Child ID - Do you need identification for kid flying?

[esmetutu]

I've never flown with my DD6 before and am wondering what sort of identification should I bring for her. Or even just traveling in general.

TIA!

 

[goofy4tink]

No, your child needs nothing. I'm not sure about the age where they do need ID though. It's in their teens somewhere. My dd has always brought her school ID card...she feels so grown up, and the counter people checking us in love it...always makes them smile. She's almost 13 now, but has been showing her 'ID' for about 4 years now.

 

[Lady74]

It depends what your airline says. Some will some wont. I just called alegiant and they told me my DDs (11,9,7) would need there birth certificates. Do a search in this forum for identification and there is a thread in here from earlier this year on this topic

 

[Lewisc]

You'll need a copy of their birth certificate if they're using an age discounted fare; child, youth, infant or even lap baby.

 

[munchkin bunchkin]

I would say call your airlines and ask them directly , as the OP stated some do some don't .I know that Allegiant air definately requires Birth certs( as I neededt hem for my 5&6 year olds this past January!

 

[magicaldisney]

We've never needed ID before, DS 15 & 9.

This will be our first time flying Delta. Does anyone happen to know if they need ID with this airline? I know I can call but sometimes it's so much easier to just ask you guys.

 

[Lady74]

Hopefully this cut and paste works, this is a thread from a few months ago

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1111838&highlight=IDENTIFICATION

 

[kimkarli]

I just called SW and they said no, that it was always a good idea to have a copy of birth certificate, but it is not mandatory at SW!

 

[lgruender]

SW told me that as long as their flying with an adult, no id is needed.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew with my 12 year old niece last month on SW, no ID required. I saw a sign in the Atlanta airport yesterday at the TSA checkpoint that said ID is required for those age 18 and over.

 

[Fourfun]

I got both my kids state ids... they were $8 a piece..originally the AAA agent said that my ds17 would need one.. but my ds10 would not... Just in case I went ahead and got both... Then yesturday I went to AAA to pick up my confirmations... and she said neither of them would need them...
But its ok.. They are probably good to have anyway..

 

[Lewisc]

People confuse two issues; kids under 18 don't need ID to get through security.

Passengers traveling on an age based fare including infant, youth, child, lap baby and even senior discount may be required to show proof of age.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

People confuse two issues; kids under 18 don't need ID to get through security.

Passengers traveling on an age based fare including infant, youth, child, lap baby and even senior discount may be required to show proof of age.

Excellent points!

Also, there are teenagers who look much older than they are. So if a 16-year-old looks 23, it would be a good idea to have ID, even though the TSA doesn't require an ID for a 16-year-old.

An airline may have their own ID policy, not just to prove age for age-based fares, but also to match an e-ticket. I've never been asked for an ID for my kids by American, United, or Delta (the airlines that I use for family vacations) — but that doesn't mean Allegiant and other airlines don't ask for IDs.

Finally, we tend to focus on domestic flights within the US on this board. But anyone crossing an international border needs to research what ID is needed. It varies.

 

[Esmerelda]

While traveling about 5-6 years ago as a single mom with two boys in tow...I was asked twice at different airlines for ID. I don't know if it was because I was alone or not. They were not flying at a discounted seat price or anything. I think they were 6 and 9 the first time. One of the airlines was Delta...I can't recall the other maybe Airtran?

I went and had state ID's made for them. They weren't very expensive and we have to get passports later anyhow because we want to cruise in 2007. Passports are mandatory after 12/06.

I would hate to be asked (now) for an ID and have nothing...you might not get to board. I had a friend flying with her small son several months ago. He ended up on a NO-fly list (yes, it can happen) and she had no ID with her. It ended up being a nightmare to say the least...he's only 4....: (

Esmerelda

 

[Fourfun]

Excellent points!

Also, there are teenagers who look much older than they are. So if a 16-year-old looks 23, it would be a good idea to have ID, even though the TSA doesn't require an ID for a 16-year-old.

I completly agree with this... my 17 year old looks almost as old as my DS38
so I definatly think he will be ask for ID..

Also with all the children that get kidnapped in the world... I am glad they check ids....

 

[Jennick]

Same here.. we went up to the local drivers license bureau and had a photo ID made for our girls before they were old enough to have drivers permits. Just as a precaution in case we needed them
I cannot remember the exact price but I do know they were under $10 each.

 

[kathi29]

Every year the schools run and ident-a-kid program and I get my DD an updated ID card with her name, weight, etc. Even so, we got her a passport several years ago (reminder to self... renew passport next ear). They are only good for 5 years for the little ones, but it is worth having for any kind of travel.

 

[english rose 47]

Been a while since I flew. What IDis required for adults?

 

[teacherforhi]

How is having a birth certificate for a child proof of ID. Her picture isn't on there and my niece looks MUCH older than her age of 4.

 

[brandylouwho]

Now this is too expensive if you don't already have one, but I always take my daughter's passport. It is the only real/official ID I have for her (2 yrs old). I have never needed it for a domestic flight though.

I would at least take an official birth ceritifcate, just in case. I would hate to miss a flight or mess up a vacation for something that would take such a little bit of effort.