Southwest Airlines is our favorite domestic airline, hands down. Their hassle-free policies (two free checked bags and two free carry-ons) and family friendly boarding policies are great. Plus, I find their ability to quickly turn planes keeps them more on-schedule than other airlines, although that’s just my personal experience! AND the Companion Pass is one of the best offers of any airline out there. If you don’t regularly fly Southwest, let me clue you in with some of the best tips – Southwest is unique!
Southwest is known for open seating, which I actually love. I also think the open seating makes it more possible for a family with a lap child to get a whole row to themselves, because there isn’t someone who randomly booked a seat next to you and your baby ahead of time. Most rational adults pass that baby aisle right by, so if your fight isn’t full, your odds are good for an empty seat for baby.
My Top Southwest Tips:
- Two Bags Fly Free! No need to schlep everything under the sun onto the plane to avoid fees! I keep essentials with me on the plane (in case of lost luggage) but it is so helpful to drop off our big bag first thing when we walk into the airport. You can also carry on two bags per person, including ticketed children, if you prefer to carry on. With an older toddler, I carry on more often!
- Bring the Birth Certificate. If you are traveling with a lap child or a child under two, you must bring a copy of baby’s birth certificate to show at check-in. Not all airlines check, but Southwest has checked us every single time (even when baby was tiny and clearly under two). I usually bring a paper copy, but I forgot a few times and a digital copy on my phone was sufficient.
- Utilize Family Boarding if you are Not A-List. After all the A Boarding Group boards the plane, the attendant will offer family boarding for families with kids under 6, according to their stated current policy. I often see parents with a bit of anxiety about not having assigned seats, and wondering if they will be separated from their children on the plane due to that. I think it is actually less likely on Southwest to be separated from young children due to the family boarding policy and open seating. Other airlines may swap seats on the plane unexpectedly for various reasons, even when you book seats ahead, but on Southwest you will board before the bulk of the plane which gives families the opportunity to select seats together.
- No Meals on the Plane. Do remember that Southwest provides drinks and light snacks only. I always bring food in case of potential delays, because Southwest does not sell meals or provide heartier snacks like some of the other airlines do. Southwest also does not serve milk.
- Free Movies and Live TV! BYO device on Southwest – there are no TVs in the seat backs. You can also check out the current movie lineup on Southwest’s website.
Are you a Southwest lover, too?