Do I need to take Birth Certificate to airport?

[jgperkin]

Should I be taking my daughters birth certificate to the airport for secuirty. I never have before, but it keeps popping into my mind. Just curious what everyone else does...

 

[Robo]

Should I be taking my daughters birth certificate to the airport for secuirty. I never have before, but it keeps popping into my mind. Just curious what everyone else does...

Only needed if you are getting a special "deal" on her tickets (like "2 year olds fly free," or similar.)

 

[RockAndRollBallerina]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to take it with you just so you have a form of ID for her by off chance they ask for it.

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this to our transporation board.

 

[Hannathy]

You do not need to take it unless as the PP said they are on a special childrens fare and very few are. It mostly is the under 2 flying free and then you have to have it.

Children do NOT need ID to fly!!!! There is no just in case, there is no case! they do not need it to fly.

 

[somethingblue]

When I flew as a minor, even at sixteen/seventeen when I didn't have an ID and certainly looked over 18, I just told them I was a minor and didn't have to show an ID. Never had an issue. I doubt a child will have a problem.

 

[cdrn1]

I fly a couple times a year with grandkids, and have never been asked for a birth cert. They are currently 6,3, and infant.

 

[distrack]

You do not need to take it unless as the PP said they are on a special childrens fare and very few are. It mostly is the under 2 flying free and then you have to have it.

Children do NOT need ID to fly!!!! There is no just in case, there is no case! they do not need it to fly.

I have been pondering this same question for my upcoming trip with my 13 yr old son. I have read all the TSA requirements stating those under 18 do not need ID. I called Southwest airlines and explained that I have a 13 yr old flying on an adult fair and asked if they need ID or birth cert. I was told by the SW rep that I "DO" need to bring a birth cert but they could not tell me why. I think this SW rep was just misinformed but I will be bringing one anyway

 

[NotUrsula]

You do not need to take it unless as the PP said they are on a special childrens fare and very few are. It mostly is the under 2 flying free and then you have to have it.

Children do NOT need ID to fly!!!! There is no just in case, there is no case! they do not need it to fly.

Absolutely true *IF* the trip is domestic. We wouldn't want DIS'ers showing up at Passport Control without one for an international trip .

For international trips, children DO need their own passports to get through Immigration, but that has nothing to do with TSA and security. TSA cannot demand an ID from a minor. From the TSA Website, at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Effective June 21, 2008, adult passengers (18 and over) are 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 in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

FWIW, if an airline wants to demand ID to ensure that the passenger using the ticket is the person that the ticket was originally purchased for, then they can -- there is no law that stops them from doing that. However, in practical terms airlines normally do not demand ID for ticketed minors traveling domestically on an adult fare.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I was told by the SW rep that I "DO" need to bring a birth cert but they could not tell me why.

Probably because it isn't true. No id is needed for under 18, unless you have an under 2 year old flying for free, then the birth certificate is needed.

 

[Hannathy]

Absolutely true *IF* the trip is domestic. We wouldn't want DIS'ers showing up at Passport Control without one for an international trip .

So True I assumed we were talking domestic but you know what they say about assuming.........

I would hope anyone traveling across the boarder would know the difference between immigration and security but you never know LOL

 

[tjmw2727]

I have been pondering this same question for my upcoming trip with my 13 yr old son. I have read all the TSA requirements stating those under 18 do not need ID. I called Southwest airlines and explained that I have a 13 yr old flying on an adult fair and asked if they need ID or birth cert. I was told by the SW rep that I "DO" need to bring a birth cert but they could not tell me why. I think this SW rep was just misinformed but I will be bringing one anyway

Check the TSA website and the SWA website, both clearly state that ID is only required for passengers 18 and older.

I fly often, almost monthly and have never, ever been asked for ID for my kids who are now 13 and 15.

Again, the exception is non domistic flights and fares requiring proof of age for eligibility purposes.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I have been pondering this same question for my upcoming trip with my 13 yr old son. I have read all the TSA requirements stating those under 18 do not need ID. I called Southwest airlines and explained that I have a 13 yr old flying on an adult fair and asked if they need ID or birth cert. I was told by the SW rep that I "DO" need to bring a birth cert but they could not tell me why. I think this SW rep was just misinformed but I will be bringing one anyway

I buy "adult" fares on SWA, which are basically any fare that is not specified an "infant fare" or a "senior fare." I have never been asked by a SWA rep or TSA for my DD's ID when we fly and she is a very experienced flyer.

 

[Super 27]

If you are using ANY kind of special fare, taking a child under 2 as a lap child, etc, then you must present some sort of gov't issued document showing the child's age. Passport or birth certificate are both acceptable. Other than that, you NEVER need an ID for children on domestic flights.