Flying Solo: Ba's Rules For Unaccompanied Minors

British Airways allows children aged 14 or older to travel unaccompanied on domestic or international flights. Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking. The airline's partner, SUN-AIR of Scandinavia, has different guidelines, allowing children between 5 and 11 years old to travel without a parent or guardian if the airline is contacted in advance. This age group is considered to be Unaccompanied Minors and most airlines provide a service to assist these children.

British Airways' minimum age for children travelling alone

British Airways has specific guidelines regarding the minimum age for children travelling alone. As per the British Airways website, the minimum age for children travelling unaccompanied is 14 years. Children below the age of 14 cannot travel alone on British Airways flights and must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older. The accompanying adult must be on the same or a linked booking.

For children aged 14 and 15 travelling without an adult, certain requirements must be met. Firstly, a British Airways consent form, signed by a parent or guardian, is mandatory. This must be accompanied by a copy of the parent or guardian's photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence, displaying their signature. These documents must always be in the child's possession during their journey.

In addition to the consent form and identification, children travelling alone are advised to carry other essential items. Any required travel documentation, such as valid passports, visas, and proof of return travel, is necessary and should be checked for the specific destination. Any required medication and health certificates should also be included.

It is also recommended that the child has a method of payment for any expenses and a means of communication with their parent or guardian and the person meeting them at their destination. Ensuring that all devices are fully charged, with sufficient credit and roaming activated, is crucial. While British Airways does not accept parental responsibility for young travellers, accompanying adults can stay with the child until the security gate at the airport.

It is worth noting that British Airways' partner airline, SUN-AIR of Scandinavia, has different guidelines. SUN-AIR allows children between the ages of 5 and 11 to travel without a parent or guardian if advance notice is provided. Children over 12 can travel unaccompanied, and those between 12 and 16 can opt for the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service upon request, which incurs a service fee.

SUN-AIR's Unaccompanied Minor service

SUN-AIR, a partner airline of British Airways, allows children as young as five years old to travel without a parent or legal guardian. However, this privilege comes with certain conditions that must be met. Firstly, it is mandatory for the airline to be contacted in advance for children between the ages of five and eleven to travel unaccompanied. Secondly, while children over twelve can travel alone on SUN-AIR flights, those between twelve and sixteen years old can opt to use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service upon request. This service provides assistance to young travellers from their point of departure to their final destination.

To utilise the Unaccompanied Minor service, there are specific procedures to follow. Booking and payment for this service must be made in advance and cannot be done online. Therefore, it is essential to contact SUN-AIR directly to make the necessary arrangements. Additionally, there is a service fee associated with this option.

When it comes to documentation, there are several important requirements. All children travelling alone must carry specific documents, including a signed consent form from a parent or guardian and a copy of the guardian's photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence. Moreover, valid travel documentation, such as passports, visas, and proof of return travel, is essential and must be checked for the specific destination. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure their child has all the necessary paperwork.

To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended that children travelling alone have a method of communication, such as a fully charged phone with sufficient credit and roaming activated, to stay in touch with their parents or guardians. Additionally, any required medication and health certificates should be easily accessible. Lastly, it is advised that children have a payment method to cover any expenses they may incur during their trip.

Documents children travelling alone must carry

British Airways allows children aged 14 or older to travel alone on domestic or international flights. Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over.

• Parental/guardian consent form: A British Airways consent form, completed and signed by a parent or guardian. This is required even if the child has a passport.
• Copy of parental/guardian identification: A copy of photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form, such as a passport or driving licence.
• Travel documentation: Any required travel documentation, such as a valid passport, visas, and proof of return travel.
• Medication and health certificates: Any required medication and/or health certificates.
• Means of communication: A way to communicate with their parent or guardian and the person they are meeting at their destination. All phones and devices should be fully charged, with sufficient credit and roaming activated.
• Means of payment: A method of payment for any expenses.

These documents must always remain in the child's possession while travelling.

Booking flights for children under 16

British Airways allows children aged 14 or older to travel unaccompanied on domestic or international flights. Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking.

If you are booking a flight for a child under 16 who will be travelling alone, you cannot make the booking online. You must contact British Airways directly to make the booking. The child will be booked to travel as an adult and will make their own way through departure and arrival airports without a chaperone. British Airways does not accept parental responsibility for unaccompanied minors.

Children under 16 travelling alone must carry the following:

• A completed British Airways consent form, signed by a parent or guardian.
• A copy of photographic identification of the parent/guardian who signed the form, such as a passport or driving licence.
• Any required travel documentation, such as a valid passport, visas, and proof of return travel.

It is also recommended that they carry:

• Any required medication and/or health certificates.
• A method of payment for any expenses.
• A way to communicate with their parent or guardian and the person they are meeting at their destination. Ensure all devices are fully charged with sufficient credit and roaming activated.

British Airways' partner airline, SUN-AIR of Scandinavia, has different guidelines. SUN-AIR allows children between 5 and 11 years old to travel without a parent or guardian if the airline is contacted in advance. Children over 12 can travel unaccompanied, and those between 12 and 16 can use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service upon request. There is a service fee for this option, which must be booked and paid for in advance.

Children travelling alone on SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR, a partner airline of British Airways, has different guidelines regarding children travelling alone. SUN-AIR allows young children between the ages of five and 11 to travel without a parent or legal guardian, but you must contact the airline in advance. Children over 12 can travel unaccompanied on SUN-AIR-operated flights. Young flyers aged 12 to 16 can use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service if requested.

There is a service fee for the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service, which must be booked and paid for in advance. This service cannot be booked online, so you will need to contact SUN-AIR directly for more information and to make a booking.

When travelling alone, children must carry specific documents with them. These include a British Airways consent form, a copy of the parent/guardian's photographic identification, and any required travel documentation, such as a valid passport, visas, and proof of return travel. These three documents must always be in the child's possession while travelling.

It is also recommended that children carry any required medication and/or health certificates, a method of payment for any expenses, and a way to communicate with their parent or guardian and the person meeting them at their destination. Phones and devices should be fully charged, with sufficient credit and roaming activated.

Parents or guardians can accompany their child up to the security gate. However, anyone not flying with SUN-AIR is unable to go past this point as gate passes are not provided. It is recommended that the parent or guardian waits until the child's flight takes off before leaving the terminal.

It may be helpful to familiarise yourself and your child with the airport terminal maps before arriving at the airport, so you and your child know what to expect. Some airports offer paid assistance to help customers reach their boarding gate.

Frequently asked questions