Southwest Airlines is an American Low-Cost Airline based out of Dallas, Texas. Famous for their great customer service, it is also one of the few airlines that offers free checked bags on all of its flights. Here’s a summary of Southwest Airlines’ pregnancy, infant and children travel policies.
*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on flying with children on Southwest Airlines, click here.
Expectant Mothers
While air travel does not usually cause problems during pregnancy unless delivery is expected within 14 days or less, in some cases, traveling by air has been known to cause complications or premature labor. Female Customers at any stage of pregnancy should consult with their physicians prior to air travel. Southwest Airlines recommends against air travel beginning at the 38th week of pregnancy. Depending on their physical condition, strength, and agility, pregnant women may, in some cases, be asked not to sit in the emergency exit row.
Infant (under 2 years old)
Infants in between the ages of 14 days and 2 years old, are not required to have their own seat however, you must inform Southwest Airlines that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap.
A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.
Only one lap child is allowed per adult. A regular seat must be purchased for each additional infant if you are flying with more than one infant.
A seat may be purchased for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device. Affordable infant fares are available for parents that wish to reserve a seat for their infant and use his/her FAA-approved car seat.
For domestic flights, infants can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of an adult (12 years of age or older) for the flight.
A ticket must be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.
Children (2 to 11 old)
Accompanied children ages 2 through 11 may be charged the applicable Child’s Fare or purchase a Wanna Get Away Fare or Anytime Fare for the flight. Proof of age may be required.
Baggage Allowance for Infants
Customers traveling with infants are allowed to check one stroller per infant without charge (in addition to the free baggage allowance).
Southwest allows two (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticketed customer. Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per check piece of luggage. Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item.
Carryon items are limited to one (1) bag plus one (1) smaller, personal-type item.
Strollers and Child Restraint Devices
Strollers:
Customers traveling with infants are allowed to check one stroller per infant without charge (in addition to the free baggage allowance). Strollers may also be used as carry on items or may be gate checked at no additional charge.
Child Restraint Devices:
Child restraint devices must have the labels noted below, or you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.
| Country: | Certification: | Details: |
|---|---|---|
| United States |
US FMVSS #213 or Federal Aviation Authorities (FAA) |
Manufactured after 26 February 1985; red sticker bearing text “This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft” and “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.”Manufactured before 1985; it must state “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” |
| Canada |
Transport Canada
|
|
| European Union |
Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
|
|
| Germany |
TÜV: TÜV/958-01/2001
|
|
| U.N. |
United Nations ECE R 44-03 (or later versions)
|
Related Reading
- Bottle Feeding and Formula Feeding Travel Tips
- Best Travel Beds for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children
- How to Travel While Potty Training + Potty Training Essentials Packing List
*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on flying with children on Southwest Airlines, click here.