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Flying with Children
Flying with
children is more common than ever before. Here is some information
to keep in mind when flying with children:
Domestic Travel
For
travelers under 18 years of age who are flying in the domestic United
States, no identification is required.
Over 14 days
and less and two years of age: some airlines ask that you have a
birth certificate to validate age (check with the airline carrier
directly). For infants under 14 days old, contact the carrier
directly for more information.
If your child
is not occupying a seat (sometimes referred to as a "lap child"), he or she
may accompany a paying passenger at no extra charge. The airline
will need to know that you are bringing a "lap child", since only one child
per row is allowed and cannot occupy the exit row.
If your
child is occupying a seat, you will need to purchase a ticket. Some
airlines offer a child fare, which is usually 50% of the adult fare.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends the use of a
child safety seat for children under 40 pounds. Children who weigh
less than 20 pounds should be placed in an FAA-approved rear-facing seat.
Children who weigh from 20-40 pounds require a forward-facing safety
seat. For more information visit
www.faa.gov
Over two
years of age: Accompanied children who are over two years old need
to purchase a ticket and will be charged the applicable adult fare,
although some airlines offer youth or children fares. Children over
12 years of age are allowed to travel unaccompanied; however, check with
the airline carrier directly for more information. Travelers over 40
pounds may safely use an aircraft seat belt.
International Travel
When traveling internationally, all passengers need a passport.
For travelers over the age of 16, the passport is valid
for 10 years. For those under 16 years of age, it
is valid for only 5 years. For more information on passports,
visit
http://travel.state.gove/passport_services.html
Be aware
that airlines do not provide child safety seats, so you will need to bring
your own. Your child restraint systems will need to be FAA-certified
for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts. It is important to check
with the airline to see if the child seat will fit the width of the
airline seat. While airline seats vary in width, a safety seat no wider
than 16 inches in width should fit most coach class seats.
Rules and
policies may vary by airline; be sure to check with them directly.
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