Lap child on Southwest question

[cappygirl]

Hi all,
We'll by flying with our DD for the first time in January. She'll be 13 months so I know that on Southwest we don't have to pay for a seat for her. Question is, do we let them know in advance that she's coming or just show up with her (and her birth certificate) at the airport? I booked our flights online, and there was nowhere on the site to indicate if traveling with an infant....
Thanks for any help!

 

[gigi1313]

the one time i flew w/ds as a lap child, i called to let them know... if i were you i would do the same...

 

[Robin&Marian+2]

You have to let them know. Also, when we checked in at the desk they were annoyed that we hadn't told the agent at the beginning of the line that our twins were lap babies. He saw them and didn't say boo to us, so we just went to the desk.

Definitely bring her BC. Our DDs got "carded" at 18 months, even though they were preemies and didn't look close to 18 months, let alone 2 years. We had their BCs, so no biggie.

 

[1tufgt]

You don't have to call them ahead but you do need to check in at the counter to let them get the infant a boarding verification document (BVD) which will require you to have the kids birth certificate.

Check the link below:

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

 

[cappygirl]

Thank you all. I think we'll call ahead just to be on the safe side!

 

[Jestocost]

Definitely bring her BC. Our DDs got "carded" at 18 months, even though they were preemies and didn't look close to 18 months, let alone 2 years. We had their BCs, so no biggie.

SWA was just doing what is required under FAA regulations. The airlines are supposed to confirm that any child flying as a lap baby is under two years of age. Some airlines are just better about compliance than others and SWA has a reputation as being one of the most strict when it comes to confirming the age of lap babies.

It's the same as states where checking an ID is required for the purchase of alcohol and/or cigarettes. Under the law it doesn't matter if the person is 100 and looks it; ID still should be checked. In those states you will find places that actually do check all IDs and others that don't.

 

[dizziedupbaby0127]

Question with SW and ID for infants, I know the standard is to bring your childs birth cert. but what if we get our DD18mos a Enhanced Non-Drivers License ID? Will that be ok?

We are cruising with Disney after our resort stay and Im trying to avoid bring her BC with us. (id rather chance losing a ID then her BC)

 

[ccgirl]

Question with SW and ID for infants, I know the standard is to bring your childs birth cert. but what if we get our DD18mos a Enhanced Non-Drivers License ID? Will that be ok?

We are cruising with Disney after our resort stay and Im trying to avoid bring her BC with us. (id rather chance losing a ID then her BC)

When I flew with my 10 mth old son as a lap baby they insisted I had the birth certificate. I have two copies. One that always stays home and one that travels when I need it.

 

[Jestocost]

Question with SW and ID for infants, I know the standard is to bring your childs birth cert. but what if we get our DD18mos a Enhanced Non-Drivers License ID? Will that be ok?

We are cruising with Disney after our resort stay and Im trying to avoid bring her BC with us. (id rather chance losing a ID then her BC)

You could call SWA and ask if that would be acceptable. But, realistically, I am guessing that the use of such IDs for infants is rare enough that even if SWA customer service says its OK and their policy is that such an ID is OK there's a decent chance that the employees working at the airport might not know the policy and won't accept it. I would just bite the bullet and plan on bring the bc regardless, unfortunately.

 

[uva185]

Question with SW and ID for infants, I know the standard is to bring your childs birth cert. but what if we get our DD18mos a Enhanced Non-Drivers License ID? Will that be ok?

We are cruising with Disney after our resort stay and Im trying to avoid bring her BC with us. (id rather chance losing a ID then her BC)

If you are cruising after your resort stay your baby will need a passport. The passport will be sufficient documentation for Southwest as well. No need to get a State ID Card.

 

[dizziedupbaby0127]

You could call SWA and ask if that would be acceptable. But, realistically, I am guessing that the use of such IDs for infants is rare enough that even if SWA customer service says its OK and their policy is that such an ID is OK there's a decent chance that the employees working at the airport might not know the policy and won't accept it. I would just bite the bullet and plan on bring the bc regardless, unfortunately.

