Baby I.D. requirements??

[jekjones1558]

We will soon be flying for the first time with an almost 2 year old niece. What do the airlines require as I.D. for little ones these days?

 

[BrerMama]

If you've purchased a seat for her, you probably won't be asked for identification. If she is riding as a lap child, you may be asked for a birth certificate to prove that she qualifies as a lap child (under 2). I'd take a photocopy of the birth certificate just in case.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks, BrerMama!

 

[CheapMom]

Bring her birth certificate- I had trouble on SWA with my 22 month old daughter-

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

When we were boarding SWA in Orlando last year a couple was flying with a small child. Apparently the SWA agent did not believe she was under two. The mother did not have a birth certificate with her. They actually called the hospital where the child was born to verify her age. The hospital did not have the records so they charged the couple full price for the child. They told her she could get a refund when whe supplied proof of age.

 

[jekjones1558]

We will be flying Northwest. I'm glad I checked with all of you. Thanks for the warnings!

 

[zippehsmom]

They had an episode on Airline (SWA) that comes on A & E where that same thing happened. The SWA agent called the hospital and the hospital did not have any records and so the couple had to purchase a ticket for their 18 month old.

I'm glad I seen that I don't know if I would have brought along my DD birth certificate. She will be 19 months when we go.

 

[califred]

The one or two times I"ve flown with unticketed children they were VERY clear that I had to have proof of age for the free child.

 

[macs4us]

Originally posted by zippehsmom
They had an episode on Airline (SWA) that comes on A & E where that same thing happened. The SWA agent called the hospital and the hospital did not have any records and so the couple had to purchase a ticket for their 18 month old.

I'm glad I seen that I don't know if I would have brought along my DD birth certificate. She will be 19 months when we go.

The family in that episode is my sister's neighbor, and they are suing A & E. I guess in the original aired cut of this episode, they show a blurred version of the birth certificate, and some news or radio guy used his Tivo to get their personal info (not blurry enough to fool Tivo I guess). He called them and let them know, as their personal info could have been used by someone with less than honest intentions. At least that epsiode serves as fair warning to parents to bring proof of age.

 

[ChiTownZee]

You didn't say if your niece's parents are going with you so I just wanted to point out, if they are not, that in addition to the birth certificate, you will probably want to get the document (I forget the name) that will give you the right to make decisions on emergency medical care.

 

[jekjones1558]

ChiTownZee,
Her parents are going this time, but I will remember your excellent advice for another occasion when she's older and goes with us alone! Thanks!

 

[mep319]

You will also probably need a note that you can take her out of the state (parent's permission). It needs to be notarized & signed by both parents. They don't always ask for it but I had it happen to my in-laws when they took my DD on USAIR without us.

 

[jekjones1558]

WOW!

 

[CarolA]

so are they suing over the pesonal info or the ticket?

I would strongly suggest for children close to two you bring some proof of age.

I was at the Nashville airport and boarding was denied to a little boy who was suppose to be a lap child. (Of course it did not help that the boy told the gate agent that he was three!). This was on Delta so it is not just SW that checks.