How to board with toddler on Southwest

Traveling with a toddler can feel overwhelming—especially at the airport. If you’re flying Southwest Airlines, the good news is that its open seating policy and family-friendly boarding procedures can actually work in your favor. This comprehensive guide explains how to board with a toddler on Southwest, step-by-step, using official airline policies, TSA guidance, and pediatric health recommendations from trusted sources such as the CDC, WHO, and NIH.

Whether you’re flying with a lap child or a ticketed toddler, this article will walk you through boarding groups, seating strategies, gate procedures, stroller policies, health considerations, and expert-backed travel tips.

How to Board with Toddler on Southwest: The Complete Parent’s Guide

Understanding Southwest’s Boarding System (Before You Arrive)

Unlike most airlines, Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy. There are no assigned seats. Instead, passengers board in groups (A, B, C) and choose any available seat once onboard.

How Boarding Works

Southwest assigns:

• A boarding group (A, B, or C)

• A position number (e.g., A15, B7)

Passengers line up in numerical order and board accordingly.

What This Means for Parents

If you’re traveling with a toddler, seating location matters. You’ll likely want:

• A window seat (for distraction)

• Seats together (if traveling with a partner)

• Proximity to restrooms (if potty training)

Understanding boarding groups helps you secure those seats.

Southwest Family Boarding Policy (Official Guidelines)

Southwest offers Family Boarding for travelers with children 6 years old or younger.

When Does Family Boarding Occur?

Family Boarding takes place:

• After Group A

• Before Group B

This means you board early enough to find seats together—even if you didn’t purchase EarlyBird Check-In.

According to Southwest Airlines’ official boarding policy (Southwest.com), Family Boarding is available to:

• Up to two adults traveling with a child aged 6 or younger

If there are more than two adults, the airline may require additional adults to board in their assigned group.

Step-by-Step: How to Board Southwest with a Toddler

Step 1: Add Your Toddler to the Reservation

You have two options:

Option A: Lap Child (Under 2 Years Old)

• No seat required

• Must be added to the reservation

• Requires proof of age (birth certificate recommended)

Option B: Ticketed Child

• Requires full fare

• Gets own seat

• FAA recommends using an approved child restraint system (CRS)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.gov) strongly recommends that children under 40 pounds use an FAA-approved car seat during flights.

Step 2: Check In Early (Even with Family Boarding)

Southwest check-in opens 24 hours before departure.

Even if using Family Boarding:

• Early check-in helps if Family Boarding is crowded

• If your toddler is over 6, you may not qualify for Family Boarding

You can:

• Check in online

• Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (optional)

• Upgrade boarding position (if available at gate)

Step 3: Arrive at the Airport Early

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA.gov) recommends arriving:

• 2 hours before domestic flights

• Earlier during peak travel times

Traveling with toddlers means extra time for:

• Security screening

• Diaper changes

• Food purchases

• Managing meltdowns

Step 4: Security Screening with a Toddler (TSA Guidelines)

According to TSA.gov:

• Children under 12 can leave shoes on.

• Formula, breast milk, and baby food are allowed in reasonable quantities.

• These liquids are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but may require separate screening.

Pro Tip:
Keep liquids easily accessible to avoid delays.

Step 5: Gate Preparation

Once at the gate:

• Inform the gate agent you’re traveling with a toddler.

• Confirm Family Boarding eligibility.

• Ask about gate-checking strollers.

Southwest allows:

• Strollers and car seats to be checked at the gate at no extra charge.

Step 6: Line Up for Family Boarding

When the gate agent announces:
“Family Boarding for those traveling with children 6 and under,”

Proceed to the boarding area.

You do not need to line up by number during Family Boarding.

Best Seating Strategy with a Toddler on Southwest

Because seating is open, strategy matters.

Ideal Seat Choices

Expert Tip (Consumer Reports Guidance on Air Travel Comfort)

Consumer Reports notes that selecting seats early in boarding improves family seating success and reduces stress. Family Boarding supports this strategy.

Car Seat vs. Lap Child: What’s Safer?

According to the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

• Safest option: Toddler secured in FAA-approved car seat.

