age to travel alone internationally

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly Alone?

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Parents typically want to travel with their children, but that isn't always possible. Your children may have to travel by themselves for a variety of reasons.

So, that leads parents to ask, "Can minors fly alone?" And, "How old do you have to be?"

The answer depends on the airline and the type of flight you want to purchase. Learn about the rules for each airline, how much they charge and what restrictions govern unaccompanied minor flights.

Why do children fly by themselves?

Here are a few of the reasons why your child may need to fly alone.

Financial . Plane tickets can be expensive, and some families may not be able to afford enough tickets for parents and children.

Divorced parents

Time off work . Parents may have difficulty getting time off work to travel with their children. Whether the child is off to camp, going to see family or other reasons, they may need to travel alone.

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Which airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly?

Flying as an unaccompanied minor is available on major carriers Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United Airlines.

At what age can you fly alone?

The minimum age to travel alone varies among airlines. While there are no specific federal laws on how old a child must be to fly alone, no major U.S. airline allows children under the age of 5 to fly by themselves.

Unaccompanied minors may also travel internationally if they have a passport and meet the airline's requirements.

Depending on which airline your child is flying and their age, the airline may require them to fly nonstop or on a direct flight that doesn't require a plane change. As they get older, some airlines allow them to take connecting flights.

Once a child turns 15, most airlines allow them to fly alone without unaccompanied minor rules and fees. Some airlines allow children as young as 12 to travel without these procedures.

Child travel policies by airline

The travel policies for unaccompanied minors vary significantly by airline. Depending on your child's age and circumstances, your child may not be able to fly on your preferred airline.

» Learn more: How to navigate the airport

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines' Junior Jetsetters program is an unaccompanied minor service for young fliers aged 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights. It costs $150 each way per flight.

The service is optional for young adults ages 13 through 17 years old.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 traveling alone. Children ages 2 to 14 can travel as unaccompanied minors with someone who is 16 years and older.

The American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way (plus taxes) and must be booked over the phone. The fee also covers additional siblings on the same flight. It includes early boarding, kids-only lounges in hub cities, an airport escort and more.

There are different levels of restrictions based on your child's age:

0 to 4 years: Cannot travel alone.

5 to 7 years : Nonstop flights only.

8 to 14 years : Nonstop flights and connecting flights through select hub cities.

15 to 17 years : Unaccompanied minor service is optional.

You cannot use this service on code-share or partner-operated flights, the last flight of the day or overnight connecting flights.

Delta Air Lines

For a Delta unaccompanied minor fee of $150 each way, up to four children ages 5 to 14 can travel together as unaccompanied minors. Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 can also use this service, but it is not required. With this service, Delta provides an employee escort and special amenities for children during their trip.

At select airports, children also have access to the Delta Sky Zone. This kids-only lounge featuring video games and snacks is a secure area for children to relax between flights.

Unaccompanied minors receive a bar-coded wristband that tracks their journey. Parents are allowed to accompany their children through airport security to the gate area until their departure.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines eliminated unaccompanied minor travel for children under the age of 15 in 2018. All children under 15 must travel with an accompanying adult to fly with Frontier Airlines.

Children ages 15 and older are treated as adults when flying Frontier. They do not receive special accommodations or airline escorts like those available with other airlines.

JetBlue Airways

Travelers between the ages of 5 and 13 are considered unaccompanied minors with JetBlue. Under the JetBlue unaccompanied minor rules, they can take only nonstop flights.

Additionally, there can be a maximum of three unaccompanied minors on each flight. So, you may not be able to pick certain flights if there are already too many unaccompanied minors on that flight. There is a fee of $150 each way for each child for this service.

Once children reach their 14th birthday, JetBlue allows them to travel alone without restrictions.

Southwest Airlines

Children ages 5 to 11 are required to book an unaccompanied minor ticket on Southwest. Parents can book these tickets online, over the phone or at the airport ticket counter.

The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is $100 each way per child and due at booking. These fees are refundable if the minor does not travel or if they're later joined by an accompanying passenger age 12 or older.

Parents can get a gate pass from the Southwest ticket counter to bring their children through security and deliver them to their departure gate. At the gate, the child receives an unaccompanied minor lanyard that holds their paperwork and must be worn throughout the duration of their flight.

Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on connecting flights. They must fly nonstop or on a flight that does not require a change of planes. These travelers also cannot travel on flights that require an overnight connection.

Passengers 12 and older are able to travel as "Young Travelers" on Southwest. While Southwest allows these younger passengers to travel alone, parents should consider whether their child is capable of navigating the airport by themselves, dealing with flight disruptions and other scenarios they may face.

Spirit Airlines

The Spirit unaccompanied minor fee is $150 and its policy is as follows:

4 Years and Younger Children must travel with another guest at least 15 years of age.

5-14 Years children can fly on direct flights only and require booking the unaccompanied minor service.

15 Years and older guests are not required to have Unaccompanied Minor service, but it is an option.

Young fliers are offered a snack and drink as part of the service.

United Airlines

On United Airlines, unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 and is optional for passengers ages 15 to 17. These tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or at the airport.

At the airport, you'll check your child in at the airport ticket counter, where they'll receive a special wristband and envelope for their travel documents. Parents can get a gate pass at U.S. airports to walk their children to the gate.

To use the unaccompanied minor service, children must be booked on a nonstop United or United Express flight. The fee is $150 each way for up to two kids, $300 for up to four kids and $450 for up to six kids.

Comparison of unaccompanied minor fees by airline

This chart summarizes the ages and fees for unaccompanied minor travelers.

The bottom line

Even if you cannot travel with your child, it is still possible for them to travel alone. If you're considering allowing your child to travel without you, you may wonder, "How old do you have to be to fly alone?"

While no major U.S. airline allows children under the age of 5 to travel solo, the rules and fees vary considerably for children ages 5 to 17. In some cases, children as young as 12 years can fly without any restrictions.

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Unaccompanied Minors | Rules, Fees, Policies, and Tips for International Travel

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Traveling with kids can be an adventure. However, there may be a time where your child needs to travel without you. Whenever a child under the age of 18 is traveling alone, there are certain rules and procedures you need to follow. When an unaccompanied minor travels internationally, there are even more things to consider.

As a parent of young children and someone who traveled solo internationally as a child, myself, I can attest: planning is everything. Getting the details right can make the difference between a positive experience for your child and a nightmare.

This guide provides the most important details for supporting a child traveling abroad without an adult chaperone.

The Rules and Regulations for Unaccompanied Minor Travel Abroad

Your child needs a passport.

It all starts with a passport. Any American citizen traveling outside of the United States needs a valid U.S. Passport. It doesn't matter what the traveler's age is.

Getting a passport for a minor is not that different from getting a new passport for an adult . That said, if the person who needsa passport is under the age of 16, there are some additional steps that need to be followed. Most of these have to do with establishing parental and/or guardianship rights.

For more on this topic, our Passports for Minors FAQ covers some of the most common questions we have received on the topic over the past two decades.

Your Child Needs Additional Travel Documentation

In addition to a passport, having a notarized minor travel consent form is essential. This official document will ensure the airline and customs officials have access to critical information about your unaccompanied child.

