What documents does a toddler need to fly within the US?

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.



People Also Ask

Children. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

MORE DETAILS

Do babies need an I.D.? Babies from the U.S. don't need an ID when flying domestically, says the TSA. This is actually true of anyone under the age of 18. But they will need a passport to fly internationally.

MORE DETAILS

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

For domestic flights, children under 18 typically do not need personal identification. The ID of the accompanying responsible adult will suffice. (Note: The new rules on REAL ID-complaint cards that go into effect in May 2025 only apply to travelers age 18 and older.)

MORE DETAILS

You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

MORE DETAILS

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver's license that's Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A Child Travel Consent is sometimes called a letter of permission to travel. A Child Travel Consent essentially proves to the transportation providers and Custom Officers that both parents or legal guardians give the child authorization to travel by providing their signatures.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter. A stroller may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit. This is based on space availability; space guaranteed only with the purchase of a ticket for the infant).

MORE DETAILS

Barring any further delays, REAL ID will go into effect on May 7, 2025. 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.

MORE DETAILS

Without a passport, you may fly to any of the 50 states and territories in the United States. If you don't have a passport, different identification options are accepted, including a US passport card, a driver's license, and a DHS trusted traveler card.

MORE DETAILS

Expired documents are not accepted. The following IDs are accepted: U.S. passport. U.S. passport card.

MORE DETAILS

If you only have an expired passport, you can still bring it along for domestic travel within the United States, but you must convince TSA officers that you are who you say you are. However, if you're traveling internationally, you must have a valid passport.

MORE DETAILS

You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, a 3-year-old generally requires their own flight ticket and seat. Airlines typically consider children above the age of 2 as individuals who need separate seating arrangements. It's essential to purchase a ticket for your 3-year-old to ensure they have a designated seat for the flight.

MORE DETAILS