Thanks I think I will call and see whats what.

If you are cruising after your resort stay your baby will need a passport. The passport will be sufficient documentation for Southwest as well. No need to get a State ID Card.

According the government website, cruising in the bahamas does not require a US Passport. Just an ID and citizenship document. The only time we would need a passport was if we were flying to a different country.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Thanks I think I will call and see whats what.



According the government website, cruising in the bahamas does not require a US Passport. Just an ID and citizenship document. The only time we would need a passport was if we were flying to a different country.

However if for ANY reason you needed to be flown from the Bahamas back to the US you would be STUCK! So if you or the infant got sick for example, or you had a family crisis....
The Goverment doesn't want to point out this risk....

 

[uva185]

Thanks I think I will call and see whats what.



According the government website, cruising in the bahamas does not require a US Passport. Just an ID and citizenship document. The only time we would need a passport was if we were flying to a different country.

Two things....

#1. What exactly do you think a citizenship document is? its a birth certificate or passport. Not a State ID Card.

#2. While the Bahamas may only require a citizenship document the US Government requires a Passport or a Passport Card for re-entry into the US. Details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

 

[Hannathy]

Question with SW and ID for infants, I know the standard is to bring your childs birth cert. but what if we get our DD18mos a Enhanced Non-Drivers License ID? Will that be ok?

We are cruising with Disney after our resort stay and Im trying to avoid bring her BC with us. (id rather chance losing a ID then her BC)

Does the state verify the birth date, did you have to bring in the birth certificate?

And why would you go to all this trouble instead of just sticking the B.C. in your purse?

The airline doesn't care if they are a citizen or an alien from Mars all they care is a verification of age.

 

[crashbb]

Two things....

#1. What exactly do you think a citizenship document is? its a birth certificate or passport. Not a State ID Card.

#2. While the Bahamas may only require a citizenship document the US Government requires a Passport or a Passport Card for re-entry into the US. Details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Actually, because it is a closed loop itinerary, the PP is correct in stating that no passport is needed.

How will the final WHTI requirements affect passengers going on cruises?
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by DOS, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1206635771151.shtm

 

[uva185]

Actually, because it is a closed loop itinerary, the PP is correct in stating that no passport is needed.



http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1206635771151.shtm

Thanks for posting that. I was not aware of that!!

OP, this means you will still need to bring a birth certificate as a state ID is not proof of citizenship!

 

[bumbershoot]

Question with SW and ID for infants, I know the standard is to bring your childs birth cert. but what if we get our DD18mos a Enhanced Non-Drivers License ID? Will that be ok?

I think that some people don't necessarily know what an enhanced ID is...

"NYS now issues a WHTI-Compliant Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) (includes Enhanced learner permits) and Enhanced non-driver photo ID cards (ENDID) to applicants who can prove U.S. citizenship and NYS residency. An EDL or ENDID can be used instead of a passport to return to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean."

The enhanced IDs are WHTI compliant. Normal ID isn't, but this one is.

Now...I personally would just get a passport for the baby, since the enhanced ID doesn't get you as many places as the pport does. You might not have plans to go further afield at this time, but getting a pport now would cause NO problems whatsoever (not all agents might know what it is, causing delays) and it could spur some wanderlust.




OrangeCountyCommuter, I can't find it right now, but the last time I looked for it (around a year ago) the state dept passport info pages actually had a discussion of what to do if you're in an emergency while on a cruise, need to fly home, and don't have a passport. Answer...they'll help. The US isn't going to strand someone. Might take a bit of money and will be a little longer than if you had the pport in hand, but they'll help.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

OrangeCountyCommuter, I can't find it right now, but the last time I looked for it (around a year ago) the state dept passport info pages actually had a discussion of what to do if you're in an emergency while on a cruise, need to fly home, and don't have a passport. Answer...they'll help. The US isn't going to strand someone. Might take a bit of money and will be a little longer than if you had the pport in hand, but they'll help.