• the legal identity of the child
• the legal parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of the child
• contact information for the child's parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• where the child will be staying while abroad
• contact information for the child and caregivers while abroad

In the event of any confusion or travel itinerary mishap, this document could prove to be the key to keeping your child safe. It gives airline personnel and customs officials the information they need to get the child to whom and to where he or she is supposed to be.

Age Restrictions for Minors Traveling Unaccompanied

The U.S. Department of Transportation has some general guidelines for unaccompanied minors flying on planes. Airlines are free to interpret them as they wish, but most follow them pretty closely.

Some of the key guidelines include:

• Children younger than 5 years old cannot travel alone.
• Children age 5 through 7 can travel alone, but only on non-stop and through flights. This may not be permitted by all airlines.
• Children age 8 through 11 can travel alone on any flight where there is a flight attendant. In some cases, minors in this age group may be restricted from certain flights that involve connections.

Again, these policies may be stricter depending upon individual airline policies. Some airlines ban this outright. Others extend this age limit to 14 years of age.

Children age 12 through 17 may be subject to the same or fewer restrictions as the 8 to 11 age group. For domestic flights, most airlines will only provide unaccompanied minor accommodations for this age group upon request. However, international travelers under the age of 18 are usually required to pay an unaccompanied minor fee.

Some carriers will not permit minors of any age to fly abroad unaccompanied.

Follow the links below for the current unaccompanied minor policies for some of the most popular international airlines:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines

Medical Considerations for Unaccompanied Minor Travelers

As a rule, most governments and companies (including airlines) have strict policies about medication. If your child requires medication, be sure to do your due diligence about what documentation and storage rules apply for all the locations your child will be traveling through. Do the same for any of the transportation and accommodation services they will be using to do so.

You should also be sure your child has the proper amount of medication for their trip. Both access to pharmacies and the usefulness of a prescription from an American doctor may vary outside of the country.

You should also consider if your child is able to administer their own medication. It should not be assumed that a flight attendant, customs official, or other adult will be willing or able to do so for your child. If this is an issue, consider reaching out to your child's doctor for advice or potential alternatives.

Airline Accommodations for a Child Traveling Alone

As mentioned, for airlines that allow minors to fly solo internationally, there is almost always an unaccompanied minor fee. These can range from $50 to over $200 depending on the airline.

In exchange for this fee, airlines provide some extra assistance for their young travelers:

• Preferential seating - Many airlines will only seat unaccompanied children in specific seats. These are usually locations that are within easy access of flight attendants, restrooms, and boarding entrances and exits.
• Extra supervision - Flight attendants are assigned to keep eyes and ears on unaccompanied minors. While they are not full-on chaperones, these airline employees strive to make the experience safe and comfortable for kids flying alone.
• An escort on and off the plane - In most cases, airlines will assign an employee to receive an unaccompanied child from their caregiver at the boarding gate. An employee will also help the child gather their belongings and get from their plane to their waiting adult.
• Transfer assistance - For airlines that allow unaccompanied minors on multi-leg flights, there are usually employees tasked with helping children get to their connecting flights.
• Complementary comfort services - Some airlines include food, drinks, and/or entertainment packages specifically for unaccompanied minor flyers.
• A parental gate pass - With airport security being what it is, many airports and airlines require parents to get a special gate pass to allow them to escort a child to their flights. Some airlines flat out require this as part of the ticketing process for unaccompanied minors.

Additional Tips for Parents of Unaccompanied Minor Travelers

You may also be able to register your child's travel itinerary with an embassy for some extra peace of mind in case of a potential emergency.

• Invest in a GPS tracker. In today's world, you can never be too safe. If your child is outside of your care consider having them carrying a GPS tracker so that you always know where they are. Apple AirTags and the JioBit are two popular, reliable, and affordable choices that work internationally.

More Articles about Passports for Minors

Expedited Passport for Minors

Minor Passport FAQ

Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program

Minor Travel Consent Form

Minors' passports and child support issues

Documents for travel to Mexico with minor child

Passport when birth certificate lists only one parent

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Unaccompanied minors

Children traveling alone.

We want your child to have a safe and positive trip. For safety, we require children age 5 – 14 traveling alone to use our unaccompanied minor service. This service is optional for children age 15 – 17, but if requested, then the fee applies.

The unaccompanied minor fee is $150* each way, plus applicable taxes † , in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight.

* Amount quoted in U.S. dollar (USD)

† Flights within the U.S. are subject to a 7% tax, and flights originating in Canada are charged a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Unaccompanied minor service

Our service includes:

• Early boarding to allow extra time to get settled and meet the flight attendants
• Kids-only lounges in our hub cities for flight connections
• Complimentary Kids' Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 – 10, in hub cities)
• An airport escort to help your child to the gate for flight connections
• Escorting the child to the authorized adult picking them up when they land

Keep in mind, our flight attendants will be busy with onboard duties and can’t continuously monitor your child during their flight. Let your child know to ring the call button if they need anything.

Age and flight restrictions for children traveling alone:

We don’t allow children to travel alone when their trips include:

• Flights on another airline including codeshare and one world® partners
• Ground or co-terminal connections where the child must transfer from one local airport to another
• The last flight of the day from the final connection city (unless it’s the only flight)
• Overnight connecting flights

Note: Children ages 2 – 14 can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 or older.

Complimentary Kids' Kits by Quaker

Children between 5-10 years old can stay entertained during their journey with our complimentary Kids’ Kits* presented by Quaker. Included are puzzles, activities and 2 complimentary snacks to enjoy at the airport or in flight. Kits are available for children departing from:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
• New York, NY (JFK and LGA)
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Chicago, IL (ORD)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

*Subject to availability

Booking your child's trip

Unaccompanied minors need to be booked by phone.

Contact Reservations

Preparing for travel

Whether your child has traveled alone or this is their first time, we recommend talking with them about the trip and what to expect. Assure them our team is there to help keep them safe.

Some helpful tips to prepare:

• Point out our team uniforms at the airport. Remind your child to ask for help only from a uniformed team member.
• Write down phone numbers for your child.
• Pack games, books and money in one small carry-on.
• Food and drink service is limited, so we recommend packing snacks for your child to enjoy during their flight.
• Attach an ID card and contact information to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket.
• Fully charge any electronic devices, and don’t forget to pack chargers and headphones.
• Be sure your child knows to wait for a team member to walk them off the plane when they land (this includes older children using our service).

Note: We don’t hold or give personal medication to an unaccompanied child.

At the airport

Check-in and required documents.

Arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of your child’s flight and speak with a ticket counter agent. Children traveling alone can’t check in online or at the kiosk.

You’ll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide:

• A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child’s age
• The adult’s government-issued photo ID with their current address
• Your phone number so we can contact you
• The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting your child at their destination

Once your child is checked in, the ticket agent will give you a security pass from the airport ticket counter so you can take your child to the gate.

Boarding and takeoff

For a smooth departure:

• An adult must take the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne.
• When you get to the gate, tell the gate agent you have an unaccompanied minor traveling on the flight.
• We’ll board your child early so they can meet the flight crew and learn about the plane’s safety features.
• The gate agent will let you know when the flight is airborne and you can leave the airport.
• Please contact the adult picking up your child to let them know they’re on their way.

During the flight

Our flight attendants will check on your child as duties allow, but they can’t continuously monitor your child throughout the flight.

