ID for teenager flying alone? Your experience?

[Anonymous]

I am one of the posters that puts my 13/14/15 year old kids on a plane w/o id. I get a gate pass, walk them through security, and up to the gate (I do have my id to get through security, obviously). They get on the plane and then get off and walk out to grandma or their camp counselors. They have their phone with them.

I'm not sure why they would need id. If I let them carry their passports/birth certificates there is a good chance I won't see them again -- I don't want those documents at camp especially. Also, a plane is about as controlled environment as you can get (they never fly connecting). What is the benefit of carrying the id? Do you make your kids take the ID when they get in a car with a friend? Or walk down the street?

[Anonymous]

Agree. Never used an ID for unaccompanied minor:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am one of the posters that puts my 13/14/15 year old kids on a plane w/o id. I get a gate pass, walk them through security, and up to the gate (I do have my id to get through security, obviously). They get on the plane and then get off and walk out to grandma or their camp counselors. They have their phone with them.

I'm not sure why they would need id. If I let them carry their passports/birth certificates there is a good chance I won't see them again -- I don't want those documents at camp especially. Also, a plane is about as controlled environment as you can get (they never fly connecting). What is the benefit of carrying the id? Do you make your kids take the ID when they get in a car with a friend? Or walk down the street?

Yes, my DC has ID at all times walkng down the street or in a friend's car. Don't be ridiculous. No one suggest toting your passport or birth certificate but there should be no issue with a school ID or MVA id.

If they were in an accident and unconscious, wouldn't you like the authorities to know who your child is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 15 year old daughter has been traveling alone for many years. No ID whatsoever required for those under 18. See the TSA website.

Strange!
My 14 year old just flew from DCA and was required an ID. He came back from the queue and asked me for his DC1 card.

It's really not required. Sometimes they ask though since they may not be able to tell if someone is 14 or 16 or 18. You just say you are 14 and that should be enough. Once my kid turned 17 they assumed he had a DL and did ask to see it but if he didn't have it they still should have let him through.