport arrival and label the stroller and restraint clearly. This will help you keep track of your items.
Check the latest rules: Check Southwest Airlines again shortly before departure because stations, forms and operating plans can change.
Southwest Airlines infant travel comparison table
| Age/category | Solo eligibility | Service | Fee or fare | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 14 days | Not accepted normally | No lap travel | N/A | Wait/medical review |
| 14 days–under2 | Adult required | Lap child | No seat fare domestic | Age proof |
| Under2 in seat | Adult required | Approved CRS | Ticketed fare | Own seat |
| Turns 2 | Own seat required | Child booking | Fare applies | Reprice trip |
For Southwest Lap Child and ticketed infant policy, use this Southwest Airlines infant policy table as a question list. Only the operating airline can approve the real trip.
Primary source for this Southwest Airlines guide
For this child trip, we used one main Southwest Airlines source for the time-sensitive facts on this page. Check the Southwest Airlines source again before payment and departure.
Frequently asked questions
Use these answers with the route-specific detail in this Southwest Airlines infant guide; each question addresses a separate travel decision.
How old does a baby need to be to fly on Southwest?+
Southwest requires infants to be at least 14 days old to travel. For international flights, they may require a medical clearance form.
Can my baby fly for free on Southwest?+
Yes, infants under 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights. You will still need to add them to your reservation and pay any applicable taxes or fees.
What if my child turns 2 during our trip?+
If your child turns 2 during the trip, you will need to purchase a separate seat for them for the return flight(s). They will no longer qualify as a lap child.
What documents does my baby need for a Southwest flight?+
For domestic flights, a birth certificate or passport is recommended. For international flights, a valid passport is required.
Can I bring a car seat on Southwest?+
Yes, you can bring a car seat. If you have purchased a seat for your child, you can use an FAA-approved car seat on board. You can also check a car seat for free.
Can I bring a stroller on Southwest?+
Yes, you can check one stroller and one car seat per ticketed passenger for free. You can check the stroller at the gate or with your checked baggage.
What is the baggage allowance for a baby?+
A lap child does not get a separate baggage allowance. Their items must fit within the adult's carry-on allowance. However, you can check a car seat and stroller for free.
Can I bring breast milk on Southwest?+
Yes, you can bring breast milk, formula, and baby food in reasonable quantities. These items are exempt from the TSA liquid rules.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
For Southwest Lap Child and ticketed infant policy, Southwest Airlines controls flight acceptance. Public authorities control passports, consent, transit and entry. The single primary carrier link appears in the source section above.
Southwest Lap Child and ticketed infant policy editorial note: Updated June 17, 2025. AI assisted the research structure and quality checks. A person should still compare this itinerary with current Southwest Airlines instructions. We do not claim Southwest Airlines affiliation.