Can you bring a baby blanket on a plane with Southwest Airlines when traveling with a baby?

 

Bringing a baby blanket on a Southwest Airlines flight

 

Short answer: Yes — you can bring a baby blanket when flying with a baby on Southwest Airlines.

Southwest and TSA both allow blankets for infants and children. A baby blanket is considered a personal/infant item and is permitted in the cabin. It may be carried separately, folded inside a diaper bag, or placed in your carry-on. Expect standard security screening: the blanket will go through the X-ray machine and, if needed, TSA officers may ask to inspect it by hand.

• Carry-on and personal items: Southwest permits one carry-on bag plus one personal item per ticketed passenger. A baby blanket is usually treated as part of your personal/infant items (like a diaper bag) and will not be a problem to bring onboard.
• Infant on lap: If your baby is traveling as a lap child, you are allowed to bring essential infant items — including a blanket, diapers, bottles, and a diaper bag. These items are commonly permitted in addition to the adult’s carry-on allowances when needed for the child’s care.
• Security screening: Blankets must be screened by TSA. If the blanket is bulky or heavily folded, you may be asked to remove it from bags for separate X-ray or hand inspection.
• Stowage during taxi, takeoff, and landing: For safety, keep the blanket stowed when instructed by the crew during taxi, takeoff, and landing. A blanket should never be used as a restraint; use an approved child restraint system or car seat if you have purchased a seat for the child.
• Gate and inflight comfort: If the cabin is cold, flight attendants are usually willing to help with a blanket or to suggest alternatives. Carrying your own ensures you have a familiar, comforting item for the baby.
• Large or bulky blankets: If the blanket is very large or you have multiple large items, consider folding it into your carry-on or the stroller (if gate-checking). Southwest allows strollers and car seats to be gate-checked for free, but a blanket is typically small enough to keep with you in the cabin.

Practical tips:

• Fold the blanket neatly or keep it in your diaper bag so it’s easy to pull out at security and board without delaying others.
• If you have a specific lightweight swaddle or sleep sack, bring that for easier use in a small airplane seat.
• Label your blanket or keep it in a distinctive bag so it’s easy to find after gate-checking other baby gear.

Overall, bringing a baby blanket on Southwest is straightforward and commonly done by families traveling with infants. If you have special circumstances (medical needs or oversized items), mention them to Southwest staff or TSA officers for guidance.