Traveling With Children: What You Need To Know

Travelling with children can be a complex process, with different rules and requirements depending on the age of the child and the country of travel. Generally, children are allowed to travel, but those under 18 may need to present proof of age, such as a birth certificate, and may be required to have written consent from parents or legal guardians if travelling alone or with only one parent. Children under a certain age must be accompanied by an adult and may require specific seating arrangements, such as sitting in a safety seat or on the lap of an adult. International travel may also necessitate additional documentation, such as a passport or visa, and airlines may have their own policies regarding seating arrangements for families.

Travel documents

When travelling with children, it is important to have the correct documents to ensure a smooth journey. Here is some information on travel documents for children:

Proof of Relationship

It is always recommended to have a document that proves your relationship with your child when travelling. This is particularly important if you and your child do not share the same last name. There are several documents you can use, such as a marriage certificate, certificates of name change, or the child's birth certificate.

Child Travel Consent

A Child Travel Consent form is required when a child is travelling without both parents or legal guardians. This form should be signed by both parents or guardians and include the child's basic information, parents' contact information, and travel arrangements. If you have sole custody of the child, you may not need the other parent's signature, but you should carry a copy of the custody document. The Child Travel Consent form may need to be notarized, depending on the country you are visiting and the airline you are using.

Identification

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification for domestic flights within the United States, some individual airlines may have their own policies. It is recommended to carry identification for children, especially for international travel, where they must present the same travel documents as adults. For children over 15, a government-issued ID or birth certificate is the safest option.

Passports and Visas

When travelling outside the United States, everyone, including children, is required to have a passport. For children under 16, both parents or guardians must apply in person for the passport. Minors aged 16 and 17 can apply for a passport themselves but still need to provide proof of parental consent. When travelling to certain countries, children may also need a visa in addition to their passport.

Special Cases

If you are travelling with an infant under two weeks old, some airlines may require a doctor's note stating that the baby is healthy enough to fly. Additionally, if you are an expecting mother over 36 weeks pregnant, some airlines may also require a doctor's note.

Screening procedures

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the travelling guardian about the child's screening. For children 13 years and older, standard screening procedures apply.

• Parents or guardians should inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition, or medical device. This information will help ease the screening process.
• Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parents or guardians. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector.
• Advanced Imaging Technology may be used for screening if the child is able to stand in the required position for 5 seconds. If the child is 12 or under and alarms the detector, they will have the opportunity to go through again to reduce the need for a pat-down.
• Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening.
• All carry-on baggage, such as children's toys, bags, and blankets, must be placed on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Strollers, car seats, baby carriers, and backpacks must also be screened by X-ray. If the equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers will be conducted.
• Parents or guardians travelling with liquid formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) should inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process. These items will be screened separately from other belongings.
• Ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories are allowed and will be screened in the same way as liquid formulas and baby food.

Seating arrangements

• Booking in Advance: It is highly recommended to book flights well in advance when travelling with children. This ensures a better chance of securing seats together as a family.
• Same Reservation: Ensure that everyone in the family is booked under the same reservation to increase the likelihood of being seated together.
• Skipping Seats: When choosing seats, it is better to skip seats than to select just a few seats scattered throughout the cabin. This provides flexibility for the airline to reseat your family together if needed.
• Basic Economy Fare: If you choose a Basic Economy fare or do not wish to pay for seat selection, the airline system may automatically detect that you are a family travelling together. They will then try to assign seats so that children under a certain age are seated next to at least one adult.
• Separate Reservations: If you and your children have separate reservations, be sure to contact the airline so they can note it in each reservation and attempt to seat you together.
• Safety Seats: For infants and young children, most major airlines provide bassinets or allow you to bring your own safety seats approved by aviation authorities. These seats must be installed according to manufacturer instructions and cannot be placed in exit rows or the rows on either side of an exit row.
• Lap Infants: If your infant will be seated on an adult's lap, they must be included in the reservation. Only one infant is allowed per accompanying adult. Additional infants will require their own safety seats or aircraft seats.
• Documentation: When travelling internationally with infants or children, they will require the same documentation as adults, including passports and visas.
• Unaccompanied Minor Services: Many airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for children travelling without their parents/guardians. These services include assistance with departure and arrival processes, including immigration and customs for international journeys.
• Age Requirements: The age range for unaccompanied minors varies by airline and region. Typically, children between the ages of 5 and 12 (or up to 18 in some cases) are considered unaccompanied minors.
• Charges: Airlines may charge the full adult fare for children travelling as unaccompanied minors.
• Documentation: Unaccompanied minors may require specific documentation, such as Unaccompanied Minor (UM) forms, consent letters, and proof of identification for both the child and the authorised individual picking them up.

