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Are you planning a family vacation and wondering if your child needs an ID to fly with American Airlines? It’s a common question among parents, and the answer is not always straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore the policies and guidelines set by American Airlines regarding ID requirements for children flying alone or with an adult.
Do Kids Need ID to Fly American Airlines?
If you plan to travel with your kids on American Airlines, you might be wondering whether they need an ID to board the flight. The answer is, it depends. Here is everything you need to know about American Airlines’ policy regarding kids’ identification.
Age Limit for ID Requirement
American Airlines requires all passengers aged 18 and above to present a valid government-issued ID at the airport checkpoint. However, children under 18 years old are not legally required to show any identification while traveling domestically. If your child is traveling within the United States, they can board the plane without an ID.
However, it’s always a good idea to carry some form of identification for your child, especially if they are traveling alone or with someone other than their parents. A government-issued ID, such as a passport or birth certificate, can help confirm the child’s identity and prevent any potential issues during the check-in process.
Identification Requirements for International Travel
If your child is traveling internationally, the identification requirements are different. American Airlines requires all passengers, regardless of age, to present a valid passport at the airport checkpoint when traveling to a foreign country. If your child does not have a passport, they will not be allowed to board the flight.
In some cases, a birth certificate or other government-issued ID may be accepted for children traveling to certain destinations. However, it’s always best to check with the airline and the destination country’s embassy or consulate to determine the specific identification requirements.
Benefits of Carry an ID for Kids
Even though children under 18 are not legally required to carry identification while traveling domestically, it’s still a good idea to have some form of identification on hand. Here are a few benefits of carrying an ID for your child:
- Helps confirm the child’s identity in case of an emergency
- Prevents potential issues during the check-in process
- Provides peace of mind for parents and guardians
ID Vs No-ID
While it’s not legally required for children under 18 to carry identification while traveling domestically, it’s always a good idea to have some form of identification on hand. Here are a few pros and cons of carrying an ID versus not carrying an ID for your child:
Pros of carrying an ID:
- Helps confirm the child’s identity in case of an emergency
- Prevents potential issues during the check-in process
- Provides peace of mind for parents and guardians
Cons of carrying an ID:
- The risk of losing or misplacing the ID
- The risk of identity theft if the ID falls into the wrong hands
How to Obtain an ID for Your Child
If you decide to carry identification for your child while traveling, there are a few options available. Here are some common forms of ID that children can use when traveling:
- Passport – A passport is the most widely recognized form of identification for international travel. Children of any age can apply for a passport with the consent of their parents or guardians.
- Birth Certificate – A birth certificate is a government-issued document that can be used to confirm a child’s identity when traveling domestically. Most states issue birth certificates for a small fee.
- State ID – Some states issue identification cards for children, which can be used as a form of identification when traveling domestically.
- School ID – A school ID may be accepted as a form of identification for children traveling domestically, but it’s best to check with the airline beforehand.
Conclusion
In summary, children under 18 years old are not legally required to carry identification while traveling domestically on American Airlines. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some form of identification for your child, especially if they are traveling alone or with someone other than their parents. For international travel, a valid passport is required for all passengers, regardless of age. By carrying identification for your child, you can help confirm their identity and prevent any potential issues during the check-in process.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- What age does a child need an ID to fly American Airlines?
- What happens if a child doesn’t have an ID for an American Airlines flight?
- What type of ID is acceptable for children traveling on American Airlines?
- Can a child fly alone on American Airlines?
- What documents are required for an unaccompanied minor to fly on American Airlines?
- What You Need To Know About Booking Your Child As An Unaccompanied Minor
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Frequently Asked Questions:
What age does a child need an ID to fly American Airlines?
Children under the age of 18 are not required to show ID when traveling with a companion or parent/guardian within the United States, but it is highly recommended to bring some form of identification such as a birth certificate, passport, or school ID.
For international travel, all passengers, including children, are required to show a valid passport. It is recommended to check the specific identification requirements for your destination country before traveling.
What happens if a child doesn’t have an ID for an American Airlines flight?
If a child under 18 does not have an ID, they may still be allowed to travel if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will be required to show their ID and prove their relationship to the child. However, it is highly recommended to bring some form of identification for the child to avoid any potential issues.
If a child is traveling alone, they will be required to show a form of identification such as a birth certificate, passport, or school ID. It is important to check the specific identification requirements for the destination before traveling.
What type of ID is acceptable for children traveling on American Airlines?
Acceptable forms of ID for children traveling with a parent or guardian within the United States include a birth certificate, passport, or school ID. It is recommended to bring some form of identification to avoid any potential issues.
For international travel, all passengers, including children, are required to show a valid passport. It is important to check the specific identification requirements for the destination before traveling.
Can a child fly alone on American Airlines?
Yes, American Airlines allows children ages 5-14 to travel alone as unaccompanied minors. They will be provided with assistance from the airline staff throughout their journey. Unaccompanied minors are required to have all necessary travel documents, including identification, and follow specific guidelines set by American Airlines.
It is important to note that the airline may charge an additional fee for this service, and it is recommended to book well in advance as there are a limited number of unaccompanied minor spots available on each flight.
What documents are required for an unaccompanied minor to fly on American Airlines?
Unaccompanied minors are required to have all necessary travel documents, including identification such as a birth certificate, passport, or school ID. They will also need to follow specific guidelines set by American Airlines, such as checking in at the ticket counter and being escorted to their gate by airline staff.
The airline may charge an additional fee for this service, and it is recommended to book well in advance as there are a limited number of unaccompanied minor spots available on each flight.
What You Need To Know About Booking Your Child As An Unaccompanied Minor
In conclusion, it is important for parents to understand the policies of American Airlines before booking a flight for their children. While children under the age of 18 are not required to present a government-issued ID, it is highly recommended to have one available in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, the airline may require identification for children traveling alone or with only one parent, so it is best to check with American Airlines before booking a flight.
Ultimately, the safety and well-being of children should always be a top priority when traveling. Ensuring that they have the proper documentation and are aware of airline policies can help make the travel experience smoother and stress-free for both the child and the parent. With a little bit of preparation and knowledge, parents can feel confident when booking a flight for their child on American Airlines.
