Children and security checkpoints
Apr 11, 2005 | 1:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 18
Children and security checkpoints
We are travelling from Wash. DC to Hawaii in 2 weeks (mommy, daddy, 2 sons ages 8 and 10). Do I need to bring any sort of documention for them like birth certificates? We flew to Florida last year and I think I had them but never got them out. Are they necessary or just one more thing to possibly misplace? Thanks.
Apr 11, 2005 | 1:49 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 320
I've been asked for ID for my son every time he has flown even though he is only 5 years old. (he's been flying since 4 months) Some folks say that it isn't mandatory for domestic travel, but I figure having his passport handy won't hurt. We also travel to Canada fairly often, and ID is definitely required for that, and soon a passport will be required.
Apr 11, 2005 | 2:21 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: STL
Programs: WN, DL, AA; Hyatt or Wyndham
Posts: 1,105
So some parents/children have never been asked for ID, and some always have . . . hope that helps!
As for me, my experience with my 3 and 5 year olds are that we have never needed ID for domestic trips.
As for me, my experience with my 3 and 5 year olds are that we have never needed ID for domestic trips.
Apr 11, 2005 | 2:25 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
I've never been asked for ID for my kids for a domestic trip. Airlines don't ask for it; Security checkpoint workers should be smart enough to know it is not required of pax under 18. I say don't bother with it.
Apr 11, 2005 | 6:31 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 320
Originally Posted by FWAAA
I've never been asked for ID for my kids for a domestic trip. Airlines don't ask for it; Security checkpoint workers should be smart enough to know it is not required of pax under 18. I say don't bother with it.
At the entrance to the security lines, there is usually somebody checking that everybody in line has a boarding pass - these folks also have demanded to see my son's photo ID. I find it easier to carry his passport than fight with these people. My goal is to get to my flight with as little difficulty as possible.
Apr 12, 2005 | 12:41 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: LAX, BUR
Posts: 1,559
While SptCA's advice is certainly erring on the side of caution, there is no actual way to enforce a PHOTO ID requirement for those under 18, since, unless they have travelled internationally, they most likely do not own one. Yes, it is possible to get a state ID issued in many states, but most people do not do this. I have never been asked to produce ID for my kids except when my older daughter was approaching her second birthday and was flying on a 50% off seat. The agent asked to see her birth certificate to prove she was under 2. We didn't have it and they made us pay full fare. AA later refunded it when we faxed in a copy. But that is beside the point. For security they cannot make a minor show ID.
Apr 12, 2005 | 11:54 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Formerly HPN, but then DCA and IAD for a while, and now back to HPN!
Programs: Honestly, I've been out of the travel game so long that I'm not even sure. Maybe Marriott Gold?
Posts: 10,677
I don't think it hurts to have a copy of their birth certificates. I certainly wouldn't take the original, but a copy could come in handy.
Apr 12, 2005 | 5:44 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: BA Gold, KrisFlyer
Posts: 350
With all the identity theft going on, I'm in favor of carrying as little ID as possible, especially if not required by law. Who knows what could happen to a birth certificate if your purse is stolen, or the certificate is "removed" from your hotel room?
Apr 13, 2005 | 1:26 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Formerly HPN, but then DCA and IAD for a while, and now back to HPN!
Programs: Honestly, I've been out of the travel game so long that I'm not even sure. Maybe Marriott Gold?
Posts: 10,677
Originally Posted by kingsroadgal
With all the identity theft going on, I'm in favor of carrying as little ID as possible, especially if not required by law. Who knows what could happen to a birth certificate if your purse is stolen, or the certificate is "removed" from your hotel room?
Apr 13, 2005 | 1:36 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 320
Originally Posted by dchristiva
I guess I'm not that paranoid. My understanding is that there's very little risk in carrying a copy, as a birth certificate is essentially worthless without an embossed seal. Plus, having a copy of a birth certificate enabled me to avoid paying full fare for an airline seat when an agent was dubious that my son was < 2 years old.
Maybe I don't actually have to show photo ID to the airline and security, but I'd rather not waste time, and risk missing flights, arguing about it. And being able to prove my son's actual age has also gotten us discounts on a number of admission prices in our travels.
Apr 13, 2005 | 1:43 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
I have always taken my childrens passports to use as ID, even when flying domestically, however, we've never been asked to show them.
On our last flight, to Hawaii, I brought all 3 of the kids passports. However, my 15 year old son's passport recently expired, and to avoid any potential problems, I did bring his birth certificate with embossed seal as well. Never needed any of their IDs and was told, in fact, that we didn't need them.
Flew this week to MSP with my 10 year old daughter and was never asked to show any ID on her.
On our last flight, to Hawaii, I brought all 3 of the kids passports. However, my 15 year old son's passport recently expired, and to avoid any potential problems, I did bring his birth certificate with embossed seal as well. Never needed any of their IDs and was told, in fact, that we didn't need them.
Flew this week to MSP with my 10 year old daughter and was never asked to show any ID on her.
Apr 15, 2005 | 12:10 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3
Just think safety, most airlines and security personnel don't ask for IDs but more and more are starting to as it is coming up in security meetings more often as this is "the time we live in" ie snatching kids and what not. I hope companies start making this mandatory as it would be another web to snare a potential kidnapper.