Southwest Airlines car seat and stroller policy
Your guide to Southwest Airlines rules for family travel. See the policy for checking a free stroller and car seat, and learn the rules for baggage.
Southwest Airlines allows each ticketed customer traveling with a child to check one stroller and one car seat free of charge. This is a significant detail for families planning their travel budget. It is also important to note that a lap child is not permitted any checked or carry-on baggage.
Airline policies can be updated, so we always suggest you confirm the specific rules for your gear directly with Southwest Airlines when you make your reservation and before you travel.
| Topic | What Southwest Airlines says |
|---|---|
| Stroller | When traveling with children, each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat free of charge.Source |
| Checking a car seat | Each ticketed customer traveling with a child is allowed to check one car seat or child restraint system at no cost.Source |
| Car seat on board | Car seats are not allowed in aisle seats and are preferred in window seats. A car seat cannot be placed in a middle seat if it obstructs the exit path for the passenger in the window seat.Source |
| Infant baggage | A lap child is not permitted to have any checked or carry-on baggage.Source |
Strollers and car seats
When traveling with a child, each ticketed customer can check one stroller and one car seat or child restraint system free of charge. If you plan to use a car seat on the aircraft, be aware of the placement rules. Car seats are not allowed in aisle seats, and the airline prefers them in window seats. A car seat cannot be placed in a middle seat if it obstructs the exit path for the passenger in the window seat.
“When traveling with a child(ren), each ticketed Customer may check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge.”
Official wording, support.southwest.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“When traveling with a child(ren), each ticketed Customer may check one stroller and one car seat/child restraint system free of charge.”
Official wording, support.southwest.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“Car seats cannot be placed in an aisle seat, and we prefer that they be placed in a window seat. A car seat cannot be placed in a middle seat if it blocks the exit path of a Customer in the window seat.”
Official wording, support.southwest.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Baby baggage
Southwest’s rules state that a lap child is not permitted to have any checked or carry-on baggage. Pack your bags accordingly to stay within the limits for the ticketed members of your group.
“A Lap Child may not check or carry on any baggage.”
Official wording, support.southwest.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Related pages
More on Southwest Airlines:
- Southwest Airlines infant and child policy: lap infants, strollers and kids flying alone
- Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy: ages, fee and rules
Same topic, other airlines: