Flying with someone else's child

GoOfY'sGiRl · #1 10-05-2008, 03:58 PM

We are taking a 3 year old with us this year and we are flying. What kind of documentation do you provide for the airlines? Do they usually ask for anything? We look her before she was 2, but I don't think we had to show anything, but I wasn't sure if I would have to this time or not since she will be in her own seat.

Thank you for any advice.

Donald · #2 10-05-2008, 04:45 PM

They don't ask for any documentation on kids. They may ask the child his/her name , and age @security. If they are not too shy to answer!!

thrillme · #3 10-05-2008, 04:57 PM

It was suggested earlier on this board SOMEWHERE. To be sure you have an insurance card and permission from the parents to take the child to the doctor if need be.

Other than that I don't think anybody asks questions unless there's a "reason" to.

disneymom15 · #4 10-05-2008, 05:18 PM

I just took my 7 year old niece, and didn't need any documentation. Her mother did give me insurance info.

ILoveLegos · #5 10-05-2008, 05:41 PM

I took my 4 year old niece in 2005. I brought her insurance card and a permission letter just in case. I did not have to show any of that anywhere in route.

I have flown also with my 16 & 11 year old nephews, I brought their insurance cards, school ids and library cards. They had to show their school id's sometimes, but not everytime.

I figured it can't hurt to have the id's & permission slips if possible, I don't want to carry other people's kids "across the street" without their insurance card - accidents do happen.

thumperbug · #6 10-05-2008, 07:17 PM

I would definitely get (just in case) a notarized letter from the parents stating that they give specific permission for you to travel with their child and that they also grant you permission to make medical decisions for the child should the situation arise and that the parents cannot be reached right away.

While security may not question you...all you need is for the child to make a comment that implies you are not the parent and for someone to question where the parents are and without documentation or a letter you can have yourself a messy situation. And of course, have their insurance card and maybe a copy of birth certificate...just to be safe.

Oh...by the way.....HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!

Disney Doll · #7 10-06-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumperbug

I would definitely get (just in case) a notarized letter from the parents stating that they give specific permission for you to travel with their child and that they also grant you permission to make medical decisions for the child should the situation arise and that the parents cannot be reached right away.

We took our nieces ages 3 and 5 to Disney a few years ago. We did get the notarized letter just in case of an emergency, but were never asked by anyone for documentation on the kids.

3AMommy · #8 10-06-2008, 03:38 PM

Southwest Airlines required us to show proof of age (copy of birth certificate) on our daughter. When we got to the airport they didn't check it at all.

I say it is better to be prepared with whatever you MIGHT need. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

3AMommy

Polynesian Dweller · #9 10-06-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3AMommy

I say it is better to be prepared with whatever you MIGHT need. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

3AMommy

Absolutely. You really have nothing to lose by having info showing permission for them to travel with you. You can have a lot of trouble if someone does get suspicious.

GoOfY'sGiRl · #10 10-06-2008, 06:56 PM

Thank you all very much!!! We will definately be getting a letter and her ins card. We leave in 2 weeks and I'm just trying to remember all the details of the stuff I need.

Thank you again!!