Identification for the kids at the airport

[nj_mom]

I know that I will need to show my driver's license to board the plane, but do I need to show anything for the kids? (birth certificate)? Or nothing??
We fly tomorrow morning. Thanks!!!

 

[PistonsFan]

I have always been told by the airlines to take the birth certificate, but they have never asked for it. So, I would take it just in case.

 

[hildarumpole]

We don't take anything for the kids. The airline has never told us to and no one has every asked at the airport.

 

[bethbuchall]

The last three times that we have flown (3 different airlines), I've been told that children under 16 (or 18) do not need any ID.

Have a great trip!

Beth

 

[PistonsFan]

It might depend on how old your kids are. When they told me to bring it I was flying with my son as a lap child and maybe they wanted it to confirm that he was under 2.

 

[tjmw2727]

No id is required for children 18 or under. If your child is flying free as a lap child or on an under 2 discount most airlines will require you show proof of age to verify the child is entitled to the discount but not to fly.

TJ

 

[jtnsami]

The last time I went with my 2 older kids, I took them to the DMV and got piture ID's for them. When we got to the ticket gates, I would show my license and their id's. I had a couple gate checkers say that made it easier.
I think they were only $5 a piece. Definitely getting one for the younger one next trip.

 

[all4fun]

We have flown domestically with our ds (who always had his own ticket too) and with our step-nieces and nephew and have never been required to show ID for any of them. As pp's have stated it has been my understanding that when flying with a non-ticketed child under two (ie "lap baby") proof of age may be required.

hth

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Most US Domestic flights do not require children under 18 to have ID. However, if your children do not necessarily look like you then consider getting ID. I went to the DMV (drivers license department -- whatever yours is called) when DD was about 18 months old b/c we were going to Europe and I didn't want to have her passport on me at all times.

Also, DD looks like me and not so much like DH (mainly skin color) and luckily he travels with her alone but always has State issued ID and US Passport for identity purposes.

In general, it's a good idea to have some form of ID for your kids. There are places online where you can order a child ID, just search if you are interested. Of course, it's not a 'legal' ID but it's something.

Best wishes!

 

[NJtoATL]

Great idea to have id of children. Whenever I travel, I make copies of my ideas and leave it in a safe place at home in case of an emergency. Make a copy of your id's.

Have fun on your trip!!

 

[tjmw2727]

Most US Domestic flights do not require children under 18 to have ID. However, if your children do not necessarily look like you then consider getting ID. I went to the DMV (drivers license department -- whatever yours is called) when DD was about 18 months old b/c we were going to Europe and I didn't want to have her passport on me at all times.

Also, DD looks like me and not so much like DH (mainly skin color) and luckily he travels with her alone but always has State issued ID and US Passport for identity purposes.

In general, it's a good idea to have some form of ID for your kids. There are places online where you can order a child ID, just search if you are interested. Of course, it's not a 'legal' ID but it's something.

Best wishes!

TSA or the airlines don't care who is traveling with whom or why only that the person flying matches the name on the ticket. I travel often with my dd's and never needed any type of ID, the TSA agent simply asks them their name and matches it with the boarding pass. I have also flown as the solo adult with my under 18yo neices who have a different last name and are of a different race and never had to show ID for any of them.

OT- from this post but if your traveling outside the us via any method you need a passport for every person and IIRC paperwork if you are taking a minor child to whom you are not a legal guardian.

TJ