SW question about child fares

[ColinCodyMom]

I have never flown SW however with the free bags, I was contemplating it. Has anyone had any experience with the child/youth fares? It says to call them directly for those fares. Are they discounted fares? Also, how difficult is it to get seats together? I know they don't do advanced seat assignments. Thanks so much.

 

[jel0511]

The child/youth fares are for those under the age of 2, anyone over the age of 2 pays the same price as adults. As for those under 2, usually (though not always) it's cheaper to book the adult rate, as the child fare is discounted off the full fare. You also have to provide documentation at check-in (ie birth certificate) for the child/youth fares, or be charged the prevailing rate at the time. You also can't book them online and must call SWA.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Oh okay. On their website there are three different categories of those for children: I think infants/child/youth. It wasn't only for under 2. The youth fares were for 11 or 12 and over. I figured it would be based off the full fare and would therefore cost more. It's always too good to be true!! Thanks for the reply!

 

[jel0511]

I never knew they offered the child/youth fares, though did know about the infant fares. I still think any child/yough fare would be more than booking the cheapest Wanna Get Away fares. My SW tickets for March, we're paying 79 each way, I don't see how a child/youth fare could be lower than that, as it would be a discount off the full fare of 288.

 

[Tara]

I never knew they offered the child/youth fares, though did know about the infant fares. I still think any child/yough fare would be more than booking the cheapest Wanna Get Away fares. My SW tickets for March, we're paying 79 each way, I don't see how a child/youth fare could be lower than that, as it would be a discount off the full fare of 288.

You are correct - any of these special fares are discounted off full fares, so Wanna Get Away fares area virtually always cheaper.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Thanks to both of you. I figured that was the case, but having never flied them before I wasn't sure. I guess I was hopeful...

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Don't bother with the Youth/Infant fares. The Wanna Get Away fares are almost always cheaper. My DD has always flown for the same rate as us.