Does Southwest Airlines Really Let Kids Fly Free?

Are you curious if Do Kids Fly Free On Southwest? Yes, but it’s not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. At flyermedia.net, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Southwest Airlines’ policies, revealing how you can potentially save money on air travel for your children. This guide helps you navigate family travel, airline rewards programs, and travel tips for savvy savings.

1. Understanding Southwest’s Policies

Southwest Airlines doesn’t have a blanket “kids fly free” policy like some might expect. Instead, they offer the popular Companion Pass, which can effectively allow a child (or anyone) to fly with you for free, paying only taxes and fees. Let’s break down how this works.

1.1 What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is a unique perk that allows you to designate one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees, which are typically around $5.60 per one-way flight) every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight. This pass is valid for the calendar year in which you earn it and the entire following year. For example, if you earn the Companion Pass in July 2024, it’s valid until December 31, 2025.

1.2 How to Qualify for the Companion Pass

To earn a Companion Pass, you need to either:

Accumulate 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year.
Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.

Companion Pass qualifying points can be earned through:

Revenue flights booked through Southwest.
Points earned on Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards.
Base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners.

1.3 What Doesn’t Count Towards Companion Pass Qualification?

Not all points count towards the Companion Pass. Here’s a list of what doesn’t qualify:

Purchased points.
Points transferred between members.
Points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards, Valued Opinions, and Diners Club.
Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonus points, flight bonus points, and partner bonus points (with the exception of Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase).
No points nor tier or Companion Pass qualifying points will be awarded for flights taken by the Companion when flying on a Companion Pass reservation.

1.4 Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost

Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers can get a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. To receive this boost, your credit card account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. The boost is usually deposited into your Rapid Rewards account by January 31st each year or up to 30 days after account opening.

2. Strategic Ways to Utilize the Companion Pass for Kids

So, how can you strategically use the Companion Pass to effectively let kids fly free on Southwest? Here are a few scenarios.

2.1 Earning the Pass Through Credit Card Spending

One of the quickest ways to earn the Companion Pass is through Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. Chase offers several versions of these cards, and they often come with lucrative sign-up bonuses.

Example: If a card offers a bonus of 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, that can significantly jumpstart your progress toward the 135,000 points needed for the Companion Pass.
Strategy: Time your credit card application to coincide with a period when you have significant expenses coming up. This way, you can easily meet the spending requirements and earn the bonus points.

2.2 Combining Flights and Credit Card Points

Another strategy is to combine points earned from flights with points earned from credit card spending.

Example: If you frequently fly Southwest for business, those flight points can be combined with credit card points to reach the 135,000 threshold faster.
Strategy: Always book Southwest flights through Southwest.com to ensure you earn the maximum number of points for your fare class.

2.3 Maximizing Rapid Rewards Partner Points

Don’t forget about Southwest’s Rapid Rewards partners. You can earn points through:

Hotel stays
Car rentals
Shopping portals
Dining programs
Example: By booking your hotel stays and car rentals through Southwest’s partners, you can earn additional points that count towards the Companion Pass.
Strategy: Before making any travel-related purchases, check the Rapid Rewards partner list to see if you can earn extra points.

2.4 Redeeming Points for Flights

Once you have the Companion Pass, you’ll want to make the most of it by strategically redeeming your points for flights.

Popular Destinations: Consider destinations that offer good value for your points. Cities like Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando are popular among families and often have reasonable point redemption rates.
Off-Peak Travel: Travel during off-peak seasons to maximize the value of your points. Flights are typically cheaper (in points) during the school year and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Booking in Advance: Booking in advance can also help you secure the best deals on flights, whether you’re paying with points or cash.

3. Other Ways to Save on Southwest Flights for Kids

Even if you don’t have the Companion Pass, there are still ways to save on Southwest flights for your children.

3.1 Checking for Sales and Promotions

Southwest frequently offers sales and promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of flights.

Example: Southwest often has sales with discounted fares for travel during specific periods. Keep an eye out for these deals and book when prices are low.
Strategy: Sign up for Southwest’s email alerts and follow them on social media to stay informed about the latest sales and promotions.

3.2 Booking Early

Generally, booking flights early can help you secure lower fares.

Example: Try to book your flights several months in advance to take advantage of early bird pricing.
Strategy: Monitor flight prices over time to get a sense of how they fluctuate and book when you see a good deal.

3.3 Traveling During Off-Peak Times

As mentioned earlier, traveling during off-peak times can save you money on flights.

Example: Consider traveling during the school year, on weekdays, or during less popular travel months like September and October.
Strategy: Be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of lower fares.

3.4 Using Points for All Family Members

If you have a stash of Rapid Rewards points, you can use them to book flights for all your family members.

Example: Redeem your points to cover the cost of flights for your children, reducing your overall travel expenses.
Strategy: Pool your points with other family members to maximize your redemption potential.

4. Comparing Southwest’s Family-Friendly Policies to Other Airlines

Southwest is often praised for its customer-friendly policies, but how does it compare to other airlines when it comes to family travel?

