Anyone else ever travel with a minor who is not your child? What is required to bring

[jlk806]

Hello all, myself, DH, and DS2 are travelling to Disney in 2 weeks and we are bringing a close family friend who is 16 (I call her my little sister) to help out and she has never been to WDW and is very excited. (My husbands cousin and her husband are also going and they have 2 little ones too so having the extra pair of hands and eyes will be nice.)

What do I need to bring for her? Obviously, I know something signed by her parent stating she has permission to go on the trip and if needed to seek medical care for her. Do we have to bring her original birth certificate? Or is a copy ok? What about health insurance card - is just a front and back copy ok for that just in case? Also, she doesnt have a govt photo id, she hasnt gotten her learners permit yet, though it says at the airport only those over 18 are required to show govt issued id. We are traveling from NY.

I just want to make sure we are prepared - I know no one is going to ask at the hotel but just want to make sure we have what we need to get through airport security since she is not my child (nor do I even look old enough to be her mother LOL). I used to go on trips with families I babysat for as a teen but dont remember what was needed. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

As far as the actual airplane travel, you don't need to bring anything for the flight or to get through security, including a signed note from the parents that she can travel with you. A 16 year old doesn't need id either.

You should bring her insurance card. Since you'll be in the US, it should be easy for any medical personnel to speak with her parents directly in an emergency.

 

[Hannathy]

In reality you need absolutely NOTHING.You NEED nothing to travel with a minor yours or someone else s (domestically of course)

Having a copy of her insurance card makes it easier if she needs any care and a letter giving you the right to get treatment helps but they can call and probably will for anything major anyway.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Yes, you should have a letter from her parents in case she needs medical care. And make sure that the letter is notarized.

Nearly 25 years ago (before the days of email), my inlaws took my then two year old daughter to Disney, then later to Ft Myers. DD developed a bad sore throat, so my inlaws took her to the emergency room. The letter we provided allowing medical care did not help since it was not notarized. We had to send a telegram to the hospital granting permission to adminster care to our daughter. At 3 AM.

 

[jlk806]

In reality you need absolutely NOTHING.You NEED nothing to travel with a minor yours or someone else s (domestically of course)
.

Im very surprised to hear that! Glad of course that we shouldnt have a hassle, but to be honest I would rather they require some type of permission letter just to prove I have permission to take her - it makes me a little uneasy to know that anyone that kidnaps a child could just take them on a plane without any verification - my child is too young to tell anyone also. At least I know the girl we are bringing is 16 and old enough to tell anyone who she is and where shes going etc.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[Hannathy]

Im very surprised to hear that! Glad of course that we shouldnt have a hassle, but to be honest I would rather they require some type of permission letter just to prove I have permission to take her - it makes me a little uneasy to know that anyone that kidnaps a child could just take them on a plane without any verification - my child is too young to tell anyone also.

Sorry but I am very glad we don't!!!! WE have freedom of movement and travel in our wonderful country, we do not live in a police state. We also have laws in place that address kidnapping.

 

[jlk806]

Sorry but I am very glad we don't!!!! WE have freedom of movement and travel in our wonderful country, we do not live in a police state. We also have laws in place that address kidnapping.

I know that we do have freedom of movement but I would be more than happy to show my sons birth certificate at airport security to ensure his and all other childrens' safety.