Please remind your child to:

• Tell a flight attendant if he or she needs assistance or feels discomfort.
• Follow plane safety instructions, like wearing their seatbelt.
• Wait for a uniformed team member to escort them off the airplane once it arrives at the gate.

Unaccompanied minor lounges

If your child has a connection, we have lounges for unaccompanied minors in these airports:

• Dallas Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

While there, your child can wait for their connection and play games while supervised by American business partner personnel. These staff members will take your child outside the lounge to buy food and drinks, but they won’t be allowed to walk around outside alone.

Arrival and pick-up

For a seamless pick-up, don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. You’ll need to show it to get a security pass and meet the child at the gate (in the U.S.). You’ll also need to show it before we release the child to you.

We suggest arriving at least 2 hours before the child’s scheduled arrival so you have enough time.

Flight status and notifications

Stay connected with your child’s journey with flight notifications and remind the adult picking up your child from the airport to do the same. Be sure to get alerts for all flights in their trip.

Flight status

Flight delays and cancellations

We’ll call the contacts on the unaccompanied minor form and arrange an alternate flight if your child is unable to make a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations.

In the rare case that your child needs to stay overnight because of a missed connection, we’ll arrange for overnight accommodations, meals and supervision. We’ll call if this occurs.

Young adults (15 – 17 years of age)

If your young adult isn’t using the unaccompanied minor service and their flight is delayed or canceled, they will be accommodated as an adult customer. Keep in mind, many hotels won’t allow young people to check-in unless they are accompanied by an adult. Please remind them not to leave the airport for any reason unless they:

• Are accompanied by a uniformed team member or police officer
• Have spoken with a parent or designated adult

Please tell your young adult to speak to a team member if they have questions or need help.

Children traveling outside the U.S.

You may not be able to escort your child through security in some airports. If this is the case, a team member will take your child to the gate and stay with them until the flight departs.

Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.

Country-specific regulations

Some countries have additional restrictions for children traveling with guardians or as an unaccompanied minor.

If your child is traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent, you’ll need:

• The child's birth certificate
• Notarized travel authorization from both parents

The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate must issue, authenticate or legalize this travel authorization.

Contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence or check the National Council of Justice site for more information.

Brazilian National Council of Justice (CNJ) guidelines Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Italian citizens younger than 14 traveling internationally must have their Individual Passport and Dichiarazione di Accompagno (Declaration of Temporary Guardianship for Travel Abroad). The document must include:

• The signature of a parent or legal guardian
• Authentication by local Police Headquarters
• The name of the airline the child will use

For children with a document proving another nationality (not Italian), check with the local Italian embassy or consulate in their residence country or the embassy or consulate of their destination country for requirements.

Children younger than 18 (at time of travel) and traveling alone to or from Mexico must have a travel authorization letter. This letter must be:

• Signed by at least one parent or legal guardian

All children should present their own passport and meet the requirements of their destination.

Spanish authorities require that all Spanish children traveling alone, with only one parent or with a third party have a travel permit requested by the parents or legal guardians. This permit must be issued by one of these: Police, Civil Guard, Notary’s Office or Town Hall.

For children with a document proving another nationality (not Spanish) and living in Spain, go to the consulate to complete the necessary paperwork.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
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Unaccompanied Minor Program

Program details, unaccompanied minor travel journey.

If your child is traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor, an adult (18 years old or older) must accompany the minor through the check-in process and pick up the child at their destination. Review the process to help your unaccompanied minor prepare for their flight.

How to Book

To determine eligibility and book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact Reservations at 800-325-8847 to ensure that the travel is permitted and correctly documented. When you book, the adult making the reservation will provide a 4-digit PIN configuration that will be required to make any changes to the itinerary.

Getting Ready to Fly

When it’s time to travel, we recommend talking with your child about the journey, reminding them only to speak to Delta Air Lines representatives if they need anything. Remind them not to leave the gate area at any time and notify Delta if your child has any special needs. When packing, we recommend bringing:

• Snacks, games, books or other entertainment
• A single, small carry-on like a backpack, so nothing’s left behind
• A checked suitcase for larger items, which your child and accompanying adult can pick up after their flight
• An ID card contact information attached to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket

Required Check-In Documents

When you arrive at the airport, please see a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent for information regarding drop-off and pick-up for unaccompanied minor travel. You will receive a  wristband for your child to wear in-flight and create a package of boarding documents and ID for your child to use as they travel. At check-in, the accompanying adult must provide the following:

• Photo ID (license, passport, etc.)
• Address (as shown on ID)
• Contact phone number
• Name, address and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at their destination

Unaccompanied Minor Boarding & Takeoff

A parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has left the ground. 

If the minor is connecting though another city, the child will be assisted by a Delta or business partner employee.

• Delta recommends that children be seated in the rear of the aircraft to be near a flight attendant for safety
• For questions or concerns, please contact Delta Air Lines at 800-325-8847 (U.S./Canada/Guam/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands) or find numbers for all other locations

Delta Sky Zone

If your child has a connecting flight through Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City or Seattle, we offer Delta Sky Zones for their entertainment. In these children-only areas, children flying alone can wait for connections, use complimentary phones to call parents/guardians and take advantage of activities like books, toys and video games. Staffed by Delta representatives, your child will find staff members always there to help them feel secure and comfortable.

Unaccompanied Minor Pick-Up

A valid ID must be presented and signature captured of the person meeting the child. Delta will not release to anyone other than the person named. A parent or accompanying adult should report to the destination airport two hours before scheduled arrival to obtain a gate pass. Please note:

• If the pickup person at the destination changes, the accompanying adult must call Delta at 800-325-8847 to provide the new information.
• Upon arrival, if someone other than the person named at check-in is at the destination to pick up the child, a Delta representative will contact the original accompanying adult to verify the identification of the pickup person at the destination.
• The pickup person at the destination will typically be issued a gate pass to pick up the unaccompanied minor at the gate. In some locations, the pickup person will be directed to the local Delta Baggage Service Office for pickup.
• At the point of departure, the accompanying adult must remain at the gate until the flight is off the ground.

Unaccompanied Minor Program Fees & Rules

The Unaccompanied Minor Program requires a fee of $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way, with CAD and EUR used when departing Canada or Europe. This fee applies to travel within the United States and International on both nonstop and connecting flights, in addition to the ticketed adult fare.

• The $150 fee is mandatory for children ages 5-14, and for 15-17-year-olds if a parent chooses to enroll in the unaccompanied minor program
• The fee covers up to 4 children if multiple children, such as siblings, are traveling together
• The fee can be paid one-way or round-trip at the time of check in or in advance by calling
• Unaccompanied Minors must be ticketed on an adult fare
• Travel is permitted on Delta and Delta Connection
• Travel is permitted on Domestic and International itineraries
• Unaccompanied Minors can only connect to other Delta, Delta Connection, Air France, KLM and Aeromexico flights
• Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day, except in markets with only one flight per day.
• International flights
• Connecting to/from international flights
• Connecting to markets with only one flight per day

Unaccompanied Minor Frequently Asked Questions

A Delta Air Lines employee will take your child on board before general boarding begins. This allows time to:

• Introduce your child to the flight attendants
• Introduce your child to the cockpit crew, time permitting
• Take your child to his or her seat and assist with carry-on items
• Familiarize your child with the safety features of the aircraft
• Advise your child of lavatory locations
• Inform your child if assistance is required to contact a flight attendant and to remain in their seat upon landing as a flight attendant will get them when it is time to deplane

No. You will be asked to say goodbye in the terminal area because access is restricted to ticketed passengers only. We do ask, however, that you stay in the gate area until the child's plane takes off in the event the flight returns to the gate.

