Babies And Airport Travel: What Documents Are Needed?

When travelling with a baby, you'll need to be prepared with the correct documentation. While children under 18 don't need identification for domestic US travel, they do for international travel. For international flights, children of all ages need a passport. For domestic flights, a birth certificate is usually sufficient for children under 2, but some airlines may request additional documentation, such as a notarised consent letter from a non-travelling parent. It's always best to check the specific requirements of your airline and destination well in advance of travel.

Domestic travel: Do babies need documents?

When travelling with a baby, it's important to be prepared. While the documentation requirements for domestic travel are less stringent than for international travel, you may still need to provide certain documents, especially if your baby is a lap infant. Here's what you need to know:

Proof of Age

Most airlines require proof of age for lap infants, who are typically defined as babies under the age of 2. While it is rare, some airlines, such as Southwest, have been known to ask for proof of age even when the infant appears to be under 2. Acceptable forms of proof of age include:

• The child's passport
• Birth certificate
• Immunization form or other medical records

It is recommended to keep a copy of the relevant documents in your suitcase and on your smartphone for easy access.

Special Considerations

Some airlines have specific requirements for infants under 7 days old. For example, American Airlines requires infants under 7 days old to have a doctor's letter stating they are medically cleared to travel, while United Airlines does not permit children younger than 7 days old to fly at all. It is important to check with your chosen airline before booking your travel.

Additionally, if only one parent is travelling with the baby, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a Child Travel Consent form, especially if you have shared custody. This is to prevent cases of parental abduction.

Boarding Verification

Some airlines require a boarding verification document for lap infants. This is essentially a boarding pass that confirms the child's age and authenticates that they are eligible to fly for free.

In summary, while babies typically do not need a photo ID for domestic travel, it is important to have the necessary documentation to prove their age and facilitate the boarding process. Be sure to research your chosen airline's specific requirements and be prepared with the necessary documents to ensure a smooth travel experience.

International travel: What documents are required?

When travelling internationally, regardless of age, you will need to present a valid passport at check-in, security, and when you arrive at your destination. Even infants will need a passport to leave the country. If your destination requires a travel visa, your child will also need to apply for one. Both of these things take time, so it's best to get them done as far in advance as possible.

If you're travelling internationally with your child, and both parents will not be travelling together, you will need to provide some additional permission forms. This includes a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the death certificate.

If you're travelling with an infant, some airlines may require additional documentation, such as a medical form. It may also be good to secure a note from a physician or hospital stating that the infant is healthy enough to fly.

If you're travelling with a newborn infant, some airlines may have additional requirements. For example, American Airlines requires infants under seven days old to travel with a medical release form, while United Airlines will not allow children younger than seven days old to fly with them.

Domestic travel

For domestic travel, children under the age of 18 do not need identification to travel. However, the adult they are travelling with needs to have an ID. Most airlines don't allow children to fly solo unless they are using an airline's unaccompanied minor service.

If the child is travelling with a non-parent adult, it can be helpful to complete a child travel consent form to deal with questions at security checkpoints.

Travelling with a newborn: What are the rules?

Domestic Travel

When flying domestically, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirm that children younger than 18 don't need an ID to travel. However, the adult they are travelling with needs to have an ID. This can be a state-issued driver's license, passport, permanent resident card, or other forms of federally recognised identification.

If your newborn is younger than two years old, they can fly for free as a lap child. While you won't be required to show an ID for your newborn when passing through security, at check-in, the airline may require you to prove that your child is under the age of two. You may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate or a medical form.

If you are travelling with a newborn infant, some airlines may require additional documentation, such as a medical form. It may also be good to secure a note from a physician or hospital stating that your infant is healthy enough to fly.

International Travel

Every individual travelling outside the US needs some form of identification. This could be a passport, passport card, or birth certificate, depending on the destination. Even though it's possible to cross certain borders with a state-issued ID, almost all countries require a passport book. If there's a visa required to enter a country, your child will need to apply for it too.

If you are travelling with your newborn and the other parent is not accompanying you, you will need to bring a notarised letter of consent to avoid any issues at border control checkpoints.

Unaccompanied minors: What documents are needed?

When children travel alone, airlines take several steps to ensure their safety and comfort. Most airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service, which is mandatory for children under 15 and optional for 15–17-year-olds. This service typically includes early boarding, kids-only lounges, and an airport escort to help with connections.

• Unaccompanied Minor Form: This form, provided by the airline, includes information about the person dropping off the child and the authorised adult who will pick them up at the destination. It must remain with the child during their journey.
• Proof of Age: A birth certificate or passport is required as proof of the child's age.
• Adult's Photo ID: The adult dropping off the child must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, with their current address.
• Contact Information: Provide a phone number so the airline can contact you if needed.
• Details of the Authorised Pickup Person: Include the name, address, and phone number of the adult who will meet the child at their destination.
• Custody Documents (if applicable): In cases of shared custody, divorced or separated parents, or single parents, you may need additional documentation. This could include a Child Travel Consent form, a notarised court order, or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased.
• Other Documents for International Travel: If the child is travelling internationally, they may need additional documentation, such as a Letter of Consent signed by both parents. Check the requirements for the specific country of travel.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time for unaccompanied minors. Remember to inform your child about the trip and what to expect, and remind them to ask for help only from uniformed staff members.

Single parents: What documentation is required?

Single parents travelling with their children will need to bring along certain documentation granting their child permission to travel without the other parent. This is due to legal mechanisms, such as the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which was created to prevent parental abduction.

Divorced or Separated Parents with Sole Custody

If you are a parent with sole custody of a minor, you can generally travel as usual, but you might be required to prove your custody status. This can be done with a notarized court order or an equivalent document proving custody.

Divorced or Separated Parents with Shared Custody

The travelling parent will need to carry a Child Travel Consent form (also known as a Permission to Travel Letter, Minor Consent to Travel, or Parental Consent to Travel form). This is a document signed by the non-travelling parent granting permission to the other parent to travel alone with the child.

The form should specify the kind of flight (domestic or international), the dates of travel, and the final destination. It is highly recommended that you have your Child Travel Consent form notarized.

Widowed Parent

The same procedures and paperwork apply to a widowed parent as they do for a parent with sole custody. However, instead of a notarized court order proving custody, you may be required to present an original or notarized copy of the deceased parent's death certificate.

Travelling Without Both Parents

If you and your partner are not separated or divorced, but only one of you will be travelling with your child, the non-travelling parent will still need to give written consent for the other parent to travel with the child.

Additional Tips

• It is recommended that you always carry a document that proves your relationship with your child when travelling.
• If your child is under two years old, you may be required to show proof of their age when checking in. A birth certificate or other state-issued ID is acceptable for travelling within the United States.
• If you are flying with a baby less than two weeks old, you might need a note from your doctor saying the baby is healthy enough to fly.
• Always check with your travel agent, airline company, or a government official during the planning stage of your trip to find out if there are any specific documents you require.

Frequently asked questions