Southwest age-verification?

[jimmiej]

After reading SWA's website, it appeared we need to get our 7 yo granddaughter age-verified, so that we could do the on-line check in.

I called SWA to confirm, and was told we didn't need to do anything, since she would have her own seat. ??? Should we bring birth certificate, just in case?

 

[Gracie09]

No need to being anything unless she is traveling on a special child fare ticket (or of she was a lap child but she would have to be under the age of two). If it was a normal ticket then no need to verify age

 

[PrincesCJM]

Only lap infants need to be verified with a birth certificate. If you want piece of mind though, you can certainly bring a copy of your granddaughter's birth certificate (don't bring an original)

 

[jimmiej]

Thank you both. So, no ID is required for a child?

 

[DebbieB]

Thank you both. So, no ID is required for a child?

No

 

[jimmiej]

Perfect! Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

Wait. Does she have a normal ticket, or did you buy her one that's an age-based fare? If she has a fare that is discounted based on age, you do have to prove her age.

 

[rwdavis2]

Thank you both. So, no ID is required for a child?

Correct. Id's are not needed for any child under the age of 18 for any reason unless you are leaving the country.

 

[jimmiej]

Wait. Does she have a normal ticket, or did you buy her one that's an age-based fare? If she has a fare that is discounted based on age, you do have to prove her age.

Well, the agent on the phone indicated there was no need for age verification, based on the conf. #.

These tickets were purchased by a friend, using their Rapid Rewards points. Therefore, I'm a little in the dark with regards to what was purchased. I will check on that to be sure.

 

[tjmw2727]

Well, the agent on the phone indicated there was no need for age verification, based on the conf. #.

These tickets were purchased by a friend, using their Rapid Rewards points. Therefore, I'm a little in the dark with regards to what was purchased. I will check on that to be sure.

99.9% sure your fine esp with RR flights, these would be regular internet fares and non age qualified. The days of "cheaper children's fares" are long gone as most times they are a % off the highest possible fare and not worth booking in the first place.

The only time you have to age verify these days is with an under two "lap rider" and SWA is very strict on requiring a BC vs some other airlines.

 

[Lewisc]

Correct. Id's are not needed for any child under the age of 18 for any reason unless you are leaving the country.

Not correct. The TSA doesn't require Ids for kids under 18. Some airlines require Id if the child is using an age qualified fare. Airlines still have child fares. There are flyers who pay full fare. They may book close to their departure date. They may be flying at peak times and aren't flexible. In those cases a child fare will save a few dollars.

SW will ask to see proof of age if the child is a "lap baby".

 

[NotUrsula]

Though it is not needed in this case because kids with paid berths don't need any ID on domestic flights, age verification isn't difficult. In the case of SWA, it is a great advantage if you are 65 or older, because if you do it you can still check in online when traveling on a Senior Fare. (And yes, unlike "child fares", SWA's Senior Fares are always a good deal when you can get them. They are normally cheaper than regular discounted fares, and are always fully refundable.)

To age-verify with SWA, register for Rapid Rewards, and once the account is set up, snail-mail RR Customer Service a good-resolution photocopy of your birth certificate and photo ID. They will enter your birthdate as verified, and from then on you check in online as usual even if you are traveling on a Senior Fare.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, the agent on the phone indicated there was no need for age verification, based on the conf. #. These tickets were purchased by a friend, using their Rapid Rewards points. Therefore, I'm a little in the dark with regards to what was purchased. I will check on that to be sure.

Then it doesn't sound like there was any sort of child discount, and you will be fine without ID for her.