Baby's First Flight to Chicago? Tips for United and Southwest
If you're flying to Chicago, there's a good chance you're on United or Southwest. United's biggest hub is O'Hare, and Southwest flies more routes into Midway than any other airline. Here's what to know before you book and before you board.
Airline policies change often. Check United's and Southwest's family travel pages before you fly.
Lap infant or their own seat?
On both airlines, babies under 2 can fly on your lap for free on domestic flights. You'll still need to add your baby to the reservation.
Bring proof of age. Airlines can ask for a birth certificate or passport for a lap infant, so keep a copy on your phone.
Consider a seat for longer flights. A paid seat gives you more room, and your baby can sit in an FAA-approved car seat. Many parents find it worth it for flights over 2 hours.
Sitting together
United lets families with children under 12 choose seats together at no extra cost when booking, when seats are available.
Southwest recently changed how seating works, moving to assigned seats. Check its current family seating and boarding rules when you book.
Either way, book early. Families have the most choice when the flight isn't full yet.
Strollers and car seats at the airport
Both airlines let you check a stroller and a car seat for free, at the ticket counter or at the gate. Gate-checking lets you use your stroller right up to the plane.
A few tips:
Put your stroller in a padded travel bag to protect it.
Tag it with your name and phone number.
Expect a short wait at the jet bridge after landing while gate-checked items come up.
Or skip the stroller hassle entirely. With Arrive Ready Baby, a compact travel stroller is waiting at your Chicago hotel or rental, so you only need a baby carrier for the airport.
Boarding and the flight
Use family boarding if offered. It gives you time to settle in, but some parents prefer to board last to cut down on time in the seat.
Feed during takeoff and landing. A bottle, nursing, or a pacifier can help with ear pressure.
Pack for delays. Bring extra diapers, formula, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Walk the aisle. A short walk can calm a fussy baby once the seat belt sign is off.
When you land
United flights land at O'Hare, about 17 miles from downtown, and Southwest mostly flies into Midway, about 10 miles away. Plan for a 30 to 60-minute ride to your hotel.
When you get there, your Arrive Ready Baby box can already be waiting: a travel bassinet, stroller, white noise machine, diaper pail, diapers in your baby's size, wipes, and formula in your brand.
Reserve your baby box, leave the bulky gear at home, and enjoy your trip!
