How do I prove my child's age on Southwest?


How do I prove my child's age on 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 forms of ID does Southwest accept?

What kind of ID do I need to fly on Southwest Airlines?
  • Passport: A passport is a travel document issued by the government of your country. ...
  • Driver's License: This form of ID is issued by your state or municipality.


Do airlines check kids ID?

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.


Can a child fly without parental consent?

Some airlines permit this for kids as young as 12. When a child has reached this minimum age for traveling alone without unaccompanied-minor procedures, the airline does not require evidence of parental permission to travel alone. If the child has a passport, he or she can even travel internationally.


Can my minor child travel internationally without parents?

Children traveling outside the U.S. Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.


Does Southwest seat families together?

If I am traveling with a child, can we sit together on the aircraft? If you are traveling with a child age six years old or younger: 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.


Does a 7 year old 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. There is, however, an exception for Unaccompanied Minors traveling on Southwest Airlines.


What is the youngest age you can fly without parents?

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.


Can my child fly with a friend?

A Child Travel Consent letter is a legal document that gives permission for minors to travel without their parents or legal guardian. If a child is traveling with an adult who is not their legal guardian, both the parents need to sign the consent letter.


Do I need a birth certificate for my child to fly Jetblue?

Children who are under 16 years old and U.S. citizens may travel with their original U.S. birth certificate with the raised seal. Children who are 16 and older, and are U.S. citizens, are required to travel with photo ID.


What documents does a child need 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.


Can I fly on Southwest Airlines without a REAL ID?

No, a REAL ID isn't required to fly within the United States. However, starting on May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification to fly within the U.S. Be sure to check out our graphic above for other documents that will be accepted at airport security if you don't have a REAL ID.