scdreamer

We flew recently from California to Washington State with our daughter, her husband, and their 18-month-old baby. We did not have a reserved seat for the baby. The parents brought along the baby's passport, but they were never required to show it. Never were there any questions asked regarding the identity of the baby, or whether they were actually related or had the right to fly with the child.

On the return leg of the trip, I went through a separate security line than my daughter and her husband - I carried the baby, and was never questioned as to whose child it was.

I am curious - is there no ID required to show who a baby is? This seems crazy to me.

ms_go

Not just babies...any kids. My 16-year-old doesn't have a drivers license yet and still goes through security from time to time without showing ID (although lately I usually have her passport along). The TSA ID checker usually will look at her boarding pass and ask her what her name is, and that's it.

doug_stallings

Not for domestic flights. You'd get plenty of questions about the baby if you were flying internationally.

socaltraveler

I think it's random. The first time my daughter flew with her then 3 month old baby, from Sacramento to Burbank on Southwest, no one asked her anything about the baby. On her return flight, we checked her in at the ticket counter at Burbank, and the attendant there asked for identification, which she did not have, but they let her check in. She now has a passport for the baby since they are flying to Australia for the holidays, and when she flew home for Thanksgiving I suggested she carry it just in case the situation I described above happened again. I forgot to ask her if she needed to show the passport. I do recall the agent telling her to carry a copy of the birth certificate.

CarolA

There is no requirement for ID>

However, with an 18 month old if you do NOT have a seat you may be asked to prove he/she is under two. I have seen a family denied the "infant in arms" when they could not provide proof. (Althought this kid was probably almost 4 LOL! Either that or a genius)

While OP was not asked, they can and will ask for proof. If you don't have it you may not be allowed to board. The airline is not going to risk an FAA fine over you so bring the birth certificate for US travel. (Or better yet buy a seat )

gail

No one under age of 18 flying with parents has to show ID for travel within US.

JohnMig

Actually, it's very rare but in domestic flights you don't need to go for tight checking.
http://www.globester.com/