Flying Southwest Airlines with Kids
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
The first time we flew Southwest Airlines as a family, I had no idea what to expect—and no clue that there wouldn’t be assigned seats. We had four little kids, a diaper bag explosion in the security line, and by the time we boarded, I was sweating and crossing my fingers we’d even get to sit together. Since then, we’ve flown Southwest more times than I can count—and I’ve learned a few tricks that have completely changed the experience.
Whether you just earned the Companion Pass (yay!) or you’re flying Southwest for the first time with kids, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from booking to boarding to surviving the flight with your sanity intact.
If you’re new to earning points or want to make family travel more affordable, check out my favorite beginner travel cards that make it easier to fly free.
Let’s start with what makes Southwest so family-friendly (and sometimes a little tricky).
They’ve built their reputation around things parents appreciate: no change fees, a generous cancelation policy, and the ability to bring checked bags without added fees—as long as you’ve got the right credit card. But there are quirks too. The biggest? No assigned seats. Which means you need a plan.
Booking Your Southwest Flight
Southwest used to be one of those airlines that didn’t show up on Google Flights—but now it does, which makes comparing prices easier. Their fare names can sound confusing at first, but here’s what matters:
Wanna Get Away / Wanna Get Away Plus: Budget-friendly, nonrefundable, but you get travel credit if you cancel. The “Plus” version adds flexibility for same-day changes.
Anytime: Fully refundable, with free same-day changes.
Business Select: Includes A1-A15 boarding (no status needed), but you probably don’t need it if you’re traveling with young kids since you’ll board early anyway.
We usually go with Wanna Get Away Plus for the extra flexibility, especially since we’ve had more than one stomach bug or weather delay pop up before a trip.
Boarding Without Assigned Seats
Here’s where most families panic: there are no seat assignments. Instead, you’re given a boarding number (like B27) when you check in—and it’s first-come, first-serve from there.
Set an alarm to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. The sooner you check in, the better your boarding spot.
Family Boarding is available for kids ages 6 and under, and it happens between groups A and B. That usually gives you enough seat options to stay together, but it’s not always near the front.
EarlyBird Check-In can be worth it if you want to avoid the 24-hour check-in hustle. It doesn’t guarantee Group A, but it usually improves your boarding position.
Some travel cards (especially the ones that earn flexible travel points) offer upgraded boarding credits, which let you jump into A1-A15. You can use those credits at the gate to move up if needed.
Tip: Even if you and your Companion are on the same reservation, boarding positions are assigned individually—so plan ahead to make sure you still board together.
Want to know which cards I recommend for flexible travel perks and boarding credits? Here’s the list I share with my readers.
Southwest's Baggage Rules (And the Updates You Need to Know)
Southwest has long been known for two free checked bags—but there’s a catch now. You need to hold the right Rapid Rewards credit card to get that perk. According to their site, anyone with one of those cards (plus up to eight people on the same reservation) gets their first bag checked free.
If you followed a credit card strategy to earn the Companion Pass, odds are you’re covered. But here’s what else to know:
Car seats and strollers can be checked for free at the counter or gate.
Lap infants (under 2 years old) need proof of age, like a birth certificate or passport.
Diaper bags don’t count against your carry-on allowance.
Kids with their own seat can use a car seat or CARES harness on board.
Entertainment, Snacks, and What to Pack
Southwest doesn’t offer seatback screens, so you’ll want to come prepared.
Tablets: We bring one per kid. If you don’t already have one, here’s an affordable option that’s worked well for us. (Bonus: it works with free Southwest streaming.)
Headphones: These are our favorite compact fold-up headphones for kids. If your kids share a tablet, try this headphone splitter.
Chargers + Converters: Newer iPads don’t have headphone jacks, so you may need this adapter to make it all work.
Snacks: Southwest offers pretzels and sometimes cookies, but I like to pack these bento snack boxes to make it feel more like a treat.
Tip: Ask for the full can of juice or soda—flight attendants are usually happy to give it to you, and it helps avoid fights over "who got more."
Flexible Policies That Help Families
Flying with kids means you need flexibility. And that’s one area where Southwest shines:
No change fees if your plans shift
Free same-day standby with Wanna Get Away Plus or higher
Cancel and rebook if prices drop—yes, even on points!
They make it easy to adjust your travel when someone gets sick, school schedules change, or you see a better deal pop up.
If you’re using points, they go straight back to your account when you cancel—no penalties.
A Few Final Tips
Set that 24-hour check-in alarm.
Use Family Boarding if you’re traveling with kids 6 or younger.
Bring entertainment (and backup chargers).
Don’t count on free bags—make sure you have the right credit card.
Watch for fare drops and rebook if it makes sense.
Want more family travel tips like this? Join my email list, follow along on Instagram, or come hang out in our Facebook group. It’s the best place to ask questions, share travel wins, and learn how to stretch your points even further.
And if you’re just getting started, here’s my guide to beginner credit cards that can help you earn more flights like this.
Happy flying!
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
