Folks - in immigration matters, there are general laws and regulations (cited above by some), and then exceptions and exemptions (I happen to advise governments on this matter). Just googling a general regulation does not equate to a full story.

Here are the specific links:

- State Department http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/c.../cis_1082.html. See "The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate."

- CBSA http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-...dmiss-eng.html. See "When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you."

- UA Timatic https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...aspx?i=TIMATIC "The following regulations apply to children/minors: Minors who are nationals of the USA may also enter with a US Birth Certificate. However, young children do not normally carry photo ID. Therefore, the accompanying adult or child (when travelling alone) must be able to prove their claim to the child's identity and nationality."

All three sources are clear that accompanied minors of a certain age can travel by air into Canada on a birth certificate.

Also correct - re-entry into the US cannot be by air, but sea/land. Which we covered by booking a rental car and a flight from nearest US city south of the border.

What do I want from United:
- Front line staff which sticks to United's own rules shared by other United staff based on authoratative United information, in this case TIMATIC.
- Assuming the State Department, CBSA, United 1K desk, and TIMATIC information are correct - which means the Service Manager was incorrect - I will ask UNited to pay out of pocket expenses for today (which are more than $ 350).