ID for children when flying

[lost*in*cyberspace]

In 11 and a half years of flying with my children, no one has ever asked me to produce ID for them.

That is because, as has already been stated in dozens of threads here on this very same topic, that it is not required for domestic flights for children under age 18 with their own purchased ticket.

Not to be disrespectful of anyone, but is there a reason people don't check their airline's website or the tsa.gov website for the actual rules before asking these types of questions here? I am honestly curious. Seems a lot faster than asking here.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I got my daughter a state id card a couple years ago. I never worry about id now as it's always in my wallet with my driver's license.

We did the same thing.

 

[PHXscuba]

That is because, as has already been stated in dozens of threads here on this very same topic, that it is not required for domestic flights for children under age 18 with their own purchased ticket.

Not to be disrespectful of anyone, but is there a reason people don't check their airline's website or the tsa.gov website for the actual rules before asking these types of questions here? I am honestly curious. Seems a lot faster than asking here.

Honestly, I was just looking for this on the US Airways website two days ago after booking our flights. I never did find the answer about kids and IDs, at least not on the airline site (there might have been a TSA link).

My next stop was going to be the TSA website, but it's nice to see real-life examples here rather than hunting it down from the ever-so-helpful TSA.

PHXscuba

 

[Disneybound!!]

I did check US Air's website (that's who we're flying with) and TSA's website. As I stated in my original post, what those sites state is not very clear. Therefore, I asked here to get the advice of those that have actually done it before. I agree, it is frustrating to see redundant questions or questions that have answers that could easily be found with a little legwork, but I really did try to look on my own and had no luck with this one. I have also been guilty of asking a question that actually had a sticky with the title of my question! I really didn't see it and when I searched I used different wording and it didn't pick it up!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

WARNING!

Do not assume "everyone can tell my baby is under two so I don't need birth certficates" Periodically I see posts on www.flyertalk.com from OUTRAGED parents who were denied boarding when they could not prove their 6 month old was actually 6 months old (I see this on SW more then the other airlines)

If your under two is even close to being two or big for thier age and you did not buy a seat bring proof!

 

[ThreeBeans]

IF your child is under two, your child should be traveling in his own seat and in an FAA approved child restraint, NEVER on your lap, anyway

It's going to be a law sooner rather than later; people need to start getting used to it, independent of the fact that lap babies are dangerous both for the poor babies, and everyone else on the plane.


OP, just to reiterate what everyone else said, no, no ID. I just traveled with my kids 6, 5, 3 and not once were we asked for ID. The TSA agent did ask them nicely what their names were and how old they were, but I think she was more making conversation than anything.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I did check US Air's website (that's who we're flying with) and TSA's website. As I stated in my original post, what those sites state is not very clear.

The TSA website could not be clearer about ids:

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

Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

US Airways is pretty clear as well:

http://www.usairways.com/en-EU/travel_information/ticketing_policies/international.html

All children, regardless of age, must possess all necessary travel documents as required by the countries visited on an international itinerary. Customers under the age of 18 are not required to present ID for domestic U.S. travel.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

This. Seriously.

That is because, as has already been stated in dozens of threads here on this very same topic, that it is not required for domestic flights for children under age 18 with their own purchased ticket.

Not to be disrespectful of anyone, but is there a reason people don't check their airline's website or the tsa.gov website for the actual rules before asking these types of questions here? I am honestly curious. Seems a lot faster than asking here.

 

[PHXscuba]

The TSA website could not be clearer about ids:

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

Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

US Airways is pretty clear as well:

http://www.usairways.com/en-EU/travel_information/ticketing_policies/international.html

All children, regardless of age, must possess all necessary travel documents as required by the countries visited on an international itinerary. Customers under the age of 18 are not required to present ID for domestic U.S. travel.

That US Airways reference is on a page about international travel that I wouldn't have been checking for info about U.S. flights. That's kind of my point: The airlines don't make it "pretty clear" or easy to find. I appreciate you pointing out the official word and where to find it.

It always amazes/confounds me what you do/don't need ID for. I don't need ID for DS15 to fly, but I do need a birth certificate for him to SCUBA dive in Epcot (proof of being over age 10 -- he's taller than I am). I don't need ID to use a credit card to spend $50 on food at WDW, but I do if I use it for a $8 souvenir. When there are easy, consistent rules, then we won't need the DIS to help!

PHXscuba

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

That US Airways reference is on a page about international travel that I wouldn't have been checking for info about U.S. flights. That's kind of my point: The airlines don't make it "pretty clear" or easy to find.

Yes, crazy, isn't it? The websites for most airlines are terrible, making it very difficult to find basic information. I have had the best success searching using Google to find info for an airline rather than using the search on the actual website. Southwest has a particularly bad website; surprising since they attract so many inexperienced and new flyers.

 

[WicketsMom]

It always amazes/confounds me what you do/don't need ID for. I don't need ID for DS15 to fly, but I do need a birth certificate for him to SCUBA dive in Epcot (proof of being over age 10 -- he's taller than I am). PHXscuba

He has to have his birth certificate in addition to his c-card? I'm a SCUBA instructor with a 4-year old who is planning on diving in Epcot when he turns 10!

 

[PHXscuba]

Yes, they told me when I booked the Divequest tour that he needs a copy of his birth certificate as well as his C-card. I know age 10-14 need a parent in the tank as well (not a problem for you). I was surprised they needed his birth cert. since DH is diving with him, and my son is obviously well over age 10. I'm glad they told me or I wouldn't have brought it. It might just be a standard thing for any tour that has age limits ??

PHXscuba

 

[aubriee]

I've flown several times with just my granddaughter and me. I've never been asked for ID for her and don't remember anyone even asking her age. For all they knew I could have kidnapped her. Because her parents are divorced, I do make sure I have a signed notarized letter from both her mom and her dad, that I can travel with her and get her any needed medical care for the dates that we'll be traveling. I also carry a copy of her insurance card. I've never carried any ID that had her age on it though.