Required ID for 8yo?

[dvcmember98]

Hey guy's, what is required for TSA security to board the plane for an 8 year old at the airport?

 

[robinb]

An 8 year old does not require identification unless s/he is traveling out of the country. In that case, they need a passport.

 

[dvcmember98]

Thanks Robinb !!!!

 

[PlutosFriend]

When we flew this summer, this TSA would check our boarding passes and ask my kids "what is your name". That was it.

 

[dunbarfamily]

Our children have never been asked what their names are. We fly with them frequently, and never, ever have they questioned them. Most of the time, they just say, "Walk through here honey". A few times the TSA people give them a sticker.

 

[robinb]

Our children have never been asked what their names are. We fly with them frequently, and never, ever have they questioned them. Most of the time, they just say, "Walk through here honey". A few times the TSA people give them a sticker.

Everyone who flies with kids should be ready for more than just a "Walk though here honey.". My 8-year old DD has been wanded by hand more than once. And no, she didn't set off the alarm. I guess she just looks dangerous, LOL!

 

[dunbarfamily]

Everyone who flies with kids should be ready for more than just a "Walk though here honey.". My 8-year old DD has been wanded by hand more than once. And no, she didn't set off the alarm. I guess she just looks dangerous, LOL!

Just stating our experiences! Yours may vary!

On our last trip through MCO, my boy announced very loudly, right in front of the rent-a-security-guard that his plane would blow up. Where he got that from, I have no idea. But I was PARANOID that we would end up detained somewhere in a cold, sterile, metal room surrounded by a crapload of security, police, secret service, and the FBI, but the security guy just looked at us. I quickly hushed my boy, but I sure did get some rude looks. Sorry folks, I can't control what comes out of his mouth! In preparation of our trip in three days, I've lectured him about how he should not say anything that might scare people and why its inappropriate to say something like that, even if he's just kiddiing. Keeping my fingers crossed that it worked.

 

[PlutoPony]

Just stating our experiences! Yours may vary!

On our last trip through MCO, my boy announced very loudly, right in front of the rent-a-security-guard that his plane would blow up.

Yikes! You were lucky they didn't at least pull you all aside and do some questioning... While most of us are probably laughing at your story (I am ) this is a good reminder for people to talk to their kids about what is inappropriate to say at an airport!

DS has never been wanded (but we've seen other children who have been) but he has been asked his name occasionally. We always put him down as "Master" on his airline ticket, don't know if that's made a difference or not.

 

[robinb]

DS has never been wanded (but we've seen other children who have been) but he has been asked his name occasionally. We always put him down as "Master" on his airline ticket, don't know if that's made a difference or not.

You mean you put "Master Pluto Colt" on his airline ticket? Why would you do that? Why buy trouble by using an outdated honorific?

 

[tjmw2727]

Just so others can be prepared my dd's are also asked their name every time by the TSA agent when checking boarding passes just before the actual screening. They want the child, if old enough, to say his/her name to them - that has become very apparent. We fly at least 4-5 times a year and have for many years and this has always been our experience.

I recommend a visit to the TSA website before a flight so you can be up to date on what can and can't be in carryon and checked bags. They also have a great section on what to expect at screening and how to prepare kids.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

If your child doesn't know they have to remove shoes and coats and send "Mr Lovie" through the belt it can make traveling difficult. So if you prepare them before hand it really helps. This includes instructing him/her to clearly state his name to the agent if asked and if necessary follow the instructions if they are selected for screening. My dd's each carry a smaller messenger bag with their own stuff but until we clear security it goes inside my or dh's carryon. This way if they are selected they don't have anything to deal with, just their person.

Oh and no children under 18 do not need ID to fly in the US.

TJ

 

[PlutoPony]

You mean you put "Master Pluto Colt" on his airline ticket? Why would you do that? Why buy trouble by using an outdated honorific?

It hasn't bought us trouble in any way - think it actually helped us on a couple of occasions by clearly signifying DS as a young child. This "title" was actually first entered by the airline a number of years ago when they set up his profile. As I understand, this showed up on manifests and among other things gave FA's an idea of who were kids, etc. Don't think the airline sites use titles at all any more, at least the ones I use.....

 

[Sandi]

My DD12 has been wanded more than a few times since 9/11. She has gotten pulled out of line for extra screening for no apparent reason (didn't set off an alarm or anything like that). The first time she was pulled out was in December of 2001. She was a little freaked out, but now she is a pro.

On other flights, we have gotten the "just walk through honey" thing. As children get older, they should be prepared for more.

 

[robinb]

It hasn't bought us trouble in any way - think it actually helped us on a couple of occasions by clearly signifying DS as a young child. This "title" was actually first entered by the airline a number of years ago when they set up his profile. As I understand, this showed up on manifests and among other things gave FA's an idea of who were kids, etc. Don't think the airline sites use titles at all any more, at least the ones I use.....

Sorry ... it sounded like you were having some problems with agents looking you over more carefully and asking more questions because of the title "Master". I'm glad it doesn't cause any problems after all.

FWIW, I think there is a flag in a reservation that indicates when a child is under 5 so they will not be separated from a parent when seating is assigned (or re-assigned).