Airport Security Question re Kids

[sif]

We are taking our 3 kids to WDW in just a few short weeks (ages 5, 3 and 5 mos). We haven't flown with child(ren) since 9/11 and I'm wondering whether security will require us to produce birth certificates or some other ID for each child. Obviously, DW and I will have drivers license, but what about the kids? Thanks in advance for any experience with this.

 

[georgina]

Only adults are required to have ID's, nothing required for the children.

 

[debster812]

Nothing required for the kids. We have flown with DS 3x since 9/11, and while I have always had his BC with us, "just in case" no one has ever wanted to see it, either from the airlines or TSA.

 

[ms_flo]

I defer to the previous posters because I have not flown since 9/11. However, yesterday SWA told me that I needed to bring a copy of my child's birth certificate or "shot record". I'm going to assume that the previous posters are correct, but I'm a better safe than sorry kind of person--so I'll take the papers just in case.

 

[debster812]

ms_flo--are you by any chance flying with a lap child, or on a child fare ticket? That might be why SWA wants the BC.

I'm like you too, my DH thinks I am pyschotic because of everything I bring along with us, but, it makes me feel better. If you have the BC, just bring it along, it will not hurt anything.

 

[Goof]

Follow this link and you will find some useful info on flying with children: http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1020.xml

 

[ZebraStripes]

We've flown a few times since 9/11. We haven't had to produce anything for our DD other than the boarding pass. However, I would prepare your 2 older children for having to walk through the metal detector alone though. My DD is very clingy and took some coaxing the first few times. Everyone is really nice, but they have been adament that she walk through alone. What works for us is having me behind her and her father in front (already scanned) and she zips through.

Have a great trip.

 

[ms_flo]

Originally posted by debster812
ms_flo--are you by any chance flying with a lap child, or on a child fare ticket? That might be why SWA wants the BC.

I'm like you too, my DH thinks I am pyschotic because of everything I bring along with us, but, it makes me feel better. If you have the BC, just bring it along, it will not hurt anything.

Nope. We're doing ticketless travel (no distinction for age). I called yesterday because the rates went down. After the lady changed the price she read through some info about carry-on luggage, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah... and she said we needed photo IDs. So I asked about our daughter & she told me to bring a copy of her BC or her "shot record". (I don't think I have ever heard anyone call it a "shot record". ) I figure--"What's one more piece of paper to carry?" DH will & say, "We don't need it. They won't ask for it." & I'll say, "Yeah, but why take the chance."

It just adds one more thing to the to do list. OH my GOSH--I've got to get busy with that LIST... Where are the summer clothes?! Do they still fit?! Where's the fanny pack?! I'm goin' to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

Goof--Thanks for the link.

 

[sif]

Thank you all for your thoughts on this. I agree -- in the end, what are 3 extra pieces of paper? I'll bring the BC's just in case. Of course, the fact that I'll have them guarantees that they won't ask for them, but what'rya gonna do?

 

[sif]

Just spoke to a reservation agent at USAirways (I called about another issue) and she told me that I definitely did NOT need to bring BC's for children. I probably will anyway

 

[deltachi8]

Last summer I was told by SWA to bring either a copy of a birth certificate, shot rord, school ID, etc. Never was asked for itm but you never know and why take the chance?

 

[castlegazer]

I only bring my DS's birth certificate because I want to have something that links me to that child if God forbid I needed something like that - even though that really doesn't do it either at least its something just like I never leave the house without ID's. They don't ask - even on SWA if you have a seat for your child.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Children under the age of 2 not purchasing a seat need a birth certificate. Each airline has it's own policies on what they require.
Check your airlines site for information or give them a call.