A badged employee will meet your child's arriving flight. If your child's connection time is short, the unaccompanied minor escort will take your child directly to the connecting departure and will escort him or her on board.

If your child's layover is longer, the employee will take him or her to the Delta Sky Zone or other secure location, and turn the ticket and the Unaccompanied Minor over to the next Delta Air Lines representatives in the room (the employee keeps your child's documentation until it is time to go to the connecting flight). Another representative will escort your child onto the connecting flight at the appropriate time and introduce him or her to the flight attendants.

If we have any indication that your child’s flight may not operate as scheduled, we'll advise you and suggest that you book travel for another day. If the delay or cancellation occurs en route, Delta employees will:

• Rebook your child on the next available departure to their destination
• Stay with your child until they can be boarded on an alternate flight
• Contact the person at the destination who is designated to pick up the child and/or the person listed as the emergency contact. We will continue to attempt contact until contact is made

Under very rare circumstances, an overnight may be required (e.g. a major snowstorm). In these situations, we will provide overnight and meal accommodations for your child. And a Delta employee(s) will provide supervision to ensure your child's safety during an overnight stay. You will be contacted with pertinent information if this unusual circumstance occurs.

Enrollment in the Delta Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for children 5 to 14. If you prefer that your 15 to 17-year-old travel without supervision, please advise the agent at the time of the reservation and it will be noted. Your child will be expected to handle boarding and deplaning as well as transfers to connecting gates on their own.

• Remind your teenager never to leave the airport for any reason unless accompanied by a badged Delta employee or uniformed police officer until they have reached their destination city
• She or he should never seek help from or leave the airport with strangers
• Provide your teenager with instructions, phone contacts and a small amount of money for food in the unlikely event their flight is missed, delayed, canceled or rerouted
• Remind your teenager that they can seek the assistance of any Delta employee if they have questions, concerns or need reassurance
• Remember most hotels will not accept young people who are not accompanied by an adult

Yes. If you are dropping off or picking up your minor but opted out of the Unaccompanied Minor program, we will issue you a pass to accompany your child to the gate. Please check with an airport agent at the time of check-in to have the gate pass issued.

Due to safety concerns, gate passes are not issued for the person picking up the minor (15-17) unless they are enrolled in the Unaccompanied Minor program.

Yes. International UMNR travel resumed April 1, 2021. However, there are some restrictions on travel based on individual country requirements or travel on other airlines. Contact Reservations at 800-325-8847 for more detail related to international travel for UMNRs.

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Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies for U.S. Airlines [2023]

Chris Hassan

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Table of Contents

Unaccompanied minor basics, unaccompanied minor policies, tips for unaccompanied minor flights, final thoughts.

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Sending your child on a flight alone can be an exciting (and nerve-wracking) experience.

Whether they’ve been flying with you since babyhood or are just getting their travel legs now, you and your child need to be prepared for travel as an unaccompanied minor.

In the U.S., airlines have a wide array of rules and costs when it comes to young flyers traveling alone. Let’s look at each airline’s policy for exactly what you need to know before your big kid takes to the skies on their own.

For countless reasons, you may find that sending your child on a flight alone makes sense for you and your family.

Whether they are going to meet up with their other parent, grandparents, friends, family, school, or summer camp, being prepared will help ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Although rules vary by airline, in most cases, an unaccompanied minor can be a child between the ages of 5 and 14. You can expect to pay up to $150 for an unaccompanied service from the airline to help with the travel logistics. 

Below is a chart to take a quick view of policies, followed by a more in-depth breakdown of each airline.

*Prices shown are for one-way flights and are in addition to the price of the ticket

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has Junior Jetsetters, an unaccompanied minor service for kids 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights.

When flying with Alaska, Junior Jetsetters receive a lanyard and a wristband so staff and crew can easily identify them. Kids will receive early boarding and a special safety briefing to make sure they are familiar with the emergency protocols.

Your child will be supervised for their entire journey for $50 on nonstop flights. Kids ages 8 to 17 can fly a more complex itinerary with connections for $75. 

Junior Jetsetters who have attained MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, or Gold 100K Mileage Plan status have these fees waived.

Parents or guardians can escort the child all the way to the gate as long as they have obtained an escort pass at the ticket counter.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Alaska Airlines, call 800-252-7522.

Hot Tip: Some Alaska Airlines routes may not allow unaccompanied minors, including for seasonal severe weather.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline considers anyone 15 and older an adult. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

American Airlines

American Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens ages 15 to 17. The cost is $150, which covers the cost of siblings, as well. 

The AA unaccompanied minor service includes early boarding to get comfortable and meet the flight attendants, kids-only lounge access (in select cities), Kids’ Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 to 10 in hub cities), and an escort for connecting and arriving flights.

If your child has a connecting flight, they will have access to an unaccompanied minor lounge in the following airports:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York (JFK and LGA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Rules vary by age and destination for international flights and can be found on AA.com .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines,  call 800-433-7300.

Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways does not provide an unaccompanied minor service. The airline allows children 13 and older to fly by themselves without an accompanying adult on all nonstop flights. On multiple-segment flights (including BreezeThrus and connecting flights), an adult must accompany any guest younger than 18.

Children ages 13 to 17 must provide government documentation stating their age.

Delta Air Lines

Delta has an unaccompanied minor program for domestic and international travel for kids ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens from 15 to 17. The service costs $150 each way for up to 4 children. 

Only children 8 and older can travel on itineraries with connections. Younger children must be booked on nonstop flights.

Minors traveling with the unaccompanied minor program receive a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a personal escort throughout their travel day.

Sky Zones are children-only areas where children who are flying alone can use the complimentary phones to call their parents, wait for connections, play with toys and video games, and have the support of Delta representatives.

Delta Sky Zones are available in the following airports:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Detroit (DTW)
• Memphis (MEM)
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP)
• New York (JFK)
• Salt Lake City (SLC)
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

After check-in, a parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has taken off. The person meeting the child at the other airport must be registered and provide an ID and signature.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Delta Air Lines, you must call 800-325-8847.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline allows anyone 15 and older to fly by themselves. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance, but the requirements vary based on age and final destination. The service costs $35 per flight segment on flights between the Hawaiian islands and $100 per flight segment on flights between Hawaii and continental North America for up to 2 children from the same family. 

Children ages 5 to 11 are considered unaccompanied minors and must pay for the Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance. The service is optional for kids 12 to 17. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights.

A child aged 5 to 11 can travel with a passenger 15 or older without Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance.

At drop-off, the parent or responsible adult must submit a completed Request For Unaccompanied Minor form and inform the airline who will be picking up the child at the arrival airport. Pickup locations vary by airport and can be found on the Hawaiian Airlines website .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Hawaiian Airlines, call 800-367-5320.

JetBlue allows for unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 14 years old to travel on their own. Tickets can be booked online and carry a fee of $150 per person each way.

