ID Proofs Required for Domestic Air Travel

With an estimated 145.5 Lakh travellers catching domestic flights India yearly, it is no surprise that the tourism industry is booming. What’s most essential for a traveller, whether you’re enjoying International or domestic air travel, is having all the necessary identification proof documents packed in your cabin baggage. Having a boarding pass is a given, but what else? What should you do if you don’t have it after securing cheap flight tickets? Scroll below to learn more about domestic air travel ID requirements.

ID Proof for Domestic Air Travel in India

Aadhar and PAN Card
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For domestic air travel, you need to carry certain documents to show as ID proof. Following is the list of documents required for domestic air travel India to show at the airport, which will be accepted at first glance and avoid delays and confusion:

Passport
PAN Card
Aadhar Card (Issued by UIDAI)
Driver’s Licence
Voter’s ID Card, or
Any photo identification card issued by:
- Central Government or one of its Ministries
- State Government or one of its Ministries
- State Government of J&K
- Statutory or Regulatory authorities
- Public Sector Undertaking (under GOI or State Government)
- Bar Council
- Senior Citizen Certifying Card issued by the Central or State Government
- Defence Personnel ID card issued by the Ministry of Defence
- Public Financial Institution
- Public Sector Banks passbook with an attested photograph.
Student ID card issued by a government-recognised institute.
Pension Card with photograph
ID card of disability or a certificate given by the State or Union Territory Government.

Some airlines following the guidelines for Domestic air travel in India insist that you produce the same credit card with which you purchased tickets, so check with your airlines beforehand. If you purchased the ticket using someone else’s credit/debit card, you must carry a copy of the same. You must ensure that your name on the boarding pass matches perfectly with the India domestic air travel ID proof you carry.

Did you forget to carry your ID proof, deemed as required by the domestic air travel rules? No worries, you can show an online copy of your valid ID proof for domestic flights in India through DigiLocker.

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Domestic Travel ID for Minors

Kid at Airport
Image credit: Shutterstock/Tomsickova Tatyana

Yes, minors below 18 years, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, must show a domestic air travel ID for minors when engaging in domestic air travel. The ID proof for domestic flight for child is:

For Infants Up to 2 Years Old

If the infant is between 7 days and 2 years old, the parent must carry:

Birth certificate
Vaccination certificate

Infants younger than 7 days are not usually permitted to fly in an aircraft, as per domestic air travel guidelines. It is only exempted in case of a medical emergency, so you might need to show a doctor’s letter.

Kids Between 2 and 18 Years Old

Birth certificate
School ID card
Aadhar card

Kids below 18 Travelling with Relatives/Friends

An attested letter written by the parents guarantees the safety of the child with the adult travelling along.
Parent and guardian details. Valid proof showing the relation between parent and child.
Parents’ ID proof, as mentioned above.
If parents are deceased, a copy of the death certificate/s must be shown at the airport.

It is recommended that you visit the official airline website when planning domestic air travel, as airlines like Air India don’t allow kids below 5 years old to travel unaccompanied. The documents required at Airport for International travel will vary, depending on the airline you select.

Also read: Denied Boarding by Airline? Here’s How to Get Rs.20,000 Compensation!

Does a Copy of an Airport ID Proof Hold Relevance?

DigiLocker online
Image credit: Shutterstock/ECO LENS

Most Indian Airlines do not allow passengers to board the aircraft without the original identification proof. However, your e-Aadhar card and now m-Aadhar also hold equal relevance as your original Aadhar ID card.

You can also show your valid ID proof online using DigiLocker.

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Is There a Way to Fly When Someone Has No ID Proof

Person handing over a passport at the check-in counter — **Person handing over a** passport at the check-in counter
Image credit: Shutterstock/Reshetnikov_art

Although carrying an ID proof is a must for anyone wishing to enjoy domestic air travel in India, it is still possible to fly within India without one. You need an affidavit attested by a central or state government official. The ‘A’ gazetted official must submit the certificate on an official letterhead with a recent passport-sized photograph for you to be able to take a trip.

Will a Single Airport ID Proof Work if Travelling in a Group or With Family?

Mother and daughter at the airport
Image credit: Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff

As per the travel guidelines for domestic air travel, while travelling with a large group of family or friends, please note that every individual must carry his/her airport ID proof, including children and infants. Any person without a valid ID proof will not be allowed to enter the airport in the first place. In the case of children, a proper photo ID proof such as a school identification card or birth certificate should suffice.

Disclaimer: Please check the airline’s website for the identity proof required for travel, as the policies may vary for different airlines.

Also read: Get Your Passport Issued Within a Week.

Have you got all your ID proof for domestic travel in India, with cheap domestic flights India tickets ready? Then, secure all-inclusive holiday tour packages and book the best hotels in India to explore!

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FAQs: Domestic Air Travel

What kind of ID proof is required for domestic air travel?
You require one of the following ID proof documents for air travel in India:

Passport
PAN Card
Aadhar Card
Driver’s License
Voter’s ID
Pension Card
Disability ID or certificate
Photo ID card issued officially.
Student ID card from a reputable institute.

Is physical Aadhar Card mandatory for domestic flights?
No, you can also show a soft copy of your Aadhar Card through DigiLocker on your mobile phone.

Can we show ID proof in mobile in airport?
Only ID proof on DigiLocker is considered at the airport from your mobile. All other documents must have a hard copy.

Is a soft copy of flight ticket valid?
Yes, a soft copy of a flight ticket is valid when travelling anywhere in India or abroad.

What if I lost my ID and I have a flight in India?
You can get an affidavit and your recent passport-sized photograph as ID proof. You should also report the missing document to the nearest police station. If you lose your ID, you must ensure you reach the airport well in advance, as the security check might take longer.

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ID Proofs Required for Domestic Air Travel

ID Proof for Domestic Air Travel in India

Travelling to Pune? Secure cheap flights from New Delhi to Pune for an exciting vacation.