Travelling alone

When booking travel for unaccompanied minors, it is often necessary to do so over the phone or in person, as online booking may not be available. Before the journey, it is also essential to prepare the necessary documentation. This includes any required travel documents, such as a passport or visa, as well as any other paperwork specified by the airline or the countries being travelled to and from. For instance, American Airlines requires an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary customs and immigration documents.

On the day of travel, it is usually mandatory for a parent or guardian to accompany the child to the airport and stay with them until departure. At check-in, the adult will need to provide specific documentation, such as the child's birth certificate or passport, and their own government-issued photo ID. They will also need to supply contact information for themselves and the adult meeting the child at their destination. Once checked in, the child will be escorted to the gate and boarded early to meet the flight crew and familiarise themselves with the plane's safety features.

Upon arrival at their destination, the child will be escorted off the plane and to the authorised adult picking them up. It is worth noting that, while flight attendants will check on the child during the flight, they cannot provide continuous monitoring. Therefore, it is essential to remind the child to ask for assistance if needed and to follow the safety instructions.

Medical conditions

Travelling with children who have medical conditions can be stressful, but with some simple planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. Here are some essential considerations and tips to help you navigate this process:

Consult a Doctor and Get Vaccinations:

Before embarking on your journey, schedule an appointment with your child's doctor or a travel medicine specialist. Discuss your travel plans, including your destination and activities, to receive destination-specific advice. Ensure your child is up to date with all routine vaccinations, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Some countries may require specific vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine for travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America. Additionally, children travelling internationally may need certain vaccines earlier than usual, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Choose Your Destination Carefully:

Consider the suitability of your chosen destination for your child's medical condition. Research the accessibility and quality of healthcare in the area. If your child has food allergies, be mindful of local ingredients. For example, if your child is allergic to peanuts, avoid destinations like Thailand where peanuts are commonly used.

Prepare a Medicine Kit:

Assemble a kit with all the necessary medications your child may need during the trip. This will ensure you have easy access to their medicines in case of an emergency. Don't forget to bring any required inhalers, allergy medicines, or insulin. Additionally, pack a small first-aid kit with items like antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and any other recommended OTC medications.

Stick to a Routine:

Children, especially those with medical conditions, thrive on routine. Try to maintain regular meal times and medication schedules. If there is a significant time difference, ensure you give them their medication at the correct time according to your home time zone. A consistent routine will help support your child's immune system and overall well-being during the trip.

Find Nearby Medical Facilities:

Before your trip, identify the location of the nearest hospitals, medical centres, and pharmacies at your destination. Contact your hotel or accommodation for assistance in locating these facilities. This proactive step will save you valuable time and reduce stress in case of any medical emergencies.

Obtain Appropriate Medical Insurance:

Securing appropriate medical insurance is crucial when travelling with children who have medical conditions. Ensure that your insurance covers pre-existing conditions and provides adequate coverage for any necessary treatment or urgent medical care while abroad.

Carry Necessary Documentation:

When travelling abroad with a child who has a medical condition, bring along all the necessary documentation. This includes a document explaining the medications your child needs, their volume, and strength. Additionally, carry proof of any vaccinations, such as COVID-19 vaccines or other required jabs. If there is a chance your child will need medical attention, consider having a written explanation of their condition translated into the local language.

Choose Suitable Accommodation:

Select accommodation that is conveniently located near medical facilities. If your child has mobility issues, consider booking a ground-floor room or an accessible room. If your child struggles with stairs, look for accommodations with a lift. If travelling to a hot climate, consider accommodations with child-friendly pools or play areas.

Frequently asked questions