Do kids need ID to fly?

[iluv2go2disney]

It's been so long since we have flown, I can't remember if my kids need some kind of ID to fly. Can someone help me with this? Do I need to take their birth certificates or anything? My kids are 10 & 9.

 

[bas71873]

While I have never been asked to show it, I have always carried a copy of my DD's birth certificate. She's almost 5 and has been flying since she was about 18 months. Last flight, December, was the first time anyone has ever "quizzed" her....they just asked her who I was ("Mommy") and if she knew my name.....which she does. Not sure if the TSA lady was just being friendly or if she really was checking to be sure she belonged to me. She also flew with my mother back when she was about 2 and mom carried her birth certificate that time, but again, was never asked to show it. I'd carry a copy just to be safe.

 

[iluv2go2disney]

Thanks. I'll pack them just to be safe.

 

[Crisgw]

The only time my boys (3 and 5) have needed ID is this past Feb. when we went to Costa Rica and they needed passports Otherwise, they've never used anything on domestic flights.

 

[all4fun]

We have flown numerous times domestically with our own child (almost 5) and with other children (nephews and nieces) and never needed ID for any of them. We just got back from WDW about a week ago... flew w/our 10 and 14yr old nephews both ways, and they were never asked for ID anywhere (although the do have military ID since their dad is in the Navy). The only time I know they do require a Birth Certificate is for when your child is under two and flying as a lap baby. Otherwise you really shouldn't worry about it too much if your kids don't have it & you're flying domestically.

hth!

 

[Cinderelli16]

When we fly the security usually asks my brothers and I questions like what's our full name, age, where we live, where we're going etc. we've never had to show id but my parents usually bring copies of our birth certificates just in case

 

[ujpest_doza]

Things may be different in the US but since 9/11 here in England you need Photo ID to fly domestically and that has to be either a passport or driving licence regardless of age.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

No.

REcently I flew to florida with DD and returned with DS. I bought a single roundtrip ticket for "M Carlson". Since both my kids names start with M, I was able to fly down with one kid and return with the other on the same ticket. No problem.

 

[canadianmom2three]

Interesting, I thought it was standard procedure to ask everyone to show ID, there has NEVER been a flight where I have not had to show ID for each member of our family, kids included, but then again we are Canadians, flying out of USA, so maybe that is why. We always drive cross the border, then fly out of DTW.

 

[_queenie_]

They're pricey if you don't plan on flying out of the country, but I reccomend getting your kids passports, my kids got them very young. Once in a while they'll "quizz" them (in Orlando my DD13 almost "failed" because the officer didn't speak English well), but having them typically, at least in Boston, makes secruity a breeze.

 

[jodifla]

They're pricey if you don't plan on flying out of the country, but I reccomend getting your kids passports, my kids got them very young. Once in a while they'll "quizz" them (in Orlando my DD13 almost "failed" because the officer didn't speak English well), but having them typically, at least in Boston, makes secruity a breeze.

But it's a pretty unnecessary expense if you won't be leaving the country.

ID isn't need for kids under 18.

They've asked my son questions, which he can't answer because he has a communication disorder. I just tell them that, at TSA drops it.

 

[Frankiesmom]

Actually ID is required for passengers over 16. We always carry the kids passports- I like the photographic proof that they're mine! This is a crazy world and you just never know.

 

[tjmw2727]

Actually ID is required for passengers over 16. We always carry the kids passports- I like the photographic proof that they're mine! This is a crazy world and you just never know.

Actually, for domestic travel photo ID is only required for passengers 18 and over. The exception is children between 2wks and 2 years flying for free on a parents lap and that ID is only to prove they are eligible to fly free.

From SWA:
"Passengers will need valid state or federal government-issued picture identification1 to travel (passport, driver's license, state-issued identification card, or military identification are acceptable).

Customers under 18 years of age are not required to show government-issued photo ID"

Bold is mine, every other airline has the same info on the website -

Unfortunately, I have to fly at least once a month and often I fly with one or both of my dd's. I have never ever been asked to show ID for them by the airlines or the TSA. Occasionally the TSA Agent will ask them a few questions to verify their boarding pass, most times they just verify mine. I have also traveled as the solo adult with my neices who have a different last name and are of a different nationality - no ID necessary.

We all have passports, including the kids but I leave them home for domistic travel - they are too valuable to risk loss, IMHO.

TJ

 

[stopher1]

They don't need them until they are 18 - but it sure does impress the security and airline folks when they have something! Our kids are homeschooled, so no school id cards of any kind, so we got them state id cards (look just DL's). Everytime they walk up to the TSA person before security making sure you have a boarding pass... that indiviudal just perks right and chats amiably with my sons and daughter when they whip out their own id cards.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We have never carried ID for DS12. Once in awhile the TSA people will ask him his name to verify it against the boarding pass, but usually they don't.