DS traveling with SIL - what documentation is required?

[lecach]

My sister in law and brother in law are going to Philly in December and have invited DS (will be 5 at the time) to go with. DH and I think it's a great idea. But I think there will probably need to be some sort of documentation to allow them to fly with him. Is it as simple as writing out our permission and getting that notarized? Or is there a more formal document?

He's never flown without us before so I have no clue. It will be his third flight and he has no fear, plus he ADORES my SIL and BIL and they are great with him. Not to mention the fact that DH and I could definately use a weekend without DS to get ready for Christmas....or maybe go to the beach....

 

[Manda]

I can't imagine they'd need anything to get him on the plane. Even as parents, you don't need ID, they just ask the kid his name. I don't know how they would know either way (parent, guardian, or not) whether or not they're legally allowed to travel with the child, so I guess it's pointless to ask for proof. My Mom traveled with my niece (her granddaughter) and didn't bring anything. That's not an official answer, of course.

I would, however, give them a signed and notarized document stating that they are permitted to authorize emergency medical treatment for your child. And give them an insurance card.

 

[Hannathy]

If it is all within the states they don't need anything. Kids don't need ID to travel so they won't ask for anything and so many kids have different names now they won't even blink at that.

Make sure they have your health insurance info and permission to get treatment for him but they don't need anything to fly.

 

[Duckyiam71]

My son just did this with his grandpa. The only thing they did was ask him who the person he was with name. He said grandpa and they let him pass into security. We did send him with a copy of birth certificate in case of any issues but as PPs nothing was ever needed.

 

[katied]

Nothing needed. We travel with our niece and nephew all the time. The only thing you may want to think about is if there's any medical issues/problems. We generally have a notorized statement signed by the parents which authorizes us to make all heath decisions for the duration of the trip.