Ok my 6yr old Niece will be flying with me (her Aunt) From Tx-Fl.?

Question

What form of ID does she need and Will I need some kind of Letter stateing that she has permission from her parents to fly with me? What do airlines usually require?

Answer 1

You will need to give you a notarized letter stating that you have permission to take your niece on a trip by yourself. This is for your protection due to the increase of child abductions done by relatives.

You should also make sure that the letter gives you full authorization to seek and obtain any and all medical attention for your niece. If you don't have authorization to seek and obtain medical attention for her, no one can help her if she gets sick or has an accident.

This document is very easy to obtain. Her parents can get it from anywhere there is a notary. I know a lot of banks will provide notarial services for free or a very small fee for their clients who have an account with them. The post office also offers this service, as do lawyers offices, and the fee is usually no more than $5-$10.

A very simple but brief letter is all that is needed. It should include the name of her parents, the name of your niece, your name, and what is allowed. An example:

We, _________ and _____________, give _____________ our full consent to travel alone with our child __________________. We also give ______________ our full and unconditional consent to seek and obtain any and all medical attention for our child ________________ that they deem necessary.

You want the document to be specific enough that you won't get turned down at any point during your travels or denied medical treatment, but you also want to keep it vague enough that should the travel plans change, you won't encounter problems either.

All her parents must do is have the letter typed up (but not signed). Her parents must take the letter, their drivers licenses (or other form of picture identification), and then they will have to sign and date it in front of the notary. It's a very simple, fast, and easy process.

If there is no additional fee (and there usually isn't) have them get at least 1-3 extra copies. Why? Well, you will need to keep the original with you at all times for the length of the travel. I always like to keep the original plus 1-2 extra with me in case something happens to one, or an airline employee takes one. Her parents should also keep a copy with them so that if need be they can fax it or send it to you.

You should also bring a notarized copy of your nieces birth certificate. This will help to verify that her parents are truly the people who signed the consent form. Airlines also use this to verify a childs age.

Another thing you should take is your nieces immunization book. That way if any emergency should arise (no matter where you are) the treating physician will at least have some verifiable information to go on. This book also usually includes what your niece is allergic to, and some small but very helpful notes from her doctor. Be sure to keep the name and number of your nieces doctor handy. Along with this, be sure they bring her Medical ID card.

I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/f...

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

I don't think they even question it unless she is going on a reduced fare, then they need age verification.  You might want to take a letter just in case, but as long as she has a ticket and you are with her, they probably won't question it at all.  If you are really uneasy, call the airline and ask them so if you need that info ahead of time you can get it taken care of.