Southwest Airlines Infant Policy: All You Must Know

Do you have a baby, and are you planning a trip with your baby? But confused and worried about the safety of the newborn? Are you wondering if it is safe for a baby to travel on a flight, or can a baby travel comfortably throughout the journey? However, if you are going with all these questions, then straightforwardly choose Southwest Airlines without hesitation.   

Southwest Airlines is one of the safest airlines for all passengers(especially those travelling with infants) because the airline has taken all significant steps to ensure safety and comfort. However, you might be wondering how to add lap infant to Southwest ticket. Worry not; in the upcoming section of this blog, you will learn about the procedure, fee, rules, and regulations.  

What Is Southwest Airlines Infant Policy

Southwest Airlines has a unique policy for infants. The policy allows the infant to travel on the flight and offers various other services that a baby or their parents require. Southwest Airlines infant policy allows your infants to travel safely and comfortably on the lap of an accompanying adult or an FAA-approved child seat.  However, as per the policy, the infants must be 14 days old to travel on the flight. Due to the safety and health conditions of newborn babies, the airline recommends that infants younger than 14 days old avoid travelling on flights. 

Rules And Regulations Of Southwest Airlines Infant Policy

• According to the add lap infant to Southwest policy, the airline allows only one infant to travel on the accompanying adult's lap(i.e., one lap infant per adult). However, if you have to travel with more than one baby, the airline informs the passengers to book a child seat for their other child. 

  
  

• Infants older than 14 days and less than 2 years of age are allowed to travel on the lap of their accompanying adults. If your child is older than 2 years of age, then they will have to travel in a separate seat near the accompanying adults. Once the child reaches the age of 2 years, they are no longer considered an infant.

• On a domestically operated flight, a lap infant can travel without a seat on its parent’s lap, maybe for free. However, tax, duty charges, or other similar charges may be charged for lap infants on international flights. 

• The accompanying adults may be asked for their child's age verification documents at check-in. However, they must carry their child's birth certificate or other related documents proving the child’s age.

• Under the airline infant policy, a boarding pass is unnecessary for lap infants, but a boarding verification document is necessary. The accompanying adults can access the document through various sources, like the airline website or the mobile app. Moreover, you can also access the verification document at the airport ticket counter or the self-service kiosk center.

What Is Southwest Airlines Stroller Policy?

Southwest Airlines infant policy guidelines clearly state that each ticketed traveler flying with infants may check one stroller, car seat, or child restraint system/device. However, passengers must note that this additional equipment is allowed only with a limited release of liability. Hence, the airline may charge extra fees to bring this equipment on board.

How Do I Add a Lap Infant To a Southwest Flight Ticket?

Follow the basic steps below to add lap infant to Southwest ticket successfully.

• Open the Southwest Airlines official website.

• Once you open the site in a browser, you must select the journey dates, the location of departure, and the destination to proceed.

• In the following screen, select the total number of passengers(including the infant).

• Next, click the “Select Flight” section.

• The “Trip and Price Details” pages will be shown on the following screen. Please review them carefully before continuing.

• Afterward, complete the procedure by filling in the information like passengers' details, etc.  However, it's mandated that you associate the lap child with an adult passenger while adding an infant to a ticket. 

Can I Reserve A Bassinet On The Southwest Flight?

As per the add lap infant to Southwest policy and its regulations, the airline does not offer bassinet services on flights for lap infants. However, the airline allows the child accompanying adults to bring an FAA-approved child car seat for safe baby travel. Still, the airline doesn’t allow or prohibit carrying toys or other amenities on the flight. Hence, the airline offers free in-flight movies for your device for entertainment, but you must use the earphones.

Southwest Airlines Lap Infant Fee

According to the airline’s infant policy, an infant under two years of age can travel on its parent’s lap. However, if the lap infant travels on domestic flights, it may travel for free. Hence, an infant traveling on international flights might be charged a nominal fee.

However, according to the airline's guidelines for lap infants, the fees are based on government taxes and other similar charges. Hence, passengers can contact the airline support team at 1-800-435-9792 or dial +1-866-382-0365 to reach out to the consolidation desk for information related to lap infants. 

Can I Add An Infant To The Existing Southwest Ticket 

As per Southwest Airlines' infant policy, you are entitled to add an infant to your already booked Southwest flight ticket. If you need to add an infant to your flight ticket, it's recommended that you follow the steps below, which will assist you in doing so.

• Reach out to the Self-service Kiosk machine at the terminal.

• Acknowledge all the required declarations present on the screen.

• In the following step, add your infant and tap the “Next” option.

• Afterward, enter the infant's details and proceed.

• Thoroughly read and understand the add lap infant to Southwest policy by clicking the “Acknowledge” option.

• Review and confirm the travelers' and flight information.

• Click on the “Next” option.

• Afterward, follow the instructions on-screen to complete the process.

Winding Up!

Plan your trip with a newborn baby without hesitating anymore because Southwest Airlines has all the necessities for safety, comfort, and entertainment on its flights. However, if you still have unclear doubts about the airline's lap infant policy or similar policies like date change or the Southwest name change on ticket policy, then reach out to the airline support team at 1-800-435-9792 or dial +1-866-382-0365  to connect with a flight expert.