15 year old flying within US without photo ID
 

Ironic, another questions about a teenager with a domestic ticket to fly within the US without a photo ID.

A 15 year old grandson who did have his HS ID photo card. He lost it. He did not get it replaced inspite of his mother's instructions. He is now at his fathers house and he is flying next week from the westcoast to the eastcoast of the US. He does not have a photo ID. Not sure which airline he is flying with.

So what will happen at the airport? Will he be allowed to board without a photo ID?
If he has to go through extensive security what does that entail. BTW, his father did not get a letter of permission from his mother to allow him to fly to the east coast. Will that add to the problem? Thanks for any information or thoughts.

All this could be a problem. Those under 18 do not need ID to fly - unless they are unescorted minors, which he is. Does he have any sort of other ID, even without a photo?

As I and others here have found, unfortunately, it is almost impossible to get good answers to these questions - airlines, TSA, local authorities all seem to give different answers.

PS - my 15 year old dtr has never managed to keep either school ID or school bus pass for an entire year.

PPS - a nice Christmas present from Grandparents might be to pay for a passport for him.

Another thought - regarding letter. Our daughter has been questioned at airport as to nature of trip, travelers - they will likely do this. I think at his age they would be more concerned about him being a runaway than an abducted kid. (Was I correct in assuming he is flying alone? If he is flying with his father then he does not need ID)

When my husband's daughter has flown domestically while underage, she has never been asked for ID. Only when traveling outside the US.

Of course, each airline has it's own policy but I don't think it will be a problem, LoveItaly. Have they called the airline to check?