Does a 5 year old need ID to fly in UK?

This may be requested at certain points during the journey. ID is not required for children under 16 years old qhen they're travelling with adults, however NY children 14 or 15 years old travelling alone will be required to have valid photographic ID with them.



For domestic flights within the United Kingdom, a 5-year-old child does not officially require a photographic ID, provided they are traveling with an adult who can vouch for their identity. Most major UK carriers, including British Airways, easyJet, and Loganair, state that identification is not mandatory for children under the age of 16 on domestic routes. However, the accompanying adult must present a valid form of photographic identification, such as a passport or a driving license. While not strictly required, many parents choose to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate or their own passport for peace of mind, especially if the child has a different surname. It is important to note that these rules only apply to travel within the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland); for any international flight, including those to the Republic of Ireland or the European Union, every passenger regardless of age must have their own valid passport.

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For domestic flights, children under 18 typically do not need personal identification. The ID of the accompanying responsible adult will suffice. (Note: The new rules on REAL ID-complaint cards that go into effect in May 2025 only apply to travelers age 18 and older.)

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UK. What is this? When travelling with an infant on a domestic route, it's a good idea to bring either a birth certificate or passport to prove date of birth. International -A valid passport is required for all ages.

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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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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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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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Children aged 5 – 12 years: For most airlines children aged between 5 and 12 years old (15 for some airlines e.g. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic) can fly alone using the airline's Unaccompanied Minor Service. Usually an adult fare must be paid.

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Some form of photo identification is however required and children can travel with their birth cert. Accepted identifications include: Valid passport. Photographic Driving License.

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You'll need to show that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and accommodation arrangements. If you do not need a visa to travel, you'll need to prove this at the border. If you do have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, you'll need to identify the adult travelling with you in your visa application.

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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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Do you need a letter of permission? If you travel with your grandchildren, all you need officially is their passport. But if there are any problems either at the UK border, or they need medical treatment while you're away, officials might want to know that you're allowed to be travelling with them.

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U.S. citizen children traveling abroad If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel.

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