There is a limit of 3 unaccompanied minors per flight, and they cannot occupy Mint or Even More Space seats. Seats A, B, and C in the plane’s last row are reserved for unaccompanied minors so that the crew can easily assist if needed.

Only nonstop flights can be booked for unaccompanied minors , with some international flights included. Service for the U.K. and Europe is not available at the moment. Unaccompanied minors, even on Blue Basic Fares, can bring a carry-on at no extra charge.

A photo ID and 3 copies of a completed Unaccompanied Minor Form are required at drop-off. Gate passes may be available at the discretion of the TSA.

At pick-up, the guardian listed on the Unaccompanied Minor Form must be at least 18 years old and present an ID.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue, go to jetblue.com or call 800-538-2583.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest allows Unaccompanied Minors ages 5 to 11 to travel independently on domestic flights. There is a $100 fee each way. 

Children 12 and over can use the Young Travelers service for no fee.

Parents cannot accompany their child all the way to the gate.

Unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop or direct flights in the U.S., and parents or guardians must provide proper identification during drop-off and pickup.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, you can go to southwest.com , book at the ticket counter, or call 800-435-9792

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines allows unaccompanied minors ages 5 to 14 on select flights for a fee of $150 each way. 

Flights must be domestic, nonstop flights. Unaccompanied minors receive a lanyard with their information on it and a snack, and drinks during their travels.

The drop-off parent or guardian must provide a valid ID and escort the child all the way to the gate (with a gate pass) and wait for 15 minutes after the flight takes off. The child will be preboarded and introduced to the flight crew.

The pick-up parent or guardian should request a gate pass at the ticket counter with a valid ID and be waiting at the arrival gate so that the flight attendant can release the child to the adult listed on their Unaccompanied Minor form.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Spirit Airlines, you can go to spirit.com or call 855-728-3555.

Sun Country

Sun Country does not have an unaccompanied minor service and, therefore, doesn’t allow children under 14 to travel alone.

On domestic flights, kids ages 15 to 17 can accompany 1 child between the ages of 5 to 14. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

United Airlines

United Airlines has an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. There is a fee of $150 each way for every 2 children using the service. 

Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as they are nonstop on United or United Express. Teens ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight or opt into the unaccompanied minor service.

The young flyers receive a wristband, special bag tags, and an envelope with their unaccompanied minor forms. They also receive early boarding to get settled and a free snack after takeoff.

The drop-off parent or guardian can accompany the child to the gate if the airport allows it.

The pick-up parent or guardian can wait by the arrival gate if gate passes are available. A United representative will meet the child at the plane and bring them to the designated pick-up person.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines, use united.com or call 800-864-8331.

You’ve made the decision to send your little one on their first big adventure by themselves and confirmed that the airline will assist them, but there are still some things you can do to help set them up for a successful journey.

Here are tips from fellow parents and directly from the airlines to help your child fly as an unaccompanied minor.

Explain the Process

You are likely nervous. Your child probably is, too. Making sure that they are emotionally and mentally prepared will be extremely important.

Going over exactly what the trip will entail, what is expected of them, who they can rely on, and what to do in an emergency can be calming and helpful.

Remind them that the flight crew is there to help them and that someone will be waiting for them at the other end of the flight.

Charge the Gadgets

For kids, nothing is worse than their favorite piece of technology running out of battery.

Let them indulge in screen time and ensure their phones, tablets, and other devices are all charged up for the trip. And don’t forget the chargers!

This will also ensure they can stay in touch with you if needed.

Use an AirTag

Apple AirTags have exploded in popularity to keep track of checked luggage.

Well, there is no more precious cargo than your child. Toss an AirTag in their backpack (Apple sells a  single AirTag for $29 , or a pack of  4 AirTags for $99 ), or, better yet, use an AirTag bracelet .

With an AirTag, you can see almost exactly where they are, which can be handy during pick-up.

Write Down Emergency Contacts

Yes, there will be cell phones and proper documentation from the airline, but you never know.

It can’t hurt to have a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers on a piece of paper, if needed.

Pack Snacks

We all function better when we aren’t hungry, right?

Even though some unaccompanied minor services offer snacks, it’s a good idea to make sure your kid is well-fed before their flight and has a bag full of snacks to munch on during their journey.

You’ve packed snacks, and the airline will likely provide some as well, but it’s a good idea to give your kid some spending money just in case of a long delay.

Whether they’re waiting to board or on the plane for longer than planned, having a little cash or a credit card can come in handy if they need to buy something.

Minimize Carry-Ons

This goes for all travelers, but the less you board with, the less likely it will get left behind.

A backpack is probably the easiest for smaller travelers, so they don’t have to deal with reaching into overhead bins.

Track the Flight

Being able to track the flight will help calm a parent or guardian’s nerves and keep the person picking up the unaccompanied minor informed if there are any delays.

Whether using the airline’s app or a third-party app such as FlightAware , a little bit of technology in your pocket is nice.

Sending your little one on a flight by themselves is a huge moment filled with a plethora of feelings with everything from excitement to fear. But with the right preparation, your unaccompanied minor could make their first successful trip of many to come.

Many airlines will make sure that your child has a safe and enjoyable flight, and if they are flying Alaska Airlines and have elite status, they won’t even charge you!

Many factors go into whether or not you and your family are comfortable enough with this type of travel. Hopefully, the information you found here will help with your decision.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i board the aircraft with my child.

No, but in some cases, the parent or guardian can get a gate pass and stay with the child until they have boarded at the gate.

Can unaccompanied minors travel internationally?

Depending on the airline and destination, yes. You will need to check directly with your carrier.

How much does it cost for my child to fly alone?

Prices vary depending on the airline and itinerary, often around $50 to $150 each way. This is in addition to the cost of the ticket.

Can my 13-year-old fly alone?

On many U.S. airlines, yes. You will likely need to pay an unaccompanied minor fee, as well.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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Here comes the airplane! What to know about flying as an unaccompanied minor

• Most kids as young as 5 should be developmentally ready to travel alone.
• Traveling alone can help kids to feel more responsible and become better problem solvers.
• Every airline has its own rules for minors traveling alone.

"Traveling together” is a five-part series focusing on family travel experiences and how they shape our relationships. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can fill out this quick form .

Carmen Wilson-Wright took their first solo flight from Baltimore to visit their grandparents in San Antonio, Texas, when they were 8 years old.

Their mother is a travel journalist, so Wilson-Wright, whose pronouns are they/them/their, said it felt like a normal thing to do.

"I was already more of an experienced flyer. I’ve been flying since I was 10 days old," they said. "Honestly, I wasn’t nerve-wracked at all. My mom had been preparing me for that basically my entire life."

Now 17, Wilson-Wright still flies alone at least three or four times a year and said that knowing they can take care of themselves even when they're hundreds of miles from anyone they know has given them a strong sense of independence. 

Most U.S. airlines will let children as young as 5 fly as unaccompanied minors, though restrictions and the required   level of supervision vary by carrier and the passenger's   age.

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Child development experts told USA TODAY that letting kids fly unaccompanied can be a great way to help them develop their sense of self, and agreed that 5 was – developmentally speaking – a good age for most kids to start having that opportunity under the right circumstances.

Is my kid ready to fly alone?

Every child develops at a different rate and handles various situations in their own way, but psychiatrists generally agree most should be able to handle flying alone from a pretty young age.

