Flying with Children

[~Kathie]

The family will be going to WDW in October. My son, my daughter and her BF will be flying on SWA with my 2 grandchildren ages 5 & 2.

We won't be flying with them, we're going down beforehand.

The kids will have their own airline seats and no car seats. We'll get them with the rental car and they would be just one more thing for my son to carry.

What will my son need in order not to have an issue going through security and getting on the plane? I talked to SWA and they weren't very helpful which is not like them. I probably should have just called back. :confused:

I asked if he needed to bring their birth certificates and the CS rep said it would probably be a good idea. Okay.....what else??

I was going to get them Rapid Rewards accounts before hand...will that help?

I'd appreciate any suggestions anyone with kids can give me to make the process go smooth for them.

My daughter commented......3 Adults + 2 Kids = Kids Win. :rotfl:


Thanks!

[SunshineGirl]

We have taken passports and birth certificates and they have never looked at either! I always have them ready though. They usually ask the kids their names. That's about it. We don't have frequent traveler numbers for the girls yet, although they both fly about twice a year. We've flown with them since they were babies and it really isn't too bad at all. :)

Definitely check the SWA early boarding procedures. Their early boarding is about the worst of all of the airlines.

[Leslie]

Our kids are always asked their names also. But, we HAVE been required to provide a birth certificate before for our kids when going through security, so it would be best to have it on you just in case.

[ligrumpygirl]

I hate to throw a curve ball...but I might suggest taking your own car seat and booster for the 5 yr old.

I have heard some interesting stories about car rental places not having the car seats even though reserved or about the seats being very dirty!

You can use the seat on the plane (if you have a window seat) or you can gate check it. The booster seat you just need the bottom which can be thrown into a duffle or suitcase.

It might also be easier to get the 2yr old to sit if they are used to their own car seat.

Just the thoughts from a mommy who has flown with kids those ages...


PS Never needed any paperwork to fly with the kids...but it has been over a year since I flew with them. We drive a lot now (UGH!!!!!!!!)

[lkat]

yikes! are you guys all saying that kids need birth certificates to fly??? The last time we flew with them was a little over a year ago and we didn't need ANYTHING! They didn't even ask the kids any questions...we just pointed our kids out and said this is so and so...

Should I contact our airline to see if this is required for us now????

Also, Kathie, how long is their flight going to be? We flew with a 3, 6, and 8 yr. old the last time we flew, but it was only about 2 1/2- 3 hour flight...

They were actually all really good! They're always fascinated by take off and seeing everything get smaller and the clouds which occupies some time, then the snacks, we brought the wdw for kids books for them and they were all looking at the pictures (even the 3 yr. old) and talking about what they were going to do...and they fooled around with the free satellite radio thing, and then we were landing and they were all pressed up against the windows :)

Paper and crayons go a long way too!

[Leslie]

yikes! are you guys all saying that kids need birth certificates to fly??? The last time we flew with them was a little over a year ago and we didn't need ANYTHING! They didn't even ask the kids any questions...we just pointed our kids out and said this is so and so...

Should I contact our airline to see if this is required for us now????

Also, Kathie, how long is their flight going to be? We flew with a 3, 6, and 8 yr. old the last time we flew, but it was only about 2 1/2- 3 hour flight...

They were actually all really good! They're always fascinated by take off and seeing everything get smaller and the clouds which occupies some time, then the snacks, we brought the wdw for kids books for them and they were all looking at the pictures (even the 3 yr. old) and talking about what they were going to do...and they fooled around with the free satellite radio thing, and then we were landing and they were all pressed up against the windows :)

Paper and crayons go a long way too!

I am not saying they always need birth certificates. We have flown with our kids several times where they haven't required anything. But there was an instance where we did need to show it, so I was glad I had it.

[~Kathie]

yikes! are you guys all saying that kids need birth certificates to fly??? The last time we flew with them was a little over a year ago and we didn't need ANYTHING! They didn't even ask the kids any questions...we just pointed our kids out and said this is so and so...

Should I contact our airline to see if this is required for us now????

So sorry if I made you panic. I'm an "A" type.........I need all my ducks in a row and I wanted to be prepared. My son on the other hand.......must be the milkman's kid because he is the biggest procrastinator you ever met. His middle name is Lastminute. :rotfl:

With all the security for adults......I figured there was some for kids too as far as ID's etc. Maybe the SWA CS was being as evasive as I thought and was just humoring me by telling me that it might be a good idea to being their birth certificates.

