Domestic Flights and passport

[Tinkermom76]

I need help from some fellow DISers with kids that fly from the US to Orlando.
I am helping a friend plan a trip and since she lives in Niagara Falls she will be flying out of Buffalo (she would anyway since they are so much cheaper)
She says she takes the kids to Buffalo all the time shopping and doesn't need a passport, just their birth certificate. My question is would she need a passport for them to fly from BUF to MCO since it is a domestic flight?

I have told her she would be better off to get them a passport anyway since it's only $37 and good for 5 years and she might get it but I still would like to know the answer if anyone can help

Thanks so much
Natalie

 

[glendalais]

I need help from some fellow DISers with kids that fly from the US to Orlando.
I am helping a friend plan a trip and since she lives in Niagara Falls she will be flying out of Buffalo (she would anyway since they are so much cheaper)
She says she takes the kids to Buffalo all the time shopping and doesn't need a passport, just their birth certificate. My question is would she need a passport for them to fly from BUF to MCO since it is a domestic flight?

I have told her she would be better off to get them a passport anyway since it's only $37 and good for 5 years and she might get it but I still would like to know the answer if anyone can help

Thanks so much
Natalie

Passports are not required for flights traveling within the United States, only a form of Government-issued ID. For Canadian nationals, among other things, this can be a Driver's Licence or a Canada Permanent Resident Card / Certificate of Canadian Citizenship Card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

As always, Canadians are highly encouraged to use a Canadian Passport when travelling abroad, including to the United States.

 

[OntFamily]

For USA domestic travel (and Buffalo to Florida is domestic) children under 18 do not need to show identification when going through security checks at the airport.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

While passports are nice, they are not necessary.

 

[Alderbrook]

Children under 16 can cross the border with only their birth certificate & only need their birth certificate to fly. A passport is highly recommended though.

When I booked a flight on AT last year, I had to call & make a change & the lady I spoke to wanted our middle names to change on our reservations. I asked her to hold on so I could get our passports to make sure I was giving her the correct info & she was impressed I had a passport for my son (he was 3 at the time) & said she thinks Canadians flying out of US destinations are crazy not to have one for their children as they are teh safest way to travel. I have flown once (out of BUF) with my son when I only had a birth certificate & I didn't have any problems.

 

[OntFamily]

Children under 16 can cross the border with only their birth certificate & only need their birth certificate to fly. A passport is highly recommended though.

Per TSA policy, children under 18 do not need to show any ID when clearing the security checkpoint. It may be nice to have the ID, but there is no requirement.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Thanks Everyone!

I am still gonna try to get her to get them passports but it's good to know if she doesn't that they will still be able to fly

 

[Ancien Maestro]

I got even my then 1 month old a passport when we travelled to Hawaii when he was 3 months old. You might not need it, but its good to get everyone on the same page. My 4 year old had one as well.

We've got all of the passports for our Christmas Break vacation to Orlando.

 

[Alderbrook]

Per TSA policy, children under 18 do not need to show any ID when clearing the security checkpoint. It may be nice to have the ID, but there is no requirement.

Yes I know that, but from what I understand, if you are over 16 you need a passport to cross the border so without it, you can't get to the airport in the US.

 

[damo]

Yes I know that, but from what I understand, if you are over 16 you need a passport to cross the border so without it, you can't get to the airport in the US.

Yes, that is correct. If you are 16 and over (not just over 16) you must have a passport (or nexus or enhanced driver's license) to get across the US border. Once you are in the US airport, those 18 and over need photo ID to fly to another US address.

 

[mtmbyck]

My DD's were 9 and 11 and while we didn't need the passports, I figured at some point we would and I went ahead and got them. I thought it would be a huge pain in the butt but it was amazingly easy - kids are easier than adults since they don't have ID. And you don't need to have doctors or lawyers sign the form - just someone with a valid Canadian Passport! It was amazingly simple. And I received the passports back within 2 weeks.

But they absolutely did not need tham at the bridge or at the airport - but I felt better for having them!

I honestly can't think of why you wouldn't get them when travelling internationally - required or not...........

 

[Tinkermom76]

My DD's were 9 and 11 and while we didn't need the passports, I figured at some point we would and I went ahead and got them. I thought it would be a huge pain in the butt but it was amazingly easy - kids are easier than adults since they don't have ID. And you don't need to have doctors or lawyers sign the form - just someone with a valid Canadian Passport! It was amazingly simple. And I received the passports back within 2 weeks.

But they absolutely did not need tham at the bridge or at the airport - but I felt better for having them!

I honestly can't think of why you wouldn't get them when travelling internationally - required or not...........

I agree my kids have passports and it was kinda a hassle to get them since me and their dad are split but I still think it is important they have them.

I am still trying to convince her to get them and that it will be easier but I wanted to have the answer in case she decides not to get them

Thanks everyone

 

[mbb]

And a parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent ok-ing the trip.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/consent-letter_lettre-consentement-eng.asp

HTH!!

 

[puppyears]

When in doubt, get a passport. Eventually, they will be mandatory.
We crossed to NY this weekend, and the attendant asked to see passports.
Maybe that was just his line, but it was specific enough to make me happy we had them.
It is not a big deal anyway, and shopping is very cheap there.