Leki Bora
Travelling alone by plane can be an exciting experience for teenagers, but it can also be a cause for concern for parents and guardians. While there is no legal age limit for travelling alone, the minimum age for a minor to travel alone on a plane varies by airline and country regulations. In general, most airlines allow 15–17-year-olds to travel alone on domestic and international flights, although younger children can travel alone on some airlines, provided they are supervised.
Can underage travel by plane alone?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | This varies by airline, but generally ranges from 5 to 15 years old. |
| Additional services | Some airlines offer unaccompanied minor services, which include priority boarding, kids-only lounges, snacks, and escorts through the airport. These services often incur additional costs. |
| Required documentation | Unaccompanied minors need to be booked by phone and require various documents, including birth certificates or passports, parental consent forms, and customs and immigration papers. |
| Check-in | Unaccompanied minors cannot check in online or at a kiosk. They must be accompanied by an adult to the check-in counter and gate, where they will be boarded early to meet the flight crew. |
| In-flight | Minors should follow plane safety instructions and be aware of emergency procedures. They should also be prepared with entertainment, snacks, and fully charged electronic devices. |
| Arrival | Minors should wait to be escorted off the plane by a uniformed team member and should only ask for help from identified staff. Adults picking up minors will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and relevant documentation. |
| International travel | International age limits and regulations vary by country and airline. Some countries, like Mexico and Spain, have specific requirements for unaccompanied minors. |
| Exceptions | Some airlines do not permit unaccompanied minors on certain types of flights, such as code-shared or international flights. Medical conditions or disabilities may also impact a minor's ability to travel alone. |
| Preparation | It is recommended that children travelling alone memorise key contact information and are involved in planning and preparing for their trip to build independence and problem-solving skills. |
What You'll Learn
Age requirements for flying alone
The age requirements for flying alone vary across different airlines and countries. While there is no legal minimum age limit for minors to fly solo, airlines have introduced their own rules and regulations that must be followed.
For instance, American Airlines allows kids as young as 5 to fly unaccompanied, but charges $150 each way for the service. Children aged 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers, but any unaccompanied traveller aged 5 to 14 is required to use the unaccompanied minor program. Similarly, Southwest Airlines allows kids ages 5 to 11 to fly as unaccompanied minors on any direct flights, including non-stop and those that do not require a plane change. The airline charges $50 per child each way for its unaccompanied minor service. On the other hand, Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet require children to be at least 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights, while Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Spirit and United mandate a minimum age of 15 years.
Children younger than 18 travelling alone to or from Mexico must have a travel authorization letter, and Spanish authorities require that all Spanish children travelling alone have a travel permit requested by parents or legal guardians. This permit must be issued by the Police, Civil Guard, Notary's Office, or Town Hall.
It is important to note that some airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors on international flights, and bookings on code-shared flights are typically not allowed for unaccompanied minors. Most airlines limit unaccompanied minor service to nonstop or direct flights.
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Required documentation
The required documentation for underage travel alone varies across different airlines and countries. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your child's solo flight:
Booking:
Firstly, it is important to note that unaccompanied minors cannot book their flights online or at a kiosk. You will need to book their flights over the phone or through a travel agent. When booking, be sure to inform the airline that your child will be travelling alone.
Identification:
On the day of departure, you will need to provide identification for both yourself and your child. This includes a birth certificate or passport as proof of your child's age, and a government-issued photo ID with your current address.
Unaccompanied Minor Form:
You will also need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary customs and immigration documents. This form must remain with your child during their journey.
Additional Documents:
Depending on the airline and destination country, you may need additional documents. For example, Spanish authorities require Spanish children travelling alone or with a third party to have a travel permit requested by their parents or legal guardians. This permit must be issued by the Police, Civil Guard, Notary's Office, or Town Hall. If your child is travelling to or from Mexico, they will need a travel authorization letter.
Boarding Pass:
Some airlines, like Volaris, require minors to arrive at the check-in counter with a printed boarding pass. An adult over the age of 18 will also need to accompany them to provide the necessary personal information.
Contact Information:
It is essential that your child has memorised key contact information and knows how to get in touch with you or an emergency contact. Attach an ID card and contact information to their carry-on bag or jacket for easy access.
Security Pass:
At check-in, you will receive a security pass from the airport ticket counter, allowing you to accompany your child to the departure gate. An adult must remain with the child until the flight is airborne.
Priority Boarding:
Unaccompanied minors are usually entitled to priority boarding, allowing them to meet the flight crew early and learn about the plane's safety features.
Badge or Identification:
Some airlines require unaccompanied minors to wear a badge with their personal information, making it easier for crew members and employees to identify them.
Remember to review the specific guidelines of the airline and the entry regulations of the destination country, as these may vary. It is also recommended to pack snacks, fully charge electronic devices, and remind your child to ask for assistance from uniformed team members if needed.
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Airline-specific policies
Each airline has its own set of rules and costs for minors travelling alone. Here is an overview of some airline-specific policies:
American Airlines
American Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to travel, and they recommend that parents or guardians talk to the child about the trip and what to expect. They also recommend that the child be advised to ask for help only from a uniformed team member. American Airlines provides lounges for unaccompanied minors at Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), where children can wait for their connections and play games under supervision. At check-in, parents or guardians will need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, along with their own government-issued photo ID. An adult must accompany the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne.