They will help eventually And it will cost you more then it would have. Having been with someone who LOST a passport... trust me, yes you will get home. Will it be stressfree.... You are dealing with the US Goverment. And considering the reason you would need to fly home is probably due to some stressful event, it probably wouldn't be pretty.

 

[dizziedupbaby0127]

Two things....

#1. What exactly do you think a citizenship document is? its a birth certificate or passport. Not a State ID Card.

#2. While the Bahamas may only require a citizenship document the US Government requires a Passport or a Passport Card for re-entry into the US. Details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Please lookup what an enhanced DL is. Yes it a citizenship verified document! you can use it instead of a passport to access canada.

Does the state verify the birth date, did you have to bring in the birth certificate?

And why would you go to all this trouble instead of just sticking the B.C. in your purse?

The airline doesn't care if they are a citizen or an alien from Mars all they care is a verification of age.

yes the state does verify age! and yes you need your BC to get the drivers id. I dont know what state your from, but NY is very strict at the DMV. they want a blood sample to verify who you are ROTFL

I think that some people don't necessarily know what an enhanced ID is...

"NYS now issues a WHTI-Compliant Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) (includes Enhanced learner permits) and Enhanced non-driver photo ID cards (ENDID) to applicants who can prove U.S. citizenship and NYS residency. An EDL or ENDID can be used instead of a passport to return to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean."

The enhanced IDs are WHTI compliant. Normal ID isn't, but this one is.

Now...I personally would just get a passport for the baby, since the enhanced ID doesn't get you as many places as the pport does. You might not have plans to go further afield at this time, but getting a pport now would cause NO problems whatsoever (not all agents might know what it is, causing delays) and it could spur some wanderlust.




OrangeCountyCommuter, I can't find it right now, but the last time I looked for it (around a year ago) the state dept passport info pages actually had a discussion of what to do if you're in an emergency while on a cruise, need to fly home, and don't have a passport. Answer...they'll help. The US isn't going to strand someone. Might take a bit of money and will be a little longer than if you had the pport in hand, but they'll help.

Thanks everyone. I really didnt mean to start a debate. I was only concerned with SW accepting the ID.

THANKS bumbershot for clarifing what the enhanced ID was, i didnt know that many people didnt know about them. I guess living near canada where it is used alot, we know more about it.

The main reason for not getting a passport is cost. 130 something compared to a non driver enhanced id for 45 bucks. big difference. and I know people who have lost their birth cert on their trip and had issues. if we bring the ID's instead and leave the bc at home atleast we still have some proof of citizenship even if grandma needs to overnight it. NO BC = NO proof

 

[bumbershoot]

THANKS bumbershot for clarifing what the enhanced ID was, i didnt know that many people didnt know about them. I guess living near canada where it is used alot, we know more about it.

The main reason for not getting a passport is cost. 130 something compared to a non driver enhanced id for 45 bucks. big difference. and I know people who have lost their birth cert on their trip and had issues. if we bring the ID's instead and leave the bc at home atleast we still have some proof of citizenship even if grandma needs to overnight it. NO BC = NO proof

Yep. Both of our states are border states, so of course we've been hearing about them for ages.

And I hear you on the passport cost! I just renewed mine (they were about to raise prices AND I was about to come out of my renewal period which would make it more expensive) and bought DS his first...wasn't a planned and budgeted thing. Ouch! We have no international travel planned, but I have missed Vancouver and will be glad to be able to go again, and hubby travels for work and it's good to have the ability to run off if I can get a great airfare for me and DS.

But it ended up working out perfectly for DS, b/c he's 6. So this one will expire when he's 11, then he'll get another 5 year pport which will expire when he's 16, and that's when it's time for his adult passport! Woo! (so actually with your child being 1 it would work out the same for you (though with one more 5 year in there), hint hint hint, LOL)