Do kids need ID to fly Southwest? (2024)

Do kids need ID to fly Southwest?

Will minors need an ID to fly domestically? Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

Does Southwest require ID for kids?

Passengers under 18 do not need any ID to get though security.

Do you need proof of identity for kids to fly?

Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

Do children need ID to fly domestic?

Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, may be required for infants under 2 years. If you don't provide an acceptable form of identification for the infant upon request at check-in, your infant may not be allowed to travel.

What does TSA require for minors to fly?

Children. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

What ID is required for Southwest 2023?

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver's license that's Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport.

Does Southwest check kids age for family boarding?

Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.

What documents do I need for my child to fly Southwest?

Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age. Electronic screen shots, phone images, or immunization records are not acceptable.

What identification do I need to fly Southwest?

Starting Oct. 1, 2020, all travelers 18 years of age and older will be required to have a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or another acceptable form of identification, to fly in the United States. Minors do not need Real ID-compliant identification as long as they are accompanied by a compliant adult.

What documents do I need when traveling with a minor?

Always have a document with you that proves your relationship with your child when traveling. Your child needs a Child Travel Consent when they're traveling without all their parents or legal guardians. No matter their age, everyone requires a passport to travel outside the United States.

What is the minimum age to fly?

Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

Do kids under 2 fly free?

Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

Can a child under 2 have their own seat on a plane?

Infants under 2 won't have a seat and will need to sit on an adult's lap, however, you can pay extra to book a seat for your infant if you wish. Their seat will come with a full luggage allowance.

What are the rules for children on flights?

A traveller between 2 to 12 year old is classified as a child, and anyone above 12 years old is classified as an adult. If your child is 11 years old at the time of departure but turns 12 before the return journey, they could still travel on a child fare or may have to pay for an adult fare.

Can a minor go through TSA with parent?

It depends on their age and whether they are traveling with a parent or guardian who has enrolled in TSA PreCheck: Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.

How can a minor fly without a parent?

You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

Will Southwest let me fly without an ID?

It is possible to fly if you've forgotten or lost your identification, but you will subject to extra screening at the security checkpoint. If you're cleared, you'll be able to board your Southwest flight.

What is the boarding policy for Southwest children?

Southwest offers Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.

What documents does a child need to fly within the US United Airlines?

Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly domestically but do need a passport for international flights. You can also bring breast milk or formula through security, even if your child isn't with you. But, be sure you meet TSA guidelines.

Can minors fly on Southwest?

Our Unaccompanied Minor program is only for children ages five through 11 years old. Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers. However, you should decide whether a Young Traveler is capable of and comfortable with doing all of the following independently: Navigating all airports.

Are kids considered adults on Southwest Airlines?

We consider children ages 12 through 17 traveling alone to be Young Travelers (YTs), not Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). Accordingly, our UM procedures do not apply to travelers ages 12 through 17.

Does checking in early get you a better seat on Southwest?

While EarlyBird Check-In doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it improves your seat selection options to help you get your favorite seat.

What if I don't have my child's birth certificate to fly SouthWest?

Re: Dont have birth certificate yet for infant

ID is no longer required when the child is obviously under 2 years of age. Check-in can be done at the kiosk and you no longer have to talk to an agent for a lap child check-in.

Will SouthWest ask for birth certificate?

Employees may ask for age verification at any point, so please travel with a copy or original form of any government-issued ID, such as a birth certificate or passport for your child. A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old. Does my infant need a boarding pass?

What form of ID is acceptable to fly?

A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.