Flying with Kids

[RMO87]

My family is flying for the first time with our two daughters, aged 9 and 7. Do we need to bring their birth certificates with us to the airport (for identification purposes with security)?

Thanks in advance!
Ryan

 

[Missy29]

I have never had to show birth certificates for my boys but I did always bring them just in case.

 

[jeaneg]

No, you don't need them for identification for kids that age.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

No one under age 18 needs id for domestic flights.

You might want to go to the TSA website and review the rules.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I just flew a couple of weeks ago with my 4 year old and they did ask for the birth certificate. I flew on South West if that helps.

 

[jmac323]

Interesting that they asked for a BC on a domestic flight. My kids have flown significantly and are 7 and 3 and I've never had to show them. Even when one was a lap infant.

 

[JanaDee]

I've never carried birth certificates for my kids and never been asked for ID for them, but my DS (16) carries his license in case he would be asked.

A birth certificate is only necessary if you have a lap baby and need to prove the child's age.

 

[got2sammies]

My DS who is now 14 had flown many times.. We even have different last names.. Never once asked.. The always ask his name/age and what relationship I am to him..

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I've never carried birth certificates for my kids and never been asked for ID for them, but my DS (16) carries his license in case he would be asked.

A birth certificate is only necessary if you have a lap baby and need to prove the child's age.

I guess I must look suspicious then. I remember thinking how relieved I was that I brought the BC with me since I had almost forgotten it.

 

[imsayin]

I took my daughter's 15 year old friend on a trip with us. She is 5'10", she was asked her age but was not required to prove it.

 

[bas71873]

I've never been asked to show it, but I carry a copy in my wallet all the time anyway. Sometimes DD10 has been waved on through. Other times, they've asked her her name and who I am

 

[MistressMerryweather]

You only need a birth certificate if your child is under 2 and a lap child. They want to make sure you aren't lying about their age. If you bought a seat for them, it doesn't matter.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I just flew a couple of weeks ago with my 4 year old and they did ask for the birth certificate. I flew on South West if that helps.

That doesn't make sense. As already stated, no child under 18 needs id for a domestic flight, unless they are an under age 2 lap baby. What was the reason they asked for id? And who asked, a Southwest agent or TSA?

 

[dpswift]

The last I knew everyone 16 and over needed picture id. A few years ago we had to rush to get DD a passport because she was turning 16 at grandpas.

I have never taken birth certificates for anyone.

 

[aubriee]

The last I knew everyone 16 and over needed picture id. A few years ago we had to rush to get DD a passport because she was turning 16 at grandpas.

I have never taken birth certificates for anyone.

Actually it's 18y/o, not 16 y/o. Per the TSA web site:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids

My 17 y/o GD flew down to San Antonio last July. She also flew to South Carolina in late August. The TSA agents did ask her how old she was, but no ID was required either time.

 

[Swimalie]

I have never had to show birth certificates for my boys but I did always bring them just in case.

Same here. My son (sadly) goes by his middle name so when the ticket says one name (before middle names were required) and I called him another name, I got questioned and had it to prove who he was.

 

[~Brandy~]

My kids have flown dozens of times and, at 8 and 9 years old now, have never been asked for any documentation on domestic flights. Once they got older, like not toddlers anymore, the TSA agents did start asking them their names.

 

[angierae]

This seems to be a common misconception. Children under 18 do not need any kind of ID to fly domestically. At all. Ever. If they are old enough to talk, the TSA agent might ask them their name to see if it matches the ticket.

 

[bas71873]

This seems to be a common misconception. Children under 18 do not need any kind of ID to fly domestically. At all. Ever. If they are old enough to talk, the TSA agent might ask them their name to see if it matches the ticket.

I still tend to fall on the side of better to be prepared than not, which is why I just carry a copy in my wallet. Nothing fancy. It's not certified. Just a copy (which I had to make a few years ago when I had to do medical authorizations when DD visited out of town grandparents for 3 weeks and so my mom had it just in case when she flew back home with her).

 

[2disneyboys]

my two are 13 and 10 and have flown (domestic) at least twice a year since they were about 6 months old. I've never been asked to prove who they are or how old they are. I have also flown with my neices when they were younger (think 6-10 age bracket) and never had to show any sort of id or anything for them.

With that said... if you WANTED.. At our DMV in Virgina, you can get a State ID card for your child (anyone who does not have a learners permit or a drivers license can get one) If I was going to carry something, I'd get those made rather then carry the birth certificates as it's a bit of a headache to get a new birth certificate.