Sachin Walls
While it may be tempting to lie about a child's age to save on costs, it is generally not advisable to lie about your age or your child's age at the airport. Many airlines now require proof of age for various reasons, including unaccompanied minor fees and lap child restrictions. While some people have reported getting away with lying about their child's age, others have warned against it, citing potential safety risks and the possibility of getting caught. Additionally, airlines have started requiring dates of birth for bookings and check-ins as part of the TSA's Secure Flight program, making it more difficult to lie about one's age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lying about a toddler's age to avoid buying a seat | Not recommended, as it is safer for them to be in their own seat |
| Lying about an 11-year-old's age to avoid the unaccompanied minor fee | Possible, but not recommended as it may cause issues with security and identification |
| Airlines requiring date of birth for bookings | Southwest Airlines, British Airways |
| TSA requirements | Date of birth, gender, and name as shown on passport |
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What You'll Learn
Lying about a child's age to avoid purchasing a seat
Many airlines allow infants under 2 years of age to travel as a "lap child", i.e., by sitting on the lap of an accompanying adult without requiring a separate ticket or seat. However, once a child turns 2, they are no longer considered a lap child, and a separate ticket and seat must be purchased for them. Some people consider lying about their toddler's age to avoid purchasing a separate ticket. However, this is not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, airlines often require proof of age, such as a birth certificate, for children under the age of 18, especially if they are travelling as a lap child. Secondly, it is safer for the child to be strapped into their own car seat, especially during turbulence or an emergency landing. Finally, it is important to follow the rules and not put other passengers' safety at risk.
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow families with children under 15 to be seated together. They also offer early boarding for families with children under 2 and allow one carry-on diaper bag per child. Additionally, they permit infants as young as 2 days old to travel, but those under 7 days old must have a doctor's clearance. For international flights, they issue a ticket to infants travelling on an adult's lap and allow one free checked bag for the infant.
When booking flights with children, it is recommended to book directly with the airline, as they may have more flexibility in accommodating specific requests, such as seating arrangements. It is also advisable to arrive at the airport early, as gate agents may be able to reseat you to ensure families are seated together. Additionally, it is essential to review the airline's policies on travelling with children, as some airlines, like JetBlue, have different age limits for lap children.
While some people may consider lying about their child's age to save money, it is important to prioritize safety and adhere to airline rules and regulations. Travelling with proper documentation and planning can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone.
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Lying about an 11-year-old being 12 to avoid an unaccompanied minor fee
The rules for unaccompanied minors vary dramatically across airlines. Some airlines don't accept unaccompanied minors at all, while others require the service until a child is 14. Many airlines require children between the ages of 5 and 11 to use the unaccompanied minor service, while children 12 and above may travel alone on domestic flights without this service. The unaccompanied minor fee can range from $50 to $150, and must be paid by a parent or responsible adult upon check-in.
Lying about an 11-year-old's age to avoid the unaccompanied minor fee may be tempting, but it is not advisable. Airlines require proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, at check-in. Furthermore, the unaccompanied minor service provides additional support and monitoring for children during their flight. This includes early boarding to meet the flight crew and learn about safety features, as well as assistance during connections and delays. While it may save money, lying about your child's age could result in your child being denied boarding or facing issues during their travel that may otherwise be avoided with the appropriate support.
Additionally, it is important to consider the safety implications. Unaccompanied minor services are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of young travellers. By lying about your child's age, you would be bypassing these safety measures, which could put your child at risk.
While it is understandable to want to save money, there are alternative options to consider. Some airlines offer programmes similar to the unaccompanied minor service for older children, such as the Young Travelers service, which provides gate passes for adults escorting and picking up the child without any additional fees. Additionally, some airlines provide this service for free if the child has elite status.
Ultimately, each airline has its own policies and procedures, and it is essential to review and follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and positive travel experience for your child.
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Lying about age when travelling with a toddler
Lying about a toddler's age to avoid paying for a plane ticket is a common dilemma for parents. Some parents have admitted to successfully lying about their children's age to get discounted tickets for travel. However, this is not recommended as airlines usually ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, especially if the child does not look like they are under 2 years old. Airlines such as JetBlue have a policy that allows children under 2 to fly for free as a "lap child". However, once a child has their second birthday, they are no longer considered a lap child, and a separate ticket must be purchased for them to travel.
