Children's Identification for Flights

[tjmw2727]

There seems to be different answers from everyone! I iwll have to call the airline to see if I need to bring anything for my 13 month old.

If you purchased a ticket for the 13 month old you will not need ID.

If he/she is flying for free on your lap you will need a BC, not to fly but to prove eligibility to fly free.

I have yet to read a post where someone has said ID is required for children? (Other than proof of age)

The answer can be found right on the TSA website as well as each individual airlines website. ID is only required for passengers 18 and over.

Here is the quote from the TSA:
"Beginning on May 26, 2008, adult passengers (18 and over) will be required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature."

and the link for convenience:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

The only exception is a child under two flying without a ticket on a parents lap and in this case the ID is required to prove age and that they are eligible to fly for free. A child under 2 with his/her own ticket does not need ID.

I fly over half dozen times a year with my dd's and have been since they were toddlers, never once have I been asked for ID for either of them. I have also taken my neices along many times and despite having a different last name and different nationality never have they been asked.

Some folks have said "they feel better having somthing" or "my child likes to use his/her ID" and that is their option but not a requirement.

If you don't have a BC or ID handy don't worry you don't have to hunt it down

TJ

 

[kldmom2000]

We've never needed identification for our girls to fly.... just came back 1.5 weeks ago and they were 8 and 5 this time

 

[JUJU814]

No identification is needed for domestic travel for children under the age of 18. Pathetic isn't it? You could take ANY child on a plane with you anywhere.

Heck, I flew to ITALY with my 16 year old daughter in April. She has a different last name than me. She is a minor. They didn't ask if she was alone or if I was the parent or anything.

Going through security however, last week, on he way home from Orlando, the security woman when looking at my children's boarding passes did ask them to their face what their name was. They are 4 and 6. She also asked my older dd her name and how old she was. Not that that means anything, but at least she asked.

I still always do travel with their birth certificates and always ask if they need them, and they always tell me "no ID for kids under 18"

Julie

 

[Erin13178]

Thanks again for all the responses!

 

[eccobleu]

We are flying Southwest later this month with a lap baby. I was told by Southwest that I will need to provide proof of age at check in to verify that she is under 3. I am bringing a copy of her shot records as my proof (already in my purse).

When we flew last November, they did ask for proof of age.

 

[Trinity524]

I woke up with a jolt this morning.

What documents does my dd need to board an airplane? I totally forget.

I have her social security card, this is horrible but I'm not sure where her birth certificate is (hangs head in shame). And no she doesn't have any kind of picture ID.

Southwest asks for a birth certificate for anyone under 3.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

I got a Passport for my DS. That way I have ID whether I need it or not.

 

[BostonMom]

Hi

I was on the phone with JetBlue just 2 days ago to give them the information for our 7 month old who is flying as a lap child. They told me I was required to bring EITHER his birth certificate OR an immunization record to prove his age. This is only because he is a lapchild

As for our DD4, I was told by the JetBlue agent that NO identification is required for passengers flying domestic under the age of 18. We have travelled to Canada with her several times and on the domestic portion of our flights this has always been true, but I just wanted to verify it with them. The only time she has needed her photo ID (passport) has been at customs. We won't be bringing her passport for this trip, but I'm happy knowing that at the very least, if someone decides to ask, she's at least listed on my health insurance card as a family member. Not to mention the fact that they are welcome to ask her what her name is.

So you should be fine without any ID for your child. Have a great trip.

 

[2002Disneybride]

I agree with previous posters, I always bring copies of birth certificates, but have never been asked for them.

 

[tjmw2727]

We are flying Southwest later this month with a lap baby. I was told by Southwest that I will need to provide proof of age at check in to verify that she is under 3. I am bringing a copy of her shot records as my proof (already in my purse).

When we flew last November, they did ask for proof of age.

This was addressed a couple times upthread.

The only reason you need proof of age is because your taking advantage of a discount - ie children under 2 can fly for free if sitting on a parents lap.

Children don't need ID to fly.

Lap babies (between 2 weeks and 2 years) need ID to prove they are eligible for a discount.

OT but since it has come up -
TSA isn't law enforcement - they are only charged with verifying that the name on the BP matches the passenger attempting to fly. Law enforcement does monitor the passenger lists against varous alerts but that is separate from TSA.

TJ


TJ

 

[gr8leg8]

Not for the flight, but when we go on vacation...

we also carry a child id form in case we get separated.
similar to the one here
http://www.mcc.ag.state.oh.us/pdf/Child_ID_Layout.pdf

Whenever DD goes with a grandparent they carry a copy too. Just in case.
My mom panics easily & this makes her feel more calm.
Thankfully she has never needed to use it.