American Airline lap child proof of age.

[Willow Ufgood]

We are flying American soon. My sister will have a 14-month old lap child with her. She is insistent that a photocopy of the birth certificate will be adequate proof of age. I'm concerned that there will be an issue either in our home airport or returning thru MCO. Personally, I would just bring the original and eliminate any possibility of a problem but she's reluctant to carry the original on a trip. She relies heavily on "the internet says" for her information. American's website specifies either a birth certificate or passport as proof but does not use the word photocopy in its guidelines.

So, what does the DIS internet have to say? No judgements about lap babies vs purchasing a seat for the baby, please. This wasn't my decision.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I’d ask AA specifically (in writing!) and end any misconceptions, quick, fast and in a hurry .
Been reading too many sad travel outcomes, I suspect.

 

[MICKIMINI]

You can get a copy from the town or city that is certified, usually for a few dollars. I would feel better traveling with that than the original or a photocopy.

 

[sam_gordon]

We are flying American soon. My sister will have a 14-month old lap child with her. She is insistent that a photocopy of the birth certificate will be adequate proof of age. I'm concerned that there will be an issue either in our home airport or returning thru MCO. Personally, I would just bring the original and eliminate any possibility of a problem but she's reluctant to carry the original on a trip. She relies heavily on "the internet says" for her information. American's website specifies either a birth certificate or passport as proof but does not use the word photocopy in its guidelines.

So, what does the DIS internet have to say? No judgements about lap babies vs purchasing a seat for the baby, please. This wasn't my decision.

I understand the hesitation of bringing the original. I agree the best bet is to call AA and attempt to get something in writing (emailed). The second best option (IMO) is to request an extra copy of the BC from the state. Might cost a small amount. Then you don't need to worry about losing the original.

I'm guessing she will be ok with a photocopy, but wouldn't be surprised if it's not allowed and the family is forced to pay for a same day ticket for the infant. Make sure she understands the consequences if a photocopy isn't allowed and you don't find out until the departure day.

 

[_19disnA]

The first place I always look when I have a travel related question is the official airline website. Random people on the internet fling out all sorts of opinions and like to SOUND like they know what they are talking about even when they don't......LOL. Showing up at the airport and telling them you heard it from some random person online is probably not a good idea. The AA website indicates you MAY have to show proof of age but doesn't specify the exact document. Are they traveling domestic or international? That might make a difference.

When in doubt, I think the best thing to do is have her call the airline reservations # and ask them. Perhaps a copy that is notarized would be adequate but only the airline can tell you for sure what they will accept.

 

[sam_gordon]

Are they traveling domestic or international? That might make a difference.

If international, a passport would be required, which would have DOB on it and no BC needed.

 

[starry_solo]

No one except the city/township/wherever the child was born has the original.
What she has is the certified copy of the birth certificate, which she can get multiple copies of.

She should bring that.

 

[_19disnA]

Most of those types of records are now maintained online in some database. I seriously doubt you will find many cities/counties with some large file cabinet of paper anymore. Some states have online websites where you can request they send you a copy of your birth certificate for whatever reason you happen to need one. In most cases the electronic record is now considered the 'official' copy not some piece of paper.

 

[PrincesCJM]

My boys are older but the only time I flew with a lap infant, on Southwest, I had brought a copy of his birth certificate but was never asked for it. He was 13 months

 

[sam_gordon]

My boys are older but the only time I flew with a lap infant, on Southwest, I had brought a copy of his birth certificate but was never asked for it. He was 13 months

I don't think they ask for it if it's obvious the child is under 2. Sort of like going to a restaurant and ordering alcohol. If someone looks obviously over 21, they probably won't ask for ID.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think they ask for it if it's obvious the child is under 2. Sort of like going to a restaurant and ordering alcohol. If someone looks obviously over 21, they probably won't ask for ID.

Great example. Wrong conclusion.

There are some venues which card everyone, even social security recipients. Some sporting venues don't want to risk having even a temporary liquor license suspension because a minimum wage beer seller thought the sting female looked 21. Some as a matter of business scan every ID. Services that delivery liquor may need to take a photo of your ID, no matter how old you are. The spot where the ID is scanned doesn't have a box to check that says the customer looks older then my grandfather.

Some SW flights have a lot of lap babies. Some parents seem to "forget" their child's age. They don't want the gate attendant dealing with...you didn't check the persons ahead of me BC and my child is clearly younger. Occasionally the policy is to ask for age ID for all lap babies to avoid conflicts. That said a clear photo of an real BC is generally enough. They'll sometimes even accept vaccination record or school report.

OPs family has an original BC. Bring it. It's easy to replace if it's lost. Why bring a copy and possibly make an easier check in more difficult.

 

[sam_gordon]

Great example. Wrong conclusion.

There are some venues which card everyone, even social security recipients. Some sporting venues don't want to risk having even a temporary liquor license suspension because a minimum wage beer seller thought the sting female looked 21. Some as a matter of business scan every ID. Services that delivery liquor may need to take a photo of your ID, no matter how old you are. The spot where the ID is scanned doesn't have a box to check that says the customer looks older then my grandfather.

Some SW flights have a lot of lap babies. Some parents seem to "forget" their child's age. They don't want the gate attendant dealing with...you didn't check the persons ahead of me BC and my child is clearly younger. Occasionally the policy is to ask for age ID for all lap babies to avoid conflicts. That said a clear photo of an real BC is generally enough. They'll sometimes even accept vaccination record or school report.

OPs family has an original BC. Bring it. It's easy to replace if it's lost. Why bring a copy and possibly make an easier check in more difficult.

Right. I was taking a guess at why the PP (who I had quoted) didn't have to provide a BC for their 13 month old.