Yes, you are almost always required to show proof of age for a baby to fly, particularly if they are traveling as a "lap child" (under the age of 2). Airlines strictly enforce this to ensure that the child is eligible for the free or discounted infant fare. For domestic flights in 2026, a government-issued birth certificate (original or a clear copy) or a passport is the standard requirement. Some airlines may also accept a hospital-issued birth record or a vaccination certificate, but a formal birth certificate is the safest bet. For international travel, a valid passport is mandatory for the baby, regardless of their age. If you fail to produce proof of age at the check-in counter, the airline reserves the right to charge you the full adult fare for the child based on the current day's pricing, or they may deny boarding entirely. It is also a "pro tip" to check if your specific airline requires a medical release if the infant is less than 7 to 14 days old, as most carriers have a minimum age for newborn travel.