Where does it say that travelers under 18 do not have to provide ID at a TSA Security Checkpoint?

Question

The TSA's website DOES say that travelers 18 and over must present acceptable ID, and it implies that travelers under 18 do not have to present ID, but I suspect this is for those under 18 traveling WITH someone who is 18 or over and DOES have acceptable ID.

What about someone age 16, who the airline will allow to travel unaccompanied? Will such a person be permitted through the checkpoint? How will they prove that they are not 18 if they have no ID? Couldn't a person who was 17 be as dangerous as a person who is 18? Couldn't a person who is 18 lie and say they're 16?

I keep seeing lots of answers about "If you're under 18, you don't need ID." My question is, Is there a TSA web page that discusses when ID is not required for travelers under 18, and are there any circumstances (such as people traveling alone) when TSA *would* require ID?

Please cite your source.

Answer 1

The words "children are not required to show identification" appear on the first link below, from the TSA wesbite. This policy applies universally, regardless of whether a parent or other adult is flying with that minor or whether the minor is flying alone -- note that there is no exception or caveat to that rule that is discussed on that page.



If the TSA doesn't believe that the person actually is under 18, they could well subject that person to the additional screening procedures that are discussed in the second link for people 18 and older who don't have the proper ID. (Contrary to popular belief, adults who don't have the proper ID aren't automatically denied boarding on domestic flights.)



As to whether this is safe, it is debatable whether the ID policy in place by the TSA is actually designed to enhance safety, or whether it exists in order to prevent passengers from transferring tickets to people with other names (or, in other words, a revenue issue for airlines).

Answer 2

I actually couldn't find a TSA page that specifically discusses this issue of ID and unaccompanied minors traveling alone. I looked all over site and didn't see one. I've been trying to find out the clear answer to this question myself and I never seem to get anything. So as of now, I dont think there is a TSA web page that talks about this.



Because the subject isn't defined, there is no way of knowing "who" is "if you are under 18, you dont need ID" referring too. Therefore, it is impossible to give a clear, definite answer. The email and the TSA page that is geared towards adults/parents doesn't prove it to be true either. For all we know, the representative could be thinking that the teen is an accompanied minor (its certainly a possibility...) so that is why the response is what it is.

Answer 3

You're right, the TSA implies that you don't need an id if you're under 18. However, if you look at certain airline websites such as Continental, they clearly state that you don't need an id only if you're traveling with an adult.



They do require passengers between 15-17 that are traveling alone to present an id, although they do permit id's such as student id's, birth certificates and even library cards. Have a look at what they say on their website:

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/id/travel.aspx

Answer 4

how about a letter from tsa ?

RE: what type of ID do teenager need to fly with?

...

From:

"Hennington, Karen"

...

Add to Contacts

To: mark Panitz

Good Morning Mr. Panitz,



Thank you for taking the time to inquire about your niece's ID requirements.



Since she is under the age of 18, TSA does not require her to present an ID. However, if her school ID indicates hair and eye color, for example, it would probably be a good idea for her to bring it with her.



I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to contact me again, if you have any additional questions or concerns.



Regards,

Karen Hennington

Transportation Security Administration

Los Angeles International

[e-mail]





From: mark Panitz [mailto:[e-mail]]

Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 7:34 PM

To: HENNINGTON, KAREN L

Subject: what type of ID do teenager need to fly with?



dear Ms Hennington TSA

my niece is flying so and she is only 16 years

she was wondering if she need to show some type of ID to the TSA agent

and will a school ID work?

i tried the TSA website but i couldn't find where it said under 18 do not need ID

I check yahoo answers their replies are all over the place

some say you need id at any age other say only if you are over 18

other says school id wont work

can you shed some light on this question please

thank your for your time and effort

(I got your email when you thanked me for complement one of your agents when he assited

me back in March of year)

sincerely yours

Mark Panitz

Answer 5

experience I have traveled on planes many times before from a whole bunch of different places and I have never used an ID I have traveled with my mom and I have traveled with my dad, I have traveled with my under aged cousin and I have traveled a lone

IT IS NOT REQUIRED