Traveling with a stroller can be a convenient way to transport your child. Thus, if you’re planning to fly with Southwest Airlines, you may be wondering, “What is the Southwest stroller policy?” and how it may affect your travel plans.
In this article, we will explore the Southwest stroller policy in detail and provide you with all the information you need to know before your next flight.
What Is The Southwest Stroller Policy?
Here’s the lowdown on Southwest’s stroller and car seat policy. They’ve got some great perks for families:
- Check for Free: Southwest lets you check one stroller and one car seat at no cost. It doesn’t matter where you got them; even third-party ones are fine. And this is on top of your regular baggage allowance, so no worries about going over your weight limit.
- Extra Protection: If you want an added layer of safety for your stroller and car seat, you can buy a reusable bag at any ticket counter. It’s $17 and shields your gear from the elements.
- Free for the Little Ones: If you have a child under five who’s not using their own seat, Southwest has you covered with complimentary lap child tickets. That means you can fly with your little one for free.
How Much Does It Cost To Check A Stroller On Southwest?
Checking in your child’s stroller on Southwest won’t cost you a dime. Yep, it’s completely free. Southwest goes the extra mile by letting parents check in their little one’s stroller without any additional charges, and this is on top of the regular free baggage allowance.
Why do they do this? Well, Southwest Airlines gets it. They know how crucial it is to support families, especially those traveling with young children. They’re all about making the travel journey for parents as seamless and stress-free as possible.
What Is A Southwest Stroller Baggage Allowance?
Southwest lets you check in one stroller per child for free. What’s even better, strollers and car seats are like VIP baggage – they don’t count against your regular bag allowance. So, you can bring your stroller and car seat along without any extra fees.
Tip: There are some size and weight rules to follow. Your stroller should weigh less than 50 pounds (that’s about 22.7 kilograms) and be smaller than 62 linear inches (which is around 157.5 centimeters).
How To Add An Infant On Southwest?
To add an infant to Southwest, you will need to contact Southwest Airlines directly. You may need to provide the infant’s name, date of birth, and any necessary documentation such as a birth certificate. It is important to contact Southwest as soon as possible.
Here, are the ways in which you may add an infant on Southwest:
Add An Infant Online
Here’s the lowdown on adding a lap child when booking online with Southwest Airlines:
- Start Your Booking: When you’re booking your flight on Southwest’s website, you’re in control. As you go through the booking steps, you’ll reach the “Passenger Information” page.
- Lap Child Option: Right there on the “Passenger Information” page, you’ll spot a drop-down menu for each passenger. Guess what? There’s a nifty “Lap Child” option right in that menu. Click on it.
- Enter Details: Once you’ve selected the “Lap Child” option, you’ll need to provide some info about your infant. Fill in their name, birthdate, and gender.
- Rapid Rewards Number (If Using Points): If you’re using Rapid Rewards points to pay for your reservation, don’t forget to enter the adult traveler’s Rapid Rewards number.
Add An Infant For Redemption Bookings
If you’re planning to use your Southwest Airlines points for a flight and want to include your infant in your booking, it’s a simple process. Just give their customer service a call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. You’ll need to share a few details with the agent:
- The adult traveler’s Rapid Rewards number.
- Your infant passenger’s name.
- Their birthdate.
- Gender.
Once you provide this information, you’ll be all set to travel with your little one using your points.
Tips For Adding An Infant On Southwest
If you’re traveling with an infant on Southwest Airlines, there are a few important details to keep in mind:
- Age Requirement: Your little one should be under two years old, and you’ll need to have proof of their age when you check in. This can be their birth certificate or passport.
- No Fare Charges: The good news is that Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge for lap children. So, you won’t need to pay a separate fare for your infant.
- Traveling with Multiple Infants: If you’re an adult passenger, you’re allowed to travel with up to two infants on the same reservation. This can be really handy for parents of twins or siblings close in age.
- International Travel: For international flights, you might need to provide additional documents for your infant, such as a visa. It’s a good idea to check the specific requirements for your destination.
These are the key points to ensure a smooth journey when you’re flying with your little one.
How To Age-Verify Your Infant With Southwest Airlines?
