southwest question

[dizne4me]

I just had a thought - my son will be 14 for our next trip to WDW - Will he need to provide identification at the airport --we're travelling Southwest. I know a few years ago they didn't require it since he was travelling with his parents - but I don't know if they have gotten more strict in recent years about providing id. Thanks

[Gregandmel]

We have flown Southwest our last 2 trips. Our kids were ages 17 & 8 on our first trip, and 19 & 10 on the second trip.

When our older son turned 18, he had to provide his driver's license. Our younger son simply was asked at security a few random questions, such as where was going? Who was he traveling with? How old was he? We, as his parents, simply had to let him answer the questions.

So - to answer your question, no....your 14 year old will not need to provide any sort of identification. However, if you are like me and are an overplanner and worry about these types of things, if he has any sort of school ID, you could bring that with you. I called Southwest just to confirm what sort of ID was necessary and nothing was. Have a great time!!

[vicster]

This reminds me of a time when they only asked us if we left our luggage unattended for any period of time. How things have changed and our way of life. So sad...

[Rosemickey68]

I was told by a rep of Southwest on our last trip (July 09') to bring a copy of our son's birth certificate.
I just made a xerox copy of his birth certificate. He was asked how old he was, who he was with, where he was going and had to show the birth certificate (my son looks older than he is).
It was no problem at all!

[Fangorn]

Technically, your 14 year old doesn't need identification. TSA only requires individuals 18 and older to have government issued ID. Having said that, though, I have seen children's ID be requested by some airlines at certain airports. Even in those cases, though, if the child did not have ID, it wasn't an issue; they just asked a series of questions and everyone was on their way.

My experience with Southwest is that they always try their best to follow all the regs as unobtrusively as possible.

You should have a problem.

Steve

[Dracula766]

I actually called a few weeks ago to verify the same thing.

I was told that generally, minors aren't asked for ID of any kind BUT it's always a good idea to carry a school idea or birth certificate in case any problems come up.