Traveling with a child that is not mine...what do I need to know?

[Kim&Chris]

If all goes right, I'll be taking my goddaughter to WDW in October.

This will be a 'dream come true' for me, especially since I can't have kids of my own. She will be 5 at the time of travel.

I'm trying to pre-plan stuff, and was wondering about flying with her.....do I have to present something from her parents indicating she has permission to travel with me? A birth certificate? Some sort of legal document?

Does Disney ask to see proof that I have permission to travel with this child?

Any advice or tips?

 

[NotUrsula]

You won't be asked for travel purposes, unless you are taking an int'l flight. Lots of children now have surnames different from their parents, it no longer raises eyebrows.

What you need to have, though, in case of emergency, is her health insurance documentation, and notarized permission from her parents that lets you authorize emergency medical treatment for her, should the need arise.

 

[Kimberle]

To be safe, you should have a noterized letter from each of her parents saying is OK that she travel with you.

You probably won't need it on a domestic flight, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Vavasmon]

Make sure you have a notarized letter that gives you permission to act on the parents behalf during the trip. It should specifically authorize you to seek medical attention for the child if you deem to be necessary. It should include the inclusive dates of the trip and include the notarized signatures of both parents. Otherwise you could end up in a bad situation if she should become ill (non-life threating) and you need to see a Dr. Also, make sure you have a copy of both the front and back of her insurance card(s) and any perscription card.

My DD came down with an ear infection while on a trip this summer. The ER was very concerned that her father and I were her parents before we authorized treatment. This also taught us that the ER will want her SSN. At 4am I had a hard time coming up with my DD's information.

I would also suggest a basic emergency information like any school or day camp would want (Dr. and Dentist name, any allergies (food or medication), basic emergency contact info for the parents).

I would also call your specific airline to see if you need any documentation. I would be suprised if you did for a domestic flight. Even 1 parent must have a notarized letter from the other parent to travel internationally. Like was mentioned before - many children have different surnames from their parents.

I would also suggest packing a small first aid kit (the type of pain releiver she takes at home, her favorite band-aids (the selection is amazing and my DD will tell you that only certain ones are cool!), something for a upset tummy, mositerizer). I learned the hard way once when my niece spent the night and we only had chewable tyelnol (she only could get down liquid).

Since it is Florida make sure her mom packs the sunscreen brand she is used to using. I also suggest an extra toothbursh (my DDs somehow always disappears at Disney). We always also bring a small nightlight for the bathroom area (helps adults too).

Have a wonderful trip !!!!!!

 

[Kim&Chris]

WOW, thanks for all the helpful information!!