Maybe I was confused with international flights? I'm going to look at the TSA website to be sure.


Also, Kathie, how long is their flight going to be? We flew with a 3, 6, and 8 yr. old the last time we flew, but it was only about 2 1/2- 3 hour flight...

They were actually all really good! They're always fascinated by take off and seeing everything get smaller and the clouds which occupies some time, then the snacks, we brought the wdw for kids books for them and they were all looking at the pictures (even the 3 yr. old) and talking about what they were going to do...and they fooled around with the free satellite radio thing, and then we were landing and they were all pressed up against the windows :)

Paper and crayons go a long way too!

The flight is a little less than 3 hours. The 5 year old will be fine. He's been looking at my Disney books and talking about WDW for 2 years. Everytime we watch a Disney movie at my house and they show the castle, Nicholas says, "We're going to go there." and looks at me. I told him, 'yes we are.....you have to get a little bigger first." :hugs:

The 2 year old on the other hand has her moments. I'm hoping that by October (she'll be 3 in December), she'll mellow a little. She changes everyday. Up until a few months ago, she was a screamer. She still screams, but not as often. Thank goodness. That kid could shatter glass.

They don't know that they are going yet.

So thanks for the info. The plan is to pack a DVD player, snacks and def coloring book and crayons.

What time of the day did you fly?

[~Kathie]

First time I looked at this thread none of your responses were there except Lkat. Weird!



We have taken passports and birth certificates and they have never looked at either! I always have them ready though. They usually ask the kids their names. That's about it. We don't have frequent traveler numbers for the girls yet, although they both fly about twice a year. We've flown with them since they were babies and it really isn't too bad at all. :)

Definitely check the SWA early boarding procedures. Their early boarding is about the worst of all of the airlines.

I know. I'm paying the $10 PP so they can board first. If I was there and could help them...I wouldn't do it. I spend a lot of time with my grand daughter and she is good for me. Their mother isn't going.



Our kids are always asked their names also. But, we HAVE been required to provide a birth certificate before for our kids when going through security, so it would be best to have it on you just in case.

Thanks for that. I just don't want them to have any problems.


I hate to throw a curve ball...but I might suggest taking your own car seat and booster for the 5 yr old.

I have heard some interesting stories about car rental places not having the car seats even though reserved or about the seats being very dirty!

You can use the seat on the plane (if you have a window seat) or you can gate check it. The booster seat you just need the bottom which can be thrown into a duffle or suitcase.

It might also be easier to get the 2yr old to sit if they are used to their own car seat.

Just the thoughts from a mommy who has flown with kids those ages...


PS Never needed any paperwork to fly with the kids...but it has been over a year since I flew with them. We drive a lot now (UGH!!!!!!!!)

I was thinking about taking the car seat for 2 year old, especially in light of the fact that she can be a challenge, my son doesn't want to take it. The seats have to be FAA approved don't they? I'm also going to Orlando next month. I will check with National about the car seats and boosters. Many times I have seen them lined up, piled high in plastic. If the car seats are nasty......he'll have to take it.

I don't envy you driving. We drove back and forth Vero Beach/ RI twice in the past 2 years. NEVER again. You haven't lived until you've driven from NYC through CT on 95 into RI. Thought I was on the Autoban. Surprised we survived.

Thanks everyone!

[~Kathie]

Our kids are always asked their names also. But, we HAVE been required to provide a birth certificate before for our kids when going through security, so it would be best to have it on you just in case.

I wanted to add that my grandson will tell you his name and address. If anyone talks to my grand daughter, she'll most likely dive under a table and scream bloody murder. :rotfl:

Another question........how do they handle kids going through the security? Will they make them walk by themselves. Can the little one stay in the stroller? How does that work?

[PSL1013]

So sorry if I made you panic. I'm an "A" type.........I need all my ducks in a row and I wanted to be prepared. My son on the other hand.......must be the milkman's kid because he is the biggest procrastinator you ever met. His middle name is Lastminute. :rotfl:

I thought you had a dairy allergy?? :rotfl:

[disney_girl]

We have flown AA and Airtran and have never been asked to show anything for the kids. But better to be prepared than not- I would take their birth certificates just to be on the safe side.

