How do airports verify kids?

Even though most airlines don't require photo I.D. for children or teens under 16, some parents run into trouble if they're traveling with a teen who looks older than they are. In such cases, having a birth certificate handy will solve any foreseeable troubles with proving your traveling companion's age.



Airports and airlines verify a child's age primarily through government-issued identification, with the specific requirements depending on the flight's destination. For international travel, a valid passport is mandatory for every passenger, regardless of age, and serves as the primary verification tool. For domestic travel (especially for "lap infants" under age 2), airlines typically require a certified birth certificate or a passport to prove the child is eligible for free or discounted travel. In 2026, many airlines also accept immunization records or a digital ID for infants. If a child is traveling with only one parent or a legal guardian, border agents may also verify the relationship using a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent to prevent international parental abduction. For "Unaccompanied Minors" (usually ages 5–14), airlines use a specific manifest and require the adult dropping them off to show a valid photo ID and stay at the gate until the plane has departed, ensuring a documented chain of custody throughout the journey.

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Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age.

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A birth certificate or another form of identification with a birthdate is required to provide proof that they are under 2 years old. If you need to add a lap child after you have made a booking, you can reach reservations at 702-505-8888.

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Age: 0 to 2 Years Old
Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate. While some airlines are more lenient than others, it's always best to come prepared.

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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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If a child turns 2 years during the trip, they need to have a child ticket instead of infant ticket, due to the seating on the return flight.

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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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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age.

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The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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For now, most of the passenger information flight attendants can access to personalize in-flight service is the sort of thing airlines already track, like frequent flyer status, or details included in every booking, like a passenger's date of birth and connecting flight.

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If your upcoming trip is an international one, you're probably wondering whether or not your baby will need a passport. The answer is yes: Every person, no matter how young, needs a passport if she will be leaving one country and entering another.

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In general, pediatricians recommend that newborns not fly until their respiratory and immune systems are fully developed. This often means that a newborn should not fly until they're three to six months old. However, these dates can vary greatly from child to child.

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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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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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If your child is traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent, you'll need: The child's birth certificate. Notarized travel authorization from both parents.

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The letter should say I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission. If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.

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