Tsa Requirements For Youth Travel: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, all passengers are required to undergo screening. TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. Children 13 years and older are subject to standard screening procedures.

TSA PreCheck for youth travel

TSA PreCheck® is a service provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows travellers to skip the standard security screening process at airports. It is available at over 200 airports and for travellers flying with over 90 airlines.

Children who are 12 and under may accompany a parent or guardian who has enrolled in TSA PreCheck® through the TSA PreCheck® lane without any restrictions. Children between the ages of 13 and 17 must have the TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass to be able to use the TSA PreCheck® lane. To be eligible for the logo, the child must be on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian. If the child is on a separate reservation or does not have the logo on their boarding pass, they will have to go through the standard security screening.

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling alone or without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult must apply for TSA PreCheck® to access the expedited screening. Adults using gate passes to accompany children travelling alone will be directed to the standard security screening, even if they have enrolled in TSA PreCheck®.

It is important to note that no individual is guaranteed expedited screening as the TSA uses unpredictable security measures throughout the airport. All travellers will be screened, and the TSA PreCheck® service is not a way to avoid screening.

Identification requirements for youth travel

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, children 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass to be eligible to receive TSA PreCheck. To be eligible to receive the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass, the passenger between the ages of 13 and 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children with a disability, medical condition or medical device must inform a TSA officer, who will consult with the parent or travelling guardian about the child's screening.

Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For advanced imaging technology (AIT) screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.

Screening procedures for youth travel

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.

Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening. For Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt. Children will not be separated from their parent or guardian.

Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. If the alarm sounds, additional screening is required. Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.

Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass. To be eligible to receive the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass, the passenger between the ages of 13 and 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

Children with medical conditions, disabilities, or mobility aids should inform the TSA officer. Let the TSA officer know if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through by a parent or guardian. The TSA officer will not remove your child from their mobility aid, wheelchair, or scooter.

TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, and those that need additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. Call TSA Cares 72 hours prior to travelling with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

Formula, breast milk, baby/toddler food, and related supplies

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs. Your child or infant does not need to be present or travelling with you to bring breast milk, formula, and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. It is helpful to the officers when formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them for alternate screening.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Gate passes for youth travel

Gate passes are issued by the airlines, not by the airports. They are usually given to those accompanying unaccompanied minors, adults requiring special assistance, or military service members.

Gate passes for unaccompanied minors

Gate passes are available for guardians and family members assisting unaccompanied minors. The guardian and those accompanying them must obtain an escort pass from the ticket counter in order to escort the child passenger(s) to or from the gate. Up to two adults and all children under the age of 13 years old, accompanying the child passenger(s), are allowed through the security checkpoint. It is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes early to obtain these escort passes.

A parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has departed. A valid ID must be presented, and a signature is required from the person meeting the child. The airline will not release the child to anyone other than the person named. A parent or accompanying adult should report to the destination airport two hours before the scheduled arrival to obtain a gate pass.

Gate passes for adults requiring special assistance

One or two adults, plus any children under the age of 13, will be allowed through the security checkpoint. Each non-travelling person must obtain a security pass from the ticket counter in order to be allowed access through the security checkpoint. Due to additional airport security, persons should allow up to two hours to obtain a security pass.

TSA PreCheck benefits and gate passes

Please note that TSA PreCheck benefits do not apply to gate passes. This applies even if the gate pass holder has enrolled in TSA PreCheck. The adult will not be permitted to join the child in the TSA PreCheck lane.

Travel preparation for youth

TSA Requirements for Youth Travel

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for youth travellers that differ from those for adults. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for travel as a youth or when travelling with minors.

Identification

TSA does not require children under 18 to show identification when travelling within the United States. However, it is always good to carry some form of ID, and children over 12 will need to show their boarding pass at the TSA checkpoint. Children under 12 do not need to show their boarding pass.

Screening Procedures

All passengers, including children, must undergo screening. However, the TSA has modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. If you are travelling with a child, a TSA officer will consult with you about the child's screening. Standard screening procedures apply for children aged 13 and above.

Carry-on Items

All carry-on items, regardless of the age of the passenger, must be screened. This includes children's toys, bags, blankets, strollers, car seats, and booster seats.

Liquids and Food

Formula, breast milk, baby food, toddler drinks, and toddler food are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100ml). These items do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag and can be screened separately.

Disabilities and Medical Conditions

If your child has a disability, medical condition, or uses a medical device, inform a TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process. TSA Cares provides information and assistance for passengers with special needs to prepare for the security screening process. You can contact them 72 hours before travelling.

Gate Passes

Each airline has its own policies regarding gate passes for those assisting unaccompanied minors. Usually, a parent or guardian can obtain a gate pass during the booking process and accompany the minor through the security checkpoint.

Timing

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight time to allow for check-in, paperwork, and security screening.

Frequently asked questions