Airports And Child Id Requirements: What You Need To Know

Travelling with children can be a different experience than travelling alone. While children do not need identification for domestic flights, it is recommended to carry it. Each airline determines the ID requirements for minors, so it is best to contact your airline well in advance to determine their policies. For domestic travel, airlines will accept ID from the adult accompanying the minor, but for international travel, both the minor and the adult must present the same travel documents.

Domestic travel with an adult

When it comes to domestic travel with an adult, children under the age of 18 do not need to present identification. However, the adult they are travelling with must have a valid ID. This can be a state-issued driver's license, a passport, a permanent resident card, or other forms of federally recognised identification.

If you are travelling with a newborn infant, some airlines may require additional documentation, such as a medical form or a note from a physician stating that the infant is healthy enough to fly. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate, as proof of age. This is particularly important if the child is under two years old and will be a "lap child" for the flight. Some airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, always require this documentation for lap children.

If you are travelling with a child that is not your own, it is recommended that you carry a Child Travel Consent form, granting permission from the child's parents or legal guardians for the child to travel with you. This is especially important if the child has a different last name to you, to avoid any complications or accusations of child abduction.

Although it is not required for domestic travel, it is always a good idea to carry some form of identification for your child. This could be a passport, a printed copy of their birth certificate, or even a photo of their passport on your phone. This will help to avoid any potential issues at security checkpoints.

Domestic travel as an unaccompanied minor

If your child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, they do not need to show identification at the airport. However, the adult taking the child to the airport will need to bring ID and may be asked to sign a release form. It is recommended that the child carries their birth certificate, and if they have one, it is wise to bring a form of identification such as a passport or identification card.

Each airline has its own requirements for unaccompanied minors, so be sure to check with the carrier. For example, Delta Air Lines requires the adult making the reservation to provide a 4-digit PIN that will be needed to make any changes to the itinerary. The adult must also provide a photo ID, address, contact phone number, and the name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at their destination. The adult must accompany the minor through the check-in process and remain at the departure gate until the flight has taken off.

At the point of arrival, a valid ID must be presented by the adult meeting the child, and the child will not be released to anyone else. The adult should report to the destination airport at least two hours before the scheduled arrival time to obtain a gate pass. If the pickup person changes, the original adult must inform the airline.

International travel with an adult

When travelling internationally, every individual, regardless of age, needs to carry some form of identification. This could be a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or other government-issued photo ID.

Even infants need a passport to leave the country, and if a visa is required, they will need to apply for that as well. It is a good idea to get these documents well in advance, as they can take time to process. If you need to travel urgently, you can pay an extra cost to expedite the passport and visa.

If a child is travelling with only one parent, a notarised consent form signed by both parents, along with a copy of the non-travelling parent's ID, is usually required. If the non-travelling parent is deceased or the travelling parent has sole custody, a copy of the death certificate or custody agreement may be required instead.

If a child is travelling internationally without either parent, they will need a passport, a notarised consent letter, and a birth certificate.

It is important to check the specific requirements of your destination country and airline well in advance of travel, as requirements may vary.

International travel as an unaccompanied minor

When it comes to international travel as an unaccompanied minor, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to understand the age restrictions for minors travelling alone. While the specific policies may vary among airlines, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides some general guidelines. Children under the age of 5 are typically not allowed to travel alone, while children aged 5 to 7 may be permitted to travel on non-stop or through flights by some airlines. For children aged 8 to 11, most airlines allow them to travel alone on any flight with a flight attendant, but there may still be restrictions on certain flights with connections. Children aged 12 to 17 may have similar or fewer restrictions, but for international travel, they are usually required to pay an unaccompanied minor fee. It is worth noting that some carriers do not permit minors of any age to fly abroad unaccompanied.

In terms of documentation, when travelling internationally, minors under the age of 18 are generally required to present the same travel documents as adults. This typically includes a valid passport, and in some cases, a visa. Additionally, a notarized minor travel consent form is highly recommended. This document provides critical information to airline and customs officials, including the child's legal identity, the legal parent(s) or guardian(s), contact information, and travel details. Some countries may also require a letter of consent for children travelling alone, so it is important to check with the relevant embassy or consulate.

To ensure a safe and smooth journey, it is advisable to contact the relevant embassies of the countries your child will be travelling to or transiting through. This will allow you to obtain up-to-date information on their policies and recommendations for unaccompanied minor travellers. Additionally, investing in a GPS tracker for your child to carry can provide extra peace of mind and ensure their safety during their travels.

When preparing for international travel as an unaccompanied minor, it is crucial to pack with your child in mind. Choose luggage that is manageable in size and easily mobile. Ensure that important documents, entertainment devices, snacks, and other travel essentials are secure and easily accessible during their journey. It is also recommended to pack any necessary medication, as access to pharmacies and the usefulness of prescriptions from your home country may vary.

Lastly, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and services offered by the airline your child will be travelling with. Some airlines provide early boarding, kids-only lounges during connections, and escorts to help your child navigate through the airport and during flight connections. There may also be special accommodations for seating, in-flight supervision, and assistance with boarding and gathering belongings. Familiarize yourself with these services and make use of them to ensure your child's comfort and safety throughout their international travel as an unaccompanied minor.

Travel ID requirements for kids recapped

When it comes to ID requirements for children, domestic air travel is usually straightforward, but international travel is more complex, especially if the child is unaccompanied or travelling with only one parent.

Domestic Travel

Children under 18 do not typically need to show ID for domestic US travel. The TSA confirms that kids younger than 18 don't need an ID to travel, and airlines will accept identification from the adult travelling with the child. However, it's always a good idea to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport, especially if the child has a different last name to the adult, or if they are travelling with a non-parent adult. In the latter case, it's also a good idea to complete a child travel consent form.

International Travel

Every individual travelling outside the US, including children, needs some form of identification, such as a passport, passport card, or birth certificate, depending on the destination. Almost all countries require a passport book, and if there's a visa required to enter, children will need to apply for one too. If travelling to Canada, children under 16 can use a birth certificate or other proof of US citizenship.

If a minor is travelling with only one parent, it's recommended to have a notarised letter of consent and custodial documents to avoid any issues at border control.

Frequently asked questions