HELP!!! PHOTO ID??? About This Page:

[jonibird]

Hey guys! So my trip is rapidly approaching and there has been a dilemma in the back of my head. My husband seems to think that my children (ages 9 and 13) have to have a photo ID to board the plane.

Is this true???

I have tried to go get a photo ID for the kids and because our License bureau is filled with such FRIENDLY (trying to be nice) people. They would not accept the birth certificates I had. They are wanting the cert. from the state with the raised embossed seal! All in all, to get these "photo ids" will cost me almost $60 in the end. I really hate to pay this with less than a month before our trip!

Any help would be great!

Oh...and if it matters, we are flying Southwest out of KC to Orlando International.

Thanx in advance!

[Kareiiso]

We've flown twice from PHL to MCO with DD, at age 15 & 16. She does not have a driver's license and only has a school ID. We may have had her take her school ID (W/photo), but I don't think she had to produce it to security at either airport.

[OffKilter_Lynn]

They will not need photo identification. It is required for adult passengers (I couldn't quickly find the actual age but it's usually 18).

Identification may be required if trying to use a half-price seat for a child under the age of 2 and the birth certificate would be acceptable proof of age in that case.

You could bring their birth certificates for peace of mind but I've never needed them. My kids (ages 9 & 14) have only a couple of time been asked anything and usually they're just asked their name.

I appaud your DH for thinking about the kid's safety but an actual photo id won't be required!

[sk8mom6]

Our high school age son used his school ID (no driver's license). I took a photocopy of his birth certificate in case we needed it. The security people said that as long as he was flying with us and under age 18, he didn't need ID. They did check his school ID, but I think it was mostly to make him feel important. If they are flying alone-I think it might be a different story.

[jonibird]

That is exactly the news I wanted to hear! I have read every guide book front to back and never recall seeing this. Maybe I missed it????

I was planning on bringing their birth certificates and SSN just in case.

I can understand wanting to see some ID before boarding. Wouldn't it make it awful easy to kidnap a child???

[oldmom]

KC seems to be more laid back than some airports. Doesn't the health dept print out birth certificates with the raised seal for an extra dollar or two?

[Dave Marx]

Our #1 "Top 10 Flying tips, Reminders, and Warnings" in PassPorter Walt Disney World 2008 is to visit the the TSA web site - TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security "for travel security news and updates." With a constantly-changing gamut of regulations, we'd be irresponsible if we lead people to depend solely on information in the book.

If your husband has doubts, sit him down at that web site.

As to the kidnapping issue... No, it's not easy at all to kidnap an unwilling child and get them through airport security. There are security cameras recording everything, and while it's not obvious to laypeople, security staff are looking for any sign of something out of the ordinary - certain kinds of stress, for example. They'll ask questions (especially of the children) if they sense anything out of the ordinary. For example, they'll look at the child's boarding pass while asking them their name and related questions. If a child is being kidnapped by a parent, then photo ID is usually worthless as a protection, since they'll share the same name anyway. Meantime, every adult involved has to present ID and knows he/she will be photographed - not the thing someone who is trying to obscure his/her route is going to do. Basically, just about the last place anyone with something to hide is going to go these days is an airport.

[mikeandsydsmom]

Our two youngest are 12 and 13, I have always taken birth certs and ss cards, but have never had to use them. You Win!

[jonibird]

Originally Posted by oldmom

KC seems to be more laid back than some airports. Doesn't the health dept print out birth certificates with the raised seal for an extra dollar or two?

That would be ideal wouldn't it? I have to get it from Topeka or so the license bureau says!

They are NOT the friendliest folk!

[jonibird]

Originally Posted by Dave Marx

Our #1 "Top 10 Flying tips, Reminders, and Warnings" in PassPorter Walt Disney World 2008 is to visit the the TSA web site - TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security "for travel security news and updates." With a constantly-changing gamut of regulations, we'd be irresponsible if we lead people to depend solely on information in the book.

If your husband has doubts, sit him down at that web site.

As to the kidnapping issue... No, it's not easy at all to kidnap an unwilling child and get them through airport security. There are security cameras recording everything, and while it's not obvious to laypeople, security staff are looking for any sign of something out of the ordinary - certain kinds of stress, for example. They'll ask questions (especially of the children) if they sense anything out of the ordinary. For example, they'll look at the child's boarding pass while asking them their name and related questions. If a child is being kidnapped by a parent, then photo ID is usually worthless as a protection, since they'll share the same name anyway. Meantime, every adult involved has to present ID and knows he/she will be photographed - not the thing someone who is trying to obscure his/her route is going to do. Basically, just about the last place anyone with something to hide is going to go these days is an airport.

Thanx Dave! I sent him the link! LOLLL

[jhoshowski]

I always take my boys' birth certificates, and I never get asked for them. They are usually asked their names and where we are going by an agent.

[Huntermom]

My DD, who is a very young looking just turned 20, still boards without producing an ID. She has a driver's license, just has never been asked for it-even in big airports like MCO and when she's flown alone.

I thought only adults were required to produce an ID. DD could easily pass for 16.

Diane

[mickey0823]

You are not actually required to bring photo identification for children under 18. But, I always tell my clients to bring birth certificates for their kids, it's better to be safe than sorry!

[jimmymac]

You don't need a photo ID in this country until you're 18

[Susanne]

Just flew down to Disney in January with my 9 y.o. nephew & never needed a photo ID.