What ID do kids need to fly?

[jennydep]

We are flying with our children for first time next month for our dd's wish trip. Is there any kind of identification we need to take for them?

Thanks!

 

[debster812]

Most (if not all) airlines will not require ID for children.

That being said, I generally have a copy of DS's birth certificate with us just in case, but I tend to be a touch OCD about travelling and preparation.....

 

[JFrey4240]

I take a copy of the birth certificate but have never been asked for it.

 

[Mark P.]

I take a copy of the birth certificate but have never been asked for it.

We've been doing the same just to be safe, and also have never been asked for it.

Have a great trip

 

[DebºoºS]

We have passports for everyone (kids passports are kept in my purse). DS likes to carry his own pic ID though. In 3rd grade as part of the school/class photo package we ordered a ruler, bookmark and a photo ID card. Never thought we'd use it. When we were getting ready to leave for the airport he put it in his wallet. On that trip I didn't bring passports. DH & I had our licenses. When they looked at DS he pulled out his photo ID. Very proudly. He's in 8th grade now and doesn't look a bit like the original so we made a few of our own. It's handy for me to have if he gets lost also. I don't always carry passports.

I also put the name of our hotel and the room number on a card (no name) in his pocket separate from his wallet.

 

[NotUrsula]

Children 3-16 on domestic flights will not be asked. Technically they don't need it until age 18, but once they start looking like they might be old enough to drive they are often asked for ID.

Lap-babies under age 2 may need proof of age when flying domestically. For really tiny infants you won't be asked, but once a child starts walking it is quite likely that the airline will check.

On any flight where you are crossing the US border, the child will need his/her own valid passport, regardless of age.

 

[jennydep]

Thanks, everyone. I guess I don't need to worry about it since our kids are 6 & 8.

 

[Alexander]

We have never been asked for ID for DH who is 7 and has been flying since he was 2. Last year the photography company our school uses started giving out ID cards for parents to carry in case their child is lost. The photo is kept in a national database. I have been showing this, but they usually give it back and say "he doesn't need an ID". Since it's not government issued, they probably don't want to see it. But, it does have his picture and name.

I didn't bother showing it at MCO last week and the FSA officer looked at his boarding pass and then asked him his name. Then when we were changing planes in Dallas, they did the same thing at the gate. I don't know if they were just being friendly or if it looked like I had kidnapped him!

 

[Dismom+two]

I was concerned about this myself for my trip. My son is 15 but is taller then me. Last April my kids and I were leaving Fl. and when we were going through security....the girl (and I say girl because she looked like she was just out of highschool) asked if my kids had ID. I looked at her and said....they are 10 and 14!!!! Although, they do have a different lastname then me....I assured her they WERE my kids. I think I may bring the birth certificates with me this time.

 

[fran99999]

I put in my DS7 pocket an index card with pertinant phone #s just in case something happens to me or if flying with DH both of us. I have never had an issue arise to have it taken out of the pocket but....

I fly alone to WDW with DS and if something happens to me or he gets lost it is always there. It has my cell# my home # and next of kin. My DD # just in case.