Flying with children?

Question

My mother in law will be flying with our two children, does anyone know what identification the kids will need? I've gotten confusing info online so far. They'll be flying Northwest Airlines.

Answer 1

I guess you should provide your mother in law with a notarized letter stating she has permission to take your kids with her.

The letter should read as follows, more or less:

(Today's date)

I, (your name here), authroize (mother in law's name here) to assume temporary custody of my children (names and ages here) for purposes of travel between (date leaving) and (date returning) on (airline and flight information).

Sign it in front of a notary public and have them sign and counter-stamp the letter. Give it to your mother in law in a sealed envelope with your signature across the flap in case anyone questions her. Provide her with notarized copies of your children's birth certificates. This will give documentation enough to prove the following:

These are your children
Your mother in law will have her driver's license, proving her name as documented on the letter.
your notarized permission granting her temporary custody.

Chances are nobody will question her authority to usher the children around and will not be questioned.

I just thought of something. If your children are flying they are going to need state-issued photo ID cards to pass security checkpoints.

Good luck!