What documentation does someone need for check-in? Airlines require a valid state or federal government-issued photo identification to travel (passport, driver's license, state-issued identification card, or military identification are acceptable).
While you are rushing out of the house to get to the airport to catch a flight, make sure you have your photo identification on your person. With the extra early suggested arrival times and sometimes long lines through security, the last thing you want to happen is miss your flight because you did not have the right identification. "Airlines require a valid state or federal government-issued photo identification to travel (passport, driver's license, state-issued identification card, or military identification are acceptable). Customers less than 18 years of age are not required to show government-issued photo ID," said Paula Berg of Southwest Airlines.
If you are traveling on a domestic flight and are over the age of eighteen, then you need a valid government issued identification card with a photograph. The most commonly used picture identification is your state-issued driver's license. The driver's license needs to be current. You cannot use an old one because you think the picture looks better or something. The license number may be recorded in your flight records, as these are part of a classified profiling system used by airports for security. School issued identification cards are not accepted as valid forms of identification. Even if they are picture ids, they can be forged or expired.
If you are one of the people who do not have a driver's license, call ahead and talk with the airline. In some cases, depending on the airline's policies, you can use two forms of identification that have been issued by a government agency. For example, a social security card may be one of the accepted alternate forms of identification. A list of acceptable alternatives might be found on the airline's website as well. Some states issue a state identification card that has a photograph on it. These ids are also acceptable for being issued a boarding pass.
Another photo identification card that is accepted is a military ID card. Since a service member may have been on duty long enough that, they no longer have a valid state driver's license. The other acceptable form of photo id is your passport. If you will be traveling internationally, then you must have it. Be sure to keep your identification on your person while traveling as you may have to show it at several points throughout the airport, along with your boarding pass. In most cases, only those passengers with boarding passes may go to the gate.
If you are under eighteen, a photo id may not be required, but policies do vary among airlines. Regardless, an adult is required to be present and show their identification when checking in a minor for a flight. Most airlines require a form to be filled out for the outgoing and return flights. This form stays with the child and contains information that could be needed by the airline for contacting a parent or guardian. Some airlines require you to have two forms filled out, one for the outgoing flight and the other for the returning flight.
