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Southwest Infant and Child Baggage Allowance
Infant on Lap Baggage Allowance on Southwest Airlines
A baby flying on a parent's lap does not get their own free checked baggage allowance on Southwest Airlines. Southwest's 2 Free Checked Bags policy only applies to ticketed passenger - because your baby is flying on your lap without their own ticket, this allowance does not apply. However, you may check-in your baby's stroller and car seat free of charge in addition to your regular free checked baggage allowance.
Additional Carry-On Item for Infants on Southwest Airlines
When flying with an infant on your lap, you may bring a breast pump onto the plane in addition to your regular carry-on baggage allowance. Juice, breastmilk, formula, and baby food may be brought in reasonable quantities in sizes larger than the 3 oz limit as mandated by the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule, as long as they are packed and scanned through the security checkpoint separately, but all of your baby's items will count toward your regular carry-on allowance. [AMZ asins='B000RRD7UG,B00RXW8CVC,B08T4C26XY,B01DD0V4QC']
Southwest Infant and Child Baggage Allowance with Own Ticket
If your infant (0-2 years old) is flying in their own assigned seat (with a purchased ticket) rather than on a parent's lap, Southwest's regular "2 Free Checked Bags" policy applies, and your baby will be entitled to 2 checked bags of 23 kg / 50 lbs free of charge. In addition you may check-in your baby's stroller and car seat free of charge - if bringing your car seat, it is recommended that your baby fly in their car seat on the plane, which is the safest way for a baby to fly. Your car seat must meet the FAA's requirements for meeting the safety standards and labeling requirements for use in an aircraft.
All children over 2 years of age must fly in their own assigned seat, meaning they will have to have a regular ticket in order to fly. This means that they are also eligible to check-in 2 bags of 50 lbs / 23 kg free of charge. In addition, you may bring a stroller and car seat free of charge - your child may use the car seat on the plane if it meets the FAA's safety requirements, including the following two labels in order to be used on an airplane:
1. This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
2. This child restraint device conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
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