Originally Posted by
GalleyWench
Because an adult isn't trying to fly for free in someone's lap. It's only required for a child under 2 years of age that you're trying to fly with as a lap child. FAR's require any child that has reached their second birthday to occupy their own seat. The verification of age is accomplished by BC. SWA isn't the only airline that notes this on their website.
Maybe I do not travel in the USA so much. But I have NEVER seen this rule before. Nor did I see it when researching flights.
And still, WHY would a birth certificate prove a child's age? I mean, there is no photo. It could be a relatives. It is just paper. You can print one at home.
Forgive me for being far removed from my nation or origin, but could you explain to me how a birth certificate is the ultimate proof of identity now in the USA? Did they change them recently?