Do airlines require ID's for children?

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Do I need to have some sort of id for my ds2? We have never flown with him before, and I don't know what to expect.

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[Waseller77]

To be safe, I would recommend bringing his brith certificate. I brought my daughter's on vacation in Sept. and was very glad that I did!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Better get that kid into Driver's Ed, and get that License, eh? Too bad you'll have to wait another 14 yrs
Just kidding, of course

I have flown multiple times with my little ones, and have never needed any ID for either of them. Of course they both look like me: the kids are both redheaded like me. They haven't had any trouble travelling with Mom either tho. That being said, if your child has any special medical needs or condition, it's best to have a short printout from your pediatrician in case anyone gets sick on vacation (heaven forbid! but better to have it and not need it than the other way around).

Have a great trip!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Do I need to have some sort of id for my ds2? We have never flown with him before, and I don't know what to expect.

If you're asking about TSA requirements for domestic flights within the US, you absolutely don't need identification for a 2-year-old. Only passengers age 18 and over must present approved identification (typically a passport, drivers license, state ID, or military ID). For 16- and 17-year olds who look older than they are, it's also a good idea to bring identification.

For international flights, you need a valid passport and sometimes a visa or other required documentation (depending on your destination), regardless of age.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

To be safe, I would recommend bringing his brith certificate. I brought my daughter's on vacation in Sept. and was very glad that I did!

Waseller77,

I'm curious why you were glad you brought your daughter's birth certificate on vacation.

I'm not attacking your response. I'm genuinely interested in why you needed the ID. How old is your daughter? Did they request it from you at the airline check-in desk or the TSA checkpoint for a domestic flight?

 

[taximomfor4]

Since at age 2 they no longer can fly as free lap-babies, and must have a paid seat, the only reason to have a birth certificate would be in case someone questions the child being yours. I always bring my kids' birth certificates "just in case" but the only time I have ever needed one was the 3 times I had a lap baby (flying for free).

Beth

 

[Lewisc]

You may need a birth certificate, or other proof of age, if you got an age related fare. Specifically an infant fare, youth fare or even a zero fare (lap baby).

For Lisa, OP, if you purchased a regular, adult, ticket for your son you won't need anything.

 

[kirbsam]

simple answer is no...

 

[Lewisc]

simple answer is no...

Simple but may not be accurate. Southwest and other airlines may ask to see proof of age if you have a fare based on age or if the child is a "lap baby".

 

[kirbsam]

but in actuality they probably wont...

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

simple answer is no...

If the OP had asked only about a the TSA security checkpoint, the simple answer for a 2-tear-old would be no.

In addition to the point that Lewisc brought up, the OP didn't specify domestic travel or international travel.

 

[Lewisc]

but in actuality they probably wont...

Southwest asks for proof of age. That's why they don't let passengers with a youth or infant fare get a BP online. The Airline show sometimes shows parents with "lap babies" being charged for seats when they don't have proof of age.

The simple answer is bring a copy of the your birth certificate if you have an age related fare. The wrong answer is to hope your not asked.

 

[CarolA]

Oh.. I have seen them ask.

I saw a woman get BUSTED.... she kept insisting the child was a "large two" Agent leaned down to the stroller and asked junior how old he was "THREE" BUSTED!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

For older kids, though, you don't need ID for children.
My older DD frequently gets told she doesn't need to show her ID (She attracts the "Honey, you can put your ID away, I don't need to see it").
That annoys her greatly since she is quite a bit over 18.
She also hates being asked at the dentist whether she needs a pass to get back in to class!
I tell her she will be happy to look young when she is about 10 years older.

 

[pooch]

LOL!! My DD also looks much younger than she is!! Went to a Casino in Canada when she was 19 (legal age there) and they grilled her FOR EVER before they let her in! She still gets offered kids' menus. Drives her CRAZY!!!
I also say "wait til you're older, you'll LOVE it! Wish someone would card me!

 

[Kimmielee]

Is it required? No. Do I take ID, yes.... birth certificate and each year our school issues the identi-card with fingerprints for each student. I take this and we do show it at the security check in. I've always gotten the response that it's a "great idea" in case something were to happen!

My DS (6) also feels much more like a big boy when he shows it.

I'm a single Mom, traveling alone 100% of the time so anything that makes me feel safer about taking my little guy out of our "safe area" I'm all for it.

Call me too protective or whatever.... but I'd rather be prepared with a couple of extra items that take up NO space in my wallet. Why not?