travel id for

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
Access federal government facilities or military installations
Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions .

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Using REAL ID and other ID options to board a plane

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly .

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: December 18, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Share full article

Supported by

Planning to Fly? You’ll Need This ID.

For years, the government has warned travelers they will need a security-enhanced Real ID to board domestic flights, and for years the requirement has been delayed. Now they mean it.

By Debra Kamin

It’s a change nearly 20 years in the making: a post-Sept. 11 law requiring that U.S. travelers carry more than a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Now, after years of delays, it is finally kicking into gear.

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver’s license that’s Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport. A state driver’s license that does not contain the Real ID seal will no longer be accepted.

What is Real ID, anyway?

Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that bears a special seal, which signifies that the bearer of the card has been screened and approved according to a standard set by the federal government, rather than just by the state issuing the license.

Why is this change taking place?

In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. government realized that nearly all of the hijackers who boarded commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Penn., were carrying U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs, and most of those documents had been obtained fraudulently.

In the years that followed, the federal government began an effort to tighten national standards for state-issued documentation, and in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act sets minimum standards for driver’s licenses and other types of identification cards. Once the law kicks into gear, any traveler who wishes to use a driver’s license or state-issued ID at a T.S.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant.

“The findings of the 9/11 Commission clearly identified gaps in security management of state-level procured identity cards and driver’s licenses,” said Frank Harrison, the North America regional security director for World Travel Protection , a risk management company. “The Real ID Act provides a national framework of screening and approval to ensure consistency and integrity of programs. In other words, each state will maintain authority over their ID issuances, but they collectively will adhere to one standard of practice.”

The Real ID Act was initially set to be enforced in 2008 and has been delayed a number of times.

“It’s remarkable how long it has taken for this to come into effect,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel platform Scott’s Cheap Flights . “It’s been decades in the making.”

How do I know if my license is a Real ID?

The easiest way to tell is just to look at it. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have a star, usually in gold or black. The stars look slightly different on each state’s licenses — in California, it sits on top of an image of a bear, which is the state animal.

A license that is not Real-ID compliant will not have a star in the corner, and some will also have the words “federal limits apply.”

Can I get a Real ID regardless of where I live?

Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards are now being issued in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the majority of U.S. territories. American Samoa is not yet issuing them.

What do I need to get a Real ID?

Each state has a different process for applying for a Real ID, so applicants should check requirements online. New Yorkers can visit a special Department of Motor Vehicles page detailing the process; many other states, including California and Texas, offer similar sites either through their D.M.V. or government portals. In most instances, you can get a Real ID by visiting your local D.M.V., either as part of a standard license renewal or by filling out a special application.

But no matter where you live, to apply for a Real ID or change your license over, you’ll need to provide a Social Security number, prove your address through documents like a utility bill or bank statement, and verify your identity through a handful of additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

In many instances, there is no additional cost to receive a Real ID if you’re already renewing your license, although some states charge extra — in Pennsylvania, for example, it’s an additional $30 on top of the renewal fee.

If I don’t get a Real ID, can I still fly?

Yes. There are a number of other forms of identification that T.S.A. agents will accept for domestic air travel starting in May. These include a passport, a permanent residency card (also known as a Green Card), or the card for trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry and NEXUS , which allows pre-screened travelers to transit quickly across the United States-Canada border.

In addition, a handful of states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont — offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses , or E.D.L.s. Some travelers may prefer to opt for these over a Real ID because they can also be used at some land or sea border crossings. They provide proof of U.S. citizenship, much like a passport, and are equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that can display biographic and biometric data on the owner, including facial image, gender, date of birth and citizenship status, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

E.D.L.s are Real ID-compliant, as well, although instead of a star, they have an American flag. The flag’s location varies by state.

E.D.L.s can be used by travelers crossing land and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but they can’t be used in lieu of a passport if you’re traveling anywhere by air.

Do children need a Real ID?

No. The T.S.A. doesn’t require kids under the age of 18 to show any identification right now when they’re traveling domestically with an adult.

For international travel, children of all ages are required to carry passports and that will continue.

Can a Real ID be used as a replacement for any other form of identification, like a passport?

It can’t. For the vast majority of travelers, becoming Real ID-compliant will be a matter of simply updating their driver’s licenses. Real IDs cannot be used at any international border, including land crossings with Canada and Mexico, and they can’t be used for sea travel on a cruise, either. International travelers will still be required to carry a passport.

Should I be concerned about my personal privacy?

Maybe. Many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, have decried the Real ID Act as a threat to personal privacy and an overstep of information gathering on the part of the federal government.

“A lot of the security and privacy concerns revolve around the fact that it’s pushing every state’s D.M.V. into a national database,” said Anaya Robinson, a senior policy strategist for the A.C.L.U. of Colorado. “If someone were to hack that singular database, they could get the personal information of anyone.”

For undocumented immigrants who seek out driver’s licenses so they can legally operate a motor vehicle, the shift to Real ID also presents a threat, Mr. Robinson added. “There’s a severe privacy concern in the immigration space of the federal government, Homeland Security and I.C.E. being able to access that information,” he said.

In addition to centralizing personal data like addresses and citizenship status into a federal database, the cards also carry a machine-readable zone that can be scanned for information on the card owner’s identity, which detractors say also presents a risk of identify theft.

But only 37 percent of Americans have a passport, according to estimates from the U.S. State Department, so if you plan to fly after May 2023 and don’t want to scramble with alternative documentation, you’ll need to update your driver’s license.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the American flag on Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. While the flag often appears in either the upper right corner or the bottom right corner of a driver’s license, in some cases it appears elsewhere on the license, depending on the state.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the star that indicates a driver’s license is Real ID-compliant. While the star is usually in the top upper corner of the license, occasionally, as in the instance of Alabama licenses, it is not.

How we handle corrections

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

TSA reminds travelers of REAL ID identification requirements

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers that beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification, to fly within the United States. TSA has launched a public awareness campaign about the upcoming identification changes to ensure that every traveler is prepared for the airport security checkpoint process when the REAL ID Act goes into full enforcement .

“TSA is doing everything we can to prepare our partners and the traveling public for the REAL ID deadline next year,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “The security requirements of the REAL ID Act will dramatically enhance and improve commercial aviation security.”

Travelers will begin seeing new signs at airports nationwide in the coming weeks to remind people that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or U.S. military ID , will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020. Critically important, on October 1, 2020, individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.

REAL ID-compliant licenses are generally marked by a star on the top of the card. Travelers who are not sure if their ID is compliant should check with their state driver’s license agency.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act complies with the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints. The regulations established the deadline of October 1, 2020, to ensure full enforcement of the REAL ID Act by that date. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver's license today than before the passage of the Act.

For more information about flying with a REAL ID and to download and print informational materials, visit tsa.gov/real-id .

Curious about the benefits available to AARP members? Watch this two-minute video to learn more.

What You Need to Know About Real ID and Travel

Travelers now have until 2025 to get the upgraded driver’s licenses for security screening.

Christina Ianzito,

Jacquelyne Froeber,

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the Real ID law on May 7, 2025. The new deadline follows a previous deadline of May 3, 2023, which was deemed unworkable in part due to the pandemic and its continued disruption of states’ abilities to issue the Real ID–compliant driver’s licenses. The DHS issued a statement on Dec. 5 saying the new deadline will give state licensing agencies time to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. The extension also gives the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) time to “implement innovations” to make the process as smooth as possible.

If this sounds familiar, the enforcement date, first set for 2008, has been delayed multiple times.

Conceived as part of 2005 legislation in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Real ID law requires people to show security-enhanced IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases, once the regulations begin to be enforced. Travelers will also be able to use passports or certain other federal documents as an alternative to a Real ID.

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Sometimes called the Star Card, because most states are marking their Real ID cards with a gold or black star in the top right corner, it must include an encoded “machine readable zone,” like a passport’s, with a person’s scannable information. Many state driver’s licenses already have this feature. The key thing that makes the card special is that the federal government requires you to provide certain identifying documentation to obtain one from your state.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

The DHS has spent years on its Real ID public information campaign, but many people remain confused over how to get the cards and what they are.

