ID for toddlers????

[lizardqueen]

Flying SWA. If we get our boarding passes online, is there anyone anywhere that is going to ask for ID for my children? They are 3 and almost 1. We bought both of them full priced seats, well Ding fare, but still, not the child rate. They are foster children, so I do not have birth certificates for them. I have letters stating that I am allowed to get them medical care, but the almost 1 year olds last name is different on the letter then what I booked his plane ticket under. DYFS uses his bio mom's last name on some of his info and his bio dad's last name on others. Do you think I will have any problems, or aren't we asked for ID anywhere for the kids? Thanks so much.

 

[teacherforhi]

According to SWA's website, children under 18 don't need ID.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Call SWA to make sure, it's one phone call that could save you later.

 

[crl]

We've never had to show ID for our kids. My DD is 3 and we've flown for 7 trips so far. Have a great trip.

 

[CarolA]

The only time I have ever seen a request for an ID on a child that long was when a woman was trying to pass a fairly large toddler off as a "lap child" (child turned out to be FOUR!)

 

[SamIAm21]

SWA has never said anything, but sometimes the TSA agents will read the boarding passes and then say Hi to your child mentioning them by name. Example: Hi Sally! If your child responds to the sound of his/her name, they seem okay with that. Even if it means they just look up at the agent.

My daughter was day dreaming once while standing in line and the TSA Agent checking ID said Hi Megan. She didn't answer, so he said it again more forcefully. Megan turned around sort of startled. He said, Have a good vacation. She responded with I will Thanks!

 

[crazywig]

The only time I have ever seen a request for an ID on a child that long was when a woman was trying to pass a fairly large toddler off as a "lap child" (child turned out to be FOUR!)

same here. i've only ever seen it if it's a lap baby. i've flown about 6 or 7 times with my 4yr old and 2yr old and never been asked. after we get seated they often ask if the kids have a ticket though so i keep their boarding passes handy even after i'm on the plane.

can't imagine my 4yr old sitting on my lap for over 3hrs

 

[Sandi]

Best guess is that you'll not be asked for ID for the children. However, it is possible that questions will arise because of the different surnames. Is there any way you can get a letter from the government agency that placed the children with you that you are permitted to travel with them? That would be my biggest concern. I think something on official letterhead and notarized would give some comfort to be able to pull out if a question is asked.

 

[freckles and boo]

We have always taken our children's birth certificates although we have never been asked for them. In the future I plan to get them state IDs (in IL there is no minimum age required). If I were in your situation, I would definitely consider some form of documentation showing the children are legally in your custody. You never know.

There have been other threads on this topic which you could check out if you can get the SEARCH function to work. I remember a post by one mother whose adopted children are of different races - she related a story which emphasized why traveling with identification is a good idea.

Have a great trip and best of luck with your adoptions!!!

 

[Tara]

FWIW, my child has my husband's last name but I don't, and I've never been asked for his ID on any of the 26 plane trips he's taken other than our trip to Europe this fall when of course I had to show his passport.

 

[PortieOwner]

It would be a good idea to get your kids a passport. Not that hard to get but they cost a few bucks.