• Lap children are allowed but not the safest during turbulence.

The CDC highlights that turbulence injuries are among the most common in-flight injuries (CDC Yellow Book, air travel safety section).

If your toddler:

• Sleeps better in a car seat

• Is active and hard to restrain

• Is under 40 pounds

Consider purchasing a seat.

Preparing Your Toddler for Boarding

Before the Trip

• Explain airport process in simple language

• Watch airplane videos together

• Practice sitting still for short periods

According to pediatric behavioral research (NIH.gov), toddlers handle transitions better when routines are explained in advance.

Health & Safety Considerations

Managing Germ Exposure

The CDC recommends:

• Frequent handwashing

• Use of alcohol-based sanitizer (over 60% alcohol)

• Wiping tray tables and armrests

Airplanes use HEPA filters that remove 99% of airborne particles (CDC and FAA aviation health data).

Ear Pressure and Takeoff Tips

WHO and pediatric studies suggest:

• Encourage drinking during takeoff/landing

• Offer pacifier or bottle

• Use chewing or swallowing motion

These reduce ear discomfort caused by cabin pressure changes.

Managing Toddler Behavior During Boarding

Boarding can be chaotic. Here’s what works:

Distraction Toolkit

• New toy (novelty increases engagement)

• Stickers

• Snack container

• Downloaded cartoons (airplane mode ready)

Harvard Business Review discusses “anticipatory distraction” as an effective stress reduction strategy during high-stimulation events.

What If Family Boarding Is Crowded?

During holidays, many families qualify.

Backup plan:

• Sit in back rows (often less full)

• Split seating temporarily (if safe and child comfortable)

• Ask flight attendants for assistance

Southwest flight attendants are generally known for accommodating families when possible.

Comparing Southwest to Other Airlines for Toddler Boarding

Southwest’s open seating can actually be beneficial when boarding early.

Real-World Example: Boarding with a 2-Year-Old

Case Scenario:

A parent flying Dallas to Orlando:

• Added toddler as lap child

• Checked in exactly at 24 hours

• Used Family Boarding

• Secured window and aisle seat in row 10

• Gate-checked stroller

Outcome:
Smooth boarding and quick exit at destination.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

1. Not bringing proof of age for lap child.

2. Checking stroller too early.

3. Forgetting snacks.

4. Boarding last minute (missing Family Boarding call).

5. Assuming seats will be held.

What If You Miss Family Boarding?

You board in your assigned group.

Solution:

• Ask passengers politely if they’d swap.

• Speak with gate agent before boarding begins.

Southwest does not guarantee seating together unless boarding early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I preboard instead of Family Boarding?

Only if you have a qualifying disability. Otherwise, families use Family Boarding.

2. How many adults can board with a toddler?

Up to two adults per child 6 and under.

3. Do I need a birth certificate?

Recommended for lap children as proof of age.

4. Can I bring milk or juice through security?

Yes. TSA allows reasonable quantities for toddlers.

5. Is EarlyBird Check-In worth it with a toddler?

Not always necessary if using Family Boarding.

6. What if my toddler turns 7?

Family Boarding no longer applies.

7. Can I use a wagon stroller?

Based on publicly available information, wagon policies vary by aircraft size. Confirm with Southwest before travel.

8. Is turbulence dangerous for lap children?

The FAA recommends child restraint systems for maximum safety.

9. Can I sit in exit row with a toddler?

No. FAA prohibits children in exit rows.

10. Can flight attendants help install car seats?

Parents are responsible for proper installation.

Final Expert Recommendations

Boarding Southwest with a toddler is manageable with preparation.

Key Takeaways:

• Use Family Boarding (6 and under).

• Arrive early.

• Consider FAA-approved car seat.

• Pack distraction tools.

• Follow TSA toddler liquid rules.

• Choose seats strategically.

With proper planning, Southwest’s flexible seating system can actually reduce stress rather than increase it.

Traveling with toddlers isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation. Armed with official airline policies, TSA regulations, and pediatric health guidance, you can board confidently and focus on making travel memories instead of managing chaos.

Safe travels