What identification will I need for Children on Southwest

Tigger1

DIS Veteran
Joined
Aug 18, 1999
Messages
2,107
I am taking my Grandchildren to Disney this summer. Ages 2 and 4.
What will I need to take for identification for Southwest Flight or Disney?
 
If you are flying with children who aren't yours I always suggest that you have a letter from the parents saying its OK for you to take them with you. Just in case its questioned whether you have permission to take them on the plane.
 
Airlines won't require any identification. However, whenever I travel with others kids I always get a signed notarized letter from the parent. In the short letter it states names of kids, where we are going, dates, airline flight #'s and gives consent for medical treatment if needed. Have never had to use it but can avoid problems should they occur.

PM me if you'd like me to send the letter I use.
 

Airlines, especially Southwest, will ask for proof of age if the kids are using an age qualified fare. That rule applies if the child is a "lap baby", booked an "infant fare" or a child fare. The deeply discounted internet fares we usually booked are generally cheaper then the child fare. The discounted adult fares are what parents typically book. Occasionally there will be some savings with a child fare. Proof of age is required in those cases.
 
None at all. The letters people are talking about are useless. What is to say they are not forged so SW nor TSA Will even look at them.

Medical attention is another story. You may need permission letters if you have to make medical decisions.
 
DD6 has been on 10 cruises with her grandparents. While it is different (out of the country) I always make a folder including: copy of DD's medical card, letter of consent to take her on a vacation on such ship for such dates, a letter authorizing medical treatments during a specific timeframe after an attempt to contact parents if non emergency, signed by us and a witness and attach a copy of our drivers license.

Not sure what holds up legally for the letters, but at least have copies of their medical cards.
 
nope, don't need anything. As long as they have regular fares the airlines don't care who they are. Kids don't need ID.

I would take a copy of their medical insurance cards though that will come in handy if they need any care and you don't want to have to pay out of pocket. With cell phones and computers any permission for treatment can be done that way. And in an extreme emergency they treat first ask permission second. I would never go to the bother or expense of getting letters, the Hospital or Dr is going to call anyway.
 
You'll need a notorized letter to allow any doctor/hospital to treat your grandchildren in a non-emergency situation.

Trust me. I got that phone call at 3 AM.

This happened 25 years ago, in the days before email. My MIL and FIL took my DD (then 2) to WDW, then to visit relatives in South Florida. Before the trip, DH and I signed a letter of consent in case of an emergency. Well, DD came down with the flu. My in-laws took DD to the emergency room. The doctors refused to treat DD since the letter of consent wasn't notorized. We had to send a telegram to the hospital giving permission to treat DD.
 
You'll need a notorized letter to allow any doctor/hospital to treat your grandchildren in a non-emergency situation.

Trust me. I got that phone call at 3 AM.

This happened 25 years ago, in the days before email. My MIL and FIL took my DD (then 2) to WDW, then to visit relatives in South Florida. Before the trip, DH and I signed a letter of consent in case of an emergency. Well, DD came down with the flu. My in-laws took DD to the emergency room. The doctors refused to treat DD since the letter of consent wasn't notorized. We had to send a telegram to the hospital giving permission to treat DD.

A telegram? Do these still exist?

Times have changed! A phone call is all it takes today; you can always fax or email permission as well.
 
A telegram? Do these still exist?

Times have changed! A phone call is all it takes today; you can always fax or email permission as well.

Actually the healthcare organization I used to work for would not take phone calls for major stuff. Due to HIPAA we had no way of knowing if you were whom you said you were. (Once we had you confirmed you got an access code which indicated you were "cleared")

Take the notarized letter!
 












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