4.1 Southwest vs. Major Airlines

Checked Bags: Southwest offers two free checked bags per passenger, which is a significant advantage for families who tend to pack a lot. Most major airlines charge for checked bags.
No Change Fees: Southwest doesn’t charge change fees, which can be a lifesaver if your travel plans change unexpectedly. Many other airlines have eliminated change fees, but it’s still worth checking.
Family Boarding: Southwest doesn’t have assigned seating, but they do offer family boarding for families with young children (under 6). This allows you to board early and secure seats together.

4.2 Southwest vs. Budget Airlines

Included Amenities: Unlike many budget airlines, Southwest includes amenities like free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on their flights.
Customer Service: Southwest is known for its friendly and helpful customer service, which can make a big difference when traveling with children.

4.3 Reviewing Specific Airline Policies

Airline	Kids Fly Free	Baggage Fees	Change Fees	Family Boarding
Southwest	Companion Pass allows one person to fly free (excluding taxes and fees)	2 free checked bags	No change fees	Family boarding for families with children under 6
Delta	No	Fees apply for checked bags	No change fees (for most tickets)	Yes, during general boarding
United	No	Fees apply for checked bags	No change fees (for most tickets)	Yes, during general boarding
American Airlines	No	Fees apply for checked bags	No change fees (for most tickets)	Yes, during general boarding
Spirit	No	Fees apply for all bags (including carry-ons in some cases)	Fees apply for changes	No specific policy
Frontier	Discount Den membership may offer some deals	Fees apply for all bags (including carry-ons in some cases)	Fees apply for changes	No specific policy
JetBlue	No	Fees apply for checked bags (Blue Basic fares)	No change fees (for most tickets)	Yes, if available

5. Tips for Flying with Kids on Southwest

Flying with children can be challenging, but with a little preparation, you can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

5.1 Packing Essentials

Snacks: Pack plenty of snacks to keep your kids satisfied during the flight.
Entertainment: Bring books, games, and electronic devices to keep them entertained.
Comfort Items: Don’t forget comfort items like blankets, pillows, and favorite toys.

5.2 Navigating Security

TSA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines for traveling with children, including rules about liquids and medications.
Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time to get through security, especially during peak travel times.
Clear Bags: Pack liquids in clear bags for easy inspection.

5.3 During the Flight

Take-Off and Landing: Have your child drink or suck on something during take-off and landing to help relieve ear pressure.
Movement: Encourage your child to move around during the flight to prevent restlessness.
Engage: Engage with your child by reading, playing games, or watching movies together.

5.4 Utilizing Family Boarding

Southwest offers family boarding for families with children under 6. Take advantage of this perk to board early and secure seats together.

Listen for Announcements: Pay attention to announcements at the gate and be ready to board when your group is called.
Choose Seats Wisely: Select seats that are close to the front of the plane or near the aisle for easy access to the restroom.

6. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Let’s look at some real-life examples of how families have successfully used Southwest’s policies to save money on air travel.

6.1 The Smith Family’s Companion Pass Adventure

The Smith family, consisting of parents John and Mary and their two children, Emily and Tom, were able to significantly reduce their travel expenses by earning the Southwest Companion Pass.

Goal: The Smiths wanted to take their children on a summer vacation to Disney World in Orlando.
Strategy: John applied for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card with a sign-up bonus of 75,000 points. He met the spending requirements within the first three months and earned the bonus. Additionally, he frequently flew Southwest for business and accumulated 60,000 points from his flights.
Result: By combining the credit card bonus with his flight points, John earned the Companion Pass. Mary was designated as the companion, allowing her to fly free with John. The Smiths only had to pay for flights for John and the two children, saving them hundreds of dollars on air travel.
Savings: The Smiths estimated that they saved over $800 on airfare by using the Companion Pass.

6.2 The Johnson Family’s Strategic Booking

The Johnson family, consisting of parents Michael and Lisa and their son, David, didn’t have the Companion Pass, but they still managed to save money on their Southwest flights.

Goal: The Johnsons wanted to visit family in Denver during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Strategy: Lisa signed up for Southwest’s email alerts and monitored flight prices for several weeks. She noticed that prices were lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and decided to book their flights accordingly. She also booked their flights several months in advance to take advantage of early bird pricing.
Result: By booking early and traveling during off-peak times, the Johnsons were able to secure lower fares for their flights. They also used their Rapid Rewards points to cover the cost of David’s flight, further reducing their expenses.
Savings: The Johnsons estimated that they saved over $300 on airfare by booking strategically and using their points.

7. The Future of Family Travel on Southwest

What does the future hold for family travel on Southwest? Here are a few trends and predictions.

7.1 Potential Policy Changes

Dynamic Pricing: Airlines are increasingly using dynamic pricing models, where fares fluctuate based on demand. This could make it more challenging to predict and secure the best deals on flights.
Changes to Rapid Rewards Program: Southwest may make changes to its Rapid Rewards program in the future, such as adjusting the number of points required for flights or altering the benefits of the Companion Pass.

