The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made an announcement that still has travelers confused. It concerns the new regulations affecting minors traveling alone who wish to use the TSA PreCheck line. Since July 31, 2025, it has been announced that from that date on, minors wanting to use this service will have to show a photo ID; otherwise, they will have to go through regular security screening. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the number of flights involving minors that occur annually is 7 million, of which 40,000 are from the four major airlines. This is why security measures have had to be strengthened.
From now on, the valid documentation for minors will be the same as for adults, meaning a passport book or card, driver’s license or state ID, cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) such as Global Entry, or military identification. It is important to emphasize that in 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children handled figures of 29,000 cases, where 1 in 6 children was a victim of sex trafficking. The data is even more chilling, as according to the National Security Blue Campaign, airports were the scene of 199,000 traffic incidents, and it is the FBI that has 460,000 kidnapping cases in its database that occurred at airports in the United States.
Moreover, parents must keep in mind that the TSA is not the only authority, as each airline has its own rules. In the case of Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines, they will not accept children between the ages of 5-7 on flights with layovers and reserve the right to deny connecting flights due to storms. For its part, United Airlines limits the requirement of an escort to the age of 15, while Alaska Airlines maintains it at 12.
Changes in the TSA
On July 31, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced changes to be implemented at TSA PreCheck checkpoints, focusing on the identification of minors. From now on, they will be required to show valid identification that includes a photo. This new measure has created confusion among travelers, as up to now, minors under 18 did not have to identify themselves, but instead passed through checkpoints through their parents’ PreCheck without needing to show any type of documentation. This modification responds to the TSA’s need to reinforce security in light of a noticeable increase in travelers aged 13-17. Additionally, it aims to prevent situations where stolen data from children are used in fake travel documents.
Valid documentation
The TSA has also announced that starting in May of next year, identification measures for adults will be tightened, which will likewise apply to minors. However, currently the following identifications are valid:
- Passport (book or card).
- State driver’s license.
- Cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), such as Global Entry.
If the minor does not have valid identification, they will be redirected to the normal queue, which could result in delays, missed flights, and therefore, expenses for new tickets and accompaniment.
Tips for Parents
When minors travel, parents or legal guardians should keep in mind the following aspects:The minor must carry a valid identification card.It is preferable to choose morning flights to avoid missed connections or delays.The minor should have a notarized consent letter.Arrive at the airport on time.Ensure that the minor is familiar with the airport.It is important to remember the risks that minors face when flying alone.
With a total of 7 million unaccompanied minor trips per year, in 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children handled 29,000 reports of runaways, where approximately 1 in 6 of those children were likely victims of sex trafficking. Additionally, the FBI has data on 460,000 cases of missing children, so experts remind us that it is necessary to ensure the protection of minors when they travel alone.