Check in with an Employee at the gate and let them know youre picking up an Unaccompanied Minor. Children 11 years old and younger can travel for a discount on most flights when accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. A security document also allows you to go through TSA Security Checkpoint. Also, a weapons permit is not acceptable, even those that are acceptable forms of ID for voting purposes in some US states. prior to the UM or YT boarding the aircraft. Opens new window. 09:04 AM Passengers need at least two alternate forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, or credit card. Travel between the Continental United States and foreign countries also include: Earn up to 10,000 points per night on hotel stays. Most of the time, you, However, even if you dont have one, the Transportation Security Administration can verify your identity in other ways besides a drivers license. Overweight Checked Bag: $75. If the UM's flight is scheduled to arrive after the ticket counter and/or security checkpoint is closed, proceed to the Baggage Service Office to let the Agent know you're picking up a UM. If the YTs flight is scheduled to arrive after the ticket counter and/or security checkpoint is closed, proceed to the Baggage Service Office to let the Agent know youre picking up a YT. This is a requirement of both the TSA and Southwest Airlines. padding: 0; An acceptable ID would be one that is both current, and contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature. He does not drive. Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Bring as many other photo IDs and forms of ID you have from the list below. I was told both children just need a copy of their birth. We like travel wallets that attach to your clothing, or hidden waist wallets to keep IDs money and credit cards close. Congress racks up travel bills on your dime, Yellowstone at 151: Celebrating 'world's first national park' in photos. Bring a copy of the report with you to the airport to show both the airport and TSA check-in personnel. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. This allows our personnel to. Southwest EarlyBird. Right now, the three personal credit cards from Southwest Airlines each have a welcome bonus that TPG values at $450. What if you don't have an acceptable ID? If you are not checking any baggage you don't actually need identification to fly domestically. The possibility of establishing a vaccine mandate for domestic flights started circulating last month after California Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill to require either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, but no such policies have passed at this juncture. You still have to pay the $50 each-way service charge. It is not a boarding pass, but can be issued in place of a boarding pass when circumstances warrant. Check in with an Employee at the gate and advise them that you are dropping off a UM. Southwest Airlines requires children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling unaccompanied to present a form of identification listing age. You may be able to travel with copies of your license and passport. Plan on getting to the airport significantly earlier than you normally would because the additional screening will take longer. What if I didnt print my security document or lost it before arriving at the airport? To view all identification requirements and options, please visit the TSA website. var _ctct_m = "0603c2d3ca1a49ab8b673aef0db85c71"; You may still fly on US domestic flights, provided that you go through additional identity and security screening at the TSA security checkpoint. Here are the circumstances you need to be prepared for. September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2023 Contract Information. If youre not checking luggage, you may request and print out a security document at Southwest.com 24 hours prior to your flight. You may also need to provide proof of the child's age. There is information in the previous heading. Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. But other carriers are a bit more flexible. Use of the Southwest websites and our Company
For more information, please review the, If you are a victim of a crime or lose your identification while traveling, go immediately to the local law enforcement station and file a report! There are two scenarios here; first, youre about to leave home and you cant find your photo ID, like a drivers license and another youre on your way home. Arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight's scheduled arrival time. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant, Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card, Transportation worker identification credential, U.S. Employees, contractors, or agents or other intermediaries, could indeed occur. Many common ID cards are not acceptable to the TSA. Meena Thiruvengadam. Southwest Airlines will charge $50 each way ($100 round trip) in addition to the air fare per child for Unaccompanied Minors to travel. All passengers over the age of 18 must present a government-issued form of photo identification at check-in. outhwest.com by using the online check-in option. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures require all airlines to correctly identify all Customers.
