This time of year, many separated and divorced parents are traveling by air with their children. Whether you’re among them or you’ll be flying somewhere with your child in the new year, it’s important to know that you may get more scrutiny at the airport or even aboard your flights than you did when you and your co-parent flew together with your child. That’s particularly likely if your child is biracial and looks more like their other parent or if you have an adopted child of another race.
It can be highly frustrating and even infuriating to be subject to personal and even accusatory questioning by airport security personnel and even flight attendants and other airline employees. It’s important to know that these professionals are trained to be alert to signs of child trafficking.
One adult traveling alone with a child – especially if that child doesn’t resemble them – can be a red flag. Unfortunately, people are often questioned and even detained when they’re doing nothing wrong.
Parents have taken to social media to recount their experiences of being detained, questioned, and having their children questioned. One parent said, “I hear all the time from parents that this is happening to. The only commonality…is that the parent has a different skin color than the child who is involved.”
How can you make things easier for your child and yourself?
There’s no way to guarantee that you and your child won’t attract attention and questioning or that those who do it will be respectful. However, you can minimize the stress and inconvenience if you have plenty of documentation of your relationship and your right to have your child with you.
If you haven’t yet finalized your divorce and codified your custody agreement, including any restrictions around traveling with your child, do that before you travel with them. If there’s not enough time, it’s wise to at least get a travel consent letter signed by your co-parent detailing your travel. Keep that with you.
Further, in addition to any legal documentation in place, like your divorce decree and custody order, carry a copy of your child’s birth or adoption certificate. Having pictures of your phone of your child with you and your co-parent can help as well. If your child is old enough, prepare them for any questioning they might get.
If you have questions or concerns as you make any travel plans with your child, it’s a good idea to get legal guidance. This can help you avoid unnecessary problems that can ruin a trip.