Delta Air Lines
Delta offers an unaccompanied minor program, which includes a trackable wristband, access to Sky Zone lounges for kids, and a personal escort throughout the travel day. At check-in, an adult must accompany the unaccompanied minor and provide necessary documentation. The adult must also take the child to the departure gate and remain until the flight has taken off. International travel for unaccompanied minors resumed on April 1, 2021, but some restrictions apply based on individual country requirements. Travel is not permitted on Red Eye flights, except when a qualifying connection flight is unavailable.
United or United Express
United and United Express allow unaccompanied minors to travel on nonstop domestic or international flights. Teens aged 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight. Unaccompanied minors receive a wristband, special bag tags, and an envelope with their unaccompanied minor forms. They also receive early boarding and a free snack after takeoff. The drop-off parent or guardian can accompany the child to the gate if allowed by the airport. To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor, you can use United.com or call 800-864-8331.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines does not permit unaccompanied minors to travel alone.
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Preparing your child
Know the Airline Policies and Legal Requirements:
Start by understanding the policies of the airline your child will be travelling with. Most airlines have specific rules and regulations for unaccompanied minors, including age restrictions and additional fees for their services. Some airlines have unaccompanied minor programs that are mandatory for children travelling alone within certain age groups. These programs often include priority boarding, supervision during the flight, and escorts through the airport. Check with the airline about their specific offerings and any necessary paperwork.
Prepare the Necessary Documents:
Ensure your child has all the required travel documents, including a passport and any necessary visas or travel authorization letters. Some countries, like Spain and Italy, have specific requirements for minors, so be sure to research the regulations of your child's destination. It is also essential to provide your child with contact information and the details of their accommodation.
Involve Your Child in Planning:
Encourage your child to be actively involved in planning and preparing for their trip. This includes packing their carry-on bag with items such as games, books, snacks, fully charged electronic devices, and headphones. Involving your child in the process helps them feel more independent and responsible.
Discuss Safety and Behaviour:
Talk to your child about the trip and what to expect. Explain safety procedures, such as always wearing a seatbelt, and instruct them to follow the instructions of the flight crew and airport staff. Remind them to ask for help only from uniformed staff members. Discuss appropriate behaviour, including treating onboard staff with respect and knowing how to communicate their needs.
Memorize Key Contact Information:
Ensure your child memorizes essential contact information, including phone numbers and addresses. They should know how to reach you or an emergency contact if needed. You can also attach an ID card and contact information to their carry-on bag or jacket for easy reference.
Prepare for Delays and Connections:
Inform your child about potential flight delays and how to handle them calmly. If your child has a connecting flight, explain the process and let them know about the lounges for unaccompanied minors available at certain airports. Reassure them that they will be supervised by staff members during their wait.
By following these steps, you can help prepare your child for their journey and ensure they have a safe and positive travel experience.
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International travel considerations
When it comes to international travel, the rules and requirements for unaccompanied minors can vary even further. Some airlines may not allow unaccompanied minors on international flights at all, while others will have specific conditions and requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to research the regulations of the specific airline and the entry regulations of the destination country.
For example, children travelling alone to or from Mexico must have a travel authorization letter, and Spanish authorities require Spanish children travelling alone or with a third party to have a travel permit requested by their parents or legal guardians. This permit must be issued by the Police, Civil Guard, Notary's Office, or Town Hall.
Additionally, international flights may involve connecting flights or layovers, which can add complexity to the travel plans of unaccompanied minors. It is important to check if the airline provides supervision and lounges for unaccompanied minors during layovers and connections.
Furthermore, the maturity and readiness of the child should be taken into account when considering international travel. International travel may involve navigating different cultures, languages, and customs, which can be challenging for younger children. Involving children in the planning and preparation process can help them feel more confident and independent.
Lastly, it is essential to consider the specific documentation and travel papers required for international travel. Passports, birth certificates, and other forms of identification may be necessary, and it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that all the required documentation is in order.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum age for children to travel alone varies by airline and country. In the US, some airlines allow children as young as 5 to fly as unaccompanied minors, while others set the minimum age at 12 or above. International age limits also vary, and some airlines don't allow unaccompanied minors on international flights.
The unaccompanied minor service provides assistance to children travelling alone. It is mandatory for children aged 5-14 on most American airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United. This service usually incurs additional costs, typically around \$150 each way.
It is important that your child memorises key contact information and knows how to get in touch with someone who can help in an emergency. You should also remind them to follow instructions from uniformed staff members and to remain in supervised areas. Pack games, books, snacks, money, and a charged electronic device in their carry-on luggage. Attach an ID card and contact information to their bag or jacket.
At check-in, you will need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of your child's age, along with your own government-issued photo ID. Your child will also need their own passport to meet the requirements of their destination. Some countries, like Spain, require additional travel permits for minors, which must be requested by parents or legal guardians.
This depends on the airline and the nature of your child's condition. For example, Volaris does not allow minors with physical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from being able to look after themselves to travel as unaccompanied minors.
