Does Southwest charge to check a car seat?


Does Southwest charge to check a car seat? Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.


Do lap babies get a baggage allowance?

Lap infants do not qualify for any checked baggage allowance. Checking a child safety seat will not count towards your checked baggage allowance and there is no fee assessed; however, playpens, wagons, and other infant beds will count as a checked bag and must meet size and weight requirements.


How do you pack a car seat for checked baggage?

Once you've selected a car seat travel system, make sure the seat is very well padded. Additionally, take a photo of your car seat prior to your trip for proof of its condition if it does arrive damaged. Another great option is packing the car seat back in the original box with as much padding as possible!


Is it better to gate check a car seat?

Gate checking your car seat can go part of the way to mitigating this risk at the departing airport terminal, but does nothing to prevent damage at the arriving airport terminal.


Does it cost to gate check a car seat?

You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.


Will airlines check car seats?

Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance. This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats. Check with your airline first to be sure of the rules.


How can I avoid a seat fee?

How do you avoid a seat selection fee? If you're traveling with a group, the best way to avoid a seat selection fee is to book your seats at the same time. If the airline is assigning seats for you, it typically seats people under the same record locator number together.


Does a diaper bag count as a carry on Southwest?

SouthWest: SouthWest includes diaper bags as part of your carry on allowance. As a carry on, it should be no larger than 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). If you are using your diaper bag as a personal item, it should be able to fit under the seat, 16.25” (L) + 13.5” (W) + 8” (H).


What is the toddler policy on Southwest?

Lap child policy. Who qualifies as a Lap Child? One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried as a Lap Child when traveling with an adult (12 years of age or older). Each adult may travel with one Lap Child.


Does a 2 year old need a car seat on a plane?

Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.


Is a 2 year old considered a lap child?

Lap child policy. Who qualifies as a Lap Child? One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried as a Lap Child when traveling with an adult (12 years of age or older). Each adult may travel with one Lap Child.


Does diaper bag count as carry on?

Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.