kids ID

[diane1102]

Do kids need ID to get on an airplane?

 

[BuzzMe]

I've never been asked to show ID for my children.

 

[hockey mom]

We were told any kids 15 and over would need picture I.D. All my kids are still under that and we showed nothing for them last week.

 

[diane1102]

I've heard that kids traveling with only one parent need a (notarized?) letter from other parent with permission to travel. Is that only if you are leaving the country? Or any flight? And does anyone have a site or a sample letter I can see?
Thanks
Diane

 

[dcfromva]

diane1102,
There are really several answers to this question. I am assuming your travel is only domestic, because the answer is different for international travel.

If you are asking what does TSA require--Folks aged 18 and over are required to have government issued ID.
edited to add link to TSA web site for ID requirements.... <click here>


If you are asking what do the airlines require--It depends on your individual airline. It's best to call and ask. Some airlines require birth certificates in order to show proof of age qualifying airfares.

-DC

 

[speedbird0001]

Hi,

For domestic travel those 18 and over need a government issued picture ID. While it is quite rare for an individual airline to request picture ID for minors, the safest thing to do is carry a passport for everybody. Letters from the other parent and birth certificates are only required if you are travelling internationally and must pass through customs.

Regards,

Marc

 

[dcfromva]

Originally posted by speedbird0001
Hi,

For domestic travel those 18 and over need a government issued picture ID. While it is quite rare for an individual airline to request picture ID for minors, the safest thing to do is carry a passport for everybody. Letters from the other parent and birth certificates are only required if you are travelling internationally and must pass through customs.

Regards,

Marc

Marc,
Actually it is best to check with the specific airline to see what they require. Southwest airlines for example, does require birth certificates for children qualifying for infant fares. I have seen parents who were traveling with an infant (a lap baby) where the person checking them in did ask for the birth certificate for the child. (This was both pre- 9-11 and post 9-11).

Here's what it says on the SWA website
"One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried free with a Customer paying the applicable adult fare. Affordable Infant Fares are also available that enable a Customer to reserve a seat for an infant and use his/her FAA approved car seat. A birth certificate is required to validate age of all infants under age two. A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old. Accompanied children ages two through 11 will be charged the applicable Child's Fare for the flight (does not apply to unaccompanied children ages five through 11).

"Youths who are at least 12 years of age but who have not reached their 22nd birthday can fly to any of our cities, any time of the day or night, at the applicable Youth Fare. A valid picture I.D. proving age will be required at time of ticket purchase and at time of travel. Call Southwest Airlines Reservations for details." Link to SWA site...

-DC