7.2 New Technologies and Innovations

Personalized Travel Recommendations: Airlines are using data analytics to provide personalized travel recommendations to customers, such as suggesting the best times to fly or the most affordable destinations.
Improved In-Flight Entertainment: Airlines are investing in improved in-flight entertainment systems, such as offering more movies, TV shows, and games for children.

7.3 Sustainability Initiatives

Eco-Friendly Practices: Airlines are adopting more eco-friendly practices, such as using more fuel-efficient aircraft and reducing waste. This could make air travel more sustainable and appealing to environmentally conscious families.
Carbon Offsetting: Some airlines offer carbon offsetting programs, allowing passengers to purchase carbon credits to offset the emissions from their flights.

8. Debunking Myths About Flying with Kids

There are many myths and misconceptions about flying with children. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones.

8.1 Myth: Flying with Kids is Always Stressful

Reality: While flying with kids can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning and preparation, you can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

8.2 Myth: It’s Impossible to Keep Kids Entertained on a Plane

Reality: With a little creativity, you can keep your kids entertained for hours on a plane. Pack a variety of activities, such as books, games, and electronic devices, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your entertainment options.

8.3 Myth: Airlines Don’t Care About Families

Reality: Many airlines, including Southwest, offer family-friendly policies and amenities to make traveling with children easier. Take advantage of these perks and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from airline staff.

8.4 Myth: It’s Too Expensive to Fly with Kids

Reality: While flying with kids can be expensive, there are many ways to save money on air travel. Look for sales and promotions, book early, travel during off-peak times, and utilize loyalty programs like Southwest’s Rapid Rewards.

9. Essential Checklist for Planning a Trip with Kids on Southwest

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip with your children on Southwest, here’s an essential checklist to follow:

9.1 Pre-Flight Checklist

Book Flights Early: Secure your flights well in advance to take advantage of lower fares and better seat selection.
Sign Up for Email Alerts: Stay informed about sales and promotions by signing up for Southwest’s email alerts.
Pack Essentials: Prepare a packing list and gather all the necessary items, including snacks, entertainment, and comfort items.
Check TSA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines for traveling with children.
Notify the Airline: Inform Southwest about any special needs or requests, such as dietary restrictions or assistance with boarding.

9.2 At the Airport Checklist

Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to check in, go through security, and get to your gate.
Check Bags: If you plan to check bags, do so as early as possible to avoid delays.
Utilize Family Boarding: Take advantage of family boarding to board early and secure seats together.
Prepare for Security: Have your documents ready and follow TSA guidelines for liquids and electronic devices.
Locate Amenities: Find restrooms, restaurants, and other amenities near your gate.

9.3 In-Flight Checklist

Keep Kids Entertained: Have a variety of activities ready to keep your children entertained during the flight.
Provide Snacks and Drinks: Offer snacks and drinks to keep your kids satisfied and hydrated.
Relieve Ear Pressure: Have your child drink or suck on something during take-off and landing to help relieve ear pressure.
Encourage Movement: Encourage your child to move around during the flight to prevent restlessness.
Ask for Assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from flight attendants if you need help with anything.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kids Flying Free on Southwest

Here are some frequently asked questions about kids flying free on Southwest.

10.1 Can kids really fly free on Southwest?

While Southwest doesn’t have a straightforward “kids fly free” program, the Companion Pass allows you to designate one person (child or adult) to fly with you for free, excluding taxes and fees.

10.2 How do I earn a Southwest Companion Pass?

You can earn a Companion Pass by accumulating 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year or by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.

10.3 What counts as Companion Pass qualifying points?

Companion Pass qualifying points are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest, points earned on Rapid Rewards Credit Cards, and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners.

10.4 What doesn’t count towards Companion Pass qualification?

Purchased points, points transferred between members, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, and bonus points (with some exceptions) do not count towards Companion Pass qualification.

10.5 How long is the Companion Pass valid?

The Companion Pass is valid for the calendar year in which you earn it and the entire following year.

10.6 Can I change my designated Companion?

Yes, you can change your designated Companion up to three times per calendar year.

10.7 Does Southwest offer family boarding?

Yes, Southwest offers family boarding for families with children under 6.

10.8 Are there any other ways to save on Southwest flights for kids?

Yes, you can save money by checking for sales and promotions, booking early, traveling during off-peak times, and using points for all family members.

10.9 What are some tips for flying with kids on Southwest?

Pack essentials, familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines, and utilize family boarding to make the experience more enjoyable.

10.10 How does Southwest compare to other airlines when it comes to family travel?

Southwest offers two free checked bags per passenger and doesn’t charge change fees, which are significant advantages for families.

At flyermedia.net, we understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to air travel, especially when flying with family. We aim to give you the most recent updates and detailed analyses of airline policies. Whether you are trying to find the best rates, comprehend airline rules, or prepare for your upcoming trip, flyermedia.net is here to help.

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