I'm taking a quick trip next week. Since it's been awhile (way too long!!) since I've traveled by plane, I took some time to look at their policy.
Here's what I found regarding CPS / use of CR
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html
Specifically (apologies for the excess bold):
I'm not traveling with kids, but found it odd it is so out of date. The only approved FF only seat has been discontinued for several years. (The company is out of business.)
They could refuse use of any combo seat if they follow the policy.
Here's what I found regarding CPS / use of CR
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html
Specifically (apologies for the excess bold):
Child Restraint DevicesProper use of a child restraint device (CRD) enhances child safety on aircraft. For this reason, Southwest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommend that infants and small children who weigh under 40 pounds be secured in an appropriate CRD when traveling by air.
Be sure to check the width of your CRD. Although the width of aircraft seats varies, a safety seat wider than 16 inches is unlikely to fit, even if the armrests of the aircraft seats are moved out of the way. An ill-fitting safety seat will not provide adequate protection for your child.
The FAA has banned the use on aircraft of certain types of child restraints that may be harmful to a child in the event of an aviation emergency. These include most booster seats, safety belt extensions (commonly referred to as "belly belts"), and most vest or harness devices that attach to an adult or to the seatbelt of the child's own seat. Although some that were manufactured before the FAA's ban may carry an insignia and/or language indicating they are approved for aircraft use, please understand that they are no longer permitted.
Approved Child Restraint Devices
NOTE: No other booster seats may be used during any phase of flight, even if they bear approval labels
- Convertible-type car seats designed for forward or backward installation in a forward-facing aircraft seat:
- Many of these carry the FMVSS.213 insignia and/or language indicating that they are "approved for use in motor vehicles and on aircraft."
- Any CRD manufactured between January 1, 1961 and February 25, 1985, must have the following label: "This child restraint device conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards."
- Any CRD manufactured since February 26, 1985, must have both of the following labels: "This child restraint device conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards" and "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
- Harness-type devices approved by the FAA:
- At this time, the FAA has approved only the AmSafe Aviation CARES, which is appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.
- The AmSafe Aviation CARES must have a label indicating "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only."
- Century Breverra Approved Booster Seat:
- The Century Breverra Booster Seat has a high back with shoulder straps and a five-point attach shield, which can be properly installed for aviation applications.
- At this time, only the Century Breverra Booster Seat bearing a red FMVSS.213 safety label that reads "approved for use in motor vehicles and on aircraft" may be used on Southwest Airlines flights.
I'm not traveling with kids, but found it odd it is so out of date. The only approved FF only seat has been discontinued for several years. (The company is out of business.)
They could refuse use of any combo seat if they follow the policy.