ID for kids at airport?

[McKeeFamily3]

My kids have never traveled by air before. I have not in years.
Do I have to have some sort of ID for my children. I know I have to have my drivers liscense.
We live near Niagara Falls and have been to the Canada side many many times. We have never had a problem taking the kids back and forth accross the boarder but since 9/11 they require a birth certificate for them. The first time we went after 9/11 the American gaurds almost didn't let us back in the US with our kids because we didn't have BC for them. It's funny because the Canadian gaurds let us in with no problem . Didn't ask for Bc or any other ID for the kids. I know this is a different situation as we were crossing an international boarder but I just want to be prepared. Thanks

 

[NotUrsula]

You didn't say how old they are; it makes a difference.

For a domestic flight, children who are over 2 but under 16 do not need ID. Children under age 2 who will be flying as lap babies or on a specially-priced "infant fare" need a birth certificate or passport as proof of age, to prove that they qualify for the special fare/free flight. (Actually, anyone flying on any kind of age-based special fare may be asked to produce proof of age.)

Teens over 16 will be presumed to probably have a license or state-issued ID such as a passport, so they will be asked to produce one. They can still fly if they don't have one yet, but it is possible that they may be subjected to an extra level of security, as in a particularly thorough bag search and pat-down.

 

[Caropooh]

It's actually 18 years and over that need an ID to fly. If they are under the age of 2, but look like they could pass for 2 years old, then it's a good idea to bring a copy of their birth certificate. If the airline thinks they are 2, they could require you to purchase a full fare ticket for the child if you don't have proof of age.

 

[Sleuth]

All of the many, many times I have crossed the border in Detroit to Windsor, it was easier to enter Canada, and much more difficult to come back home. Don't know why that is...

When we flew last year via SouthWest, I was advised to bring BC for both my 1 year old and 3 year olds when I bought the tickets. I did this, and they never asked for them. BUT I would bring them just in case, keep them on you, and if they ask for them, you have them. If not, then no biggie, at least you were prepared.

 

[Donnask8pro]

We just flew to FL from NJ and my 4 yr old son needed a birth Cert and they checked it for security.

 

[McKeeFamily3]

Thanks everyone.
My kids are 6 and 11. I'll bring the BC just in case. Better safe than sorry.

 

[gw_lit]

Here's the official TSA take on who needs to have ID:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1044.xml

Of course, as mentioned by previous posters, airlines may have other requirements depending on ticket type, lap child, etc. It never hurts to bring some kind of ID for your children. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

[KirstenJB]

I travel back and forth quite frequently between Montana and Alberta...and other canadian provinces (my mum's from Ontario)...but anyways...Anywhere, airports, borders...I've found as traveling as a teen that It really just depends on the guard you're dealing with.

Another nice thing my mum's done for me, is she got me a travel sized birth certificate. It's just slighly larger (by like 1/4th of an inch border) than a credit card. It's nice to travel with and I keep it in my wallet. If you travel a lot I'd suggest getting one for you/your kids.

 

[McKeeFamily3]

Another nice thing my mum's done for me, is she got me a travel sized birth certificate. It's just slighly larger (by like 1/4th of an inch border) than a credit card. It's nice to travel with and I keep it in my wallet. If you travel a lot I'd suggest getting one for you/your kids.

I have one, it's great to have. My mom got it when I was very young. She doesn't remember how she got it. Where would I get these?