"Most people don't give kids enough credit," said Lea Lis, a child psychiatrist and author of "No Shame: Real Talk With Your Kids About Sex, Self-Confidence, and Healthy Relationships." "Unless your child has a developmental delay or something, they're perfectly capable of handling a trip."

Most airlines require unaccompanied minors to be escorted to their departure gate and met at their arrival gate by an adult guardian, and Lis said the way most airlines structure travel for solo kids helps give them a sense of independence without any real danger.

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"It might be the first time they were given an opportunity to be away from their caregiver, and airlines and airports are extremely safe," she said. "It's giving them this sense of freedom without any real risk to their safety and security."

Marcel Green, a private practice psychiatrist in New York City, affiliated with Hudson Mind and The Children's Village, among other institutions, said solo travel could also help kids become better problem-solvers.

"It nurtures the development of a cognitive skill called executive functioning, which refers to one’s ability to coordinate and implement planning," he said. "Traveling alone represents an extremely important task, and if a kid is supported enough to master that task, it will correlate with swifter development."

How can I prepare my kids to fly by themselves? 

Lis practices what she preaches. In 2017, her then 7-year-old daughter took a solo trip to Germany to visit a great aunt.

"They upgraded her to first class, and she loved it," Lis said.

While a luxe seat is hardly guaranteed for any young adventurer, there's plenty caregivers can do ahead of a trip to help kids be more calm and more comfortable.

"Make it fun instead of scary," Lis said. "Don’t say, 'Oh my God, this is going to be so hard for you,' say, 'This is going to be so fun for you.' "

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She added that doing something special like giving the kid a little gift – like a new book or toy – to unwrap on the plane could help make the trip even more exciting and provide a good distraction if they get bored or nervous.

Green said the key is making sure kids can handle other tasks independently first.

"Is the child able to perform an errand by themselves under the supervision of parents?" he said. "That would be a good gauge, and progressively making it more challenging," by giving them more involved errands that require being away from their normal support network for longer. 

"You essentially want to see how emotionally balanced a child can be" when they're not with their family, Green said.

Ahead of a trip, he added, it's important to check in with the child to make sure they're feeling ready, too.

Story continues below.

"I would ask the child: How do you feel when you’re alone? What do you do if you need help? Who would you talk to if you’re upset? If you are upset, do you know how to reach your parent?" Green said.

Lis agreed that it's important for children traveling alone to memorize key contact info and know how to get in touch with someone who can help in an emergency. She also said some kids may just not be ready to travel by themselves.

"If a child is very anxious in general ... that's probably not the right child to send on a plane alone," she said. "If a child is adventurous and has that kind of spirit, they'll probably fare better."

In their experience, Wilson-Wright also said it's important for kids to be involved in planning and preparing for their own trip.

"Make sure you're packing your own carry-on," Wilson-Wright  said. "You want activities for your own plane ride. You want to choose what you want to do."

Will my kid act differently after taking a solo trip? 

Flying without a parent can definitely help a kid feel more independent, and that could have positive knock-on effects at home and on future family trips, too.

"It could be correlated with improved behavior within the family unit as well as in other social settings where we expect children to behave," Green said.

Lis added that giving kids more responsibility should be a natural next step after they have taken a trip by themselves.

"Leverage that: 'You did this by yourself; what else can you do by yourself?' " she said. "'You're a kid who flew on a plane alone, you can make your own snack.' "

Airline policies

Most airlines have similar rules for unaccompanied minors traveling. Here are the policies from the four largest carriers in the U.S.

► American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied on American . The airline charges $150 each way for the service for solo kids or groups of siblings. Unaccompanied minors are entitled to priority boarding, kids-only lounges in the airline's hubs for those with connecting flights, a snack kit for travelers up to age 10 and escorts through the airport along with flight attendant supervision onboard.

Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers, but any unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 is required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. Those ages 5 to 7 are allowed to travel only on nonstop flights. 

► Delta Air Lines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied on some  Delta  flights. The airline charges $150 each way for up to four children to use the service, which includes priority boarding, kids-only lounges in the airline's hubs for those with connecting flights and escorts through the airport along with flight attendant supervision onboard.

Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers on any Delta flight, but all unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 are required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. Those ages 5 to 7 are allowed to travel only on nonstop flights. 

► United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied on United  flights. The airline charges $150 each way for one to two kids to use the service, $300 each way for three to four kids and $450 each way for up to six  kids. Unaccompanied minors on United must take nonstop flights and will be assigned a seat within 72 hours of booking. They are entitled to priority boarding and have a chance to meet the pilots before takeoff. Flight attendants check in with them during the flight as duties allow. 

Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers on any United flight, but all unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 are required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. 

► Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids ages 5 to 11 can fly as unaccompanied minors on any direct  Southwest  flights (this includes both nonstop itineraries and those that do make a stop but don't require a change of planes). The airline charges $50 per child each way for its unaccompanied minor service, which entitles them to priority boarding and an escort and supervision on the plane. 

Children 4 years old and younger or 12 years old and older are not eligible unaccompanied minor service on Southwest.

Have you or your child flown by themselves? How was that experience?

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Arrange for Your Child to Travel Internationally as an Unaccompanied Minor

Last Updated: August 4, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 17,240 times.

Whether they're traveling abroad for international study or to visit with friends and family overseas, airlines and governments have special regulations for passengers under the age of majority who are traveling alone. While unaccompanied-minor services typically aren't required for teenagers, if your younger child is going to fly to another country, you must follow specific procedures when booking the reservation, at departure, and when the child arrives at his or her destination. [1] X Research source

Making the Flight Reservation

• In particular, some airlines won't accept unaccompanied minors as passengers on international flights at all.
• Other airlines allow unaccompanied minors on international flights, but won't take children under a certain age, such as 10 or 12.
• Depending on the child's destination country, airlines may have further restrictions that are based on safety concerns or cultural traditions in the destination country.

• A "through" flight is one that makes a stop for refueling or other reasons but doesn't require the passengers to change planes. These may be your best option if your child is flying to a country a significant distance away, for which nonstop travel is not an option.
• If you can't find a direct flight, look for a flight in which the child needs to change planes but stays with the same airline.
• Since all airlines require positive identification to hand off unaccompanied minors to another airline attendant, connections that require the child to switch from one airline to another can result in significant delays.
• Some airlines require only interline connections for children traveling alone, or restrict unaccompanied minors to nonstop or direct flights only.
• Keep in mind that some airlines don't allow unaccompanied minors on flights where weather may be a significant factor. Pay attention to heightened weather issues during particular seasons for certain geographic areas, such as flying from the northern U.S. to Canada during the winter months.

• Keep in mind that if you want to make reservations for an unaccompanied minor, many airlines require you to call their reservation call center or make reservations in person at the airport reservation desk rather than booking your flight online.
• Reservations for unaccompanied minors also typically cannot be made through third-party travel websites or discount outlets.

