Flying w/ infant (lap child)

[Beast2Prince]

This will be our first time flying with an infant and lap child so we have questions and need advice. We are flying SWA and not sure where we get the Boarding Verification Document. The airline told me we need to get this from the ticket counter. However, their website also says you can get it at the departure gate. Does anyone know which is correct? Also, for those of you that have traveled with a lap child, where do you usually get your document from? Knowing how crazy the Orlando airport can be, I would like to get this at the departure gate if possible. And lastly, any advice on flying with a 1 year old would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[n2mm]

You get it at the counter when you check your bags, both ways. You'll need it to go through security. SW will also request to see the birth certificate, so have a copy of that handy too. My daughter flew SW last August with the 18 month old and was asked for the BC when checking in.

 

[Mich Mouse]

We have flown three times with our one year old. I would advise you to try to plan for your children to be in need of a nap during the flight...Wake early or do whatever you have to do to get your child to sleep. USe MAgic Express...it is great not having to worry about your luggage. Gate check your stroller so you will have it when yoy exit the plane and bring some infant tylenol in case of ear pain/pressure during flight. If you can purchase one seat for the infant/lap child you will be much more comfortable....and so will they making for a better flight for everyone.

My little guy got an ear infection two of the three times so this August we are driving!

Good Luck

 

[Beast2Prince]

A couple follow up questions...

1. Can you get the document at curbside check-in? Or will we need to go inside to get it and check our luggage there?

2. Can we take infant Tylenol liquid onto the plane?

Thanks!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Not sure about curbside but you can bring the infant tylenol on the plane. I believe all liquids (including tylenol) must be placed in a quart sized plastic bag when you go through security... Check with your airport for security details.

 

[gratton16]

Yes you can get the document at curbside checkin. I have that done that the past two times traveling with my daughter who was a lap child. I also tip them a little extra.

Just tell them you are traveling with a lap child and they will ask for your drivers license and the childs birth certificate. Note that Southwest no longer has preboarding for children. They board after A unless you have A boarding pass..the you can board as your pass reflects. Hope it helps. Feel free to PM me with any more questions.

We are leaving next Friday and it will be the first time I had to buy a ticket for my little one as she is now almost 3.

 

[swabikedude]

Hi there - I wanted to give you a little input and some information that should help you with your journey involving the little one:

Click the link below to find some great INFANT information on the Southwest Airlines site:

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

Birth certificates are great to bring with you - just get a certified copy of it and leave the original at home - you don't want to lose that! Check in early at the Ticket Counter so the details can be inputted into the computer for you and you will get your BVD (boarding verification document) for the infant to help speed you through TSA Checkpoint!

Also - check out the link below for some great KID TRAVEL ADVICE from our Family Travel Expert on the Southwest website...it's great stuff that is sure to help you with your travels!!!

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

Have a great time & be sure to ask for a certificate for your little one's FIRST FLIGHT - the Flight Crew will sign it and date it for you for your scrapbook! It will make a great memory!!!!

 

[Michael623]

Is this the dawn of a kinder gentler Transportation board?

 

[Beast2Prince]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Beast2Prince]

One more follow up question - I have read where people bring their carseats hoping the flight is not full. They then put their "lapchild" in a seat, even though they did not pay for a ticket. Do you ask the gate attendant first to see if the flight is full, and if so, just gate check the carseat? Has anyone done this that would mind sharing how this works? Thanks for all of the help so far. Just one more month to go!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Please do NOT bring a car seat for a lap child. I mean, bring it if you will need it at your destination, but please don't expect that, even if the flight is not full, you would be able to install it in a seat and fasten your child into it.

If that is one's goal, intention, desire, etc., PLEASE purchase a ticket for the child.

 

[Lewisc]

One more follow up question - I have read where people bring their carseats hoping the flight is not full. They then put their "lapchild" in a seat, even though they did not pay for a ticket. Do you ask the gate attendant first to see if the flight is full, and if so, just gate check the carseat? Has anyone done this that would mind sharing how this works? Thanks for all of the help so far. Just one more month to go!

Are you using DME? You can't use a car seat in the DME bus or on Disney buses at WDW (no seat belts). Some GAs won't give parents free seats unless there are enough extra seats to accomodate all lap babies and still leave enough seats for last minute passengers. It may be easier to leave your car seat home.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Don't worry about bringing the carseat...it is not big deal...can't quite understand why the repsonse is what it is here????

If the flight is full they will check it at the gate ,along with your stroller if you have one. Of course check with you carrier. JET BLUE and SW both check strollers/car seats at the gate.

Happy Flying

 

[tjmw2727]

SWA rarely allows a carseat for a lap child, only if there are several empty seats and no standby list. If there are a few lap sitters they won't let one - or they will have to let them all. SWA likes a quick turn around, alllowing a carseat to be installed and then finding out you need the seat for a ticketed passenger takes time. The parent has to take the seat out and then gate check it - causing delay in boarding and push back.

If you need the seat for a rental then it doesn't hurt to bring it to the gate just in case. I would rather gate check it than check it through as luggage anyway. If your using DME or don't need a seat IMHO it isn't worth bringing because based on my SWA experience its doubtfull you will be allowed to bring it on.

As for the tylenol its fine - and dosen't have to be in the 3-1-1 bag. Just put all your medicines in a separate ziplock and declare them when you go through security.

Great factual info on traveling with medicines, liquids and even children can be found here:

http://www.tsa.gov/