Re: Taking Grandchildren to USA

[lovelylins]

My partner and I will be travelling with my Grandaughter who will be six.

Considering all the recent publicity surrounding Madeleine McCann, does anyone know what, if any, evidence we would need to take to confirm that my Grandaughter is really travelling with us?

She and I share the same surname, and I am planning to take signed confirmation from both of her parents (they are separated), that they are happy and aware that we are taking her out of the country.

Reading this back, I sound a bit paranoid! But it would just be typical that if I don't do anything we'll get held up somewhere because of it.

[Grumpy John]

My wife and myself took our 3 year old grand daughter Caitlin to Florida last March. We, like you, were concerned, but we got a letter from her mum giving us permission if anything should happen medical wise etc.

Caitlin has our surname on her passport.

If was a piece of cake - honestly. She was a joy from the time we arrived at the hotel near Gatwick the night before, she was OK at the Gatwick and getting on to the plane. We flew Virgin PE so we were able to pre book our seats upstairs.

The crew were great with her. She was not trouble whatsoever. Take off she took in her stride bearing in mind she has never been on a plane before.

Only hiccup was over New York when we had a bit of turbulence and she shouted out that she wanted to get off and go by car. People near us burst out laughing which she thought was great.

At MCO immigration it was a breeze even when the rather well built officer asked Caitlin if she knew us and she replied NO!

Trust me you will have no problems. Having the letter in your back pocket is a reassuance although we never has cause to use it

Enjoy. We did. And we have memories that will live with us for ever as I am sure she will never go again as like you, her parents are separated

[Snowy-girls]

I am pretty sure you are fine+don't need anything like that-but then it won't hurt to have it.
I was raised by my Nan+Grandad,and always travelled with them to WDW+Californina from the age of 15yrs(i know your grand-daughter is younger)and nothing was ever mentioned.They had there surname and i had my Dad's surname(which were different).But as i say this was years ago,i am now 33.
Hopefully someone may be able to give you more recent info-i think it's only when you might be taking,say a friend of your grand-daughters as well(if you know what i mean).x.

[wayneg]

We took DS's friend from school at Easter. Not one person questioned us from leaving home to getting back. We had an issue with Disney Cruise Line telling us we had to have a Notarized letter, cost £70+ In the end spoke to superviser who said we didn't, just ID of his parents, when we checked in we were not asked for anything.
I have put a letter of consent on my website if thats any help. Its nothing legal but its all you need. www.astersflorist.co.uk link on left.
Your/our only concern is if medical attention is needed, I was told by Disney they would not treat without consent of parents, a signed letter might not be enough as anyone can sign it.

[kieras nana]

we always take,our grandaughter on holiday with us.she is 7 now,but was 6,when we took her to WDW.
we had no problems at all.at check-in,at manchester,she was asked her age & birthday,which she answered,but that was it,till we landed at heathrow,on our return & we were catching,the plane to manchester,both kiera & our 11yr old niece,were asked what relation,we were to them.abit late,at that point,i thought!!!!!!!!!!
enjoy your holiday,it is great,to see it through a childs eye,can't wait,to return in oct,before she gets too old,to believe it all:)
tracy

[earthelves]

We Took My Nephew Who Is 9 & My Niece Who Is 11 Easter 2008 & No Questions Were Asked..

[sha_sha]

Hiya,

My grandparents took me to Florida when I was 15. I am now 21. They weren't going to let us in because we didn't have a permission letter from my mother.However, they did let us in lol. I'd take a letter just in-case to cover yourself. It may have changed by now though.

Hope this is of some help to you.:)

[DADAD]

We Took My Grandson(2) In 2004 No Problems What So Ever
He Also Has A Diffrent Surname From Us

[lovelylins]

Thank you wayneg - I have taken a copy of the consent form, which will save me from having to create my own!! I hadn't even thought about any medical complications and the consequences of them!