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

A few basics about Real ID:

To get a Real ID, you need to present documents to your DMV proving your age and identity, Social Security number and address. That generally means bringing a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax form such as a W-2, and two proofs of address. If you’ve changed your name through marriage, you’ll need a marriage certificate.
Although the Real ID is also a driver’s license, the old-style driver’s license is still lawful for driving and still available as an option in many states. Some, such as Arizona and Kentucky, are trying to make this clear by calling the Real ID a Travel ID. New Jersey continues to issue standard state licenses, which are marked with the words “Not for ‘REAL ID’ purposes.”
After May 7, 2025, a regular driver’s license won’t be sufficient to get a passenger through security and onto a plane. The Real ID technically is not mandatory because you can instead use other approved documents, including a passport, passport card, U.S. military ID, Enhanced ID (offered in some states) or an ID from the federal government’s Trusted Traveler Program, such as a Global Entry card .
For international travel, you’ll still need a passport.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published Aug. 23, 2019. It was updated to reflect the new Real ID deadline.

Christina Ianzito covers scams and fraud, and is the books editor for aarp.org and AARP The Magazine . Also a longtime travel writer and editor, she received a 2020 Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.

Jacquelyne Froeber is an award-winning journalist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She writes and edits travel content for AARP.org.

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

REAL ID: What Travelers Need to Know

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is a REAL ID?

Do i need real id to fly in 2024, what is the real id act, how will real id affect your travels.

The deadline to get a REAL ID has been extended several times, and for many reasons. The initial deadline was towards the tail end of 2020, but the global pandemic derailed people from taking trips to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a fresh identification card.

At the end of 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it had extended the REAL ID full enforcement date by another 24 months. The deadline is now May 7, 2025.

The DHS cited "the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card" as the primary reason for the delay.

But once May 2025 rolls around (and assuming the deadline doesn't get extended again), U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. That means you'll eventually need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (or another government-issued REAL ID) to be able to fly domestically, similar to how you need a passport to fly internationally.

While the should come as good news to procrastinators — considering the possible back up with passport applications (which may take as long as six months for you to receive from the time you apply) — it's still a wise move to get that REAL ID sooner rather than later.

REAL ID is an enhanced driver's license that meets newly issued requirements that ensure secure production and issuance of licenses and IDs. The goal is to prevent or severely curb copying or altering.

No, you do not need a REAL ID to fly in 2024. You have until early May 2025 to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

The REAL ID Act is a federal law that was passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. The goal was to set standards for sources of identification used to enter federal facilities and fly on commercial aircraft, which are regulated by the federal government.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) then announced plans to phase in more secure driver's licenses that are compliant with REAL ID guidelines. These require applicants to provide documents that show the following as proof of identity:

Legal name.

Date of birth.

Social Security number.

Primary address (two items).

Citizenship status.

It has taken several years to implement the REAL ID Act because driver’s licenses are issued by states' departments of motor vehicles, so each state had to comply with the requirements outlined in the act before issuing new IDs to residents.

There are a few things contributing to the confusion surrounding REAL ID. Some states have started issuing Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), and they work the same as REAL ID. Those states include New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington.

To figure out whether your license is compliant, look for a black or gold star in the upper right-hand corner, like this:

Once the new policy goes into effect, domestic airline passengers who are older than 18 will need to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification (this could be a passport) to get past TSA security. There are a few other forms of ID beyond a REAL ID, passport or EDL that can be used to board a domestic flight, including:

DHS trusted traveler ID.

Passport card.

Border crossing card.

Permanent resident card.

Check the Transportation Security Administration rules to see if you have an acceptable alternate form of ID. But in other words, if you're procrastinating on getting your REAL ID but have a flight scheduled after May 7, 2025 (and you don't anticipate updating your ID in the meantime), you could present something like a passport, and be able to fly.

And with that in mind, go ahead and apply for that REAL ID anyway. You likely don't want to carry your valuable passport on a domestic trip, as it's annoying to replace should you lose it. Get that REAL ID now, and leave your passport at home.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2024]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

213 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24 U.S. States Visited: 26

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3109 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2024]

Global Entry

International flight with only 1 parent present, age: newborn, age: 0 to 2 years old, age: 2 to 18 years old, minors traveling alone, 18-year-old “kids”, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Getting the family ready for a big vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can also come with a lot of stress. Even if it isn’t a big vacation, sometimes just the thought of putting your little ones on a plane can bring anxiety.

Making sure that all of your reservations have been made, seats have been assigned, and hotel rooms have been upgraded, all while attempting to keep the kids entertained and behaving properly can be exhausting. This is even before you leave the house.

Add in the fact that your child may or may not need some sort of identification to board a plane can be that extra confusion that a new parent just doesn’t need.

Well, we’re here to lay it all out clearly for you and let you know exactly what you need to fly with your kids!

As an adult over the age of 18, you need a valid government form of ID to board a plane in the U.S., according to the TSA .

If you’re flying internationally, you will need to show your passport or passport card. If you are taking a domestic flight, you will need to show your driver’s license or another form of government ID with your photo on it.

However, for children under the age of 18, that is a different story. Depending on where they are traveling to, and what age they are, they might not need an ID at all.

Since there is a lot of information out there, it can get a little confusing to understand it all. Here, we’ll break it all down for you so that the next time you board a flight with your little one in tow, you will know exactly what you will (and won’t) need.

International Flights

This one is very black and white. Regardless of your age, if you are flying to a different country, you will need to present your passport at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and when you arrive at your destination.

Even if your child is only a month old, they will need a passport to leave the country. Don’t have a passport yet for your little traveler? Don’t worry, we have a complete guide on how to get a U.S. passport for your baby .

If your destination requires a travel visa , your child will also need to apply for the visa. Since both of these things take time, it’s best to get these done as far in advance as possible.

If for some reason you need to take an international trip immediately after the birth of your child, it’s possible to get passports and visas expedited for an extra cost.

If you have Global Entry , that doesn’t mean that your child will automatically get it as well.

Unlike TSA PreCheck , which can extend to your children ages 17 and under, if you want to take your child through the Global Entry line they will need to go through the same process that you did.

Yes, that means paying the $100 application fee and even in some cases having your infant complete the interview process. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of credit cards that reimburse the Global Entry fee .

Although this may seem like a hassle, having an official government photo ID of your child will come in handy for many circumstances down the road.

Bottom Line: If you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport (and maybe a visa), regardless of their age.

If you plan on traveling internationally with your child, and both parents will not be traveling together, you will need to provide some additional permission forms.

Depending on the airline and the country you will be flying to (and potentially back from), the requirements may be different.

The most important piece will be a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport or valid identification .

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate.

The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody as you may be required to present a copy of your custody agreement signed by both parents.

Domestic Flights

Here is where things aren’t so black and white …

Sure, you could just travel with your child’s passport every time you board a flight, but depending on the situation, that probably isn’t necessary. And if there is 1 thing you should hope to never lose during a trip, it’s a passport. So why bring it if you don’t have to?

In most circumstances, children under the age of 18 will not need a photo ID to board a domestic flight if they are accompanied by an adult.

However, there are some circumstances where a photo ID or some official document may be needed for minors to board. Let’s break it down by age group and figure out what documentation your child will need (if anything) to fly.

This will vary by carrier, but most airlines will accept infants as young as 2 days old.

If you find yourself needing to board a plane with an infant less than 2 weeks old, you may be required by the airline to provide a note from your physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly.

Since this can vary by airline, it’s best to contact your carrier before you travel.

For example, American Airlines requires that a “special assistance coordinator” send a form directly to the physician for them to fill out if the child is less than 7 days old.

Once you pass the 2-week-old window, the only age questions you will come across are whether or not your child has turned 2 years old yet. That is because children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights as long as they are flying with an adult.

While you won’t be required to show an ID for the child when passing through security, at check-in the airline may require that you prove that the child is under the age of 2 because, obviously, if they are not, the airline will want to charge you for their seat.

Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

While some airlines are more lenient than others, it’s always best to come prepared. For example, Southwest Airlines is very strict as it always require a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your little one to fly as a lap child .

