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Do you have to prove your child is under 2 to fly?

If you are flying domestically and your baby will be flying as a lap child, you may be asked for proof at check-in that they are indeed younger than 2 years old. If your child is flying domestically on their own ticket (not as a lap child) they probably won't need any sort of ID until they are 18 years old.



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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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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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Lap infants
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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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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You won't need a toddler ID to get through security if you're flying domestically. However, if you're flying internationally you will need a passport for your 2-year-old.

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***If you're flying with toddlers car seat on the plane, the car seat can not be in an aisle seat. ***ALL children over the age of 2 require their own seat no matter of their size. SO, if you're flying with a 2-year-old, they will need their own ticket and their own seat and their own seat belt.

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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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Child Ticket Age and Price Most airlines count any person between the ages of 2—11 as a child. You're required to purchase a seat for children, although in most cases they're considerably cheaper than the price of an adult ticket (between 25—33% cheaper).

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Children who are under 16 years old and U.S. citizens may travel with their original U.S. birth certificate with the raised seal. Children who are 16 and older, and are U.S. citizens, are required to travel with photo ID.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Delta Airlines: Delta is the only one of the major airlines that does not allow a diaper bag as an additional carry on item for free. However, they do allow a breast pump and associated cooler bag on board for free.

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