Originally Posted by
adamak
Does TSA have the rights to actually deny boarding if you don't have that letter? I have never thought about this. I have relative who regularly takes the kids (by herself) overseas to see the grandparents. I always thought that as long as you can prove you're the kids' parents, it's OK.
What if you are the legal parent, and you don't have a relationship with the father? How does one prove that?
I personally have never dealt with this but rather have heard from several people who have. Everything always seems to work out in the end, but time is sometimes wasted answering questions from immigration officers in other countries (vs. TSA - who I don't think pay attention) when proof isn't available.
I'm quite certain many kids traveling with only one parent or with another adult make it through immigration without a problem.
It's just a precaution. If you can easily provide a letter stating child has permission to travel with said adult, it may save some time in the end.