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Q&AZ: Are children able to fly on domestic flights without a federal ID?

By Ignacio Ventura
Published: Monday, December 19, 2022 - 10:12am
Updated: Monday, December 19, 2022 - 10:13am

Q&AZ is supported in part by Abrazo Health

Sky Harbor
Jean Clare Sarmiento/KJZZ
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Through our Q&AZ reporting project, a listener asked if children would be able to fly on domestic flights without federal ID.

The Transportation Security Administration makes clear that adult passengers who are 18 or older must show a valid identification at the airport checkpoint. TSA spokesperson Patricia Mancha said adults traveling with children will need some form of proper documentation to prove any minors coming along can fly.

“There must be some sort of identifier that allows our officers to ensure that the adult traveling with the child is actually able to do so," she said.

Among the documentation that can be used includes a birth certificate, passport and certified letter proving child custody. The TSA also recommends contacting the airline for questions about specific ID requirements.

Q&AZ Transportation