Id Requirements: Age And Airport Security Protocols

When it comes to air travel, the rules around identification requirements for minors can be confusing. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know: for domestic flights within the US, the TSA does not mandate that children under 18 present identification when travelling with a companion who has acceptable ID. However, individual airlines may impose their own rules, so it's always a good idea to check with your carrier before travelling. For international flights, the rules are more straightforward: all passengers, regardless of age, need to present a passport at check-in and security checkpoints. So, if you're travelling abroad with a minor, ensure they have their passport ready.

Domestic flights with an adult

When it comes to domestic flights with an adult, the rules for minors are a little more relaxed. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirm that children under the age of 18 are not required to present identification when travelling with an adult. However, the adult they are travelling with must have valid identification. This can be a state-issued driver's license, a passport, a permanent resident card, or other forms of federally recognised identification.

Although minors do not need to show ID, it is still recommended to carry some form of identification for them, such as a birth certificate or passport. This is especially important if the minor looks much older than they are, as they may be questioned by TSA officers. In some cases, airlines may also request proof of age for minors who are travelling at a discounted child fare.

If the minor is under the age of two and will be a lap child, 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 always a good idea to check with your specific airline in advance to ensure you have all the necessary documents for your domestic flight.

International flights

For international flights, regardless of age, a passport is required. This is the case even for infants. If your destination requires a visa, your child will also need one. It is also recommended to get Global Entry for your child, although this is not essential.

If you are travelling internationally with your child, and both parents are not present, you will need to provide 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 the parent has proof of sole custody, a copy of the custody agreement signed by both parents will be required.

Children under the age of 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents. This is the case in Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Brazil, for example, requires a notarized travel authorization from both parents, issued, authenticated, or legalized by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

If your child is travelling alone, they will need to use the unaccompanied minor service. This is required for children aged 5-14, and optional for those aged 15-17. The adult dropping off and picking up the child will need to show identification, and the airline must be notified in advance of the adult's contact details.

Flying alone or with one parent

If your child is flying alone or with one parent, there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have the correct documentation for your child to fly as an unaccompanied minor. This will vary depending on the airline, so be sure to check with the carrier directly. Some airlines may require a child travel consent form or a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. It is also recommended that unaccompanied minors carry their birth certificate and a copy of their complete itinerary.

If your child is flying with only one parent, it is generally recommended to have a notarized letter of consent from the other parent to avoid any issues at border control checkpoints. This is especially important if the child is under the sole custody of one parent, in which case, custodial documents should also be presented.

When it comes to identification, the requirements differ depending on the type of trip. For domestic travel within the US, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling with an adult. However, it is always a good idea to carry some form of ID for your child, such as a birth certificate or passport. This can be helpful in case of emergency or if there are any questions at security checkpoints.

For international travel, all individuals, including children, need to present some form of identification, such as a passport, passport card, or birth certificate. Children will also need to apply for a visa if one is required for the destination country. In addition, a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent is highly recommended to avoid any issues at border control.

Unaccompanied minors

The rules for unaccompanied minors vary by airline, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the airline you are travelling with. However, there are some general rules that apply across the industry.

Firstly, a child travel consent form is usually required. This form provides proof that the child is authorised to travel alone and is often provided by the airline. For example, American Airlines refers to this as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form, which includes information about who is dropping off and picking up the child. 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 late spouse's death certificate. In some cases, a copy of the custody agreement signed by both parents may also be required.

Additionally, minors travelling alone may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents. This is particularly important for international travel.

As for identification, minors under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone and therefore do not need to show any ID. From ages 5 to 14, unaccompanied minors are not required to show an ID at check-in, but they are encouraged to have some form of identification on them during travel. A copy of their passport or birth certificate is usually sufficient. For ages 15 to 17, some form of identification may be required, such as an organisation ID, proof of auto insurance in the passenger's name, or a Social Security card.

It is important to note that unaccompanied minors may also be subject to additional fees, typically known as "unattended minor fees", which cover the time and care given by airport or airline staff. There may also be restrictions on the types of flights that unaccompanied minors can take, with many airlines limiting them to nonstop flights and not allowing them on the last flight of the day.

When dropping off and picking up an unaccompanied minor, the adult will typically need to show their ID and provide their address and phone number. It is also recommended to arrive at the airport early, usually at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time, to allow for any necessary paperwork and check-in procedures.

Proving age

Children under the age of 18 do not need to show identification when passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints with an adult companion. However, airlines can impose their own identification requirements, so children might need to show proof of age at the check-in counter or boarding gate, especially if they look older or younger than they are.

If you are travelling with children younger than two years old, they can travel as lap infants, but the airline may ask for proof of age, especially if the child looks older than they are. A copy of the child's birth certificate paired with the adult's ID will suffice, as will a passport if the child has one. Older children are required to have their own seat but may still be asked to show proof of age and may be asked questions to help prove their relationship to the adult they are travelling with.

If your child is under the age of two and flying as a lap child, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it's always best to come prepared. For example, Southwest Airlines requires a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your little one to fly as a lap child.

If your child is flying as an unaccompanied minor, they will need a child travel consent form, which is often provided by the airline. This form includes information about who is dropping off and picking up the child at their destination. If the child is travelling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents. 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 late spouse's death certificate.

Frequently asked questions