Our Unaccompanied Minor program is only for children ages five through 11 years old. REAL ID's will be required of all air passengers soon. Depending on the country, you may also require a visa or other documentation in addition to a passport. Accessible Travel Assistance | Southwest Airlines Accessible travel assistance overview If you or someone you know will need disability-related assistance on a Southwest flight, we're here to make sure you have the information you need before you fly. Arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight's scheduled arrival time. Children traveling alone cannot be booked on flights departing between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. What if two Unaccompanied Minors travel together on the same reservation? The passport card can be only used for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Southwest does have size and weight limits that passengers should be aware of: Personal Item: 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5, weight undisclosed. But there are requirements so read on, to fully understand what. Keep them secure but where you can retrieve them like hidden in emails sent to yourself, or in your photos. External site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. While you wouldnt be able to use them ultimately, they may be somewhat helpful in proving your identity. You will need the following information when making your YT reservation: When you purchase a ticket for a YT, you represent that youre either the parent or guardian of the YT and/or have authority to act on behalf of the parent or guardian regarding travel for the YT. so you can monitor your childs flight status. Southwest Airlines requires children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling unaccompanied to present a form of identification listing age. How do I escort my child through security? Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Make copies of your childs itinerary for both the child and whoevers picking them up in the destination city. A parent or guardian must escort an Unaccompanied Minor to the departure gate 45 minutes before scheduled departure and must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. ), you should do two things, come early and bring whatever you have. Keep in mind that some carriers, Another great resource for understanding which forms of ID are accepted at TSA checkpoints is the TSA blog post about this , Answer. As mentioned plan on extra time in screening while using any of the above documents to travel with. TSA has the prerogative to deny airport entry with any of these documents. print a new security document any time on. Customers receiving a security document rather than a boarding pass at the airport include: You can obtain or reprint a security document at the airport at a kiosk (where available) or at the ticket counter. Secure Flight offers a standardized method for the TSA to compare passenger name information to TSA watch lists. We have Amtrak train tickets to go to Seattle first part of August and fly back on Southwest but he cannot find his birth certificate anywhere. published by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Southwest Airlines requires children contract the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling unaccompanied to ease a monk of identification listing. However, TSA officials understand that you can lose your wallet or have it stolen and will do their best to work with you. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures require all airlines to correctly identify all Customers. The TSA officer will ask for info including your name, current address, and other personal details that can be used to confirm that you are who you say you are. Library card (as a TSA spokesperson is quoted as saying as some have photos), Costco membership card (while not government-issued they do have a photo), Work security badges (especially if it has a photo), Smartphone photos of IDs (keep a photo of your drivers license on your phone), Police reports of a lost/stolen wallet or passport, Answer. If you choose to obtain your boarding pass at the departure gate, your security document will assist you in passing through TSA Security. Privacy Policy Secure Flight offers a standardized method for the TSA to compare passenger name information to TSA watch lists. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines are among the carriers that are federal contractors and subject to a Biden administration requirement that their employees are vaccinated against. So the bottom line is yes, you can fly domestically without a drivers license, or other government-issued photo ID if either was lost or stolen. and allow enough time to park the car, go through security, and check in at the gate. The fee for this service ranges from $50 each way on Southwest Airlines to $100 on most . Yes, you can use your passport to travel domestically. Customers traveling on a flight that has been gate restricted. In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. Our Customers who are deaf and hard of hearing may call our Teletypewriter (TTY) number, (800) 533-1305, and speak with a Customer Representative. Contract Term. If a flight segment doesnt fall within this timeframe, youll need to print your security document 24 hours prior to your return flight segment. Accordingly, our UM procedures do not apply to travelers ages 12 through 17. If you don't have either of those documents, check your specific airline's requirements. Southwest Airlines does not assume responsibility for any Young Travelers actions. How to prepare your Young Traveler for travel. What should we do when we arrive at the airport? A passenger train and freight train collided at high speed and more news to start your Wednesday. Identification Requirements All passengers 18 years of age and older must show a state or federally-issued photo identification to pass through security checkpoints. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. You can use a birth certificate here, and you should expect to be asked to show your own photo ID at the gate. Renewing the driver's license is the reason for the flight. Some airlines including, Southwest Airlines and United insist that all passengers must present a government or state-issued photo ID at check-in-no ifs, ands, or buts. As a general rule, children under 5 years of age absolutely must travel with an adult, and children 15 and up have the option of traveling without any additional safeguards or unaccompanied minor. A parent or guardian must be present and show a valid government-issued photo ID to a Southwest Representative when checking in or picking up an Unaccompanied Minor. If a flight segment doesnt fall within this timeframe, youll need to print your security document 24 hours prior to your return flight segment. Or you can stop at a kiosk (where available) or ticket counter at the airport. Yes. Make sure that you and the parent/guardian picking up the child are available to answer phone calls during the flight time in the event of a flight irregularity. The child will be escorted off the plane and taken to meet the parent/guardian at the destination. Flying internationally. 4. Traveling alone can be an exciting test of a minors independence; but whether it is appropriate depends on each minors individual maturity level. You must show a valid, government-issued ID to obtain the pass. Only trained service dogs assisting Customers with disabilities are permitted to travel with Customers. Other airlines continue requiring it until kids turn 15, even if they don't need it. } Most airlines state that children under the age of 18 do not need an ID with them when flying with adults (people 18 and above). Southwest Airlines personnel will not take Unaccompanied Minors out of the airport before or after their designated flight departs/arrives. Please visit the Secure Flight Program section of the TSA's website for additional information. Expired documents will not be accepted. Everyone who is 18 years old and older needs a valid ID to fly. Travel Wallet Family Passport Holder w/ RFID Blocking. Once completed, the form will be placed in the front pocket of the UM lanyard or retained by the YT until it is collected during the flight prior to landing, as applicable. What information should I provide to the receiving party? 