Question about Southwest boarding with infant.

[chicagodisneyfan]

The only thing you'll need a birth certificate for is checking in. And YES you DO need one with SW for an infant.

We have always had to present one every time for our almost four yr old. And we fly out east about three times a yr. Don't chance it be prepared.

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if you buy an adult ticket like the OP did - you do NOT need a birth certificate for the infant.

The ONLY time it is required is when a parent goes AGAINST the recommendations of the FAA and has a baby on the lap (no ticket).

 

[*Seanaci*]

I don't think you can ALL board between Group A and B...only one parent and the infant will be permitted. The other two will board based on their boarding pass number.

When we flew SW last June to Sacremento, they alowed the whole family to board. Granted, it wasn't a flight packed with families, so it may be at the descretion of the gate agents.

if you buy an adult ticket like the OP did - you do NOT need a birth certificate for the infant.

The ONLY time it is required is when a parent goes AGAINST the recommendations of the FAA and has a baby on the lap (no ticket).

I disagree with the bolded. When we flew with my DS in 2008 (he was 14 months old) we didn't need his birth certificate...we had it with us, but they never asked for it. Also, even children who are young enough to fly on the parents lap are required to have a boarding pass. Again, I know this from when we flew with my then 14 month old son. Coming back to Denver, we had to check with a gate agent to get a boarding pass for our son.

My best advice is to get your whole party checked in at the 24 hour mark (to get early boarding passes). And take the birth certificate...JUST IN CASE! You may not need to have the early boarding passes, or be asked for the birth certificate in the end, at least you will have prepared yourself.

Good luck, hope this helps!