Hot Tip: If your child turns 2 years old during a trip (hello Disney birthday vacation!), you will be required to pay for a full-priced, round-trip ticket. This would be a good opportunity to book 2 one-way tickets to save a few dollars.

Baby on American Airlines A321 Business Class

Once your child turns 2 years old they will be required to pay the full airfare and no longer be allowed to fly as a lap child — cue the sad music.

This also means that they won’t be required to prove their age anymore, which means that you don’t have to worry about traveling with an additional ID for them.

Minors under the age of 18 will not need ID to pass through security, they only need a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult.

Although it isn’t required, it may feel weird traveling without some sort of ID for your kids. So, regardless of where you are traveling to, we suggest having some sort of ID for them.

Sometimes that may mean a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or, at the very least, a photo of their passport on your cell phone.

Bottom Line: As long as a minor between the age of 2 and 18 is traveling with an adult they will not need a photo ID to board a plane.

Here is another circumstance where the information can become a little murky. Since exact requirements may vary by airline, it’s best to contact your carrier directly if you plan on sending your child off on their own.

That being said, some basics seem to be standard across the industry.

Child Travel Consent Form

A child travel consent form is a form that provides proof that the child is authorized to travel alone.

This form will often be provided by the airline — for example, American Airlines refers to it as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form and needs it to be completed with the information about who is dropping off the child and who will be picking them up at the final destination.

If the child is traveling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents.

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate. Note: This may only be required for international travel.

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 5 to 14

Children age 5 to 14 are not required to show an ID at the time of check-in, however, they are always encouraged to have some sort of ID on them during travel.

If your child already has a passport, at least send them with a copy of it in case of an emergency.

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 15 to 17

Children ages 15 to 17 may be required to provide some sort of identification, including one of the following:

Birth certificate
Credit card
Driver’s license
Learners permit
Library card
Organization ID (athletics club, theater group, etc.)
Passport card
Proof of auto insurance in the passenger’s name
Social Security card

Bottom Line: If your child will be traveling alone , it’s best to send them with some sort of ID, preferably something with their photo on it.

Even though your 18-year-old is legally an adult, they are still your little baby and you surely will want to have them prepared when they decide they want to go off on a trip with their friends. Spring Break, anyone?

Well, now that he or she has turned 18, they are legally required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID.

The identification must contain a clear photo, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. territory. Expired documents will not be accepted.

The following is a list of acceptable forms of identification for boarding a U.S. domestic flight:

Airline- or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
Border Crossing Card
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meet REAL ID requirements
Foreign government-issued passport
HSPD-12 PIV card
Native American Tribal Photo ID
Permanent Resident Card
Registered Traveler Card (that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
U.S. Military ID
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Hot Tip: TSA ID requirements are subject to change, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to check directly what you need on the TSA’s website .

At the end of the day, the answer is pretty simple: It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you have an ID for your little one, bring it! You might not need it, but it’s better than being denied boarding.

But, to put it simply, if you are flying internationally , your child will need a passport and potentially a travel visa.

If you are flying domestically and your baby will be flying as a lap child , you may be asked for proof at check-in that they are indeed younger than 2 years old.

If your child is flying domestically on their own ticket (not as a lap child) they probably won’t need any sort of ID until they are 18 years old.

Now, grab your little traveler and start exploring this beautiful world!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my baby need a passport.

If your child will be flying out of the country, they will need a valid passport.

What kind of ID does a child need to fly?

Children under the age of 18 do not need an ID to fly on domestic flights inside of the U.S. as long as they are traveling with an adult.

What documents does a child need to travel without parents?

If a minor is traveling alone, they will need a signed parental consent form.

Do kids pay for flights?

Children under the age of 2 can fly as a lap child. On domestic flights there is no cost; on international flights, it can cost up to 10% of the adult’s ticket value.

Was this page helpful?

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

How to Get a U.S. Passport for Your Baby [Step-By-Step]

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

How to Apply for A Passport

Share this page:

Passport Forms

What Form Should I use?

Citizenship Evidence

Photo Identification

Passport Photos

Passport Fees

Get Your Processing Time

Where to Apply

Provide a photo identification document (ID) when applying in person if you are:

Over age 18
A parent or guardian applying with your child

The ID must:

Be a physical document
Include your photo
Be issued by the government

Bring the ID and a photocopy of the ID when you apply

Submit a photocopy of the front and back of each ID that you present when you apply.

Your photocopy must be on white, 8.5'' x 11" standard paper, in black and white, and on one side of the paper.
Do not decrease the image size. You may make the image size bigger.

Primary ID (submit one)

Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
In-state, fully-valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
U.S. military or military dependent ID
Current (valid) foreign passport
Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo,
In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo, or
Temporary driver's license with photo.

Notice on Digital ID Documents : Some states have digital ID documents, mobile driver's licenses, or mobile IDs. We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must give us a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.

Secondary IDs (submit at least two from the list below)

Out-of-state driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
Learner's or temporary driver's permit (without a photo)
In-state, fully valid non-driver ID (without a photo)
Out-of-state, non-driver ID
Temporary driver's license (without a photo)
Social Security card
Voter registration card
Employee work ID
School yearbook with identifiable photograph
Selective Service (draft) card
Medicare or other health card
Expired driver's license
Form DS-71 for an Identifying Witness (note: this form is only available if you are applying in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency ).

Applying Out of State

If you apply out of state, please present an extra ID. It should show as much of the following information as possible:

Date of birth, and
Document issuance date

Selecting Your Gender Marker

If you want to select a different gender marker, please see our Selecting your Gender Marker page .

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

About REAL ID

Are You REAL ID Ready?

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Find out if you’re REAL ID ready with our interactive tool, or select your state or territory!

Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 7, 2025?
Does your Drivers License / ID have a star (and/or flag) or say "Enhanced"?

You're REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.

Do you have a passport?

A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.

Click here to see if you have one of these acceptable forms of identification that may also be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities (link will open in a new window). Do you have one of these?
These alternate forms of identification may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID at the airport to board domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.

You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Select your state or territory to visit your local DMV to learn more.

You might not need a REAL ID. Click on your state or territory below to visit your local DMV to learn more.

Select a state or territory: -- Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

REAL ID Act of 2005

Deadline: May 7, 2025

Go to navigation
Go to main content
Go to search
Go to footer

Main content

Frequently asked questions and answers about travel id, what is travel id.

Travel ID gives you access to the digital channels of the Lufthansa Group airlines and Miles & More.

What benefits do I get from Travel ID?

Simple: single login with your email address.
Comprehensive: access to the channels of Lufthansa Group airlines.
Fast: thanks to pre-populated forms.
Clear: personal data, current information and recommendations relating to your booking at a glance.
Individual: customised offers for you.
Plus: all the benefits of Miles & More if desired.

How do I earn miles with Travel ID?

By activating Miles & More for your Travel ID. You can do this when you register or (in a few weeks’ time) retroactively in your Travel ID profile. You will then earn miles and Points when you book with your Travel ID or enter your Miles & More service card number during the booking process.

Registration

Why was my password not accepted during registration.

Your password must be different from your user ID and it must not be one you have used before. In addition, it must contain:

a minimum of 8 characters
at least 1 uppercase letter
at least 1 lowercase letter
at least 1 number
at least 1 of the following special characters: §!"#$%&'()*+,-./:;<>?_@\

Why was my email address not accepted during registration?

Your email address is probably associated with a Travel ID account already. An email address cannot be used for more than one account, so you need to register with a different email address.

Alternatively, you can reset your password and use your existing account.

Why has my activation link for Travel ID expired/why is it not valid?

Your Travel ID activation link is valid for 24 hours. After this time, you will have to restart the registration process to receive a new activation link.

Why haven’t I received an email with an activation link?

Please check your spam folder. If there is no email with an activation link in your spam folder, please register again.

Why isn’t my Travel ID active?

Before you can log in with your Travel ID, you must click on the activation link. You can find this link in the email which was sent to the Travel ID email address you provided.

What can I do if I’ve forgotten my login details?

Click on "Forgotten password", enter your Travel ID email address, and follow the instructions.

What are my login options for Travel ID?

