Do Children Fly Cheaper Than Adults?

[JustGottaGoDisney]

Even though I don't care for their policy, if we want to fly it looks like it will have to be Southwest.

Anyways, we have never flown as a family before. I'm curious: does anyone know if there is a different fare rate for a 9 year old?

Thanks!

 

[Donna]

Nope, unfortunately, they're full fared like an adult would be. I think infants can sit in the parents lap at no cost but even if i had an infant, i don't think i would do that. It would be nice if they'd reduce fares for kids but it would most likely raise the fares for adults in order to do it.

 

[gw_lit]

Southwest actually does offer a child's fare for kids ages 11 and under, but it can only be purchased by phone and not on their website. The child's fare is generally a 50% discount on the most expensive, unrestricted fare offered. You can almost always do better just booking an adult fare online. About the only time a child's fare is a deal is if you are buying a ticket at the very last minute (inside of 14 days or so) and the only fares available are the most expensive unrestricted ones. Another disadvantage of purchasing a child's fare is that you can not check in online (proof of age is required).

 

[mill4023]

I'm just curious what policy it is that you don't care for?

 

[JustGottaGoDisney]

I'm just curious what policy it is that you don't care for?

I know it's probably been discussed alot, but I don't like their policy regarding people of size. Now I am not a large person that would flow over if you will However, b/c of their policy I'm afraid they will decide for me and that I will be embarrassed.

 

[runner26.2]

Here is the link to SW policy on "passengers of size" It would appear that it only becomes an issue if you cannot put the moveable armrests down. That should give you an indication of how large you must be.

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

 

[bicker]

I believe there is an on-going thread in this forum about the policy, as well. Clearly, many of those who benefit from the policy like it; many of those who face the prospect of being embarassed or otherwise incurring cost from the policy don't like it; and many of those who don't find themselves in either category don't really care much about it.

 

[JustGottaGoDisney]

Here is the link to SW policy on "passengers of size" It would appear that it only becomes an issue if you cannot put the moveable armrests down. That should give you an indication of how large you must be.

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

Well, I feel sure the arm rests will certainly go down. I just don't want SW to try and judge me.