Traveling with Children

[brittyocum]

Southwest Airlines requires children ages 2 and up to wear a mask. There is no grace, no exceptions. If your child, no matter how old is unable to keep it on the ENTIRE time do NOT fly Southwest. I've flown Southwest for over 15 years and have never been so dissapointed. This age requirement is listed nowhere on their website. In fact they denied a refund saying that the website says masks are required even though age requirement is NOT. What a bummer. We will no longer be flying Southwest due to such poor service and care for customers. 

[TheMiddleSeat · Accepted solution]

Currently ALL airlines require masks for anyone 2 years and older.  This is based on a security directive written by the TSA, more commonly known as the federal mandate to wear masks on planes.  Southwest's mask exceptions are listed in their FAQ at https://www.southwest.com/airline-cleanliness-social-distance/?clk=5674072&cbid=5674072

Exemptions to face coverings

• Young children under the age of 2.
• If you have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that prevents you from wearing a mask, but still wish to travel: Southwest is currently finalizing steps for a Customer to take to apply for a disability-related exemption from the mask requirement. The first date Southwest would allow a Customer with an exemption to travel is March 21. When the process is finalized in the coming weeks, Southwest will post more information in this FAQ.

--TheMiddleSeat

[TheMiddleSeat · Accepted solution]

That same page also states that masks are required:

"Federal law requires each person to wear a mask at all times in the airport and throughout the flight, including during boarding and deplaning. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law and may result in denial of boarding, removal from the aircraft, and/or penalties under federal law. A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth, is secured to the head, and fits snugly against the side of the face. On the aircraft, if wearing oxygen masks is needed because of loss of cabin pressure or other event affecting aircraft ventilation, masks should be removed to accommodate oxygen masks."

--TheMiddleSeat