Airline checking in with children

[Jaci]

I was just told by SWA that I needed to have birth certificates or passports for both my daughters to pass through security. Now, I could understand it if I was traveling to a foreign country. This is what we needed for the Bahamas last April. But come on...this is a domestic flight! Was he correct? And how is a birth certificate going to ID them anyway, it's not like it has a picture, finger print, etc....
Luckily I have them and will just add them to my other travel documents, but what if I didn't have them (I couldn't get them this late in the game) or didn't know about this "new rule".
Please, someone tell me I am right!

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think you need them to get through security BUT SW will require it if your child is either a "lap baby" or if you purchased an infant fare.

 

[Jestocost]

I've never heard of that requirement for children older than two or for any child traveling on their own ticket from any airline. We traveled via American just two weeks ago without any ID for our kids. Most will require proof of age for a child under two that is not occupying a seat and will be carried free with a Customer paying the applicable adult fare, but that's the only thing I can think of.

 

[ladydancer]

A child flying free under 2 is the only time I have heard of bringing a bc. They want you to prove the child is under 2. I am flying with 2 children ages 9 and 11 next month and was not told to bring a bc.

 

[Jaci]

Well, my girls are 2 and 6 and we bought both of them tickets. Funny thing was, he knew that, as we had discussed their ages just prior to him telling me this. He just kept acting like I was stupid to not know about the new 9-11 security changes. UMMMMM...hello, I flew the December after 9-11 and a couple times a year since then with my girls!
Glad to know I'm not crazy!

 

[Tinkerbell04]

I have flown SWA three times this year with a two year old and have never been asked for any kind of identification for her.

 

[PlutoPony]

This IS odd..... Checked the TSA website and they make NO mention of needing a birth certificate - so that leads me to believe the SWA agent may be misinformed. The SWA site mentioned needing a birth certificate for under 2, and also needing a picture ID for children buying one of their special kids's tickets (that are < full price) but nowhere is security mentioned. Might be worthwhile to call SWA back and see if you get the same info...
Let us know if you find out more!

 

[NotUrsula]

Well, each passenger occupying a seat WILL need boarding passes to get through security, but if they are lap babies they won't get boarding passes. If this is the case, I can see the possibility that TSA might require the ID instead, to ensure that the lap baby status would not get rejected at the gate, which I think would require you to go back to the ticket counter to purchase a seat, and thus, back through security.

That said, I flew STL<>MCO last week with my 7 yo, and he did not need any ID. Of course, at that age, he *did* have a boarding pass.

 

[Esmerelda]

Being a single mom, I never know what to expect when I've traveled in the past w/my boys. I do remember at the Delta counter years back (4+ or more) being asked if I had their birth certificates on me she wanted to see them. That's the only time I've had this happen other than going on a cruise.

never hurts to be prepared...I always have them on me since that incident....I'd hate to be stopped going to WDW due to not having it..

best of luck!
Esmerlda