Can you bring a toddler bed rail on a plane with Southwest Airlines when traveling with a baby?

 

Can I bring a toddler bed rail on a plane with Southwest Airlines when traveling with a baby?

 

Short answer: you can bring a toddler bed rail as baggage, but it is very unlikely to be allowed for use onboard as a child restraint because most bed rails are not FAA‑approved.

• If you want it to be used on the airplane: only FAA‑approved child restraint systems (car seats, harnesses) are permitted for use in a passenger seat. Most portable bed rails do not meet FAA approval, so crew will not allow them to be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
• If you want to bring it with you: pack it for checked baggage or ask about gate‑check options at the ticket counter/gate. Policies and handling can vary, so check fit and protection for the item.
• Do this before you fly: contact Southwest Reservations or customer service with the exact make/measurements to confirm whether they’ll accept it and whether it can be gate‑checked.
• Consider bringing an FAA‑approved car seat if you need an onboard safety device for your child — it’s the accepted option for in‑seat use.