• Unaccompanied-minor services mean a member of the flight staff escorts your child on and off the aircraft and looks after him or her until arrival. If the child's itinerary changes, such as due to a flight delay, you will be notified and have a say in the child's alternate arrangements.
• Many airlines don't require unaccompanied-minor fees for children over the age of 12, although this age may be 14 or 16 for international flights. However, even if unaccompanied-minor services aren't required, you may want to consider requesting them and paying the additional fees anyway, particularly for an international flight.
• If you don't pay for unaccompanied-minor services, your child will be responsible for making their own alternate plans if their flight is delayed, cancelled, or diverted, and you will not be notified of the change in your child's itinerary (unless he or she calls you).
• Unaccompanied-minor fees vary from $100 to $200 round-trip, and may be even higher for international flights.
• Airlines also may charge additional unaccompanied-minor fees if the child has to make a connecting flight, because a member of the flight staff typically must accompany the child through the airport to board the other plane.

• For example, some countries require unaccompanied minors to carry a signed consent form from their parents or legal guardians stating that they have permission to travel abroad and listing details of the child's itinerary.
• Some countries require the consent form to be signed in front of a notary public.
• Different countries have different identification requirements for children to pass through customs, and may have different requirements for entering and leaving the country. Make sure your child has the correct documents both to enter the country and to come back home again.
• You typically can find out a country's entry and exit requirements for unaccompanied minors by contacting an embassy or consulate of the destination country. You also may be able to find the same information on the embassy website.

Departing the Airport

• If your child has prescription medication that he or she will need to take at some point during the flight, check with the airline regarding its procedures. Flight staff typically aren't allowed to administer medications.
• Make sure your child has plenty of activities he or she enjoys to keep them occupied during the flight, as well as snacks. You also may want to buy the child a bottle of water at the gate after you've passed through security.
• Your child should have boarding passes, a copy of his or her complete itinerary, and names, addresses and phone numbers for you and the person he or she is meeting in the destination country.
• Your child also should have the required identification documents such as passports and visas sufficient to allow him or her to enter and exit the destination country and return home.
• If your child is old enough to handle it responsibly, consider giving your child an international mobile phone so that they can call you or the person meeting them in the destination country in the event of an emergency or a change in itinerary.

• The airline may require your child to be present for check-in a half hour earlier than the recommended check-in for adult passengers on international flights. Even if there isn't a specific requirement, make sure you arrive early enough to complete all the requirements and get your child safely to the gate well in advance of boarding.
• You must bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself, and you may need to present the child's birth certificate to prove his or her age. Plan on doing this anyway if your child appears younger than his or her age.

• Keep in mind that you must have the person who will pick up the child in the destination country confirmed. Flight staff typically won't hand off an unaccompanied minor to anyone other than the person you name on this form.
• Check with the person picking up your child in the destination country before you take your child to the airport and make sure you have the correct address and contact information to put on the airline's form so there won't be any problems.
• The form typically requires you to fill out details regarding the child's travel itinerary. Should any of this information change, airline staff will update the form accordingly.

• Plan on staying with your child until he or she boards the plane. A flight attendant will escort your child on the plane and get him or her situated before the other passengers begin boarding.
• Tell your child only to go with or follow instructions from uniformed flight personnel.
• If the airline gives your child a special "unaccompanied minor" badge, place it conspicuously on the child's clothing and make sure he or she knows not to take it off. Don't put this badge on an article of clothing such as a jacket or sweater that your child might take off during the flight.
• Since you can't take liquids through security checkpoints, you may want to purchase your child a bottle of water or juice to have on the flight. You also may want to purchase snacks, particularly for lengthy flights.
• If it's your child's first flight, prepare them for the trip by explaining basic airplane safety and explaining what will happen as the plane takes off and lands, what might happen if there is turbulence, and how the body responds to changes in air pressure.

Arriving at the Destination

• The person you designate should generally be available by phone on the day the child travels, so they can be contacted in the event the child's flight is delayed or diverted.
• If something happens and you have to use another person to pick up your child than the person you originally named, contact the airline as soon as possible to find out what you can do.
• Be aware of local customs in the destination country that may impact your choice. For example, in some countries it is inappropriate or even forbidden for a female child to be picked up by an unrelated male.
• Make sure the person picking up your child has complete, up-to-date information regarding your child's itinerary and can contact the airline if necessary to get a status update on the flight.

• Individual airline regulations differ, but typically the person picking up your child is responsible for getting their own gate pass. The airline may charge a fee for gate passes.
• Most airlines require the person picking up the child to meet the child at the gate, which means they must have the ability to pass in and out of security and customs themselves.
• Make sure the person picking up your child can arrive at the airport at least a half hour before your child's plane is scheduled to land. This gives them a chance to complete any procedures related to picking up the child and find the correct gate before the plane arrives.
• Keep in mind some airports require the person picking up your child to meet them at the baggage claim area rather than escorting the child through customs. Ask the airline staff about this beforehand.

• Identification requirements not only vary among airlines but also may vary by country. In addition to checking the airline's requirements, check with the destination country's embassy or consulate to make sure both your child and the person picking him or her up have the correct documents with them.
• Specifically, some countries require an unaccompanied minor to carry a government-issued photo ID in addition to a passport, while others do not.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.dev/files/docs/Kids_Fly_Alone.pdf
• ↑ https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/policies/children-traveling-alone.aspx
• ↑ http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/things-kids-flying-kids-flying/story?id=20544364
• ↑ https://www.aa.com/content/images/travelInformation/unaccompaniedMinorServiceForm.pdf
• ↑ https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/specialneeds/minors/faq.aspx

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Unaccompanied minors

WestJet is pleased to offer an unaccompanied-minor program for children, aged 8 to 17, who are travelling alone.

Unaccompanied minor program

The information below is intended to help you determine if this program is right for your child. There are a few critical points to cover, but it will only take a few minutes to prepare your child to boldly go where they've never gone before.

Qualifying for the program

Please note: if your child does not meet the qualifications below, you may want to use our  Guardian fare program  which allows you to accompany your child to/from destination at a discount.

• Children must be at least eight years of age at the time of travel.
• This is a  mandatory  service for children travelling alone who have had their 8th birthday but have not yet reached their 12th
• This is an  optional  service for children travelling alone who have had their 12th birthday but haven't had their 18th birthday yet
• are deaf or blind;
• require the use of a service dog;
• have an allergy that requires them to travel with an epinephrine auto-injector (for example an Epi‑pen®);
• require assistance to take essential medication;
• have a disability which requires them to travel with a familiar guardian (these children may qualify to travel using our  guardian fare program );
• are not able to communicate (verbally or in writing) in English or French.

Flight availability and restrictions

In order for an unaccompanied minor to travel, the flight must:

• be for travel between two Canadian cities. We do not offer unaccompanied minor service on flights to the United States or other international destinations . You may want to consider using our  guardian fare program  for flights outside of Canada..
• be a WestJet flight (i.e.: operated by WestJet). This program cannot be used on flights operated by our  airline partners .
• not require a connection to a different flight (as indicated by multiple flight numbers).
• not depart before 5:30 a.m. or arrive after 10:00 p.m. (where we have more than one flight per day to the destination).
• one that does not take place overnight - also known as a “red-eye.”

Please note that Air Miles and RBC points bookings are ineligible for Unaccompanied minor bookings.

Reserving unaccompanied minor travel

• To request unaccompanied minor travel, please complete our  online form . We'll review your request and reply by email to you within 48 hours. Once we've responded, you have 72 hours to confirm your reservation and to pay for the flight and $100 fee plus taxes per direction. If the payment is not processed within 72 hours, a new request must be submitted online. 
• WestJet can accommodate up to four unaccompanied minors per flight.
• As part of your child's flight, we may provide a headset, a snack and a drink. On routings where our buy-on-board service is available, your child may also receive a snack or other  buy-on board items .

