Birth Certificate needed for children on SW??

[jgorman9]

We have some friends going with us to Disney and they are on the same flight as us. Our friend called SouthWest today and was told he needs both of his daughters birth certificates. I can understand he might would need it for his 1 1/2 year old since she will be sitting on Mom's lap to prove she is under 2, but he was told he also needs it for his 5 year old.

Has anyone needed a birth cert. for their kids on southwest? I'm not to crazy about the idea of having to take my 3 kids birth cert.

 

[mamacatnv]

We flew SWA in January and a gazillion times before and to the best of my knowledge you only need the BC for the kids flying as "lap" kids, those under 2 without a ticket.

My 17 yr old had ID and due to his size was asked for it occassionally but not all flights and DD we did not carry ID for at all and we never needed to. SWA NEVER checked our ID at the gate, they did me and DH at curbside check in and we only needed it for us adults at the security check point.

Sounds like the SWA agent misunderstood the question.

 

[DebbieB]

I took my 12 year old niece in June on SW, did not need it.

 

[Lewisc]

You'll only need it if your child is travelling on an age qualified fare; lap baby, child or youth fare. The SW internet fares most of us book are usually lower than the child fares but sometimes you can save a few dollars with a child fare.

 

[tmt martins]

we have been on SW since DD was 8 or 9 and never needed anything.

Now when we were down in June one of the Gate CSRs' made a coment about a lady saying her girl was 5 and almost as big as my 12 yearold .I was right there and she said well you better start bringing proof in a few months to the other gate person.So maybe it's a new policy for preboarders as well.

 

[salmoneous]

My guess is they have a child fare - which would require a birth certificate. Just to make matters worse, you can't use online check-in with child fares.

 

[PlutosFriend]

We have some friends going with us to Disney and they are on the same flight as us. Our friend called SouthWest today and was told he needs both of his daughters birth certificates. I can understand he might would need it for his 1 1/2 year old since she will be sitting on Mom's lap to prove she is under 2, but he was told he also needs it for his 5 year old.

Has anyone needed a birth cert. for their kids on southwest? I'm not to crazy about the idea of having to take my 3 kids birth cert.

Our kids haven't flown since May, but they did not need them then or any other time. We usually fly Southwest. My kids are 6 and 8.

 

[Denise Thies]

Glad I read this I am traveling with a 1, 2 and 4 year old.

 

[strmtroopr96]

You'll only need it if your child is travelling on an age qualified fare; lap baby, child or youth fare. The SW internet fares most of us book are usually lower than the child fares but sometimes you can save a few dollars with a child fare.

...Stupid question here...LOL...but will I need a birth certificate for my youngest? I know that it says for under 2 to bring it but she will be 13 weeks when we fly. Obviously, she is under 2 but will they really require it? Thanks!

 

[mamacatnv]

...Stupid question here...LOL...but will I need a birth certificate for my youngest? I know that it says for under 2 to bring it but she will be 13 weeks when we fly. Obviously, she is under 2 but will they really require it? Thanks!

That is a really good question, even tho she is OBVIOUSLY under 2 I wonder what SWA's policy is? Besides, doesn't it sometimes take awhile to get a certified B.C.?

 

[Laurabearz]

My guess is they have a child fare - which would require a birth certificate. Just to make matters worse, you can't use online check-in with child fares.

Although you cant check in online and get the "A" boarding pass, in 99% of the time you can PREBoard with your child..... (given they are 5 or under, thus needed in the BC to prove pre-boarding status) Pre boards go before "A" so no need to check in online

 

[Lewisc]

...Stupid question here...LOL...but will I need a birth certificate for my youngest? I know that it says for under 2 to bring it but she will be 13 weeks when we fly. Obviously, she is under 2 but will they really require it? Thanks!

I think the unofficial policy is only lap babies over 6 months need proof of age. SW found the honor system wasn't working and the GA have better things to do than debate with the parents if their child is big for their age.

You're not applying for a passport. SW will generally take anything that doesn't look like it came from photo shop. A xerox copy of a birth certificate, hospital paper even an immunization record.

I'd bring something for any infant much older than 3 months, I wouldn't worry about 13 weeks but there isn't any down side to just copying something and sticking it in your wallet.

 

[disneyldwjr]

...Stupid question here...LOL...but will I need a birth certificate for my youngest? I know that it says for under 2 to bring it but she will be 13 weeks when we fly. Obviously, she is under 2 but will they really require it? Thanks!

Not a stupid question at all. Yes, she will need the BC.
From SWA.
What Special Rules Apply to Infants and Children?
One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried free with a Customer paying the applicable adult fare.
Affordable Infant Fares are also available that enable a Customer to reserve a seat for an infant and use his/her FAA approved car seat. Infant Fares are not available for purchase on southwest.com. Please contact Reservations at 1-800-435-9792 for more information.
A birth certificate is required to validate age of all infants under age two.
A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.
Accompanied children ages two through 11 will be charged the applicable Child's Fare for the flight (does not apply to unaccompanied children ages five through 11). Proof of age may be required.

You might want to read further on the policies. Here is the link. http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

 

[carl59]

If you check SWA web site it tells you what you need for whom.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

 

[strmtroopr96]

That is a really good question, even tho she is OBVIOUSLY under 2 I wonder what SWA's policy is? Besides, doesn't it sometimes take awhile to get a certified B.C.?

Her Birth Certificate came not too long after her birth, along with her Social Security card. I will just make some copies of it. Thanks!

 

[strmtroopr96]

I think the unofficial policy is only lap babies over 6 months need proof of age. SW found the honor system wasn't working and the GA have better things to do than debate with the parents if their child is big for their age.

You're not applying for a passport. SW will generally take anything that doesn't look like it came from photo shop. A xerox copy of a birth certificate, hospital paper even an immunization record.

I'd bring something for any infant much older than 3 months, I wouldn't worry about 13 weeks but there isn't any down side to just copying something and sticking it in your wallet.

...I think that's what we'll do. When I brought our oldest DD right befroe she turned 3, I also brought along copies of her B.C.. I just wanted proof she she wasn't 3 yet. LOL She was already as tall as a 5 year old at that age.

...Thanks everybody!

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

Strange, but we were asked both ways for BC's on our DD's even though both had full fare seats. The persons at the checkin desk were very adamant about it.

Maybe we just go a couple of people in a stickler of a mood.