Southwest accepts original or photocopied government‑issued identification as the only valid proof that a child is under two years old and eligible to travel as a lap child. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, or government‑issued photo identification card. Electronic versions such as screenshots, photos, or immunization records are not accepted.
We may ask for age verification at any point within your journey, so you should travel with the documentation. If proof of age cannot be provided when asked, the Customer will be required to purchase a ticket for the child.
For international travel, all Passengers—regardless of age—must carry the documents required for entry into and exit from each country on the itinerary. Some countries may require additional documentation for children. Each Passenger is responsible for obtaining all necessary documents and for following the laws and procedures of every country on the itinerary. Southwest recommends contacting the appropriate consulate, embassy, or government authority well in advance of travel to confirm requirements.
Customers who planned to travel with a child under two as a lap child but had to purchase a ticket due to missing proof of age may request a refund. To do so:
- Expand the "Need More Assistance" banner below and click "Contact us" to access our portal for contacting us and uploading documents.
- Provide your contact information and the confirmation number of the ticket purchased for the child.
- Briefly describe your request in the provided field and attach a photo or scanned copy of the child's ID.
When traveling on a partner itinerary, a seat must be purchased for any children at least fourteen (14) days old and under two (2) years of age.
