Airline Rules on Travel Between States for Children
- Learn about FAA and TSA rules for kids before taking offlarge jet aircraft on landing approach image by Steve Mann from Fotolia.com
Children are subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules, as well as the policies of the airlines they fly. Regulations detail identification, security procedures, and even the seats in which children are allowed to sit. Avoid surprises at the airport by familiarizing yourself with these policies before purchasing tickets. - The FAA allows children under 2 to travel as lap children, but does not encourage it. In the event of turbulence, they want you to be able to secure your child into an approved child restraint device. It's safer, but more expensive. The only way to guarantee that there is a place to clip in that car seat or Aviation Child Safety Device is to buy another seat. You must buy an airline seat for your child if he's older than 2. No one under 15 is allowed to sit in an exit row.
- The TSA requires only those people ages 18 and older to show photo ID in order to pass into the security area. That said, if you are escorting your child to the gate as an unaccompanied minor on the flight, you will need to have identification for him. Passports, birth certificates and state-issued ID cards are all acceptable pieces of identification.
- The TSA screens everyone, even kids. They'll have to remove metal (belts, hand-held games, cell phones, gum wrappers), go through the checkpoint and pass the screening. Have your child enter security ahead of you. If an officer flags him for additional screening, you will be able to stay with him. He may be subject to both a wand and pat-down inspection.
- Your baby's shoes, as well as your own, must be removed when going through the checkpoint. All gels and liquids, including formula, diaper cream, and liquid medications are allowable in "reasonable quantities" not exceeding 3.4 oz., but must be presented for inspection. Bottles of water are not allowed---they must be pre-mixed with formula. Strollers must pass through the x-ray machine, and may be checked at your gate.
- Many airlines won't let you book an unaccompanied minor online. You will need to call to make the reservation, which means you may not be able to take advantage of online pricing. You must book a direct flight. The airline will not see to it that your child makes any kind of connection. You will need to provide information about your child---his full name, age, and extensive contact information about the adult who will be meeting him at his arrival gate.
There will likely be a fee at the airport for handling your unaccompanied minor. American Airlines charges $100 each way. You will be issued a gate pass and be allowed to pass with your child through security to his gate. You will be required to wait until his flight has departed and cleared the airspace near the airport before being allowed to leave the gate. This is just in case the flight has to make an immediate emergency landing, that you will be there to escort your child home.
