For domestic flights in the U.S., children under 18 do not need an ID to fly — the TSA does not require identification for minors. For international flights, every child needs a valid passport regardless of age. Understanding what do kids need to fly is essential for parents planning family vacations or visiting relatives. This comprehensive guide covers ID requirements, documentation, airline-specific policies, and special considerations for unaccompanied minors.
What Do Kids Need to Fly Domestically?
When flying domestically within the United States, the TSA has clear guidelines about what children need to fly. The good news for parents is that children under 18 years old are not required to present an ID to pass through security checkpoints. The adult accompanying the minor must present a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
However, having some form of identification for your child is still recommended. While not legally required by the TSA, an ID can be helpful in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. Here’s what you should know:
- TSA Requirements: No ID required for minors on domestic flights
- Adult ID Required: At least one adult must present valid government ID
- Airlines May Request ID: Some airlines may ask for proof of age to confirm a child’s ticket
- Birth Certificate: Acceptable proof of age if airline requests verification
- School ID: Generally not accepted as valid identification by TSA or airlines
Most families successfully fly domestically with just the adult’s ID and the child’s name on the ticket. That said, always confirm your specific airline’s policies before traveling.
What Do Kids Need to Fly Internationally?
International travel has stricter requirements. When flying internationally, every child needs a valid passport, regardless of age—even infants require a passport to leave and re-enter the United States. This is a critical difference from domestic travel.
Here’s what you need to know about international travel documentation:
- Valid Passport Required: All children must have a passport for international flights
- Passport Age: Children’s passports are valid for 5 years (vs. 10 years for adults)
- Application Timeline: Allow 6-8 weeks for standard processing, longer during peak seasons
- Original Documents Needed: Birth certificate and proof of citizenship required for passport application
- Parental Consent: Both parents must typically appear or provide notarized consent for children under 16
- Visa Requirements: Depending on destination, additional visas may be required
- Return Entry: Valid passport required to re-enter the United States
For detailed information on obtaining a passport for your child, see our comprehensive passport guide.
ID Requirements by Age: Quick Reference Chart
This chart provides a quick overview of what children need to fly based on their age:
| Age | Domestic Flight | International Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-2 years) | No ID required (if sitting in parent’s lap); ticket recommended | Valid passport required |
| Toddlers & Preschoolers (3-5 years) | No ID required; birth certificate recommended | Valid passport required |
| School Age (6-12 years) | No ID required (optional: student ID or birth certificate) | Valid passport required |
| Teenagers (13-17 years) | No ID required (optional: REAL ID, state ID, or student ID) | Valid passport required |
| Age 18+ | Valid government-issued ID or REAL ID required | Valid passport required |
What Do Kids Need to Fly Alone? Unaccompanied Minor Requirements
Many children fly independently to visit relatives or attend camps. Airlines have specific policies and procedures for unaccompanied minors. Understanding what kids need to fly alone is crucial for parents arranging solo travel for their children.
Minimum Age Requirements by Airline
Major U.S. airlines have established minimum age requirements for unaccompanied minors:
- Delta Air Lines: Minimum age 5 for domestic flights; unaccompanied minor service available for ages 5-14
- United Airlines: Minimum age 5 for domestic flights; service available for ages 5-14
- Southwest Airlines: Minimum age 5 for domestic flights; does not have formal unaccompanied minor program but accepts children 5+ with guardian contact
- American Airlines: Minimum age 5 for domestic flights; unaccompanied minor service available for ages 5-14
- JetBlue Airways: Minimum age 5 for domestic flights; offers unaccompanied minor service
Important: For international flights, children must typically be 16+ to fly unaccompanied, and some airlines require even older ages.
Required Paperwork and Documentation
When a child flies alone, several documents are required:
- Valid ID or Birth Certificate: Proof of age for security screening
- Notarized Consent Form: Written authorization from both parents/guardians (if applicable)
- Parental Contact Information: Phone numbers and addresses for both parents/guardians
- Receiving Adult Contact Information: Details of the person picking up the child
- Medical Information: Allergies, medications, or special needs
- Ticket and Confirmation: Proof of booking and reservation
- Court Orders (if applicable): Custody documentation if relevant
Unaccompanied Minor Fees and Services
Airlines charge additional fees for unaccompanied minor services. Fees typically range from $100 to $200 per direction, depending on the airline. These fees cover:
- Priority boarding and seating (usually at front of aircraft)
- Supervised transitions between flights
- Gate-to-gate escort services
- Direct contact with ground staff throughout the journey
What Happens at the Gate for Unaccompanied Minors
The procedures at the gate are important for understanding what kids need to fly alone:
- Parent Must Stay: The sending parent/guardian must remain at the gate until the aircraft departs
- Gate Agent Contact: Staff will introduce the child to the flight attendant responsible for their care
- Seat Assignment: Children are typically seated near flight attendants for easy monitoring
- Receiving Verification: The receiving adult must show photo ID when picking up the child; identification will be verified
- Direct Handoff: The child is released only to the authorized receiving adult
- Contact During Flight: The airline maintains communication with designated adults if issues arise
Documents to Bring When Flying With Kids
Proper documentation ensures smooth travel with children. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to bring:
Essential Documents
- Child’s Birth Certificate: Acceptable proof of age and identity for domestic flights
- Passport: Required for all international travel (see below for how to order a birth certificate)
- Ticket Confirmation: Proof of booking with child’s name
- Parent/Guardian ID: Valid government-issued ID for the accompanying adult
Recommended Documents
- Insurance Card: Health insurance information in case of medical needs
- Medical Summary: Any allergies, medications, or special health conditions
- Emergency Contact Information: Phone numbers for trusted contacts
- Notarized Consent: If traveling with only one parent (recommended but not always required)
Optional but Helpful
- School ID: Not required by TSA, but can serve as secondary identification
- Social Security Card: Keep in secure location (not in carry-on)
- Immunization Records: For international travel to certain destinations
Airline-Specific Rules for Children
While TSA regulations are uniform across all U.S. airlines, individual carriers may have additional policies regarding what children need to fly.
