Tips for Flying Southwest with Kids

Traveling with kids can be both an exciting adventure and a logistical challenge. Whether it’s your child’s first time on an airplane or they’re seasoned mini travelers, preparation is key—especially when flying with an airline like Southwest, which has unique boarding procedures and policies. The good news? Southwest Airlines is generally considered family-friendly and budget-conscious, with flexible options that make it easier for parents to navigate air travel with little ones. Here are some helpful tips to make your flight on Southwest Airlines with kids as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you're planning to fly to Mexico, Southwest Airlines offers an excellent option with its affordable fares, no hidden fees, and family-friendly policies. Whether you're heading to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, or Los Cabos, traveling with Southwest Airlines Mexico means you can enjoy two free checked bags, flexible flight changes, and the convenience of nonstop routes from many major U.S. cities. Learn more about how Southwest Airlines Mexico destinations can simplify your next family vacation and make flying internationally with kids easier than ever.

1. Understand Southwest’s Unique Boarding System

Unlike many other airlines, Southwest doesn’t assign seats. Instead, seating is based on a boarding group and position number that’s determined when you check in. This open-seating policy can be a blessing or a curse when traveling with kids.

Tip: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure a better boarding position. If you’re flying with children under six, Southwest allows one adult to board during Family Boarding, which occurs between boarding groups A and B. Even if you’re in group C, Family Boarding allows you to find seats together—just don’t wait too long to line up.

If you want guaranteed early boarding and don’t mind spending a little extra, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In (usually $15–$25 per person, one-way), which automatically checks you in and improves your boarding position. This can be particularly helpful if you're traveling with multiple children and need to sit together.

2. Bring the Right Gear (and Know What You Can Bring for Free)

Southwest is generous when it comes to luggage and kid gear. Unlike most airlines, they allow two free checked bags per person, which means you won’t have to cram everything into carry-ons. Plus, you can check the following items for free:

• A stroller
• A car seat

Both items can be checked at the ticket counter or at the gate. Gate-checking is especially useful if you want to use the stroller up until boarding.

Tip: Use gate check bags to keep your stroller and car seat clean and protected. You can find inexpensive gate check bags online, and they double as a good place to stash extra diapers or soft items.

3. Use the Companion Pass or Book With Points

If you travel frequently with kids, Southwest’s Companion Pass is one of the most valuable tools for family travel. It allows one person to fly free with you on every flight, whether you paid with cash or points.

Southwest also uses a points system that’s easy to navigate and often provides excellent value for families. Booking your kids’ flights with points can save a ton, and changes/cancellations with points are much easier to manage if your plans change.

4. Pack Smart and Be Prepared for Delays

Flights can be unpredictable, and with children, a short delay can feel like a lifetime. Be prepared with a backpack full of essentials:

• Snacks (Southwest offers some, but they’re minimal)
• Refillable water bottles (fill them after security)
• Diapers, wipes, and extra clothes

Entertainment: coloring books, tablets, headphones, small toys

Tip: Southwest’s inflight entertainment works through your own device (phone, tablet, etc.), so download the Southwest app ahead of time. Most flights have free streaming for movies and shows—perfect for keeping kids occupied.

5. Choose Seats Wisely

Even though seats are first-come, first-served, there’s still strategy involved. If you board early, try to sit toward the front of the plane to make deplaning easier. The back of the plane may have more open seats if you board during Family Boarding or later.

Avoid sitting in the exit row, as children are not allowed there. Also, note that the first row (bulkhead) doesn’t have under-seat storage, so everything has to go in the overhead bin.

Tip: Southwest’s planes are mostly Boeing 737s with similar layouts. SeatGuru or the Southwest website can give you insight into the best seats for space and convenience.

6. Take Advantage of Friendly Policies

Southwest is known for customer-friendly policies, including no change fees and easy rebooking. If your child gets sick before your flight, you can cancel or change your reservation without penalty (you’ll just pay the difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive).

Additionally, children under 2 years old can fly for free as lap infants, but you must notify the airline in advance and provide proof of age (e.g., a birth certificate or immunization record).

Tip: Even if your child qualifies as a lap infant, consider buying them their own seat and bringing an FAA-approved car seat. Not only is it safer, but many kids sleep better and feel more secure in their familiar seat.

7. Be Courteous and Communicate

Other passengers will usually be understanding if you're making an effort to keep your child comfortable and calm. A friendly smile or quick apology can go a long way in diffusing tension if your child gets fussy.

Tip: Bring a few small “goodie bags” with snacks or earplugs as a thoughtful gesture if you're traveling with a baby on a long flight. It's not required—but it’s a sweet way to show consideration.

8. Use the Southwest App and Plan Ahead

The Southwest app is incredibly helpful for managing your flight, tracking your bags, and getting updates on delays or gate changes. It also offers access to inflight entertainment and your boarding pass, so you can avoid printing or fumbling with paperwork.

Tip: Set up a family travel checklist on your phone so you don’t forget anything. Double-check gate assignments and boarding times, especially with kids who may need extra time in the airport.