flying with children's friends, ID, documents, what?

[cmr]

We are flying in June, the moms are flying in a few days earlier, for a convention, then the kids are flying with one of the dads, a few days later - catching up to us moms.

My question is: since the kids are minors, they don't have photo ID's such as driver's licenses, etc.

What do they use for ID?

Also - since one of the kids will have a different last name as the dad, since she isn't his daughter, but a friend of the family's, what sort of documentation will HE need to show that he has permission to bring her along, and that he is the adult responsible for her while they are travelling?

What should SHE carry as documentation/ID, etc? What should he carry as documentation that she is flying with him?

Coming back is no problem - everyone is flying together, but I guess the little ones would still need picture ID - so what do you use for them?

Thanks!

 

[antmaril]

I took my son's girlfriend with me to Florida in February. I can't answer about the photo id, as she is 16 and has a driver's license. However, I did have written permission from her parents allowing her to travel with me. I also had her parents' written permission to seek emergency medical treatment, if necessary, while she was with me. I had this document notarized and had her health insurance information on the form. You can't be too careful in these matters - you never know.

 

[ajksmom]

Hi! In the past when I have travelled with children who aren' t mine there wasn't any problems. No one checked that I had permission to be flying off with these kids!! Kinda crazy huh?
This trip we will be taking my DS's girlfriend with us and I checked with the airlines we are using(SW + SONG) they both say that children under 18 will not be required to show ID. Check with your airline beforehand however I don't think there will be any problems. Have a great trip! Wish my DH was coming down a little later with the kids!!!

 

[mep319]

My sister had to have a notarize statement for her neice from both parents. By law you have to have it to transport a child that is not yours across states lines. It is also good to have a temporary poa for medical treatment....
Better to have it than not and be denied access to the plane!

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

If the parents have copies of there birth certificates and social security cards you can take them to the department of motor vehicles and get them a state ID regardless of how old they are.

I personally have there birth certificates with me when ever my children fly. And Like the other posts stated I would also have written statements giving permission to let them fly. In addition, I would also get letters stating that incase of emergency the adult in charge has permission to get medical assistance. I would also photo copy any insurance info. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Kimberly

 

[Esmerelda]

Good question! Personally, being a single mom myself....I always have the boys birth certificates w/me. I think in about 7 trips with just us 3, one time I was asked for their BC to be shown. I can't recall what airlines asked but I did have them to show which was good. When we cruised a couple of years back, I had all 3 birth certificates...my divorce papers...my drivers license....a note from their father stating he knew they were going out of the country with me etc.. All they wanted was our BC's once again...they said they didn't need to see the rest of my stack...LOL (it was quite comical as to how high my stack was).

happy planning!
Esmerelda

 

[n2mm]

Even here in WV we can take our kids, grandkids,...to DMV and get a picture ID. We take our grandson with us every year and we prefer him having his own ID. He's had one since he was 5. Now 10 we still continue to renew it each year (I think it's now $5 to renew). We also take a letter from his mom giving us permission in case of an medical emergency to provide care for him and make decisions. His ID also comes in handy esp. since he's been an AP holder for 5 years. It doesn't cost much and it provides peace of mind. I don't understand why more people on the boards do this. Why carry an important document like the child birth certificate with you--the ID is easier to replace and the kids love having it--makes them feel like a big person. The airport always gets a kick out of the fact that he has an ID.

 

[drogerstn]

My sister had to have a notarize statement for her neice from both parents.

Required by whom? Was this a domestic flight?

 

[mep319]

It was her husband's sister's children...so I don't know all the details. They live outside DC so it would be BWI or Dulles...they usually fly Continental...but again I don't know for sure! It is the law in most states that you need to have a statement if you take children that aren't yours across state lines.... I'm assuming if they do not enforce it...you got lucky. This is from the a government website...of course now I can't remember which one but I think it is from the State Department...........

Traveling Minors. A child under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent must have written, notarized consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry, if applicable, a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate for the other parent. Children traveling alone or in someone else s custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel, or, if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that the parent is the only custodial parent.

 

[drogerstn]

MEP319, I believe the quote you have is in regard to international travel, not domestic. I'm not aware of any state laws requiring a statement in order to cross state lines with a minor, but maybe that's because they only come into play when a child's parents or guardians file a complaint.

 

[wdwstar]

we have been flying with our two dd a couple times a year for years, and mdw, ind, mco, phl, las, we only have to show dh and my drivers lic. and they always ask how many flying in your party, two are children, i even bring the paper work with our conf. #s and they are not interested in that, so i bring it for my own security and just flash our drivers lic. and we have never had a problem.

 

[cmr]

This is all such great info - thanks everyone!

I checked with our Dept. of Trans., (Pennsylvania), they don't do photo ID's for anyone under 16 (driver's license age), so that's out.

That would have made me feel a bit better, but that's not an option I guess.

I will prepare the notarized statements, the medical release, and give him a copy of her BC and SS card.

Will copies suffice, instead of the originals?

Thanks - I knew I'd get some answers here!

 

[mep319]

It is primarily for out of the country...but my understanding is you need it as well if you are not the child's parent is 35 states. Which 35 I've yet to figure out! My brother in law works for the state dept so I've emailed him to find out for sure. I don't want to have a problem when DD and I travel in June w/out DH. I doubt it would be but I'm the type that would rather be over prepared than under!

 

[drogerstn]

...would rather be over prepared than under!

Good point! Especially for something that takes such little effort.