Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?
Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform Southwest Airlines that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap.
Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant.
A birth certificate or shot record must be presented upon check-in for any lap children under the age of two.
You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device.
Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?
A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.
What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?
Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.
What types of child restraint devices are allowed?
| 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)
|
If your device does not have the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.
What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (ie. Bassinets)?
Infant amenities vary by aircraft. When you're on the airplane page, look for the Infant Amenity Icon. If it is present, clicking on it will tell you what infant services are available on that airplane. If you do not see it, infant amenities are not offered on that aircraft. You can always contact Southwest Airlines for more information.
Can I sit in the Exit Row with my infant?
Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that no lap children or infant seats are allowed in an Exit Row and that all passengers in an Exit Row must be at least 15 years of age. In addition, infant seats are not allowed in the row directly in front of or directly behind an exit.