Some parents have debated the ethics of lying about their toddler's age, with some arguing that it is safer for the child to have their own seat, especially in the event of turbulence or an emergency landing. Others have expressed concern about getting caught, which could result in having to purchase a last-minute ticket at a higher price or even being denied travel altogether.
While it may be tempting to lie about a toddler's age to save money, it is important to consider the potential risks and consequences. Airlines may require proof of age, and getting caught lying could result in additional fees or even denial of travel. It is also essential to prioritize the safety and comfort of the child, as having them on your lap for an entire flight may not be ideal. Therefore, it is generally recommended to follow the rules and purchase a separate ticket for toddlers over the age of 2.
Ultimately, the decision to lie about a toddler's age when travelling is a personal one. However, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consider the child's safety and comfort. While saving money is essential, following the rules and ensuring a smooth travel experience may be the best course of action.
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Lying about age when travelling as an unaccompanied minor
It is not advisable to lie about a child's age when travelling as an unaccompanied minor. Airlines have specific policies and procedures in place for unaccompanied minors, and these are often dependent on the age of the child. For example, American Airlines requires children aged 5-14 travelling alone to use their unaccompanied minor service, which is optional for 15-17-year-olds. The airline also specifies that children aged 2-14 can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 or older.
Lying about a child's age could result in issues with documentation and eligibility for certain services. For instance, a birth certificate or passport is typically required as proof of age when checking in an unaccompanied minor. Additionally, unaccompanied minor services often include specific protocols for drop-off and pick-up, lounge access, and onboard assistance, which may not be available if the child's age is misrepresented.
Furthermore, there are safety considerations to take into account. Airline staff need to be aware of the age of minors travelling alone to ensure appropriate supervision and assistance. Misrepresenting a child's age could result in inadequate supervision or a lack of necessary support during the flight and at the airport.
While some parents may consider lying about their child's age to save costs, it is important to prioritize safety and adhere to airline policies. In the case of lap children, for example, it is crucial to follow the specified age limits, as it can be unsafe for a child beyond a certain age to be seated on an adult's lap for an entire flight.
Overall, it is essential to provide accurate information about a child's age when travelling as an unaccompanied minor to ensure compliance with airline regulations, access to necessary services, and the safety and well-being of the child.
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The TSA and lying about your age
The TSA has strict rules and guidelines that must be followed by all travellers. While identification was previously not required for domestic travel, this is no longer the case. Now, all travellers, including TSA PreCheck enrollees, must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to fly once the TSA enforces the REAL ID requirement at airports. This means that providing your true age is essential when travelling.
Additionally, the TSA's "Secure Flight" program, an antiterrorist initiative, requires travellers to provide their date of birth when booking or paying for a flight by phone. Many airlines are already collecting this information at check-in, and it is expected that this will become standard across the industry. This makes it challenging to lie about your age when travelling.
It is worth noting that providing false information on a TSA PreCheck application can result in ineligibility. Applicants may be deemed ineligible if they provide false or incomplete information, violate certain federal security regulations, or have disqualifying criminal offenses.
While some travellers may be hesitant to disclose their true age due to vanity or privacy concerns, it is crucial to understand that the TSA's primary focus is on security. The increasing invasions of privacy are seen as a necessary trade-off for enhanced security measures.
Furthermore, mistakes in recording birth dates can occur, especially with the varying formats used globally. This can lead to potential embarrassment for travel agents and travellers alike. However, it is essential to provide accurate information to avoid any issues during the travel process.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to lie about your age at the airport. While it may have been easier to get away with in the past, airlines are increasingly collecting date of birth information at check-in and when booking over the phone.
It is not advisable to lie about your child's age at the airport. Some airlines define "two and under" as "under two", meaning a child that is two years old is no longer considered a "lap child" and requires their own seat.
While it may be tempting to lie about your age or your child's age to save money, there can be consequences for doing so. For example, if you are caught lying about your child's age, you may be required to pay a fee or risk being denied boarding. Additionally, lying about your age or your child's age could result in embarrassment or inconvenience if the lie is discovered.