2. If the TSA can confirm your identity, they will allow you to go through security screening and youll get a boarding pass with an official note explaining that you dont have ID, that way you can board the plane. Keep copies of your valid IDs in a safe place at home and to take with you. In the US, for domestic airline flights, TSA does not require IDs for travelers under the age of 18. Depending on the country, you may also need additional documents in order to travel by air within that country. Southwest will not release an Unaccompanied Minor to anyone other than the designated parent or guardian. The list below shows some of the forms you can use to help verify your identity. Concealed Travel Pouch & Passport Holder Protects ID. Below are links to great tips covering the many aspects of air travel that a senior may encounter from arriving at the airport to getting to their . Children aged 12 or older cannot travel as unaccompanied minors and must travel independently though there is "young traveler" policy for kids aged 12 through 17 (more on that below . width: 1px; Non-U.S. government imposed taxes and fees may apply. You will need the following information when making your YT reservation: 1. 3. You cancel your reservation, and your Unaccompanied Minor does not travel. Additional accessories Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags Showing a police report will help you support why you do not have your valid identification. What are the acceptable forms of identification that Southwest will accept to receive my boarding document? Learn more about our accessible travel assistance policies below. External site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Can my child travel alone on a flight that changes planes? Remember, government-issued IDs that. The big U.S. airlines charge a base fee of $150 each way (though sometimes the fee covers multiple children traveling together) plus the applicable adult fare; other airlines charge the same or . Clear is an expedited airport security program where members utilize biometric authentication (fingerprint or eye scan) at a kiosk rather than have a TSA agent inspect their ID. Welcome to the Community! at a kiosk (where available) or at the ticket counter. A passport book for each minor (and all Passengers) must be verified by a Customer Service Agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter on the day of travel before a boarding pass is issued. Keep in mind that we reserve the right not to allow YT travel on flights that may be delayed, diverted, or canceled due to weather or other operational disruptions. What are expectations for Unaccompanied Minors once in the air? Passengers need at least two alternate forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, or credit card. Domestic travel. If you are flying from a domestic location, a government issued identification or Passport is alright to use. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. Policies vary by airline and are subject to change. 2019
ages 5-11 traveling without an accompanying Passenger age 12 or older. There is information in the previous heading. An acceptable ID would be one that is both current, and contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature. - edited There is information in the previous heading. In some cases, there may be a brief wait in receiving the child if personnel are engaged in the release of other unaccompanied children or the departure of another aircraft. Check in with an Employee at the gate and let them know youre picking up a YT. You must stay in the gate area until the childs flight is in the airwell let you know when you can leave the boarding area. Passport cards, invalid and/or damaged passports will not be accepted. Southwest is adding a new pre-clearance protocol for Bay Area-Hawaii flights. Southwest credit cards continue to be fan favorites in no small part because . The list below shows some of the forms you can use to help verify your identity. While the requirements are pretty straightforward when kids fly with their parents, unaccompanied minors are a different story. How do I book a reservation for an Unaccompanied Minor (UM)? Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18. Traveling domestically without ID is easier than internationally. Unaccompanied Minors are allowed to travel on only nonstop or same-plane service (makes one or two stops but does not require a change of planes or flight number). Please need suggestions. at the child's arrival city. margin: -1px; In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint. Jim Glab. The Secure Flight Program was developed by the government to meet 9/11 Commission recommendations that the TSA take over watch-list name-matching functions from airlines. TSA will accept expired drivers licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. A boarding pass can be printed at home or on a self serve kiosk (available at most airports), or you can get a boarding pass on your phone with the Southwest app. 3. Any additional bags after that are $75. Everything you need to Tr The Department of Transportation is responsible for enforcing the ACAA, which applies to all flights to, from, or within the United States. But when kids under 18 are flying alone, it gets a little complicated. -Passport Replacement Tips FAQs an Emergency Abroad, -No Passport? Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently. How to Hide Money, Passports, and Credit Cards, Body pouches and money belts thwart pickpockets, Avoid wrinkles, maximize space, and get it all in one bag, Sail through TSA with these luggage locks, You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/, Know Before You Go and Travel with Peace of Mind. CBS report and related video on the subject, Six Seconds with a Coat Hanger to Break into Your Garage, Hotel Room Safes: May Not Be as Safe as You Think. Purchaser represents that they are either the parent or guardian of the minor child or has authority to act on behalf of the parent or guardian. This includes all items that will be charged at the time of booking. The Real ID Act was originally passed by Congress in 2005 following a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission that the federal government increase standards and security for identification. Southwest charges only $50 each way, while many other airlines charge triple that! Do you also always need an ID? including but not limited to checking in, passing through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage. * Required Confirmation Number: * Passenger First Name: * Passenger Last Name: * padding-left: 4px; Your child is joined by an accompanying Passenger aged 12 or older and is no longer an Unaccompanied Minor. State-issued enhanced drivers licenses provide proof of identity and US citizenship, as well as additional information. U.S. International Transportation Tax of $18.30 each way for travel between the Continental United States and foreign countries, including Puerto Rico. Ask for a TSA supervisor to explain your situation. This process takes time so we recommend you arrive at least two hours ahead of your departure time. A discount on most flights when accompanied by a parent or guardian you also. 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