Young Traveler - Birth Certificate OK?

[sunshine71777]

My 13 year old nephew is visiting me over Thanksgiving. Is a birth certificate OK for his ID, or does it need to be a government-issued ID with a photo (passport, etc.)? The YT info isn't definitive about whether or not a birth certificate is acceptable for a child of age 13. Thanks!

[dfwskier]

Hello, the young trqaveler information seems to indicate that a birth certificate is an appropriate form of id for a 13 year old.

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/family/young-travelers.html

[bec102896]

@sunshine71777

When I traveled at 13 I just told the TSA agent I was under 18 and they asked me a question like how old am I or when is my birth date and they sent me on my way without showing anything besides the boarding pass. 

if he has his birth certificate that should be fine although I don't think he would need it just make sure he keeps it in a safe place.

Hope this helps

Blake  

[TheMiddleSeat]

A 13 year old does not need proof of age or other identification to fly domestically. TSA will most likely ask the child for their name and verify it matches the ticket, but that's it. 

--TheMiddleSeat

[DancingDavidE]

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@TheMiddleSeat wrote:

A 13 year old does not need proof of age or other identification to fly domestically. TSA will most likely ask the child for their name and verify it matches the ticket, but that's it. 

--TheMiddleSeat

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The guidance to drop kids off at the airport for solo travel suggested Southwest would check the documents, although TSA may not need them.

I wasn't completely clear on TSA - their wording also said if the child was traveling with an adult no ID was necessary.

Where does the ID check happen if they are traveling solo, and does it matter if the guardian has a gate pass or sets them loose down the terminal to TSA?

[thatsarahlewis]

A birth certificate is required for Infant, Child or Senior fares at check-in.  You will need to create that traveler a Rapid Rewards account prior to traveling in order for matching the ticket to birth certificate and finalization of the age verification.

If you prefer to verify age instead of traveling with the birth certificate you can mail a request to the address here:

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/faqs.html?topic=age_verified

Of course you can also purchase a standard fare and avoid all of this depending on which situation benefits you the most.

[chgoflyer]

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@thatsarahlewis wrote:

A birth certificate is required for Infant, Child or Senior fares at check-in.  You will need to create that traveler a Rapid Rewards account prior to traveling in order for matching the ticket to birth certificate and finalization of the age verification.

If you prefer to verify age instead of traveling with the birth certificate you can mail a request to the address here:

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/faqs.html?topic=age_verified

Of course you can also purchase a standard fare and avoid all of this depending on which situation benefits you the most.

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A Young Traveler is already flying on a "standard" fare. Age verification would be for the purposes of confirming solo travel eligibility (over age 11), and while not required, to aid with getting the companion adult an escort pass.