Original or copy of birth certificates?

[holyschmolly]

If asked for birth certificates of our kiddos, will a copy be suffice or do I need to bring originals? We're flying Airtran out of IND.

We've flown Delta before and I've always brought copies, but Delta never questioned. Since our youngest will be turning 2 in mere days after we return, I have a feeling his age will be questioned.

 

[Hannathy]

You only need it if he is flying free, then I believe a copy will work I do believe that is all I ever took. If he isn't free you don't need anything.

 

[bumbershoot]

I would bring legal ID. So, either the certified copy you originally got (what people call the "original"), or another certified copy.

But you only need it if they are flying on your lap; if they have their own seat you don't need to prove their age.

 

[holyschmolly]

He's going as an infant in arms.

I really do not want to bring my originals. I was going to scan a copy. If my purse/luggage was stolen then someone could/would easily become any or all of my kids.

Maybe I'll contact Airtran directly to see if a copy is acceptable.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

He's going as an infant in arms.

I really do not want to bring my originals. I was going to scan a copy. If my purse/luggage was stolen then someone could/would easily become any or all of my kids.

Maybe I'll contact Airtran directly to see if a copy is acceptable.

A copy would still have all the same info, and would be just as helpful to someone trying to steal ID. Just take a look and see what is required to get a certified copy form the state, you might be surprised at how easy it is, especially if you already have the info from a copy.

 

[Jestocost]

If flying as a lap baby, the airline is supposed to confirm their age in all circumstances per FAA rules. Some are more diligent than others, but if you are asked and don't have the right documents the airline likely will require you to purchase a ticket at the current (extremely high) applicable fare if your child is to fly. As a result, you should be certain to have that birth certificate with you. A copy should suffice, but you're smart to contact AirTran to be certain about what they require.

 

[webworm]

If asked for birth certificates of our kiddos, will a copy be suffice or do I need to bring originals? We're flying Airtran out of IND.

We've flown Delta before and I've always brought copies, but Delta never questioned. Since our youngest will be turning 2 in mere days after we return, I have a feeling his age will be questioned.

Children under 18 travelling with parents on a domestic flight in the US do not need to show ID.

http://www.airtran.com/faq/q/what_t...Airport&rt=index_travelers_overview&nav_id=85
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

 

[seashoreCM]

They don't allow ordinary photocopies of passports or drivers licenses for identifying adults so I can only conjecture that somewhere, someday, you may not get through with an ordinary photocopy of your child's birth certificate.

 

[Jestocost]

Children under 18 travelling with parents on a domestic flight in the US do not need to show ID.

http://www.airtran.com/faq/q/what_t...Airport&rt=index_travelers_overview&nav_id=85
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Should have read on before answering as this case involves a child flying without a ticket as a lap baby, which is the only time some form of ID/proof of age is required.

They don't allow ordinary photocopies of passports or drivers licenses for identifying adults so I can only conjecture that somewhere, someday, you may not get through with an ordinary photocopy of your child's birth certificate.

Except that this isn't for identification per se as it is for proof of age to verify eligibility to travel as a lap baby without a ticket. It is my understanding that photocopies are acceptable for this purpose. However, it is true that random airline employees can make up their own rules and you could find yourself scrambling to provide acceptable proof of age in those circumstances.

 

[webworm]

Should have read on before answering as this case involves a child flying without a ticket as a lap baby, which is the only time some form of ID/proof of age is required.



Except that this isn't for identification per se as it is for proof of age to verify eligibility to travel as a lap baby without a ticket. It is my understanding that photocopies are acceptable for this purpose. However, it is true that random airline employees can make up their own rules and you could find yourself scrambling to provide acceptable proof of age in those circumstances.

OK so I see that AirTran may ask for proof to verify age so someone is not trying to avoid purchasing a ticket. It is not a TSA requirement.

AirTran Airways strongly encourages customers traveling with infants less than 7 days old to consult with their physician prior to traveling. One (1) infant under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried free of charge in the lap of a customer paying the applicable adult fare (AirTran may request a birth certificate to validate the infant's age).

 

[francie57]

I would call the airline and ask if they require the "sealed" birth certificate. Unfortunately in this day of ID theft, a copy may not be good enough because a copy could be altered and then copied again so the changes don't show. Most of us wouldn't even think to do that but I'm sure it has been tried so people can save money on tickets if a child is just over the age limit. I would call to find out exactly what they require.

 

[Jestocost]

OK so I see that AirTran may ask for proof to verify age so someone is not trying to avoid purchasing a ticket. It is not a TSA requirement.

AirTran Airways strongly encourages customers traveling with infants less than 7 days old to consult with their physician prior to traveling. One (1) infant under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried free of charge in the lap of a customer paying the applicable adult fare (AirTran may request a birth certificate to validate the infant's age).

Your are correct that it is not a TSA requirement. It is, however, an FAA requirement. Airlines can be fined for failing to document that a child is young enough to fly as a lab child without a ticket.