We've always flown to Orlando early morning and it has always worked out well. We end up in Orlando somewhere between 11 and noon and eat lunch when we get to the resort. Since we try to maximize our time there, we fly home in the evening. The kids are so exhausted that they typically fall asleep on the plane which makes for a quiet flight home. At his age, he'll do fine with the DVD player- just make sure it's charged up and don't forget the charger for the flight home!! And don't forget some headphones. My 2 year old was occupied with a new coloring book and stickers for the most part. Maybe a couple of new books or a new little toy.

When are you all going to tell them?? How exciting!!

[ligrumpygirl]

I wanted to add that my grandson will tell you his name and address. If anyone talks to my grand daughter, she'll most likely dive under a table and scream bloody murder. :rotfl:

Another question........how do they handle kids going through the security? Will they make them walk by themselves. Can the little one stay in the stroller? How does that work?

The kids have to walk through security...out of the stroller. It is a lot to handle but we send one adult through...then the kids...then rest of the adults.

[fourfoxesinpa]

The only passengers required by TSA to present ID are adults 18 and over. We have never been asked to present any ID for our kids, except when we went out of the country. Never on domestic flights. Security usually asks them their name but that's it. It doesn't matter which airline you fly on...the security checkpoints are run by TSA not the carriers, which is probably why Southwest wasn't very helpful. Being a member of the carrier's frequent flyer club doesn't give any advantages when going through security.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Here is a page from the TSA that covers "traveling with children." HTH

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

[~Kathie]

I thought you had a dairy allergy?? :rotfl:

Mmmmm.........maybe that's why I have the allergy?? LOL


We have flown AA and Airtran and have never been asked to show anything for the kids. But better to be prepared than not- I would take their birth certificates just to be on the safe side.

We've always flown to Orlando early morning and it has always worked out well. We end up in Orlando somewhere between 11 and noon and eat lunch when we get to the resort. Since we try to maximize our time there, we fly home in the evening. The kids are so exhausted that they typically fall asleep on the plane which makes for a quiet flight home. At his age, he'll do fine with the DVD player- just make sure it's charged up and don't forget the charger for the flight home!! And don't forget some headphones. My 2 year old was occupied with a new coloring book and stickers for the most part. Maybe a couple of new books or a new little toy.

When are you all going to tell them?? How exciting!!

I'm not.....I'll leave that up to their father. It's killing me not to tell Nicholas. I remember when we went away with my kids when they were small. We never told them until the day we were leaving. I made that mistake once and they were so excited for weeks it was unbearable. Nicholas is just like his father.....he would be beside himself with excitement.




The kids have to walk through security...out of the stroller. It is a lot to handle but we send one adult through...then the kids...then rest of the adults.

Great info.....thanks Janet.


The only passengers required by TSA to present ID are adults 18 and over. We have never been asked to present any ID for our kids, except when we went out of the country. Never on domestic flights. Security usually asks them their name but that's it. It doesn't matter which airline you fly on...the security checkpoints are run by TSA not the carriers, which is probably why Southwest wasn't very helpful.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Here is a page from the TSA that covers "traveling with children." HTH

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

Excellent.....thank you Jamie!!

I KNEW you guys would be able to guide me in the right direction. :hugs::hugs:

Thanks so much!

[pbhall13]

Hi Kathie....

the only thing ever asked of my girls was their names....never need birth certificates or passports.

Maybe since it will be just your husband and you, if there is an extra carseat at your sons house you could take it with you and check it at the gate? that way it would already be in Orlando and when you go to pick them up you can have it all set for them. Another suggestion is on your way to the airport stop off at walmart and you can get a booster for under $20 for your grandson (loads cheaper instead of renting it from the car rental company).....

just a few thoughts!

Pamela

[Leslie]

I wanted to add that my grandson will tell you his name and address. If anyone talks to my grand daughter, she'll most likely dive under a table and scream bloody murder. :rotfl:

Another question........how do they handle kids going through the security? Will they make them walk by themselves. Can the little one stay in the stroller? How does that work?

Like the previous poster said, the kids do have to walk through by themselves and I think the stroller has to go through the screener. We do it just like her though, where we send through an adult, then the kids, and then the rest of the adults. Not sure about your airport, but ours has a "family line" so you don't feel like you are holding up all the business travelers.

Also, I talked with my DH about the time we were asked for birth certificate and he brought up a good point. The day we were asked was the day that guy took a bomb on the plane, so I am sure security was increased on that day. Because every other time we have flown with the kids, they have only been asked their names and we have never had to show anything else for them.