Rules on Infant Travel

I wasn't asked for a birth certificate when I flew with my 2 1/2 year old daughter. I didn't buy her a seat but both ways they were able to put me in a seat with an extra next to us so she ended up getting her own seat for free. I think I would have been miserable with her on my lap the whole time - I guess it depends on how long the flight is. So ask if there is an extra seat and if they can put you next to it. They are pretty good about that.

I've flown with my daughter several times. They usually ask how old she is but have never requested a birth certificate. We've flown on NWA, Southwest and Sun Country. Although, the last time we flew with her she was about 1.5 years old so maybe she doesn't look old enough to question. If you have a small 2 year old, you may be able to get away with it.

When we flew to Chicago when my son was around 15 months we didnt purchase a seat for him, the airline specifically told me that I would be required to show a birth certificate to prove my sons age. Well, we got to the airport and NO ONE ever asked to see his birth certificate. Its like they never even acknowledged him...maybe because he's small for his age, or maybe jsut because they didnt care...who knows. I would be careful, I have heard of others traveling and not buying tickets for their older than two years old and have gotten caught and were actually required to buy a ticket. I have no idea which airline that was. If you are going on a long flight it might be better to buy your child a seat. Sitting on your lap for a long flight will make it uncomfortable for all of you. She might feel better sitting in her own seat and will give her and you more room to feel comfy. If its a short flight, I wouldnt bother.

We just returned from a trip to Chicago and had our larger 20 month old on our laps. We were not required to show any proof of age. You should be just fine with holding her on your lap. When we fly in the spring, we are going to get her a seat, though - an hour to Chicago was fine, but 3 hours to Florida just won't be comfortable! Good luck and have a good trip!

We've flown with our kids a few times, and I don't think we were ever asked to see a birth certificate. However, we usually booked the flight on-line and had to type in their names & ages. I'm bummed now that my youngest is almost 3 and *not* small for his age! :) We wouldn't be able to get away with it (and at this point I wouldn't try!) If it was within a couple months, I don't think it'll matter much. But yeah, a toddler on your lap during a full flight is NOT much fun! We had an hour delay out of La Guardia last year (sitting on the runway), and boy, was that miserable!! I felt bad for the person in the seat in front of us...

I have cheated the age system myself--with my 6-year-old, sometimes things are 5 & under free, so for those occasions, he's 5. :)

Good luck!

I asked the airline we're flying with (suncountry) and the travel agent said that if the child looks like they're 2 or older then they'll ask for a birth certificate. I'll be traveling with my daughter and she'll only be 9 months old so I won't need to worry about her looking older.

We just flew down to Florida and here is what I was told: if you are claiming the child is under 2 and not going to buy a ticket, you must show a birth certificate to prove he/she is in fact young enough. If you do end up purchasing a ticket, no ID for the little one is necessary. This is Northwest's rule and may differ airline to airline, so I would check with the airline itself. Good luck and have fun!

R.,

I travel a lot with my family and two kids. I think we must have traveled at least 15-20 times in the last three years and we have never been asked for a birth certificate. We travel a lot on Northwest but have also traveled on USAir. My son is still only 19 months but I started getting him his own seat at 7 mo because he was a very big baby and was too hard to handle on my lap. The only thing I would be careful about is if you have ever traveled with your child before on the same airline and put in a different birth date they may pick up on that. I guess it is up to you if you want to take the risk of being checked. I don't think the risk is high but again if you have to buy a seat last minute it can be quite expensive and also may not be available if the flight is sold out. Since we do buy tickets for the kids, I have signed them both up in the frequent flyer programs. My 3 year old already has a free ticket! I guess we fly too much.

I would not risk it. The airline does reserve the right to ask for a birth certificate and if they do and your child is over 2 years old they can charge you the full fare on a seat which at the last minute can be really high, even over $1000.00. I have heard of this happening recently so I would recommend booking a seat in advance. It will also be safer and more comfortable for you all.

I flew a lot with my daughter when she was a baby. I flew with her the week before she turned two and that was the first time I noticed anyone take a great interest in her age. They asked me over and over how old she was, they asked HER how old she was, and I noticed they recorded her age in the computer. Now this could have been the specific airline because normally I flew Northwest and I was on United I think that time. Anyhow, I don't think most flight attendants are out to bust anyone...just be prepared for staff to possibly ask your two year old his/her age.

I think that you could get away with it.... but just in case call the airline and ask if it is necessary to have the certificate to travel. They don't ask you for identifying information so it's not like they'll track you and accuse you at the door. Just make sure that you are consistent in telling her age if you decide to go that way.

Hi, R.- I dont have advice but I read your post and though hmmmm.. I know her!! I cant sleep tonight it is frrrreeeezzziiinnnggg in our house!!!!!!!!! And strange that the other person to responds has my initials ey? If your confused its me, Becki

I just got back from the West coast with my daughter and her daddy. At check in all they ask is for their name and their birthday...you might be able to get away with it..it's up to you if you want to tell them the wrong date accidently...oops! Good Luck!! oh yeah we flew Sun Country..I don't know about other airlines though.-Peace