Anyone flown with a child under 2 on Southwest?

[northshoremama]

My oldest was an early walker at 9 months and I remember flying with her at 10 months and the Southwest agent asked me how old she was when she saw her walking. She told me that once they got close to a year or walking they want proof of her age. Then in 2005 wanted a birth certificate when I flew with my youngest when she was 6 weeks old. I remember thinking can't you tell by looking at her she's under two? But I know they were just following their rules.
My youngest is 3 so she hasn't qualified for the free ticket but I remember that they used to say a shot record that had the birthdate on it or a birth certficate would work. We fly Southwest a lot and I wouldn't even try to fly without some sort of proof of birthday. I would call and confirm if you were going to try the shot record method.

just got off the phone with southwest so that they could update my reservation to include my 8-month old dd (who will be 10 months at time of travel). she did say that either a birth certificate or shot record/vaccine record would do for proof of age.

 

[Winks At Tink]

Dang, I don't know what to do...

Risk it and she may fly for free or if I risk it and they don't let us board without her birth cert we will have to buy a full price ticket, if one is even available...

call southwest and let then know your about to book online but you had a couple question before you make your purchase. Ask her about your daughter only being 2 week away from the deadline and if you would have to purchase a ticket for her flight back home. that way you get your answer

 

[DahliaRW]

Bring the birth certificate. We've never been asked, but it could be really bad if they do require it (which they legally can) and you don't have it.

And if she is turning 2 before the flight home she does have to have a ticket on that flight.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Just wanted to add that I was checking the FAA regulations website for something I saw on another thread about lap children and the FAA laws state that children over 2 must have a seat.

That means you really do need to bite the bullet and purchase one. It's not an airline thing - it's a federal government thing.

 

[pinktink83]

I have never been asked for a birth certificate, but I've only flown with my baby who's small for his age anyway. He still looks 6 month old. They have asked me a couple times lately how old he is, but never ask for verification.

I think they would probably ask with her looking like a 2 year old. And honestly, it would be so uncomfy for both of you (and the people next to you), its better to just get her own seat. Dont forget her carseat!

 

[RainyDayPixie]

I've always been asked for a birth certificate or proof of age (flew once before I had the certificate and used the letter from the hospital). I've flown Alaska and SW.

Like PP's, I wouldn't chance it. I'd buy the seat.

 

[tink2dw]

My state high jacks everyone $140.00 for YOUR own birth certificate!!!!

 

[RainyDayPixie]

My state high jacks everyone $140.00 for YOUR own birth certificate!!!!

YIKES! I thought $20 was robbery!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

i wasnt asked when my son was less then 2 he sat on our lap umm i think year in half or so was how he was.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I think that the point being missed is that federal law states any child over 2 must have a purchased seat and be restrained. Doesn't matter if you are asked for a birth certificate or not.

Her child will be two. She will be in violation of a federal law and can be refused admission or kicked off the airplane. Even if she makes it on the way out, she may not make it home. Is that a chance she really wants to risk? That would mean no vacation at the start or getting back home late and possibly missing a day's pay and how bad would either of those ruin your day!

Don't make drama where it doesn't need to happen. Buy a seat - save the heartache.

 

[txtwins2000]

As a previous employee of SWA I would STRONGLY suggest you purchase a seat!!! We flew to Disneyland (and back) purposely the week before my daughters turned 2 so that we didn't have to buy seats. And we were asked to show proof that they weren't yet 2 and they only weighed 21 pounds at that point! So they were very small, so one would have thought we could have easily passed for under 2 but we knew the rules so we flew before they turned 2. And yes, you will need to fly with proof!! If there's any doubt they will check for verification!!! It's way better to be safe than sorry!!!!

Good luck with your decision!!! And enjoy your trip!!!!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

If you purchase a seat for your child, they will not ask for proof of child's age.

Besides, as previously posted, as per FAA regulations and SWA policy, all children 2 years and over must have a seat of their own. Children young enough should also be in a carseat.

 

[tracer]

After thinking about this my suggestion to you is to go forward with buying a seat. Yes, it may cost you more out of pocket but you won't risk the chance of her b-day being caught, etc. At her age and size her safety is also being taken into consideration. I know from SAC to LAX is a quick and easy flight but what if something weird happened or like a PP said they had horrible landing. I bought seats for DS1 both times he flew (18 months and 2 1/2 yrs) AND brought on his britax 5 point harness carseat. However, I did hold DS2 when he was 7ish months old because I knew I would be holding him anyway because he would have wanted out of his carseat. Airplanes are not the roomiest spaces and it would be a tight fit for her on your or DH lap at her age. If you can get her a ticket, I think you will be happier all the way around and be glad you did.

 

[bumbershoot]

My state high jacks everyone $140.00 for YOUR own birth certificate!!!!

What state is that????

 

[Sienna]

If you purchase a seat for your child, they will not ask for proof of child's age.

Aaaaah, but all ticketed passengers must have ID to get through security...

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Children do not need ID to get through security. Only those 18 years and older. Technically, you don't even have to have ID, you just make yourself subject to more intimate and thorough searches and screenings.