When you’re flying with your child for the first time, there’s a simple process to follow:
- First Flight Check-In: For your child’s first flight, you’ll need to go to the ticket counter. It’s where you’ll check in. You’ll want to have a valid ID with you, like their certified birth certificate, birth record, or passport. During this check-in, a friendly Southwest agent will add a “verified age” to your child’s Southwest Rapid Rewards account. It’s a straightforward step to make sure everything is in order.
- Smooth Sailing for Future Trips: Now, here’s the great part. For all your future trips, you can use Southwest’s online check-in. This is for your whole family, even if you’re flying with an infant fare. It’s super convenient and makes the process much smoother. Plus, it ensures that your little one is properly registered and age-verified with Southwest Airlines.
How To Get The Southwest Airlines Infant Fare For Your Baby’s Own Seat?
When you’re planning to travel with your infant on Southwest Airlines, the process is straightforward:
- Secure Your Own Ticket: To start, go ahead and book your own ticket directly through the Southwest Airlines website or their mobile app. You can pick your seat and all that good stuff.
- Give Southwest a Call: Now, it’s time to call up Southwest Airlines’ customer service. This is where you’ll add your baby to your reservation and request that special infant fare. During this call, be ready to share your baby’s age, and you might need to provide some essential documents.
It’s important to remember that this infant fare isn’t something you can snag while booking online. You’ll need to chat with the friendly folks at customer service to make it happen.
Here, is a detailed guide for you:
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Purchasing The Discounted Fare
Yes, you’re all set to travel with your little one on Southwest Airlines, and you want to get that infant fare, right? Here’s what you need to do:
- Give Southwest a Call: Reach out to Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). They’re there to help you out. During your chat, they’ll ask you to provide some proof of your baby’s age, which is under 2 years. You can use a certified birth certificate, birth record, or passport for this.
- Get a Rapid Rewards Account for Your Child: To make your life easier when it comes to online check-in for your little one’s seat, you’ll need to create a Rapid Rewards account number for your child. This way, you can have everything set up for a smooth journey.
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Preparing Your Child For The Flight
When it comes to your child’s safety during the flight, you’ll need to use an FAA-approved car seat, which is also known as a child restraint system (CRS). This car seat should be placed in a middle or window seat for the safest setup.
To make the journey more comfortable for your little one, it’s a great idea to bring their favorite blanket, toy, or stuffed animal. Having something familiar by their side can help them feel at ease during the flight.
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Additional Information
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time in order to check in and board on time.
Note: It is important to check Southwest Airlines’ policies and restrictions as they may vary depending on your destination.
Can You Add An Infant To An Existing Booking [Southwest]?
Yes, you can add your infant to an existing booking with ease. Just give the airline a call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, and they’ll assist you in getting everything sorted out. Whether it’s a redemption booking or you’re simply adding a lap child to your current reservation, they’ve got you covered.
During the call, the airline’s friendly staff will walk you through the process and make sure your infant is seamlessly added to your booking.
Additionally, they’ll provide you with any extra details or tips about traveling with your little one.
Note: It’s essential to be aware that there might be some additional fees or specific requirements when flying with an infant, such as having proof of your baby’s age or bringing a car seat on board.
What Parents Need To Know About Flying With Strollers And Car Seats?
When you’re planning to travel with strollers and car seats, it’s crucial to understand the airline’s rules and regulations. Be sure to review the specific guidelines of the airline you’ll be flying with, especially concerning the size and weight restrictions for strollers and car seats.
Keep in mind that policies can vary: some airlines might allow you to check them in for free, while others could charge an additional fee. To ensure the safety and condition of your gear during the flight, it’s a good idea to have a travel bag to protect your stroller or car seat.
Moreover, think about the convenience and safety aspects of using these items both during the flight and at your destination.
Here’s what you need to know when flying with a child or infant:
Stroller Policy with Southwest Airlines
Southwest warmly welcomes you to check one stroller for each child you’re traveling with, and the best part is, there’s no extra cost for this service. This policy applies to all sorts of strollers, whether it’s an umbrella stroller, a sturdy jogging stroller, or a full-sized one.
For your convenience, you can check your strollers at various points during your journey – be it at the curb, the ticket counter, or right at the gate. Just remember that when you’re ready to check your stroller, it should be folded and properly packaged so it doesn’t pose any safety risks.
Car Seat Policy with Southwest Airlines
Parents are allowed to bring an approved child restraint for use on board the aircraft. All car seats must meet FAA regulations and have an approval label affixed to the seat.
