PARENTS travelling with their kids but don't share the same surname could face problems at the airport due to strict security checks in place.
While introduced to prevent child trafficking, it could result in unaware families facing additional procedures and even missing their flight.
Bring any document that could prove the relationship with the childThe government advises parents to bring along a birth or adoption certificate alongside their child's passport to prevent any confusion.
Mumsnet have compiled a helpful guide for what to be aware of and what else to pack to allow a smooth journey through the airport.
Check what the procedures will be in advance
Check with your airline – they deal with this daily and will have their own specific requirements.
Check with your embassy – what applies for British children does not apply for other nationalities, regardless of whether they are travelling into or from the UK.
Check with the relevant embassy for the requirements of the country you'll be travelling to.
Bring any document that could prove the relationship with the child
Ensure you have relevant documents: passports, birth certificates and marriage certificates.
If you're travelling under your maiden name with children of a different surname, a marriage certificate alongside your passport will 'prove' who you are.
Pack a consent letter
Travel consent letters demonstrate that the child in question has permission to travel abroad from parents who aren't accompanying them.
They're especially useful in situations where the parents are divorced or separated, and one parent wishes to take the child on holiday.
Consent letters are not a legal requirement in the UK, but they may be requested by immigration when entering or leaving a foreign country.
The letter should give as much detail as possible and be signed by whomever is NOT travelling, dated, witnessed and preferably notarised.
Carrying a consent letter does not guarantee that children will be allowed to enter or leave a country though, so double-check with the relevant embassies.
What should someone do of the parent can’t reach the father or mother
You'll need to apply to a court for permission to take a child abroad if you don't have permission from the other people with parental responsibility.
Brits applying for their child's first passport may run into issues if they are a single parent.
If divorced, both couples must be named on the passport form, and if this is not possible then it must be explained why.
Soon, travellers may not even need a passport and could travel using just their mobile phone instead.
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