ID for kid's flying

[Gale Thompson]

We will be going to WDW for the first time in May. We will be flying with our 8 year old grandson on Delta. Does anyone know whether we will need ID for our grandson? Delta website says picture ID is necessary for anyone over 18 but says nothing about kids.

 

[RoseRoni2]

I dont think you will need id for anyone under the age of 18 unless you are traveling out of the country. At least that is what AA told me this morning when I asked about my dd5 on our up coming trip in a week.

 

[disneyldwjr]

We will be going to WDW for the first time in May. We will be flying with our 8 year old grandson on Delta. Does anyone know whether we will need ID for our grandson? Delta website says picture ID is necessary for anyone over 18 but says nothing about kids.

If the age necessary for an ID is over 18 nothing needs to be said for kids under 18.

 

[gigi1313]

i always carry copies of my kids' birth certificates... not sure why, no one has ever asked for them ('cept when we drove to canada) but i feel safe having them...

also, since you are not the parent, you may want a notarized letter giving you permission to cross state lines and authorize medical treatment if necessary...

ENJOY!

 

[debster812]

I also carry a copy of DS's birth certificate, but in the 4 times he has flown, we have NEVER been asked to show it. (DS is 7). On our last flight, the skycap checking our bags was joking with DS about showing his license, and DS was able to pull out the school ID they had made this year. He loved it.

I asked both Delta and SWA and both said that for under 18, no ID is neccessary.

 

[Gale Thompson]

We have raised our grandson since birth but do not have legal custody of him. We have birth certificate, medical power of attorney, and a signed custody agreement with our daughter. Since the agreement is amicable, we have never obtained legal custody. We are aware that we cannot take him out of the country without written consent but were unsure about traveling on a plane. A friend recently got picture ID of her daughter at Motor Vehicles, and they told her that no one is allowed on a plane without it.

 

[powellrj]

our kids have never been asked to show theirs. We have taken 4 trips since 9/11 and have never been asked for their ID's.

 

[ducklite]

You will not need ID for an 8 year old.

Have a nice trip!

Anne

 

[disneycm25]

My son was 16 when we flew last summer, and he did not need any ID.

 

[disneymagic16]

Well we fly Southwest and I'm 13 and they always check my ID...If you want to be on the safe side though, bring their birth certificate.

 

[disneyldwjr]

We have raised our grandson since birth but do not have legal custody of him. We have birth certificate, medical power of attorney, and a signed custody agreement with our daughter. Since the agreement is amicable, we have never obtained legal custody. We are aware that we cannot take him out of the country without written consent but were unsure about traveling on a plane. A friend recently got picture ID of her daughter at Motor Vehicles, and they told her that no one is allowed on a plane without it.

That is not correct, in fact, you can board a plane without any ID at all. Just be prepared to undergo MAJOR security checks. That, of course, is not an issue for you since your DGS is under 18. I would, however, bring the med. POA and signed custody agreement, if it is not notarized, I would have it done before any travel.

 

[mickey4ver]

I would just like to share this....my son and his family flew in for the holidays on Southwest...DIL had always carried birth certificate for oldest grandchild...NEVER had to show it and she was told on the phone that nothing would be needed for the new grandbaby who is an infant...so they go to get on the plane with the oldest grandchild and our newest grandchild who was 8 months old, they DEMAND ID for him to PROVE he is under 2 yrs. old.....after much hassle they tell them to board but they better have ID for him when they get ready to return home.............she did call a relative who went to their home, found his birth certificate and mailed it here..........what a load of crap....there is NO way that my grandchild who was at the time 8 months old resembles a 2 yr. old............also the gate person said it was a "good thing I'm a Mom too, so I could "assume" you have an infant with you".........

another reason I would use SW only if I had to...I know many love them, that is fine, this is just something that happened to our family and I thought I would share because I found it so ridiculous...............it is just my opinion and not meant to get those who love SW upset.................

 

[disneyldwjr]

I would just like to share this....my son and his family flew in for the holidays on Southwest...DIL had always carried birth certificate for oldest grandchild...NEVER had to show it and she was told on the phone that nothing would be needed for the new grandbaby who is an infant...so they go to get on the plane with the oldest grandchild and our newest grandchild who was 8 months old, they DEMAND ID for him to PROVE he is under 2 yrs. old.....after much hassle they tell them to board but they better have ID for him when they get ready to return home.............she did call a relative who went to their home, found his birth certificate and mailed it here..........what a load of crap....there is NO way that my grandchild who was at the time 8 months old resembles a 2 yr. old............also the gate person said it was a "good thing I'm a Mom too, so I could "assume" you have an infant with you".........

another reason I would use SW only if I had to...I know many love them, that is fine, this is just something that happened to our family and I thought I would share because I found it so ridiculous...............it is just my opinion and not meant to get those who love SW upset.................

Not upset that you shared your experience or your opinion, but, SWA does require a BC for a child under two that is not paying for a seat. In your case it was a bit absurd, but, it is the rule. I do wish they would enforce the rules about preboarding and carry ons as well as they observe this one. Also, it is a shame that the person you spoke with on the phone did not know this rule, geez, it is on their website and one would hope that employees would read the blasted thing.
From the SWA website: Although not recommended, if your child is under age two and you would prefer to hold him or her on your lap when traveling, you may do so on Southwest Airlines without charge, and we'll be glad to check your CRD for use at your destination. FAA regulation requires any child who has reached his or her second birthday to occupy his or her own seat during takeoff and landing. Please keep in mind that Southwest personnel must ensure compliance with this regulation, so be sure to bring along a copy of your baby's birth certificate for age verification.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

 

[DMRick]

Well we fly Southwest and I'm 13 and they always check my ID
*************
They'll be happy to look at it if you put it forward, but it's not needed. Just tell them you are 13 next time.

 

[jiminy14]

Anyone under 18 does not need a picture ID. My DD is 17 and is often asked her age, but never has to show ID. As for traveling with your grandson, I agree with the other posters about having a notarized letter of consent from one of his parents. My sister often takes her granddaughter to WDW and carries a notarized letter from her mother allowing her to take the child out of the state. She also brings along any medical information including insurance and prescriptions.