Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With Children

Which child restraint systems does FAA approve for use on aircraft?

The FAA does not control the approval of hard-backed child restraint systems (CRS). Nor does it recommend one over another. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set the standards that manufacturers must meet in order to sell approved CRSs. Only then are two labels approved to be attached to the seat and must read as follows:

• This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
• THIS RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT.

A  list of approved, crash tested seats  is maintained by NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety, Compliance, and Equipment Branch.

In September 2006, the FAA approved a new type of child safety device for use on commercial airline flights. Passengers may use an FAA-approved harness-type device, approved only for use on aircraft, that attaches to the aircraft seat.  It is not approved for use in motor vehicles.  The device uses an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the seat back and attached to the passenger lap belt, providing improved upper torso restraint.  It is appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.  The device provides an alternative to using a forward-facing child safety seat.

What is the required age that an airline allows a child to fly unaccompanied by an adult?

The FAA does not regulate unaccompanied minors.  Please contact the airlines for specific requirements.

Do minors need identification to travel?

Each airline determines identification requirements for minors. Contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to determine if they have unique policies or procedures for minors.

Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s).

For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.