What Requirements Does Southwest Have For Domestic Child Travel?

Southwest Airlines offers Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins. Children under 18 do not need to present any identification for domestic travel within the United States. However, they are considered Young Travelers (YTs) and must have the maturity and capability to travel alone. Families with children aged 6 and under can board between the A and B groups, regardless of their assigned boarding numbers.

Per TSA guidelines, kids under 18 do not need a form of ID to travel within the United States. For international travel, a passport book for each minor must be verified by a Customer Service Agent and the ticket counter on the day of travel before a boarding pass is issued. Southwest is the only airline that requires a birth certificate for a lap child, and the only time a child would need ID is if they are under age 2 and flying as a lap child or if on a Child or Infant fare.

The TSA does not require ID for any traveler younger than 18. Southwest would not be more restrictive than TSA, but it is best to travel with a copy of your child’s birth certificate until they have a valid form of ID (for example, a passport).

The Southwest minor program extends only to age 11, so a 12 year old can be flying alone and require their own ID. Children under the age of 18 do not need an ID to fly on domestic flights inside the US as long as they are traveling with an adult. To book a reservation, visit a Southwest kiosk on the day of travel or call a Customer Representative at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800).

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

Southwest Airlines and the TSA do not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, there is an exception for Unaccompanied Minors traveling on Southwest Airlines, who are children aged 5-11 without an accompanying passenger aged 12 or older. These children must be escorted to the airport by a guardian and provide proof of age documentation, such as a birth certificate. Acceptable forms of identification for a minor traveling internationally with a guardian are:

How do airlines verify a child’s age?

Only government-issued identification, such as passports, birth certificates, or photocopies, is deemed acceptable as proof of age. Electronic screenshots, phone images, or immunization records are not considered valid forms of proof.

Does Southwest allow diaper bags?

Formula/milk is only counted as an additional item allowance, while a dry diaper bag counts towards the total of four items for you and your husband. Combining items, such as a separate purse, diaper bag, and purse, is acceptable as long as they fit in the underseat area. Each person gets one overhead and one underseat, and if they separate the purse and diaper bag, they are all good. This is especially important during flights, as each person gets one overhead and one underseat.

What does TSA require for minors to fly?

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. For specific ID requirements, contact the airline. If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still fly. A TSA officer may ask for an identity verification process, including collecting information like your name and current address. If confirmed, you can enter the screening checkpoint, where additional screening may be required.

What are the rules for infants on domestic flights?

Infants under 2 years old cannot travel in their own seat and must be seated in an adult’s lap. Infants cannot use baby/car seats or strollers in the aircraft cabin, and they do not qualify for a free baggage allowance. A fee of Rs. 525 is charged for a child up to 24 months old, plus the government PSF of Rs. 225. If the child turns two, a ticket for the return flight must be purchased for any flight with an infant over two years old.

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

It is not necessary for minors under the age of 18 to present identification for domestic travel within the United States, as airlines accept it from a responsible adult. In the case of international travel, the same travel documents that are required of adults must be presented. For further details, please refer to the Transportation Security Administration website.

What does my 15 year old need to fly alone?

Children aged 15-17 can travel as standard passengers or unaccompanied minors, provided they present a valid ID to security personnel. If traveling alone, an adult (18 years old or older) must accompany the child through the check-in process and pick them up at their destination. To determine eligibility and book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, contact Reservations at 800-325-8847. A 4-digit PIN configuration will be required for any itinerary changes.

When traveling, talk to your child about the journey, remind them to speak to Delta Air Lines representatives if needed, and not to leave the gate area at any time. If your child has any special needs, notify Delta. When packing, pack appropriate items.

How do I write a letter of permission for my child to travel?

A parent whose child frequently crosses the border with a minor should always carry a letter of permission from the other parent, which should explicitly state that the parent acknowledges their child’s travel outside the country with their permission.

What documents are required for a child to fly alone?

It is the responsibility of parents to complete the unaccompanied minor form and any requisite Customs and Immigration documents for their child’s departure on the designated day. These documents must be retained by the parents throughout the journey. At the time of check-in, parents are required to present a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child’s age.

What do you need to fly with an infant?

It is permissible to travel with infants as young as two days old; however, infants under the age of seven days old require a medical clearance letter from a physician indicating that they are medically fit to travel. Each ticketed accompanying adult is permitted to seat one infant on their lap.

Do I need a letter for my child to fly?

A Child Travel Consent is a letter of permission for a child to travel without all their parents or legal guardians present. It is signed by both parents or guardians and proves authorization to transportation providers and Custom Officers. The consent includes the child’s basic information, contact information, traveling arrangements, and destination. It is also necessary for children traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a non-legal guardian.