What documents do grandparents need to travel with grandchildren?

In general, most travel experts recommend you bring a notarized travel consent form (letter of permission from the parents) and a medical consent form in case of any emergencies. You should also bring copies of medical insurance cards.



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When traveling internationally, it's a good idea to get a consent letter from the parents indicating that you have their permission to travel with your grandchildren. Most likely no one will ask you for it, but you'll be glad to have a hard copy on you in a scenario where you can't get in touch with them.

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While it's legal for grandparents to transport their grandchildren without a letter of permission, it's a safeguard against any potential emergencies or law enforcement issues. Getting the letter of permission notarized by a licensed official adds an extra layer of security to your document.

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A Child Travel Consent gives a minor child permission to travel without their parents or legal guardians. Use this form when your child needs to travel alone or with another adult, who is not their legal guardian (e.g., a grandparent, friend, or teacher).

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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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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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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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If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.

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TSA (Transportation Security Administration) minor travel consent refers to a document that gives permission for a minor child (usually under the age of 18) to travel without both parents or legal guardians present.

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Tips to travel with grandparents and extended family
  1. Talk about what you envision. ...
  2. Plan the vacation together. ...
  3. Consider everyone's needs when booking lodging. ...
  4. Agree that it's ok to do things separately. ...
  5. Do activities that interest everyone. ...
  6. Be clear with plans. ...
  7. Respect everyone's pace. ...
  8. Build in R&R.


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At that point, US travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL), or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL IDs also will be needed to access certain federal facilities.

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Spirit Airlines reserves the right to request documented proof of age for any passenger 2 years of age or younger. You must be prepared to provide documentation (such as the child's birth certificate or passport) upon request.

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Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)


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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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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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U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends that any child under the age of 16 traveling without both legal guardians should have a notarized Child Travel Consent signed by both legal guardians. Having your Child Travel Consent notarized decreases the chance of travel authorities questioning its validity.

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Travel Documents and Information
  1. Valid photo identification. ...
  2. Travel tickets (plane, train, bus; can be paper or electronic copies)
  3. Boarding passes.
  4. Reservation confirmations (rental car, hotel, pre-paid tickets for events; can be paper or electronic copies)
  5. Credit and debit cards. ...
  6. Cash.
  7. Emergency contact list.


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If you don't have any acceptable alternate form of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a TSA Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. It asks for your full name, current address, signature and date.

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Q: Will minors need to have driver's licenses/ identification cards to fly domestically? No. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

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