What do I need for my 2 year old to travel?

Toddler Travel Essentials
  1. Diapers or pull-ups, diaper cream, wipes and changing pad.
  2. Potty seat (if toilet-trained)
  3. Wipes or sanitizer for little hands.
  4. Easy-on, easy-off outfits (the fewer the buttons, the better) and PJs.
  5. At least two pairs of shoes (they're known to go missing...)
  6. Rain and cold-weather gear.
  7. Blankets.




Traveling with a two-year-old in 2026 requires careful documentation and gear, as this is the age where they transition from "infant-on-lap" to needing their own paid seat on most airlines. For international travel, you must have a valid passport for the child; for domestic U.S. travel, a birth certificate is recommended but not always required. Essential gear includes a lightweight, collapsible travel stroller (often called an umbrella stroller) and a car seat that is FAA-approved if you plan on using it on the plane. You should also pack a "busy bag" filled with mess-free toys like Water Wow pads, stickers, and a tablet with pre-downloaded offline content. From a health perspective, carry a basic first-aid kit with toddler-strength ibuprofen, bandages, and plenty of familiar snacks to avoid "hangry" meltdowns. If you are traveling solo with your child, it is highly advisable to carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent to avoid potential complications with border agents regarding international child abduction laws.

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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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U.S. citizen children traveling abroad You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian.

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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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The airlines may require an age proof to ensure infant qualifies for infant fare. If you don't provide a proof, you may need to pay full fare to travel. A birth certificate is universallly accepted (from experience).

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Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor. If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent.

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How do I write a consent letter for my child to travel?
  1. List your child's name, birth date/place, and passport details.
  2. Provide the parent's/guardian's name, custody information, and passport details.
  3. Add contact information for the non-traveling parents/guardians.
  4. Detail the child's destination and dates of travel.


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A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, they need to have this written permission.

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A baby must be under two years of age to qualify as a lap infant. Once your infant turns 2 years old, they will be considered a child and will need to travel in their own seat.

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Toddler Travel Essentials
  • Diapers or pull-ups, diaper cream, wipes and changing pad.
  • Potty seat (if toilet-trained)
  • Wipes or sanitizer for little hands.
  • Easy-on, easy-off outfits (the fewer the buttons, the better) and PJs.
  • At least two pairs of shoes (they're known to go missing...)
  • Rain and cold-weather gear.
  • Blankets.


MORE DETAILS

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. We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants less than 7 days old require a 'Passenger Medical' form to be completed before your flight.

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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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bring that sippy cup! Did you know formula, breast milk, juice, baby food, and even liquid medications in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are exempt to the 3-1-1 liquids rule! That's right, when it comes to baby bottles and sippy cups you are in the clear!

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Diaper cream isn't allowed in your carry on luggage in larger-than-3.4-ounce containers — and you'll probably want to keep a tube with you during the flight. These 0.35-ounce tubes Opens a new window from Aquaphor are small enough to take with you on the plane can soothe irritated skin and help prevent diaper rash.

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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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Traveling with One Parent (U.S. law) The note can be as simple as the following: “I, [YOUR NAME] acknowledge that my spouse is traveling out of the country with my [SON/DAUGHTER]. My spouse has my full permission to do so with this authorization.” Signing or attaching a notary acknowledgment is recommended.

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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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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. We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants less than 7 days old require a 'Passenger Medical' form to be completed before your flight.

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A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

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Be sure to attach government-issued identification for the child (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) and provide the confirmation number of the ticket purchased for the child.

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