What ID can I use to fly Southwest?


What ID can I use 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.


Do flights accept digital ID?

Yes. Currently, all passengers must continue to have their physical IDs on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver's license, passport) to proceed through the identity verification process.


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.


Can I fly Southwest with an expired ID?

Whether you're traveling with an expired license, misplaced your ID, or recently changed your name, you can still fly.


Does Southwest automatically check you in?

If EarlyBird Check-In® is available, we'll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight's departure - that's 12 hours before general boarding positions become available.


Can I fly with an expired passport and ID?

If you only have an expired passport, you can still bring it along for domestic travel within the United States, but you must convince TSA officers that you are who you say you are. However, if you're traveling internationally, you must have a valid passport.


What can I use to fly on a plane if I lost my ID?

Here are some alternative documents to try if you lost your driver's license:
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Permanent resident card.
  • Border crossing card.


What does a minor need to fly without parents?

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.


How do I get through TSA security?

Wear clothing and shoes without metal, and be ready to remove your belt if it has a metal buckle. Tuck large metal jewelry pieces into your carry-on bag before you go through the security checkpoint. Put change and keys into your carry-on or empty your pockets into a plastic bin when you arrive at the checkpoint.


Why is Southwest saying airport check in required?

Re: Airport Checkin Required? This usually occurs if you book a special fare such as a senior or child fare that requires age verification. I think it's also possible if all standard boarding positions have already been assigned and the system can't assign you a position.


What not to pack when flying Southwest?

Sharp, heavy, and other dangerous items are restricted on all commercial airline flights, including Southwest. Items such as sharp knives, bats, clubs, ski-poles, snow globes and most tools and weapons must be checked rather than packed in a carry-on. Explosives and fuels may not be carried by air at all.


Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.


Can you travel without a passport internationally?

The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.