Mar 17, 2017, 9:29 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Flying with Children - AA Document Requirements
Traveling with children and infants (AA) (link)
You may be required to present proof of age (such as a birth certificate) for any children under the age of 18.
Traveling internationally? Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.
See US Department of State page on international Letter of Consent requirements here.
For international travel:
Preparations for international travel (AA) (link)
International travel doesn’t have to be tricky – just make sure your travel documents and required paperwork are in order. When you travel internationally, you’re responsible to make sure you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home.
To start:
- Everyone traveling, regardless of age, needs their own set of travel documents.
- Always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport (to book and fill out any documents).
- Check with the consulate of every country you’re entering (or passing through) to make sure you meet all travel requirements.
- Some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address and sufficient funds for your stay
See link to page for more.
Children under the age of 18 traveling internationally with only one or no parents may require a notarized Letter of Consent to comply with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (link). (This document may bevrequested at the departing or subsequent airports, and on arrival at one's destination - or not, of course.)
Flying with children - AA document requirements
Mar 9, 2017, 7:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, SPG, IHG
Posts: 10
Smile Flying with a grandson funny story
.
Actually a story from a few years ago, before I was on FT, but a good one.
My father decided to fly with my 4 years old son (his grandson) to Disneyland. He called AA and told them the plan and that the kid's last name is different than his last name. Does he need any doc from parents?
AA answer: If the kid does not cry and screams that he does not want to fly with you, then there is no problem. No docs needed.
This was a domestic flight. I wonder what about international flights.
Actually a story from a few years ago, before I was on FT, but a good one.
My father decided to fly with my 4 years old son (his grandson) to Disneyland. He called AA and told them the plan and that the kid's last name is different than his last name. Does he need any doc from parents?
AA answer: If the kid does not cry and screams that he does not want to fly with you, then there is no problem. No docs needed.
This was a domestic flight. I wonder what about international flights.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 17, 2017 at 9:16 am
Mar 9, 2017, 8:13 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PBI/MIA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 397
You sometimes even need docs now if you're flying international with one parent and not the other--like a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent that you have permission to take the child to another country.
Mar 9, 2017, 8:31 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,369
However, 3 times in as many years, my wife has not been asked to show the letter when traveling alone with our kids...SQ, CX and UA.
Mar 9, 2017, 9:36 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: AA MM; UA-S; HH-D; Marriott-LTP
Posts: 223
For her sweet 16, I travelled with my Goddaughter to Curacao. She and I have different last names, are unrelated, and live in different states, but we departed and returned together from same airport. I did have her parents fill out docs, and had them on hand, but was never asked about them.
Mar 9, 2017, 10:43 am
#8
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
You need a notarized letter of authorization from the missing parent or other documentation demonstrating sole custody.
See USCBP information here.
If a child (under the age of 18) is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, what paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, or in groups*, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission." See our Q&A parental consent.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, or in groups*, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission." See our Q&A parental consent.
Sample printable letter and information here.
Additionally, a letter authorizing securing medical services may be useful for a child traveling with grandparents, a group, friends, etc.
Mar 9, 2017, 10:45 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,742
The reason is custody disputes and related kidnapping events. Once the child and the other parent are out of the country, the Hague Convention quickly becomes the controlling law. Different countries honor the Convention to a greater or lesser extent and as viewed by their own laws. I've litigated one or two of these cases, and they can be a real mess, not to mention extremely costly.
Mar 9, 2017, 11:17 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,377
The fact of the matter is (having taken my son internationally 6-8 times) you likely will never be asked. The chances might increase if the child is of an age where he/she can't respond to simple questions. In any event, you will generally find that immigration officials are more than willing to work with you, i.e., might have to call the other parent for verification.
Mar 9, 2017, 11:22 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: not far from MUC
Posts: 6,620
Counter-example: I've taken several trips without my wife but with one or more of my young kids. Never had even a question about custody or who's who.
Oddly we've (twice) had a minor grilling at the UK Border when the entire family was travelling into LHR all together... (?)
Mar 9, 2017, 11:37 am
#12
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
At which point(s) of the journey does that apply?
Counter-example: I've taken several trips without my wife but with one or more of my young kids. Never had even a question about custody or who's who.
Oddly we've (twice) had a minor grilling at the UK Border when the entire family was travelling into LHR all together... (?)
Counter-example: I've taken several trips without my wife but with one or more of my young kids. Never had even a question about custody or who's who.
Oddly we've (twice) had a minor grilling at the UK Border when the entire family was travelling into LHR all together... (?)
Documentation is often not requested in either departure or arrival, but there's always a risk traveling without it.
Mar 9, 2017, 1:08 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: not far from MUC
Posts: 6,620
Do the letters typically specify destination and dates of travel?
Mar 9, 2017, 1:54 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,369
If the agent is suspicious, they can ultimately deny boarding until resolved by local law enforcement.
I've never had anyone ask to look at my letters but I think it's foolish to travel without them.
Yes and I add some language to cover flight cancellations, re-routes, etc.
Mar 9, 2017, 4:25 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
Posts: 4,423
Funny how things change. I started traveling intl with my son when he was 7. He has a different last name then I do. I never was asked anything nor had to produce a notarized letter from my husband, his Dad, saying it's ok to take him out of the country.
I was advised that when bringing him to Canada they will definitely ask to see a doc from my DH. I had it ready. Son was 12. We arrived in YVR, late in the evening. I present ourselves to customs with our two passports with the different names. Customs officer asks my son if I'm his Mom, he says yes, and off we go.
Moral is have the letter but you probably will never need it.
I was advised that when bringing him to Canada they will definitely ask to see a doc from my DH. I had it ready. Son was 12. We arrived in YVR, late in the evening. I present ourselves to customs with our two passports with the different names. Customs officer asks my son if I'm his Mom, he says yes, and off we go.
Moral is have the letter but you probably will never need it.
