How do airlines know if your child is over 2?

To prove your child's age to an airline, one of the following documents will suffice: Child's passport (how to get a U.S. passport for an infant and things to know about children's passports) Child's birth certificate. Child's immunization form or other medical records may also work domestically.



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Although TSA does not require a baby to have identification documents when traveling with their parents, they may be asked by the airline at check-in to prove their child is, in fact, under 2. The easiest way to prove a child's age is by presenting their US birth certificate.

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Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses. As such, airlines must, by regualtion require that any child who has reached or exceeded two years of age be seated in a cabin seat and may travel under lap child status.

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Airlines may require documentation such as a birth certificate or passport as proof if you want to bring your infant as a lap child. Although a paid ticket isn't required, most airlines will require a boarding pass for a lap child as a way of tracking who is on the plane.

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A Lap Child may be carried free of charge domestically. For international travel, applicable government-imposed taxes and fees must be paid, and a ticket will be issued for each person, regardless of age.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. 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.

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Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down on a child. Children under age 18 do not need to present ID at the travel document checking podium.

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Infants under 2 years old can travel at no charge in the lap of their parent (any age), or an accompanying adult 16 years or older traveling in the same cabin.

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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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If your child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a non-legal guardian, they will require a Child Travel Consent signed by both parents or legal guardians. A Child Travel Consent is sometimes called a letter of permission to travel.

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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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Everything that you have with yourself needs to be going through the X-ray machine, whether it is the car seat, stroller, baby carrier, diaper bag, or food and beverages. Moreover, when the stroller or car seat does not fit in the X-ray machine, then a TSA officer will inspect it manually.

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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly domestically but do need a passport for international flights. You can also bring breast milk or formula through security, even if your child isn't with you. But, be sure you meet TSA guidelines.

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