Do minors traveling alone need ID?
David Mack
Published Apr 01, 2026
Also asked, what documents do unaccompanied minors need to fly?
Check-in and required documents
- A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.
- The adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address.
- Your phone number so we can contact you.
- The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting your child at their destination.
Secondly, can minors go on vacation alone? Children younger than 5 are not permitted to travel without an adult. Children from the ages of 5 to 15 traveling without an adult may be subject to unaccompanied minor rules depending on each airline's policies. For older teens, some air carriers will offer unaccompanied minor services by request.
Also know, what identification does a child need to fly?
IDs. Minors, unlike adults, are not required by law to show a U.S. federal- or state-issued photo ID for domestic flights, but will need to show a valid passport for international flights; this includes infants.
What ID does a child need to fly in Australia?
Children usually don't need ID to fly domestically when they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, but they do need some paperwork when it comes to international flights. Australians under the age of 18 travelling overseas must have a child's passport.
Related Question Answers
How do I book a flight for a minor?
Call the airline directly to make the flight reservations. Request the specific flight you want the child to take. The airline may also have suggestions for the best flights or routes for your child to arrive at the destination. Ask about the airport check-in procedures at the airport if you are unsure.Can a 16 year old travel abroad without parental consent?
Answer: Parental consent is not required for domestic travel. If you are currently in the United States and are just traveling to another state, you should not need consent from your parents. You should get one from your mother, though, just in case.Can a 15 year old fly alone internationally?
Child age at the time of unaccompanied travelChildren ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.
What airlines let you fly alone at 13?
- Air Canada. Age: 8 to 11 years old – must purchase Unaccompanied Minors (UM) service; 12 to 17 years old – UM service optional; Children under 8 cannot travel alone.
- Alaska Airlines.
- American Airlines.
- British Airways.
- Delta Air Lines.
- Frontier Airlines.
- Hawaiian Airlines.
- Icelandair.
Can a 13 year old fly alone?
Children 5 to 14 years old must travel as unaccompanied minors when not traveling with a person at least 15 years old. Children 15 and older may request and pay for the unaccompanied minor service. Unaccompanied minors are accepted only on direct flights that do not require a change of aircraft or flight number.Do minors need ID to fly Southwest?
Neither Southwest Airlines nor the TSA require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. These children must be escorted to the airport by a guardian and provide proof of age documentation such as a birth certificate.Can a 17 year old travel alone internationally?
For 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds, unaccompanied minor service is usually optional. For international flights, all unaccompanied minors should be prepared to provide a signed letter of consent from their parent or guardian. And remember: Age requirements refer to your child's age on the travel date, not upon booking.Can a minor travel internationally without parents?
Minors may be able to travel to another country without either one of their parents. They may however require a notarized written consent letter from both parents. Minors interested in traveling without their parents should contact the embassy to address admissibility questions.Can you travel without ID?
You may still fly on US domestic flights, provided that you go through additional identity and security screening at the TSA security checkpoint. So the bottom line is yes, you can fly domestically without a driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID if either was lost or stolen.Do kids need ID to fly Delta?
IDs. Minors, unlike adults, are not required by law to show a U.S. federal- or state-issued photo ID for domestic flights, but will need to show a valid passport for international flights; this includes infants.Do kids need passports to fly?
United States citizens are not required to carry a passport when traveling within the U.S. When flying domestically, the Transportation Security Administration requires all adults aged 18 and over to carry a valid federal or state-issued identification card such as a passport or driver's license, but children andHow do I protect my toddlers ears when flying?
7 Ways to Soothe Your Kids' Ears on Flight- #1 Pack a snack for takeoff and landing.
- #2 Clear up congestion.
- #3 Try pacifiers and lollipops.
- #4 Let her cry it out.
- #5 Try a little manipulation.
- #6 Keep your baby awake.
- #7 See a doctor before you fly if you suspect an ear infection.
Can I fly with a picture of my ID?
Acceptable Forms of IdentificationAll travelers flying on a domestic flight must present a photo ID issued at the state or federal level, such as a state driver's license that meets Real ID requirements, military ID or the United States passport.