Southwest airline Infant Policy

With my first entirely solo flight with my kid (even as a toddler!) I've been thinking a lot about the flights we took together before he turned one. His first flight happened at 7 weeks, and we've learnt a lot since then. And I'd like to think he's grown to appreciate it as well, since he appears happy in his "pre-flight" photos below.

I've always preferred flying over driving, both before and after having a baby. There's something comfortable about simply turning up and having someone else transport you to your goal.

Pre-flight Considerations:

Even before you book your travel, there are a few things to consider, especially because many airlines have minor differences in their regulations and procedures for flying with a baby. As a result, I recommend contacting the airline directly, either by phoning customer service or visiting their website, to confirm any of the following issues that you are unsure about:

Ticket Purchase

Some airlines (including our favorite US carrier, Southwest) ask you to phone customer service to either add your kid as a lap infant or reserve a seat for any traveler under the age of two. If you can't find a way to book for an infant online, contact the airline directly. It is normally a short and painless procedure.

Lap infants

Children under the age of two are often allowed to travel as lap infants, either for free or at a considerably discounted fare. Even if you're flying with your kid as a lap infant, you still need to add them to your reservation with a confirmed ticket, and the process differs by airline. (See below for more considerations when purchasing a lap baby seat.)

Age Verification

It varies by airline. If you are going to a country that does not need a passport, most airlines will ask for a copy of your child's birth certificate. I usually bring a copy of our son's birth certificate just in case.

Baggage Allowance

Many airlines will allow you to check a car seat and stroller for free, even if your youngster is traveling on your lap. However, this varies across discounted and international carriers, and it is not always the case. Make sure you are aware of the rules before your journey, as many airlines impose extra costs if you wait to add additional checked baggage at the airport.

Pre-boarding Policy

In my experience, all US airlines provide family boarding as part of their pre-boarding process. Check in ahead of time, especially if you're the type of person who arrives at the gate right before boarding. It makes the boarding procedure much less stressful, especially if you're traveling on an airline that doesn't provide pre-selected seats.

Seating Selection

We normally chose the back of the plane to be less disruptive in case our kid is very rowdy, as well as to be closer to the restrooms. When my kid was a newborn and I was breastfeeding, I preferred the window seat for privacy; but, when he grew bigger and became restless, I preferred the aisle seat for ease of getting up and down.

Tip: whether you're on a longer journey, ask the airline whether a bassinet is available, and if so, make sure you get a seat that can accommodate one.

Flight Time

Take into account your baby's sleep routine and attempt to accommodate it as much as feasible. The last thing you want to do is go through security while they are napping or sleeping.

Frequent Flyer Number

If you decide to buy a ticket for your infant, be sure you create one with the airline you're flying with. It's never too early to begin collecting points for those flights! Many airlines now offer family sharing schemes, allowing parents to transfer points to themselves or their children.

Flying with a lap infant?

Keep in mind that most airlines do not allow two lap babies in the same row, and your seats may be reshuffled if they are booked incorrectly. If you opt to hold your baby on your lap, do not try to belt them into the seat with you. If you did not purchase a seat for your baby, always inquire if there are any open seats; airlines usually prioritize lap babies so you may carry the car seat with you.

Have you purchased a seat for your baby?

Make sure your car seat is FAA compliant. Non-car seat Child Restraint Systems (CRSs) are often unsuitable for babies under the age of one (and even older) due to minimum age and weight limits. Keep in mind that car seats are normally needed to be at a window for safety reasons; check with the airline about this.