Can a 16 year old go through TSA?

Children between the ages of 13 and 17 who will be traveling on the same reservation as an enrolled parent or guardian may also access the TSA PreCheck® lanes, provided the children have the TSA PreCheck® indicator on their boarding pass.



Yes, a 16-year-old can absolutely go through TSA security, and they are treated with a mix of adult-level screening and specific minor-related flexibility. According to TSA guidelines in 2026, passengers under the age of 18 are not strictly required to provide government-issued photo identification when traveling with a companion within the United States; however, a 16-year-old traveling solo is strongly encouraged to carry a school ID, a driver's permit, or a passport to avoid delays. If they do not have a photo ID, the TSA officer may ask them several verifying questions to establish their identity. Regarding the physical screening, 16-year-olds are subject to the standard "Advanced Imaging Technology" (body scanner) or a walk-through metal detector. While children 12 and under can leave their shoes on, 16-year-olds must follow adult rules: removing shoes, jackets, and belts, and taking large electronics out of their bags unless they are in a TSA PreCheck lane. It is also wise for a solo 16-year-old to carry a "Minor Consent to Travel" form signed by their parents, especially if the flight involves a connection or is near an international border, to ensure that airline staff and security can verify their travel authorization.

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Children between the ages of 13 and 17 who will be traveling on the same reservation as an enrolled parent or guardian may also access the TSA PreCheck® lanes, provided the children have the TSA PreCheck® indicator on their boarding pass.

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Child age at the time of unaccompanied travel Children ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.

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For children 13 years and older, TSA's standard screening procedures apply. Accessible property of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened. If there is an alarm, the individual will undergo additional screening.

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TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening of a child. For children 13 years and older, TSA's standard screening procedures apply. Accessible property of all travelers, regardless of age, must be screened.

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Passengers over the age of 16 may travel without an adult. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. the best seats and in-flight amenities.

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Any persons under 18 travelling without their parents or guardian are required to present an international travel permission declaration form signed by their father, mother or guardian at the check-in desks.

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Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone. Here's how to book a ticket and prepare your child for their trip.

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Children traveling outside the U.S. Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.

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International travel Some airlines automatically apply the unaccompanied-minor procedures to kids through age 17 on international flights, and charge the standard unaccompanied-minor fee if applicable. Children must usually have the same passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults.

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A signed, notarized letter for a minor to travel from both parents is required if a child travels internationally alone or with an adult who is not their legal guardian. The other parent must also sign the consent form if they are traveling with just one parent.

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Kids between 13 and 17 years old just need to be on the same reservation as the accompanying adult. For teens, just double-check to confirm that the TSA PreCheck indicator shows up on both your boarding pass and your teen's boarding pass.

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Any unaccompanied person under the age of 18 cannot enter or leave Portugal without authority of parent or guardian.

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Ryanair does not carry unaccompanied minors under 16 years. Escort and special facilities are not available. To enable a child passenger to travel with an adult (aged 16 and over) booked on an existing reservation, a new reservation for the child (as an adult) must be made and then linked to the existing reservation.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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Tips for Going Through TSA Security (One alternative is to use foam packs. They are TSA-friendly and also stay cold longer than gel or water ice packs). Your breast pump is a medical device – meaning it does not count as a carry-on item. Your cooler, however, WILL count as a carry-on item if it is separate.

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You do not have to be traveling with a baby to be able to carry milk and supplies. At the beginning of the screening process, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying expressed milk or related accessories, and separate them from other liquids, gels, and aerosols that are limited to 3.4 oz.

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The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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International travel Some airlines automatically apply the unaccompanied-minor procedures to kids through age 17 on international flights, and charge the standard unaccompanied-minor fee if applicable. Children must usually have the same passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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