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Do I need to bring my child birth certificate when flying JetBlue?

Lap infants A child can travel as a lap infant from 3 days old until the day they turn 2 years old. There's no charge for lap infants (taxes may be due outside the U.S.) but you will be asked for proof of age. Proof of age examples include a birth certificate, passport or immunization record.



For domestic U.S. flights in 2026, JetBlue generally does not require a birth certificate for children who have their own purchased seat. However, you must bring a birth certificate (or passport/immunization record) if you are traveling with a lap infant (under age 2). This is required to prove the child's age and eligibility for free travel. While a photocopy is often accepted for domestic travel, having the original or a certified copy is safer. For unaccompanied minors (ages 5–14), while a birth certificate isn't strictly required for the flight itself, the adult dropping them off must provide a valid photo ID and complete specific paperwork. For any international travel, a valid U.S. Passport is mandatory for all children, regardless of age, and a birth certificate alone will not be sufficient to board the aircraft or clear customs.

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You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

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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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Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age.

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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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Children. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

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Babies (Newborn – 2 Years Old) If you have a baby that's not quite a newborn but under 2 (you can consider yourself safe if your child is around a month old), then you'll want to bring along a copy of your child's birth certificate (or a passport, if you have one) if you plan on flying with your child on your lap.

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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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Age requirements
A child between the ages of three days old until their second birthday is considered a lap infant. There is no cost to add lap infants to a reservation. If the child has their second birthday between the outbound and return flight, a seat will need to be purchased for the return flight.

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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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International Travel. Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person. To fill out this application, at least one parents needs to appear.

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Children under 24 months are allowed to fly as a lap child and can be added to an adult reservation when booking online. A birth certificate or another form of identification with a birthdate is required to provide proof that they are under 2 years old.

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Even though most airlines don't require photo I.D. for children or teens under 16, some parents run into trouble if they're traveling with a teen who looks older than they are. In such cases, having a birth certificate handy will solve any foreseeable troubles with proving your traveling companion's age.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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