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Do kids need ID to fly United?

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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If you're flying to Canada, you need a passport. No exceptions. If you're crossing a land or sea border, a birth certificate that establishes citizenship is sufficient for citizens under 16.

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Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

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Passport and Photo I.D. Children don't usually need a passport or photo I.D. for domestic flights; however, it's not a bad idea to have photo identification for your children when you travel together. All airlines require the same documentation for children as they would for an adult on international flights.

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Getting ready. Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone.

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Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers. However, you should decide whether a Young Traveler is capable of and comfortable with doing all of the following independently: Navigating all airports. Going through the check-in and boarding processes.

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For safety, we require children age 5 – 14 traveling alone to use our unaccompanied minor service. This service is optional for children age 15 – 17, but if requested, then the fee applies. The unaccompanied minor fee is $150* each way, plus applicable taxes, in addition to the ticket price.

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At that point, US travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL), or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL IDs also will be needed to access certain federal facilities.

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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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United Airlines United's family seating policy guarantees families with children under age 12 in certain cabins can sit together for free, regardless of fare type.

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Children from 8 through 11 years of age (inclusively) may travel alone only if the Unaccompanied Minor Service is purchased. Children from 12 through 17 years of age may travel alone without restrictions. The Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional, but if requested, the restrictions imposed by the service will apply.

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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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What age does my child have to be to qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor? Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult age 16 or older when traveling. The UM service is mandatory for children age 8-11 who are traveling alone. The UM service is available but optional for children age 12 to 17 traveling alone.

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If you have your expired passport you could use that, along with other ID that identifies you as a Canadian, like a birth certificate, SIN card. By Air - you need a passport. Best to contact CBSA directly for official info.

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The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat. The AAP recommends that you continue to use a car seat on a plane for any child who uses one in a car.

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If you don't have any acceptable alternate form of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a TSA Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. It asks for your full name, current address, signature and date.

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TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025.

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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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Unaccompanied minor flights are given by United Airlines to minors ages 5 to 14 who are traveling alone and are not accompanied by a family member or a known person. Children aged 15 to 17 are permitted to travel alone, however, the option to go as an unaccompanied minor is also accessible.

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The airline allows children 13 and older to fly by themselves without an accompanying adult. Children 13 and older can also accompany younger children without an adult. Children ages 13 to 17 will need to provide government documentation stating their age.

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