Southwest Airlines Children’s Policy
Southwest allows children of any age to fly, though infants under 2 traveling in a lap seat do not require a ticket. The airline does not require ID for children under 18 on domestic flights but may request verification of age through a birth certificate or other documentation.
Delta Air Lines Children’s Policy
Delta accepts children from infants through age 17 without requiring ID on domestic flights. The airline’s unaccompanied minor program begins at age 5. Delta recommends carrying documentation such as a birth certificate for minors, especially for domestic flights.
United Airlines Children’s Policy
United does not require ID for children under 18 on domestic flights. However, the airline requires an adult ticket holder to possess valid ID. For unaccompanied minors ages 5-14, United offers a dedicated service with baggage handling and gate-to-gate supervision.
American Airlines Children’s Policy
American Airlines does not require ID for children on domestic flights but recommends that parents carry a birth certificate as proof of the child’s age. The airline’s unaccompanied minor program serves ages 5-14 for domestic routes.
JetBlue Airways Children’s Policy
JetBlue does not require ID for children under 18 on domestic flights. The airline provides special boarding and care for unaccompanied minors ages 5 and older. Fees for unaccompanied minor services are competitive and clearly disclosed at booking.
Common Questions About Kids Flying
Can a Child Fly With Just a Birth Certificate?
Yes, for domestic flights, a birth certificate is acceptable proof of age and identity. The TSA does not require minors to present ID, but a birth certificate serves as documentation if the airline requests age verification. For international flights, a valid passport is required—a birth certificate alone is not sufficient.
Do Babies Need a Ticket to Fly?
Infants under 2 years old can fly in a parent’s lap without a ticket on most airlines. However, purchasing a ticket for the infant provides a dedicated seat and allows the baby to use a car seat, which is often safer and more comfortable. Many families choose to purchase a ticket for infants to ensure proper seating and safety during flight.
At What Age Can a Child Fly Alone?
Most major U.S. airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly domestically starting at age 5. However, the practical minimum age varies. Airlines typically offer formal unaccompanied minor services for ages 5-14, with supervised transitions and gate-to-gate care. Teenagers 15 and older can typically fly alone without special services, though airlines recommend notifying flight crews if a minor is traveling independently.
Do Kids Need a REAL ID to Fly?
No, children do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically. The federal REAL ID requirement applies to adults 18 and older for domestic flights starting May 2025. Children under 18 are exempt from REAL ID requirements. However, if a teen chooses to get a REAL ID, it’s valid for multiple purposes including domestic air travel. Learn more about REAL ID vs. Passport requirements.
What Do Kids Need to Fly Southwest?
Southwest does not require ID for children under 18 on domestic flights. Children can fly with just their name on the ticket. Southwest recommends carrying a birth certificate as backup documentation, though it’s not required. For unaccompanied minors on Southwest, the airline accepts children ages 5 and older but does not operate a formal unaccompanied minor program like some competitors.
What Do Kids Need to Fly Delta?
Delta does not require ID for children under 18 flying domestically. A birth certificate is recommended but not required. For unaccompanied minors, Delta’s service is available for ages 5-14, with baggage handling, meals, and direct supervision included. Parents should notify Delta when booking if their child will be traveling unaccompanied.
What Do Kids Need to Fly United?
United does not require ID for children on domestic flights. The child’s name must match the ticket exactly. For unaccompanied minors ages 5-14, United offers supervised services with gate-to-gate escorts and direct attendant supervision. United charges a service fee for unaccompanied minor programs.
Getting Your Child’s Documents in Order
To ensure smooth travel, obtain necessary documents well in advance of your flight date.
Obtaining a Birth Certificate
If you need your child’s birth certificate for domestic travel, order it from your state’s vital records office. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, though expedited options are available. Certified copies are preferred; printed copies from online birth registries may not be accepted by TSA.
Obtaining a Passport
For international travel, passport applications must be submitted in person. Processing times are 6-8 weeks for standard service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service. Check the passport application requirements guide for complete details on documents needed and the application process.
Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP)
The Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program allows parents with custody concerns to be notified if a child’s passport is applied for. This is an important safeguard if there are custody disputes or concerns about unauthorized travel.
Final Reminders: What Do Kids Need to Fly
To summarize what children need to fly:
- Domestic Flights: No ID required for children; birth certificate recommended; accompanying adult must have valid government ID
- International Flights: Valid passport required for all children regardless of age
- Unaccompanied Minors: Minimum age 5 (varies by airline); notarized consent form, valid ID/birth certificate, and airline fees required
- Infants: No ticket required if lap-sitting; recommend purchasing seat for safety
- Teens: No ID required for domestic travel; passport required for international travel
- Documents to Carry: Birth certificate, passport (if international), ticket confirmation, parent ID, insurance information
Planning family travel requires understanding TSA and airline regulations, but the process is straightforward. With proper documentation and advance preparation, children of any age can fly safely and comfortably. Whether your child is a toddler taking their first flight or a teenager traveling independently, knowing what children need to fly ensures a smooth travel experience for the entire family.