Do airlines check ages?

In the United States, nine out of 10 times, you won't be asked for proof of age on most airlines when flying with a lap infant. With that being said, there is a very specific exception to that general rule. Southwest Airlines almost always asks for proof — even if your child clearly looks under 2.



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Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight.

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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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The most important thing to note is that infants are welcome above the age of 3 days old and can fly as lap children until they turn 2 — just be sure to bring proof of age. Additionally, your lap child will be allowed to bring 1 diaper bag, 1 car seat, and 1 stroller for no extra cost. Checked bags are not included.

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A birth certificate or another form of identification with a birthdate is required to provide proof that they are under 2 years old. If you need to add a lap child after you have made a booking, you can reach reservations at 702-505-8888.

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To prove your child's age to an airline, one of the following documents will suffice: Child's passport (how to get a U.S. passport for an infant and things to know about children's passports) Child's birth certificate. Child's immunization form or other medical records may also work domestically.

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United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and many others have similar policies for domestic flights, with a cutoff age of 2 years old. On international flights, there is no fare for lap infants, but fees may apply. In most cases, you'll need to add the infant to the adult's ticket.

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Travel Restrictions and Required Documentation Is your child two years old? Or turning two years old en route? If yes, then a seat is required to be purchased for all flights in which your child is 2 years old.

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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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Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it's always best to come prepared.

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Will minors need an ID to fly domestically? Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. There is, however, an exception for Unaccompanied Minors traveling on Southwest Airlines.

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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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Only kids qualify for a free fare We define “kid” as anyone 14 years of age or younger on the first day of your travel. Lap children do qualify but should be booked at time of initial booking as a child instead of a lap child.

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Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses. As such, airlines must, by regualtion require that any child who has reached or exceeded two years of age be seated in a cabin seat and may travel under lap child status.

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Generally, no ID is needed: Babies and kids (or, those under the age of 18) do not need to present any identification for domestic travel within the United States (or its territories, like Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands). Birth Certificates: Some airlines, however, may require proof of age for lap-seat infants.

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