Flying With A Student Group

You’ve decided to skip the motorcoach and try flying with your student group. What are the rules? What do you need to know to make your flight go as smoothly as possible? Flying with a student group can be intimidating. The regulations for air travel change constantly, making it easy to be overwhelmed. Below is a guide to help your group fly the friendly skies.

REAL ID

As of May 7, 2025, EVERY air traveler 18 years or older MUST have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

According to the TSA website, “REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star located in the upper portion of the card.” Travelers younger than 18 do not need identification, but their adult companions and chaperones do.

How to Get REAL ID Ready

What to Take on the Plane

Students and adults have very different ideas of what to take on the plane. Items teens deem necessary to survival are probably not. Think in terms of basics:

• Photo ID / Passport
• Face covering (no longer required but always a good idea)
• Sweatshirt or sweater
• Snacks for the plane (check with your group leader)
• Backpack with a change of clothes in the event a bag is lost
• Carry-on liquids, aerosols, creams, and gels using the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger)
• Headphones for electronic devices like cell phones and iPads (all set to airplane mode, of course!)

Packing Dos and Don’ts

There’s a LONG list of banned items for carry-on and/or checked bags by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Students may not realize items are prohibited and toss them in a purse or backpack, causing delays or even fines. Some items include:

• Nail clippers with files
• Pocket knife
• Pepper spray
• Electronic lighters, plasma lighters, arc lighters
• Insect repellent

Students will be glad to know that any artificial skeleton bones or live fish are welcome to tag along!  Be sure to check the list before packing to eliminate any confusion.

Surviving Security

Everyone dreads the security line, but it’s necessary for the safety of all air travelers. Herding a group of students through the long and winding lines can be difficult, but a little advance prep can make it easier:

Plan to remove your shoes. Unless you are over the age of 75 or under the age of 13, you will probably be asked to take them off.

Eliminate the heavy metal. Skip the big belt buckles, heavy metallic jewelry, and keys, or be prepared to remove them all at security for screening. If you have body piercings, remove them or plan on a pat down.

Remove your laptop before passing through security. In some cases, you may be asked to remove all electronics from your bag to be scanned individually.

Tips for Success

This may be the first time flying for some of your students. If so, you may want to share some tips to simplify the process. Repeat travelers will benefit from a friendly reminder as well:

Flying with a student group will get you to your destination quickly and efficiently. Following these guidelines will help to ensure that it’s simple, easy, and fun!

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