Depending on the type of Travel ID you have (with or without Miles & More), you have the following login options:

without Miles & More: Travel ID email address and password
with Miles & More: Travel ID email address and password or service card number and PIN

Why can’t I log in?

Your profile may not have been activated yet.

If it has been less than 24 hours since you registered, check your inbox and your spam folder. You will find an email there with the activation link. If it has been more than 24 hours since you registered, register again and activate your Travel ID with the link we send you by email.

Can I log into other Lufthansa Group airlines using my Travel ID?

Yes. In the future, you will be able to log into all of the Lufthansa Group airlines. These include Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Discover Airlines.

Why can I no longer log into my Lufthansa iD profile?

Lufthansa iD was taken offline on 31.1.23. Lufthansa iD has been replaced by Travel ID. If you missed this news, please create a new Travel ID.

If you have active bookings, you can add them to your Travel ID profile under My Bookings.

I missed the changeover of my airline ID to Travel ID. What can I do?

Your airline ID has been deleted. Please re-register for Travel ID. If you have active bookings, you can add them to your Travel ID profile under My Bookings.

User profile

How can i change the email address i use to log in.

First of all, you need to add your new email address to your profile under "Contact details". Confirm the change using the activation link which we send you by email. Go back into your Travel ID profile and move the confirmed email address to the top of the list.

Can I add more than one frequent flyer programme to my profile?

No. You can only add one frequent flyer programme to your profile. If Miles & More is already activated for your Travel ID, you cannot add another frequent flyer programme.

Can I add an email address to my Travel ID account which is already being used for another Travel ID account?

An email address can only be saved in one Travel ID account. If you have multiple Travel ID accounts, you must delete the account you do not use. You can then add this email address to your active Travel ID account.

Data protection, advertising and deletion of accounts

How do i delete my travel id account.

You can delete your Travel ID account in your profile under "Your profile information". If you have linked your Travel ID with Miles & More, and you wish to delete both accounts, you must first cancel your membership of the Miles & More programme. Please contact your Miles & More Team to do so.

How can I opt out of receiving advertising communications?

You can opt out of receiving advertising communications by changing your preferences in your profile under "Communication settings".

How can I revoke my permission for the use of my Travel ID data?

You can opt out of your data being used by deactivating "Consent to personalised communication" in your profile under "Communication settings".

How does the Lufthansa Group use my data?

Data protection is very important to us. The Lufthansa Group does not sell any customer data or share data with third parties.

Can I share my Travel ID login details with other people?

Your Travel ID is personal to you. To avoid misuse, you should not share your login details. This recommendation also forms part of our data protection policy.

Flights and bookings

Why doesn’t the flight i have already booked appear under “my bookings”.

Your booking appears automatically in your Travel ID profile if you make the booking while you are logged into lufthansa.com or you are using the Lufthansa app. You can also add a booking to your account at any time later on.

How do I add a flight to the bookings in my Travel ID account?

Log into lufthansa.com with your Travel ID. Click on your name in the top right corner. A menu will appear. Select "My bookings". You will be taken to your bookings, where you will be able to add bookings.

Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age

A couple of times a year, I get a panicked message from a friend or reader who is about to take an airplane flight with their kids. Suddenly they’ve realized that they have no idea what kind of identification they need for their children to fly, if any. After a decade and a half of flying on hundreds of flights and dozens of airlines with my kids to destinations all around the world, I know this question can certainly be confusing!

In the United States, there are multiple entities that set the official legal rules and regulations governing air travel identification and documentation. Those can include Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and each specific airline.

So exactly what documentation is required to board an airplane with kids? As you might imagine, it depends! Here is all the information you need to make sure you have the right identification to travel aboard both domestic and international flights with kids.

Short on Time? Quick Answers in a Nutshell

Children under the age of 18 typically do not need ID to fly on domestic flights within the United States when accompanied by an adult. Airlines may require identification, however, in more unusual circumstances such as with very young infants, lap children, unaccompanied minors, or older teens flying solo. Identification – specifically a passport book but sometimes more – is always required for kids of any age to travel on international flights.

Identification Required for Kids for International Travel

Most travelers usually expect strict identification rules when it comes to international travel. If you are traveling internationally by air the answer to the question of whether kids need ID to fly is pretty simple. Yes! They do!

Not just any ID will suffice. Just as with adults, a passport book is required to fly with kids internationally no matter how young. If you have kids who are United States citizens, getting an official passport can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, it requires some logistical steps that parents can mess up.

How to Get Passports in the US for Kids

Specifically, the consent of both parents is required for kids under age 16. That usually means both parents need to appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (like many post offices, local government offices, etc.). Alternatively, one parent can appear in person with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent. I got a notarized letter from my husband the last time we applied for our kids because his work schedule made it difficult for him to be available during the limited business hours passport acceptance facilities in our area were open.

Note also that you can’t just easily renew children’s passports by mail like you can for adults. The same in-person application process with both parents present is required. Plus kids under age 16 must renew passports every 5 years, instead of every 10 years for adults.

For that reason, I highly recommend starting the process of obtaining passports for your kids many months in advance of any international travel. After the paperwork is submitted, the process can take 2-3 months for a passport to arrive. Plus, it can often take many weeks before you can get an appointment to even submit the paperwork.

This obviously makes international travel with very young infants especially challenging, as it takes time to first get a birth certificate for the child and then apply for a passport.

Hopefully you are landing on this article in plenty of time to get your paperwork in order for your specific situation. But if not, there may be ways you can get what you need more urgently. You can pay a $60 extra fee to expedite a passport, which can cut several weeks off of standard processing times. And in more urgent situations, there is an even more expedited option available by applying at a passport agency (which can be done if a trip is within 14 days or less).

Special Note about International Land Crossings and Cruises

One reason some travelers misunderstand the air travel rules for kid identification is because the rules for kids crossing land borders and on some cruises can be different. For example, minors who are US citizens can cross into Canada by land with only a birth certificate.

On some closed loop cruises starting and ending in the United States going to destinations like Mexico, Canada, or many Caribbean countries, there are times when both kids and adults can technically travel without a passport using a birth certificate or passport card.

But none of these exceptions apply to international air travel. Don’t mix these rules up!

Child Travel Consent Form

Although a passport book is necessary to travel with kids on international flights, it isn’t necessarily fully sufficient. There are some times that other travel documents may be required – such as a visa for certain countries.

What is even more likely to trip up international travelers is the situation in which a child is traveling with only one parent or is traveling with another adult who isn’t a parent. In many of these circumstances, proof that both parents consent to the specific trip can be required. In these cases, the best practice is to carry a notarized letter of consent for the child to travel.

Some countries have very specific forms or formats that you need to follow. Mexico is one such example and historically has tended to be quite strict. My husband will likely be traveling solo with one of our kids to Mexico for a family wedding in a few months, and we are already planning to get the a letter of consent completed as an extra precaution.

Many countries don’t have clear cut rules that are easy to research. For example, I flew last summer to Italy (first entering the Schengen Area in Frankfurt, Germany) with both of my kids without my husband. I wasn’t able to get completely definitive information as to whether consent was required. As a result, we went ahead and had my husband complete a notarized letter of consent that I kept with me along with a copy of his passport. We weren’t asked to show it, but I breathed easier knowing I had it!

Unfortunately, profiling can and does occur depending on where you are traveling. So parents who don’t share the same last name as their children or who may appear to be another race or ethnicity may find they face extra scrutiny. The best way to avoid any surprises – just or not – is to err on the side of having this document even when it’s not necessarily required.

Identification Required for Kids for Domestic Travel

If you are traveling domestically, the answer to the ID question is a little more complicated but thankfully usually much easier. In most standard circumstances, identification is not required for minors for domestic travel within the USA. There are specific unique situations, however, where it can be.

What Identification is Needed at TSA Checkpoints?

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not require you to have an ID for children under age 18 at the security checkpoint.

That said, TSA agents may well talk to your child to confirm their identity and to screen for cases of child abduction. Agents have asked my kids over the years for their names. In some circumstances, they’ve pointed to my husband or me and asked our children who we are. If you have kids who are shy or who take warnings of stranger danger to heart, let them know in advance of your trip that it’s ok for them to speak to these agents and to answer truthfully.

Related: Strategies for Speeding Through TSA Checkpoints with Kids

Special Situations Where Kids May Need ID for Domestic Travel

While the TSA won’t require identification for kids under age 18, many airlines have policies in specific circumstances where some form of ID will be required. It’s vital to know about these outlier circumstances so you don’t come to the airport unprepared.

Young Infants

A number of airlines have rules that prohibit or limit newborns from flying. Airline rules differ, with some airlines like Delta prohibiting newborns under 7 days old from flying on any flights. Others set limits only on international travel, including Southwest which limits infants 14 days old or younger from flying on international flights. Most airlines allow young infants under their age limits, however, to fly with a letter of permission from a physician.

Related: Essential Tips for Your Baby’s First Flight

If you are traveling with a newborn, it’s highly advised to bring a document like a birth certificate for proof of age. And if you are looking for an exception to an age minimum of any sort, a physician’s letter is essential.

Lap Children

When you are flying with a child who will be sitting in your lap (permitted for kids under age 2), having identification to prove age may be required. Some airlines will allow younger infants to board with no ID, as it’s normally obvious that very small babies are not yet near the maximum age cutoff. Families with older babies toddling and speaking always should carry proof of age no matter what the airline. Airline employees can ask at any time for proof to make sure the child is young enough to travel as a lap child.

Related: What to Consider before Flying with a Lap Child

If you are flying Southwest Airlines, however, do not leave ID at home no matter what the age of your lap child. Southwest is the only US carrier that absolutely requires identification of any and every lap child regardless of how old they appear. You’ll need to show it at the ticket counter to obtain a boarding verification document (that works like a boarding pass) for the lap child.

Are there some instances where passengers haven’t had to show documentation for their children on Southwest? For sure. But I’ve flown with a lap child on Southwest more than a dozen times, and I can assure you that every time I had to show proof of age, even with a kiddo as young as 4 months! You don’t want to chance this.

Related: Complete Guide to Flying Southwest with Kids

What kind of identification works for lap children? A simple copy of a birth certificate will usually suffice. No need to rush to the DMV to get your tot a state-issued ID card.

Birth certificates can, however, can take awhile to obtain after a child is born. If you need to fly with a young infant domestically, most airlines will also accept hospital discharge documentation or vaccination records from a pediatrician’s office. The key is that the document have the child’s date of birth on it. When in doubt, if you cannot obtain a birth certificate, call the airline you are flying beforehand to confirm alternatives.

Unaccompanied Minors & Minors Traveling Solo

Another circumstance in which identification may be required for a child is in the case of children flying alone. Again, each airline’s policy is different.

In this situation, age really matters. All US airlines permit older teens (usually ages 15+ but sometimes younger) to fly solo just like adults. And most of them also allow younger kids (often ages 5-14) to fly as unaccompanied minors by paying a fee for limited supervision by airline employees. Depending on the child’s age and circumstances, different documentation can be required.

For older teens under age 18 flying truly solo and not with an unaccompanied minor program, ID is almost always required. Since many kids in this age range won’t have a driver’s license or official government photo ID yet, some airlines (like United) will accept other forms of identification like a birth certificates or student IDs. Other airlines (like Delta), however, require that 15-17 year olds flying solo have the same kind of photo ID that is required of adults. So if your child doesn’t have a driver’s permit or license yet, you’ll likely need to pack a passport.

Younger kids flying as an unaccompanied minor may need some identification as well. This also varies based on the airline and the circumstance. For example, when my son flew earlier this year as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, I had to show ID as his parent, but I was not asked to show identification for him. Officially, however, Southwest’s policy is that parents may need to show proof of age for the minor. We probably weren’t asked because I booked under my son’s Rapid Rewards account that includes his date of birth (and he clearly appears to be within the age range of the program).

Most other US airlines won’t ask for ID for unaccompanied minors in straightforward situations, but the important thing to note is that they can . So the safest course of action is to at least carry a birth certificate. I put a birth certificate in my son’s backpack anyway, so we were prepared!

Here are links to the relevant age and ID policies that may apply to minors flying solo or as unaccompanied minors on each major US airline:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
United Airlines

Additional Identification Air Travel Tips

When in doubt, bring it : I know from lots of digging around fine print on the internet that it’s sometimes impossible to get a definitive answer about identification. When in doubt, I highly recommend you err on the side of packing more than you need rather than less. A passport book is the gold standard. For domestic travel an original birth certificate (with the raised seal) can be helpful in many circumstances too.
Keep extra copies on the cloud : Back in the pre-internet old days of travel, most of us traveled with extra passport copies in a separate bag in case we lost the original. In the digital age, having backups is easier than ever. I keep a copy on the cloud of passports and birth certificates for everyone in the family. That way, I can easily access everything on my phone in cases of emergency.
Take extra precautions in case of child custody disputes and divorce : It’s crucial in situations of divorce or shared custody that parents have all of their legal ducks in a row before boarding a plane with their child, even for a simple hop across state lines. As a former attorney myself, I strongly suggest you consult your own legal counsel. Always make sure travel is permitted and that you know what additional documentation you need to bring to avoid any potential issues.

The post Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age appeared first on Trips With Tykes .

A couple of times a year, I get a panicked message from a friend or reader who is about to take an airplane flight with their kids. Suddenly they’ve realized that they have no idea what kind of identification they need for their children to fly, if any. After a decade and a half of …

Cover Letters
Jobs I've Applied To
Saved Searches
Subscriptions

Marine Corps

Coast guard.

Space Force
Military Podcasts
Benefits Home
Military Pay and Money
Veteran Health Care
VA eBenefits
Veteran Job Search
Military Skills Translator
Upload Your Resume
Veteran Employment Project
Vet Friendly Employers
Career Advice
Military Life Home
Military Trivia Game
Veterans Day
Spouse & Family
Military History
Discounts Home
Featured Discounts
Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
Electronics
Join the Military Home
Contact a Recruiter
Military Fitness

‘Indefinite’ Defense Department IDs Inconvenience Air Travelers, May Be Dropped As Acceptable Identification

Military identification cards displayed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Military retirees and some spouses or dependents whose next-generation Department of Defense identification cards have an "INDEF" expiration date continue to face problems using their IDs to traverse Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at U.S. airports.

And a potential solution under consideration at TSA -- that the agency drops the IDs, known as USIDs, as acceptable forms of identification when stricter travel requirements are implemented next year -- is sure to irritate those who like using their military IDs instead of a state driver's license or passport for travel.

Nearly a dozen military retirees have contacted Military.com in the past two years with concerns that their ID cards marked INDEF, meaning they have an indefinite expiration date, don't work with TSA screening technology in airports across the country.

Read Next: Pentagon's Second Review of Abbey Gate Attack Finds Troops Didn't See Bomber Before the Explosion

Former service members have run into the issue at Chicago O'Hare International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Orlando International, Tampa International, San Diego International and elsewhere.

According to TSA press secretary R. Carter Langston, the problem centers around USIDs that lack an expiration date. The "INDEF" designation cannot be read by the TSA's Credential Authentication Technology. When the CAT unit does not detect an expiration date, the CAT screen will display an "EXPIRED" alert, according to Langston.

The TSA officer is supposed to ask for another acceptable form of ID that can be read by the CAT unit, Langston said. If the passenger does not have another acceptable form of ID, the officer "will conduct manual inspection of the DoD ID presented as these IDs are currently acceptable forms of ID," Langston said in a statement.

The issue is largely a matter of inconvenience, since many people travel with a driver's license, passport or other form of identification.

But for DoD ID card holders, it could become a major problem beginning May 7, 2025, when all travelers and visitors to the U.S. will be required to have a passport, a state-verified REAL ID or another form of identification designated as acceptable by TSA.

Since the REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed, Defense Department IDs holders have been told their IDs are compliant and acceptable in lieu of a REAL ID and many have not bothered to get a REAL ID compatible state identification card.

They may need to or begin traveling with a passport, because given the ongoing issues, TSA is considering dropping DoD IDs from their list of accepted identification before the REAL ID requirement goes into effect, according to a source with knowledge of ongoing discussions between TSA and the Defense Department.

The Defense Department did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal, and Langston said he would not "confirm or deny discussions that are pre-decisional in nature."

But the proposal does not sit well among some former service members who spent decades serving their country and take pride in carrying a military ID.

"You can get on any military base in the country, but you can't get on an airplane with a military ID card? I don't agree with that at all," said a military retiree based in Washington state who requested that his name not be used to protect how he learned of the proposal.

The source added that the decision is not final and discussions were ongoing.

The Defense Department updated the new IDs, known as USID, for active-duty family members, military retirees and their dependents, reservists and Medal of Honor recipients in 2020, the first upgrade to the cards since 1993.

The USID cards look similar to Common Access Cards, which are issued to active-duty personnel, but they don't have a built-in chip. They were created to have durable lamination, full-color photos and enhanced security features to make them less able to counterfeit or misuse.

When the USIDs were introduced, TSA's scanning system was unable to read their barcodes. That issue largely was fixed in 2022 with a software update , and DoD ID cards work for most individuals whose cards have an expiration date.

But the problem continues for IDs with the "INDEF" date. And retirees aren't happy about it.

"It's been my assumption all along [that I could fly with a DoD ID card]," said the Washington-based retired officer. "I had an old ID until just a couple of months ago, and it worked just fine."

Related: Defense Department Expands ID Card Renewals by Mail to US-Based Retirees, Dependents

Patricia Kime

Military News

Investigations and Features
Military Opinion

Select Service

National Guard

Most Popular Military News

USS Boxer (LHD 4) conducts flight quarters while transiting the Pacific Ocean

The maintenance-embattled USS Boxer is heading back to San Diego just 10 days after deploying due to an engineering issue, as...

Oklahoma Army National Guard soldiers support border operations in Texas.

The Louisiana soldiers are spaced in groups of two or three over the 1.5 mile, 400-yard-wide strip of land.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson visits with service members at the Pentagon

The roughly $11 million deal set the service up to be the premier partner for the league's inaugural season, which started...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

The recommendation on boosting paychecks is part of the final report from the House Armed Services Committee's military...

Latest Benefits Info

Fertility Benefits for Active-Duty Service Members
Military Child Care Fees
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Overview
GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance
The Active-Duty Montgomery GI Bill

More Military Headlines

U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

The Marine, who was part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was not named in the statement to adhere to the service's...

Fort Liberty Soldier Sentenced to Over 3 Years for Romance Scams, Bilked Over $350,000 from Victims
The Army National Guard Owes Thousands of Former Soldiers Unpaid Bonuses. It's Asking Them to Figure It Out.
Army Financial Counselor Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Gold Star Families of Death Gratuity, Life Insurance Money
Barksdale Air Force Base Closes Dining Hall Due to 'Pest Control Issue' as Photos of Rodents Shared Online
Black Enlisted Airmen Face Court-Martial at Much Higher Rates than White Peers, Study Finds
Air Force Identifies Seemingly Higher Rate of Rare Brain Cancer Among Children at New Mexico Base
Navy Ship Slated to Help Build Gaza Aid Pier Forced to Return to Port as Experts Warn of Other Delays
Navy Nixes Possible City Landfill Site Near Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Report Finds Military Facilities at 'Increased Risk' of Fuel Spills

Military Benefits Updates

The Mental Burden of Using Military Benefits
Sailor Worried About Career Convinces Judge to Avoid Jail, Probation for Jan. 6 Riot Participation
Camp Lejeune Marine Killed During Training in Eastern North Carolina, Service Says
Marine Corps Boot Camp: How to Physically Train for Entrance into the Military
Several Dozen Ships Lost Propulsion in Maryland Waters Before Key Bridge Collapse: 'You're Basically Just Drifting'
Coast Guard Reopens Ohio River Near Pittsburgh to Maritime Traffic After Sunken Barge Is Found
55 Coast Guard Academy Cadets Disciplined in Cheating Scandal

Entertainment

Watching the Emotional 'Bluey' Episode 'The Sign' as a Military Parent
The 'Band of Brothers' Cast Needs Your Help to Recreate Easy Company's Drop into Normandy 80 Years Later
Veterans Ronnie Adkins and Rudy Reyes Bring Combat Experience to the History Channel's 'The Proof Is Out There: Military Mysteries'

Trans care restrictions force some families to travel hours, spend hundreds for treatment

More than 20 states have gender-affirming care restrictions.

Misty Stamm was working tirelessly to figure out the details: waking up early, the hourslong drives, booking hotels and finding doctors who could legally administer gender-affirming hormone therapy to her 16-year-old transgender daughter.

Stamm is living in one of the 24 states where legislation is restricting gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, so she and parents like her must make long, expensive trips out of their home states to find the care their children need, according to a new report from the Campaign for Southern Equality Research and Policy Center.

“If we didn't have the care, I don't think she'd be alive,” said Stamm.

Stamm, who lives in Tennessee, drove five hours to get her daughter to a gender clinic in Ohio when her family first started considering care options. She wanted her daughter to be seen by a physician in person.

With new gender-affirming care restrictions set to go into effect soon in Ohio, Stamm and her daughter have since turned to a telehealth provider in Virginia.

However, they still have to drive two hours to Virginia for the online appointment, as to not break Tennessee law, which also bans telehealth providers from providing care and treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapies to a minor located in the state.

Stamm told ABC News that the time, effort and money they’re spending to access care is worth it.

When she came out as transgender at 13, “the mental health issues stopped completely,” said Stamm. “That affirmed to us that this was the right thing.”

Stamm's daughter had been in counseling and therapy since she was in fifth grade, struggling with her mental health and experiencing depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations.

PHOTO: In this Feb. 26, 2024, file photo, a woman and her daughter wave Pride flags from the East Balcony of the Tennessee House during debate of HB 1605, banning pride flags in Tennessee Public Schools, at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn.

At age 14, Stamm's daughter received puberty blockers to temporarily pause the development of physical sex characteristics. As her daughter grew older, the family and physicians together decided to move forward with hormone therapy. Throughout this process, they said, psychologists and therapists were consulted and were required for approvals.

“There's no talk of surgery or anything like that,” said Stamm. “That's a decision that she can make when she is an adult.”

Meanwhile, her mental health has progressed exponentially – Stamm said her daughter has since been released by her therapist and is only seen occasionally, as needed.

"She's just doing so well, and if we didn't have access -- we have to have it. She has to have it."

MORE: Report: LGBTQ content drove book banning efforts in 2023

Gas, airfare, lodging and other expenses to cross state lines and access gender-affirming care could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, the Southern Equality report states.

Stamm says she and her husband have spent likely thousands of dollars in travel costs to get care and are anxiously awaiting the day their daughter turns 18 so she can access care more freely.

The report from Southern Equality Research and Policy Center found that it could take almost 20 hours of driving roundtrip for some families across the South and Midwest to reach a state where trans youth care is legally accessible.

Families with transgender children across southern Florida, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas are the hardest hit, according to the report -- they would need to take a more than eight-hour car ride one way to get to a clinic that serves trans youth.

For Jennifer, an Austin, Texas, resident who asked to go by a pseudonym for safety concerns, said the health care bans in her state threw her family into logistical and financial chaos.

Savannah Chrisley on fate of parents' future

Apr 19, 6:48 PM

What made the preacher’s wife kill her husband?

Apr 19, 1:03 PM

'Under the Bridge' review: You’re in for a shock

Apr 19, 4:03 AM

Her 15-year-old daughter’s appointments to begin hormone therapy were canceled before the law in Texas even went into effect. When they sought out care in Louisiana, providers also were canceling appointments.

She sought out the help of local advocacy groups to help her family find a provider in Texas' neighbor to the west, New Mexico.

However, the costs continue to mount: “We are in a position that we could afford to buy plane tickets and stay in a hotel for a couple of nights and pay all of the out-of-pocket expenses for the medical care,” said Jennifer. “For a lot of people, that's probably not an option.”

Though telehealth has expanded opportunities for access to care, policies like those in Tennessee restrict these appointments for prescriptions from happening in the state and force some families like the Stamms to cross borders for online appointments.

PHOTO: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee appears at an event on Feb. 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who signed the gender-affirming care ban , has defended the bill against legal challenges.

"Tennessee is committed to protecting children from permanent, life-altering decisions," said Lee in a post on social platform X after the Justice Department argued the law violates the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

Supporters of gender-affirming medical care bans argue that children should wait until they’re older to make these medical decisions, and that there needs to be more research on the impact of these procedures on patients.

In the state’s court filings in opposition to a lawsuit against the ban, the state invokes Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – the decision which overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal protections for abortion rights.

The state argues that Dobbs allows states “to regulate medical treatments” and that it does not discriminate against transgender people because “not all transgender individuals use puberty blockers, hormones, or surgery.”

“This Court should acknowledge divergent views and hold that the responsibility to choose between them rests with the people acting through their elected representatives,” read the state’s filing.

The Tennessee Legislature is now considering a bill that could make it a felony to help a minor access gender-affirming care out-of-state without parental consent.

MORE: Kansas governor vetoes gender-affirming trans youth care ban

PHOTO: In this Aug. 30, 2023, file photo, students protest against Katy ISD's new transgender policy outside the school district's educational support complex, in Katy, Texas.

Transgender care for people under 18 has been a source of contention for state politicians in recent years, impacting a group estimated to make up less than 1.5% of the population ages 13-17, according to an estimate from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles .

Often due to discrimination, stigma, and gender-related stress, trans youth are at increased risk for poor mental health and suicide, substance use, experiencing violence, and other health risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Major national medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and more than 20 others have argued that gender-affirming care is safe, effective and medically necessary.

“Allowing them to live in their identity is what saves their mental health,” Jennifer said in response to criticism over transgender medical care.

As families continue to seek out avenues for care, Jennifer and Stamm want lawmakers to know that they're just a "normal, regular family."

“I want them to see us as people,” Jennifer said. “We are their neighbors, we are people who teach their kids in school. We are people they work with.”

Stamm adds, "She's just a regular kid, just trying to be a regular kid. … This has just presented so many challenges for her and we feel isolated. Our circle is tight and small ... Hopefully, people will be a little bit more empathetic to what we're going through. And how ridiculous all of this is."

Tennis pro on retiring amid endometriosis battle

Apr 19, 1:18 PM

Review: 'Coup de Chance' will make you laugh

Apr 19, 4:02 AM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News' latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent.

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

Iran-Burning Flags Of The U.S. And Israel

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Iran- International Jerusalem Day Rally In Tehran

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday.

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces."

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

Middle East
Benjamin Netanyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

More from CBS News

Israel blames starvation in Gaza on U.N. making excuses

U.N. official says Israel systematically impeding Gaza aid distribution

U.S. sanctions 2 entities over fundraising for extremist West Bank settlers

Stocks waver and oil prices rise after Israeli missile strike on Iran

LAUNCHING SOON - Do you want to take your Disney travel experiences to the next level? Listen to Disney Travel Insider to get insight and inspiration for your next great adventure. With a focus on Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney, host Kathy Seifert will take you on a new journey of discovery every episode. Subscribe today so you'll never miss an episode.

Disney Travel Insider Fairytale Vacation Planners

Society & Culture
5.0 • 1 Rating
MAR 31, 2024

Welcome to Disney Travel Insider

In this episode, you'll hear a brief introduction to the Disney Travel Insider podcast. Disney Travel Insider is a family-friendly show that is perfect for your next coffee break, commute, or dog walk. Subscribe to today so you’ll never miss an episode. If you’d like help planning your next great adventure, please send an email to ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. Music: Ragtime - Pegasus (1908) - R. B. Stirling - Arranged for Strings by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/730747/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 This podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠Fairytale Vacation Planners⁠⁠⁠. © Copyright 2024 Fairytale Vacation Planners. All rights reserved. Written, produced, and hosted by Kathy Seifert. Privacy Policy: ⁠https://ftvacationplanners.com/privacy/⁠⁠

Customer Reviews

Top podcasts in society & culture.

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Sweepstakes
Travel Tips
Celebrity Travel

Sydney Sweeney Shares Her Love for Her Hometown — and Her Favorite Places to Enjoy the Great Outdoors on the Washington-Idaho Border

“What's so beautiful about the Pacific Northwest is everything that you can do outdoors,” the Spokane-area native told Travel + Leisure.

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

From Italian convents and catacombs around Rome for the new horror flick Immaculate to the iconic Sydney Opera House for the rom-com Anything But You and Four Seasons Maui at Wailea for the dark comedy series White Lotus , Sydney Sweeney’s best-known projects have taken her around the world and cemented her status as Hollywood royalty as a two-time Emmy nominee.

While her career has gone the distance ever since her breakout role on Euphoria in 2019, there has been one big constant in her life: home. The 26-year-old actress’ early stomping grounds growing up outside of Spokane near the Washington and Idaho border continues to root her with a magnetic draw.

“I go home all the time,” Sweeney told Travel + Leisure at an event for Bai Daily Hydration in New York City in March. “What's so beautiful about the Pacific Northwest is everything that you can do outdoors.”

One of her favorite memories was always going berry picking out in the wild with her mom and brother “If you go a little bit north of Spokane, right next to the border, there's like all these hidden little waterfalls,” she said of the region, adding that “you just go everywhere.”

Courtesy of BaiÂ® daily hydration

Those memories etched such delightful childhood memories that Sweeney used them as inspiration to create her own Bai flavor, Raspberry Lemon Lime , available in stores now. Along with the brand’s trademark antioxidants, this refreshing new drink also comes with electrolytes for the first time.

Sweeney looks forward to sharing that a sweet taste of her Washington-Idaho area roots. And for travelers who are then inspired to experience the region, she the highlight is that "there are so many mountains and lakes.”

With Sydney Sweeney

Window or aisle? Window.

Plane or train? You know, I've always wanted to go on a train ride.

Carry-on or check-in? Carry-on.

First thing you pack for a trip? The first thing is always my skincare.

Best road trip game? We used to play the license plate game where we'd have to find A, B, C, D, E, and keep ourselves busy!

Celeb Check-in

Some of the most popular mountain resorts include Mt. Spokane , Silver Mountain , 49 Degrees North , and Lookout Pass , but her pick is Schweitzer , the largest ski and snowboard destination in Idaho, located about 80 miles northwest of Spokane.

“During the winter, it’s a beautiful ski resort and during the summer you can mountain bike and hike,” she said.

Those who prefer waterfront adventures also have no shortage of choices, with 14 lakes in Spokane County and another nine in surrounding areas . “ Coeur d'Alene's really beautiful,” Sweeney said of Idaho’s second largest lake with 135 miles of shoreline.

No matter which you choose, “There's just hikes and nature, and you're outdoors all the time,” she raved.

Of course, those settings are a long way from Los Angeles, which meant extremely long road trips when she first started trying to break into the industry, after convincing her parents that she was destined for Hollywood.

“We would listen to audiobooks and do homework,” she said of making the best use of her long drive — about 19 hours between Spokane and Los Angeles.

Nowadays, she may be jet setting more, but when it comes to her own travels, Sweeney still pours her heart into every choice. Though she played a tongue-in-cheek Airbnb home designer while hosting Saturday Night Live , she said she does have a particular criteria when looking for her own vacation home rentals.

“I try to find really interesting, cool, unique Airbnbs,” she told T+L . “Just ones that are random and fun.”

Skip to main content
Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Business travel picks up, bolstering outlook for US airlines

Medium Text

American Airlines planes are seen at gates at LaGuardia Airport ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, in New York City

Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Leslie Adler

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

A worker walks past Boeing's 737 MAX-9 under construction at their production facility in Renton, Washington

Business Chevron

Volkswagen factory workers' unionization vote results watch party in Chattanooga

UAW wins big in historic union vote at Volkswagen Tennessee factory

Workers at Volkswagen's Tennessee plant have voted to join the United Auto Workers, in a seismic victory for the union as it drives beyond its Detroit base into the U.S. South and West.

A view of the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee

IMAGES

ADOT News: Considering a Voluntary Travel ID? Bring the right documentation
Considering the new Travel ID? Here are some guidelines to help you
Arizona Travel ID
REAL ID license: Everything you need to know before October 2020 when
Will Your License fly? AZ Travel ID deadline is around the corner
Travel Agency ID Card Template in PSD, Word, Publisher, Illustrator

COMMENTS

Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint. Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID ...
How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel
When you apply for or renew your driver's license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.
REAL ID
Are you REAL ID ready? On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Find out if you're REAL ID ready with our interactive tool! Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 7, 2025? Yes / Don't Know.
What ID do I need to fly? New TSA ID Requirements
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, requires US travelers flying domestically to show TSA agents either a security-enhanced driver's license or ID card or another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a passport. It is an attempt to lower travel risk in response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Domestic Fliers Will Need Real ID Compliant Identification in 2023
Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver's license that's Real ID ...
TSA reminds travelers of REAL ID identification requirements
Travelers will begin seeing new signs at airports nationwide in the coming weeks to remind people that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or U.S. military ID, will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020.Critically important, on October 1, 2020, individuals who are unable to verify their identity ...
DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline
has too much information. is confusing. is out-of-date. Deadline: May 7, 2025. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023, due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
What You Need to Know About Real ID and Travel
A few basics about Real ID: To get a Real ID, you need to present documents to your DMV proving your age and identity, Social Security number and address. That generally means bringing a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax form such as a W-2, and two proofs of address. If you've changed your name through marriage, you ...
REAL ID: What You Need to Know for Air Travel
There are a few other forms of ID beyond a REAL ID, passport or EDL that can be used to board a domestic flight, including: DHS trusted traveler ID. Passport card. Border crossing card. Permanent ...
REAL ID Act: Requirements, State Deadlines & Updates [2024]
Step 1: Make an appointment to visit a REAL ID at a DMV field office near you. Some offices are offering special hours or days for those trying to get a REAL ID before May 7, 2025. You can also get a REAL ID without an appointment, but this isn't recommended as wait times at your local office can be incredibly long.
AZ Travel ID: Will Your License Fly?
The Arizona Travel ID is the credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. It is available as both a driver license and identification card. There is a star embedded in the card to show that the cardholder has provided added proof of identification to ensure the license or ID meets strict federal requirements.
Arizona Travel ID FAQ
In most cases the Travel ID is valid for eight years. Exceptions apply, including for drivers age 65 or older whose licenses are currently valid for five years. That five year limit also applies to the Travel ID. For non-U.S. citizens who have authorized legal presence the expiration date will be based off the immigration documents presented ...
Arizona Travel ID
The Arizona Travel ID is the credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. It is available as both a driver license and identification card. There is a gold star embedded in the card to show that the cardholder has provided added proof of identification to ensure the license or ID meets strict federal requirements. For more ...
What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2024]
Library card. Organization ID (athletics club, theater group, etc.) Passport. Passport card. Proof of auto insurance in the passenger's name. School ID. Social Security card. Bottom Line: If your child will be traveling alone, it's best to send them with some sort of ID, preferably something with their photo on it.
Travel ID
What is Travel ID? From booking to check-in and beyond - with Travel ID, you can now travel even more easily. It is your login for all our digital services. You can use it to quickly and easily access your data and enjoy relevant information and personalized services at any time. And that's with any airline in the Lufthansa Group.
Get Photo ID for a U.S. Passport
The ID must: Be a physical document. Include your photo. Be issued by the government. Bring the ID and a photocopy of the ID when you apply. Submit a photocopy of the front and back of each ID that you present when you apply. Your photocopy must be on white, 8.5'' x 11" standard paper, in black and white, and on one side of the paper.
Are You REAL ID Ready?
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Find out if you're REAL ID ready with our interactive tool, or select your state or territory! Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 7, 2025? Yes / Don't Know. No.
Travel ID FAQs
By activating Miles & More for your Travel ID. You can do this when you register or (in a few weeks' time) retroactively in your Travel ID profile. You will then earn miles and Points when you book with your Travel ID or enter your Miles & More service card number during the booking process.
Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age
Children under the age of 18 typically do not need ID to fly on domestic flights within the United States when accompanied by an adult. Airlines may require identification, however, in more ...
'Indefinite' Defense Department IDs Inconvenience Air Travelers, May Be
But for DoD ID card holders, it could become a major problem beginning May 7, 2025, when all travelers and visitors to the U.S. will be required to have a passport, a state-verified REAL ID or ...
Trans care restrictions force some families to travel hours, spend
Though telehealth has expanded opportunities for access to care, policies like those in Tennessee restrict these appointments for prescriptions from happening in the state and force some families ...
U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be
If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019. "They will try ...
‎Disney Travel Insider on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Disney Travel Insider to get insight and inspiration for your next great adventure. With a focus on Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney, host Kathy Seifert will take you on a new journey of discovery every episode. Subscribe today so you'll never miss an episode.
The world's best airports for 2024, according to Skytrax
Every year, UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site Skytrax surveys travelers from around the globe to compile its list of the best airports in the world, and for 2024 the honor goes ...
Sydney Sweeney Shares Her Love for Her Hometown on the ...
The 26-year-old actress' early stomping grounds growing up outside of Spokane near the Washington and Idaho border continues to root her with a magnetic draw. "I go home all the time ...
'Conan O'Brien Must Go' review: The Max travel show proves life after
After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night. By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night ...
Business travel picks up, bolstering outlook for US airlines
, opens new tab in the March quarter increased revenue from corporate travel to pre-pandemic levels. For most of the last year, the carrier's business bookings were stuck around 75% of the 2019 ...
5 tips to plan an EV road trip
Hertz led the charge when it added Teslas, Chevy Bolts and other brands to its fleet in 2021. And while the company has downsized its EV fleet in recent months, you'll still find EVs in most ...

How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

How to get a REAL ID

Using REAL ID and other ID options to board a plane

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

Have a question?

Planning to Fly? You’ll Need This ID.

What is Real ID, anyway?

Why is this change taking place?

How do I know if my license is a Real ID?

Can I get a Real ID regardless of where I live?

What do I need to get a Real ID?

If I don’t get a Real ID, can I still fly?

Do children need a Real ID?

Can a Real ID be used as a replacement for any other form of identification, like a passport?

Should I be concerned about my personal privacy?

Open Up Your World

TSA reminds travelers of REAL ID identification requirements

Popular Searches

Suggested Links

What You Need to Know About Real ID and Travel

A few basics about Real ID:

You’re our first priority. Every time.

REAL ID: What Travelers Need to Know

What is a REAL ID?

How to maximize your rewards

What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2024]

Global Entry

International Flights

Domestic Flights

Child Travel Consent Form

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 5 to 14

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 15 to 17

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ID does a child need to fly?

What documents does a child need to travel without parents?

Do kids pay for flights?

About Chris Hassan

Update April 12, 2024

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

How to Apply for A Passport

Photo Identification

Bring the ID and a photocopy of the ID when you apply

Primary ID (submit one)

Secondary IDs (submit at least two from the list below)

Applying Out of State

Selecting Your Gender Marker

External Link

Are You REAL ID Ready?

Main content

What benefits do I get from Travel ID?

How do I earn miles with Travel ID?

Registration

Why was my email address not accepted during registration?

Why has my activation link for Travel ID expired/why is it not valid?

Why haven’t I received an email with an activation link?

Why isn’t my Travel ID active?

What can I do if I’ve forgotten my login details?

What are my login options for Travel ID?

Why can’t I log in?

Can I log into other Lufthansa Group airlines using my Travel ID?

Why can I no longer log into my Lufthansa iD profile?

I missed the changeover of my airline ID to Travel ID. What can I do?

User profile

Can I add more than one frequent flyer programme to my profile?

Can I add an email address to my Travel ID account which is already being used for another Travel ID account?

Data protection, advertising and deletion of accounts

How can I opt out of receiving advertising communications?

How can I revoke my permission for the use of my Travel ID data?

How does the Lufthansa Group use my data?

Can I share my Travel ID login details with other people?

Flights and bookings

How do I add a flight to the bookings in my Travel ID account?

Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age

Short on Time? Quick Answers in a Nutshell

Identification Required for Kids for International Travel

How to Get Passports in the US for Kids

Special Note about International Land Crossings and Cruises

Child Travel Consent Form