Among various travelers, families largely prefer traveling with Southwest Airlines. And why not? The airline has several reasons for it, one being Southwest infant policy among those. Southwest has devised its infant policy smartly so that parents of the infants are at the maximum benefits and the little passengers are provided maximum comfort and convenience.
Let’s know about Southwest infant policy and how it is helping new parents and the infants.
What is Southwest Infant Policy?
Southwest makes sure that its passengers are always comfortable onboard. To add to their reasons to choose Southwest time and again, the airline brings forth customer-friendly policies. One such policy is for infants.
So, if you are flying with an infant on Southwest, take note of the policy’s highlights –
- Your infant must be more than 14 days old.
- Carry their age proof when checking in. The proof can be a passport, a birth certificate, or any government-issued ID.
- An infant 14+ days old and less than 2 years of age might get an exemption from any charges if traveling with someone 12 years old or older. However, in this case, the infant shouldn’t occupy a seat.
- To travel with an infant in your lap, pay the applicable fees and taxes as an international part of the infant’s itinerary. Make the payment before travel.
- Your lap child doesn’t need a boarding pass. However, obtain a Boarding Verification Document (BVD) so that your infant can easily board the flight.
- If you purchase a seat for your infant to travel in a child restraint system (CRS), they need a boarding pass.
- Lactating mothers can have an additional carry-on bag with milk, breast pump, and other baby essentials.
Seating for Infants
- As per the Southwest baby policy, secure your infant in an FAA-approved child restraint device as per the availability of an adjacent unoccupied seat.
- Kids who have turned 2 years old must occupy their own seats as per FAA regulations.
Please note
- The child restraint device may be transported as checked baggage at the unavailability of adjacent unoccupied seats.
- You are allowed a car seat and a stroller for free.
How to Make a Southwest Booking with a Lap Child?
If you are not buying your tickets with Rapid Rewards points, booking a domestic or international trip for your Lap Child online is a breeze. Here’s how you can do it –
- Select your –
- Arrival and departure cities
- Travel dates
- In the Passengers field, mention the number of adults and lap children for the number of seats.
- Move to Select Flight and Trip & Price Details options.
- Enter the passengers’ details in the Who’s Flying fields.
- Use the drop down arrow if multiple adults and/or lap children are traveling.
Please note
After adding an infant to your booking, you can call 800-435-9792 to contact Southwest Airlines representatives to make changes, if required. You can also connect with a customer service executive at the same number for redemption reservations.
Does Southwest Offer Discounts on Kids Fares?
If you are traveling with an infant on a Southwest flight, it is wise to know about its fares. So, here are the major points about Southwest Airlines Infant Fares for your reference –
- Infant fares on Southwest are fully refundable and free from any restrictions.
- As per FAA recommendation, Southwest Airlines allows infants below 40 pounds in a suitable child restraint system during the flight.
- Every Southwest Airlines flight offers infant fares, but seat availability is limited as per FAA regulations.
- Infant fares may be purchased at an airport ticket counter of Southwest or on call at its official customer service number.
- Babies eligible for discounted Infant Fares are less than 2 years old on travel date. They must have a confirmed booking and occupy a reserved seat, with/ without an FAA-approved child restraint device.
- As per the Southwest infant policy, children eligible for discounted Child Fares must be between 2 and 11 years of age on the travel date, traveling with someone at least 12 years or older.
For more information, on infant or child fare, contact the airline via phone at 800-435-9792.
Therefore, with Southwest you and your infants can travel conveniently. Thanks to its customer-friendly Southwest infant policy that provides a plethora of perks and flexibility. Make the most of these benefits and travel at ease.