The car seat may be checked at no additional cost, but parents will need to carry it on board the aircraft.
Booking a Seat for Your Child
Children two years of age and older must occupy their own seat on Southwest Airlines flights. To ensure your child has a seat, you’ll need to book them an additional ticket.
Note: Infants under two years of age may travel in the lap of an adult over 18 at no extra cost.
Gate Checking Strollers and Car Seats
When you arrive at the gate, you may check your stroller and car seat at no additional cost. However, please note that these items must be tagged and placed in a separate area from your checked luggage.
Security Screening
All passengers are subject to security screening before boarding the plane, including those with strollers and car seats.
To make the process easier on both you and your child, place any loose items in your checked luggage before proceeding through security.
Boarding and Early Family Boarding
Southwest Airlines offers a priority boarding system for families traveling with small children.
The A-list Priority Boarding window for families opens at the same time as general boarding, giving families more time to board the aircraft before other passengers.
What Experts Say Is The Safest Way For Small Children To Fly
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommend that for the safety of your child, all children under the age of two should be secured in a Child Restraint System (CRS) or a child safety device during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated, whether they have their own seat or are seated on your lap.
The CRS or device you use should meet FAA safety standards and have the approval of the airline you’re flying with. These precautions are essential because even lap babies can be at risk of serious injury during turbulence or other times when the seat belt sign is on.
Moreover, the forces experienced during takeoff and landing can be quite strong, making it difficult to hold an infant in your arms safely.
Financial Considerations In Addition To Safety Concerns
Many airlines provide free or discounted flights for lap babies, meaning infants who sit on their parent’s lap during the flight. However, if you decide to use a Child Restraint System (CRS) or a child safety device to secure your baby during the flight, you will need to purchase a ticket for them. While it might seem like an additional expense, it’s a worthwhile investment in your child’s safety.
In the unfortunate event of an accident or a sudden change in cabin pressure, having your baby securely strapped into a CRS or device offers significantly greater protection and peace of mind.
How Does TSA Check A Stroller?
When you pass through airport security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts a security check on strollers. Here’s how it works: your stroller goes through an X-ray machine for a thorough scan.
To make this process efficient and hassle-free, passengers are required to remove any items from the stroller’s pockets or baskets and place them in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
The stroller itself is then carefully pushed through the X-ray machine to ensure there are no prohibited items concealed within it. This security procedure is in place to maintain a high level of safety and security for all passengers and their belongings during air travel.
FAQs
Does Baby Stroller Count As Luggage?
The answer is no. Most airlines have specific policies regarding traveling with a baby stroller. Generally, airlines allow passengers to bring a stroller and a car seat free of charge in addition to their normal baggage allowance when flying with a baby under two years old.
The stroller and car seat are usually placed in the aircraft hold with the rest of the luggage.
What Size Of Stroller Can You Take On A Plane?
Generally, smaller strollers can be folded and fit within the dimensions specified by the airline (usually around 15 x 30 x 100 cm / 6 x 12 x 39 inches). Additionally, the strollers may be taken into the cabin, if there is enough space available.
However, if the stroller does not fit underneath the seat or in the overhead baggage compartment, the airline crew will take it into the hold at no extra charge.
Larger strollers, on the other hand, usually need to be checked in.
How Young Is Too Young For Your Baby To Fly?
The age at which a baby is considered too young to fly depends on their immune system development. While some doctors may suggest waiting until the baby is one month old, most recommend waiting until the baby is between three to six months old.
During this time, the baby’s immune system becomes better developed, reducing the risk of catching an illness during the flight.
Does Stroller Count As Bag Southwest?
No, the stroller is separate from the baggage allowance and does not count as a bag. Passengers are also allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, onto the plane on Southwest flights.
What Type Of Strollers Can Be Brought On A Southwest Fight?
Passengers can bring a stroller that is collapsible and can be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. If the stroller is too large, it can be checked at the gate and returned to the passenger at the gate upon arrival.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines’ stroller policy is designed to accommodate the convenience and comfort of passengers traveling with young children. The policy generally permits passengers to bring strollers for their infants and children, either as checked items at the gate or ticket counter.
However, given potential policy changes, it is advisable to verify the latest information from Southwest Airlines directly before embarking on your journey.