Are children under the age of 18 required to provide identification for airline boarding when accompanied by a parent?

Answer 1

Most airlines do not require Identification for children under the age of 18. The drawback to this is more of a safety issue as an adult can without being questioned switch out a child under the age of 18 for another child of the same gender without a name change to the manifest. This would definitely cause problems in regards to child custody laws, safety etc.

Yes, it is best to take ID with them at all times. They may want proof of age to verify flight rates...as in young enough to fly free ( example, under 2 years), or young enough not to be charged adult fare.

I have had joint custody of my son since he was 13 months old. Every 3 months for the last 5 years I have been on a plane with him. Never once have I been asked for his identification, not even to verify that he was under 2 years old. I do know when flying out of the country, even Canada and Mexico, ALL children need a passport.