Proving age on train

Foggster

Probably me being a worry head needlessly.

In December I am taking my daughter and friend to London. Both are 15 but both look older. Has anyone ever been asked to prove age of a teenager travelling with them? We have a F&F rail card and it was only after a flippant comment by a friend about needing ID soon made me have a panic!

Also, has anyone ever been asked inq a premier inn for the kids free breakfast??? Arghhhh

Armorica

Should be relatively fine in hotels etc. as you'll be with them. For free transport you may need id. But the system is a bit dippy and there is a £10 admin fee and advance notice. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/students-and-children/11-15-zip-oyster-photocard?intcmp=10883

If you are buying travel cards from a national rail station as an adult, that is likely to be easier.

HappyMJ

Can you make a photocopy of her birth certificate...If you can do that I would just to make things easier take that with you. However, your daughter whilst travelling with you as her parent they will take your word in any case. Don't worry about it. If they do give you a penalty then you'll have to allow them to take you to court and your defence is her age and your word saying she's under 16 so they should have never issued a penalty.

Premier Inn I wouldn't worry about. Just make them aware she's under age at the beginning of the breakfast before they bill you.

Nikkisun

My son is almost 14 but looks at least 17 - he regularly travels by train from the south coast to Yorkshire by himself on a child's ticket and has never been questioned.

We also eat fairly often at Premier Inns and have never been challenged for the free breakfast.

Shelldean

Also to use the friends and family discount the child only needs to be under 16 when the card was purchased.


I took a family friend away last yr in May, S he had turned 16 the previous yr in August, but as I had purchased my card in June it was ok for her to travel for child fare.
Says so in the terms and conditions. See the special notes down the page.


http://www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/help/railcard-terms-conditions/




I brought my latest card in August and my youngest turned 16 in sept. Still using it.


Tho to be honest never been questioned.

cannyscot_2

yes second above -taken 17yr old on railcard and never been asked age and also at premier inn never asked age of children either.

davenport151

My son is 15 but tall for his age. Twice have I been asked 'How old is he? and Date of birth? But never been asked for proof. I do carry a birth certificate copy, though, just in case!

Swampy3k

There are many ID's you can get that can prove the ID/ age of the person. and quite a few are approved by the Government, we give out lots of forms at my work for people looking to gain ID

There are most commonly a bank card sized ID card which has the name and D.O.B. of the person as well as a photo, may be a good idea to get one for your children if in doubt. These have many uses.

yorkie2

cannyscot wrote: »

yes second above -taken 17yr old on railcard and never been asked age and also at premier inn never asked age of children either.

A 17 year old would not be entitled to discounted child rate travel using a Family Railcard. If the Railcard was bought the day before turning 16, it would expire two days before turning 17.

If a Family Railcard is bought when the child is already 16, the 16 year old needs to purchase a discounted adult ticket.

dzug1

yorkie2 wrote: »

A 17 year old would not be entitled to discounted child rate travel using a Family Railcard. If the Railcard was bought the day before turning 16, it would expire two days before turning 17.

If a Family Railcard is bought when the child is already 16, the 16 year old needs to purchase a discounted adult ticket.

Not quite sure what you are trying to say, Yorkie


From the F&F FAQ


If your little one turns 16 before your 1-year Family & Friends Railcard runs out, they can still travel at the discounted child fare for as long as the card is still valid.

Maybe the same but it doesn't read that well


I do like the 'little one'

Skimble

dzug1 wrote: »

Not quite sure what you are trying to say, Yorkie

The latest date you can purchase a Friends and Family Railcard is the day before your child turns 16, thus it would expire two days before they turn 17 as the card runs for a calendar year (e.g. a card purchased today would be valid until 21st October 2015).