What do I need to bring for my 5 year old to fly?

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.



For a 5-year-old in 2026, your "survival kit" should focus on engagement and comfort. First, bring a fully charged tablet pre-loaded with offline movies and games, paired with high-quality child-sized headphones to prevent "sound bleed" into other rows. Second, pack a variety of low-mess snacks (like granola bars, crackers, and grapes) in a "snackle box," as airline food is often unappealing to young children. For activities, bring a "new" toy they haven't seen before, plus washable markers and a mess-free coloring book like "Water Wow." For comfort, a small travel blanket and a neck pillow can help with napping. Crucially, bring an empty leak-proof water bottle to fill after security—drinking during takeoff and landing helps their ears pop. Finally, always pack a complete change of clothes (for both the child and yourself) in your carry-on in case of spills or motion sickness, which are common at 30,000 feet.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Proof of age is required upon request for all passengers. Although government-issued photo identification is preferred, passengers under 18 years old may use other documentation which includes their birthdate such as a birth certificate.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

If your child is big enough to do so (around 4 years and 40 lbs), you can have them sit buckled on the airplane seat.

MORE DETAILS

Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

MORE DETAILS

While this can be confusing, most popular airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item, such as a backpack or purse. In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, each passenger may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item in addition to necessary medical and assistive devices (including strollers), one jacket or coat, a small umbrella, food for consumption en route and/or a diaper bag.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

A Child Travel Consent letter is a legal document that gives permission for minors to travel without their parents or legal guardian. If a child is traveling with an adult who is not their legal guardian, both the parents need to sign the consent letter.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS