Yes, your son can fly with his aunt, but there are important considerations to ensure a smooth trip.
While airlines generally do not prohibit a child from flying with an aunt, it's highly recommended to have proper documentation to avoid potential issues, especially when traveling internationally. The key is having documented consent from the child's parents or legal guardians.
Recommended Documentation
According to guidance, when a child is traveling with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian, it's wise to carry specific documents. Here's what's generally recommended:
- Notarized Consent Form: A signed and notarized consent form from both parents or legal guardians authorizing the aunt to travel with their son is critical. This demonstrates that the parents are aware of and approve the travel arrangement.
- Contact Information: Include contact details (phone numbers, email addresses) for both parents or legal guardians in the consent form.
- Medical Information: Any relevant medical information or allergies your son may have.
- Copy of Birth Certificate: A copy of your son's birth certificate can help verify the relationship, although it might not always be required.
- Copies of Parents' Identification: Copies of the parents' or legal guardians' driver's licenses or passports.
Why is this necessary?
Having these documents is important to:
- Prevent Issues with Authorities: Border control or airline personnel may ask questions to ensure the child is not being trafficked or abducted. Having the consent form readily available can resolve these concerns quickly.
- Comply with Varying Regulations: Consent form requirements can vary significantly by destination. While you may not always be asked to produce these forms, it's always better to be prepared. It's a case of better safe than sorry.
- Enable Medical Care: In the event of a medical emergency, the aunt will need to be able to authorize treatment. The consent form can grant her the necessary authority.
Example Scenario
Let's say your son is traveling with his aunt to visit family in another state. Before the trip, both parents sign a notarized consent form giving the aunt permission to travel with the son. The form includes their contact information and details about the son's peanut allergy. The aunt carries this form, a copy of the son's birth certificate, and copies of the parents' driver's licenses. During check-in, the airline employee sees the aunt has all the correct forms, and the son can travel. Without these forms, the airline employee may delay travel or have trouble getting the child to travel with the aunt.