Identification and information required

• In order to reserve travel for an unaccompanied minor, we require the child's date of birth, gender, and full name as it is shown on their  identification .
• We also require the full names (as shown on government identification), addresses, and cell phone numbers (or other contact number) for the guardians transporting your child  to and from  the airport.
• At check-in, we require a photocopy (not the original) of either the child's birth certificate or one other piece of government issued  identification showing the child's date of birth and gender. The photocopy will be sent with the child and will be required for the return flight as well.
• The person picking up your child upon arrival must be older than 18 years of age and will be required to present one piece of government-issued photo identification.
• After your unaccompanied minor booking has been completed, we will email an unaccompanied minor form to the person who has reserved the flight(s). This form is required for both directions of the child's journey.
• Please complete the form prior to arrival at the airport. Incomplete forms may cause delays and missed flights.

Packing and travel tips

• Your child is permitted the regular  carry-on and checked baggage allowance . A pet may not travel with an unaccompanied minor. Our  checklist  contains some useful packing tips.
• To see what your child can and cannot take on a flight, visit our  restricted items website .
• You may wish to pack additional snacks or ensure your child has enough spending money for a meal. While the fee to travel with an unaccompanied minor includes some snacks, unexpected delays may cause travel to take longer than anticipated. If you are planning on sending additional snacks, just be aware that not all items are permitted through security; please see  www.catsa.gc.ca  for more information.
• Create an emergency contact list for your child. A calling card is a quick and handy resource if your child needs to contact someone. Your child should know how to make a collect long-distance call to you or to the parent/guardian meeting the flight.

Entertainment

• You may want to pack your child's favourite toy or blanket, iPod, book or video game.
• Please keep in mind that there will be times when our flight crew will not permit these items to be used.

At the airport

• We require you to be at the airport a minimum of 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This will allow us time to review your completed unaccompanied minor form, complete additional documentation and  make sure your child has been checked in and is ready for departure. If you have the proper identification to go through security, most airports will allow you to use a gate pass to escort your child to the gate area. Only one gate pass for one person can be issued.
• You are required to remain in the gate area (or airport if a gate pass has not been issued) until you are advised by a WestJet agent that the aircraft has departed. You are also required to be available (via phone) until the aircraft has arrived and your child has been transferred to the care of the pick-up guardian in their destination city. It's a good idea to arrange your schedule so that you can remain at the airport if departure is delayed. Please make sure the parent/guardian putting your child on the return flight also understands this requirement.
• Ensure that guardians transporting your child to and from the airport have a copy of the child's itinerary and their own identification .
• We recommend you also include a  baggage tag  on the inside of your child's carry-on and checked baggage with your name and your child's name, in case they accidentally leave it on the aircraft or in the airport.
• Before your child boards, you may want to give them a small snack and have them use the restroom near the gate area.
• Be aware that your child will be pre-boarded, and will be the last guest to leave the aircraft upon arrival.

Picking up your child from the airport

• We require that the guardian picking up your child arrives at the airport at least 30 minutes  before the flight's scheduled time of arrival.
• Children will be brought to the arrivals area and the guardian will be required to present their government-issued identification  before the child is released to them.

Flight interruptions

Caring for your child is extremely important to us. WestJet has processes in place to ensure the safety and care of your child at all times regardless of the reason for the flight interruption.  Children travelling under this program are prioritized for the next available flight if their original flight is cancelled and we will provide all care needs, transportation, food and accommodations as required.

How to help your child travel safely

• Prepare your child for their trip by telling them when they are travelling, what time their flights are, their destination, and who will be dropping them off and picking them up.
• Let your child know that they are required to follow the instructions of our flight crew at all times. For their safety, the identification they are given must be easily visible from the time they are accepted for travel, over the duration of the flight, and until they are released into the care of the parent or guardian.
• It is important that you tell your child that they must remain seated after the aircraft has been parked at the gate as a flight attendant will assist them in exiting the aircraft after all other guests.
• We recommend dressing your child in loose, comfortable clothing. Dressing them in layers will allow them to adjust to the temperature onboard in case they are too warm or cold. It's a good idea to put your child's name on the inside of their clothing and to pack a change of clothing in their carry-on bag.

WestJet Vacations package bookings

We do not offer the unaccompanied minor program for children travelling as part of a WestJet Vacations package booking.

Helpful links

Children travelling alone

If your child is about to embark on their first adventure without you, here’s everything you need to know to help make sure it goes smoothly. 

How old does a child have to be to fly alone?

We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. 

Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone with us. They must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking to travel with us. 

Our partner airline SUN-AIR of Scandinavia follow different guidelines. Please see below for more information.

Booking flights for children under the age of 16

A child aged 14 or 15 years old travelling alone will be booked to travel as an adult. To book their ticket, please get in touch via our  Contact Us  page as you’re unable to book this online. 

The young traveller will be making their own way through departure and arrival airports and boarding their flight(s) without assistance or a chaperone. We’re unable to accept parental responsibility for the young person. 

Our partner airlines may have different regulations, age limits and charges, so please check with them directly.

What your child needs to travel alone

All children aged 14 or 15 travelling alone must carry with them:

• A  British Airways consent form  (pdf, 124kb, English only), completed and signed by a parent/guardian. 
• A copy of photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature, such as passport or driving licence. 
• Any required travel documentation, such as valid passport(s), visas and proof of return travel.  Check what they need for their destination .

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

We also advise your child carries with them:

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

At the airport

You can accompany your young traveller up to the security gate. Anyone not flying with us is unable to go past this point, because we cannot offer gate passes at any of our airports. Airport colleagues will be able to tell you the latest time your child can stay with you before they need to go through security and onto their departure gate. 

We recommended that you wait until their flight takes off before leaving the terminal.

It can help to look at the airport terminal maps with your child before arriving at the airport so they’re familiar with their journey. Some airports do offer paid assistance to help customers to their boarding gate. Please visit the airport’s website for more information. 

Unaccompanied minors

From the airport to the destination, we take every step to make sure your child is safe and comfortable during their trip.

Age at time of travel

6 to under 12 years old If your child is aged 6 to under 12 years old, registration as an unaccompanied minor is mandatory unless they are accompanied by an adult passenger who is at least 18 years old.

12 to under 18 years old You are not required to make any special arrangements for your children aged 12 to under 18 years old when they travel. However, you can still register them as unaccompanied minors if you wish for added care and attention.

Booking and fees

You can book a flight with unaccompanied minor service for a child travelling alone by contacting Customer Care or your travel agent. Please note that the service can’t be requested online.

Unaccompanied minor service must be booked at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time. When requesting the service, please provide all relevant information, including:

• Adult's full name at point of departure
• Adult's full name at point of arrival
• Contact information (mobile phone number) for departure and arrival

Connecting flights

If your child is travelling on connecting flights operated by us – arriving at and departing from the same airport – the connecting time should be within five hours. Please note: the service is unavailable for unaccompanied minors transfering between flights operated by us and other airlines.

For flights arriving at and departing from different airports or with a connection time of 24 hours or more—unaccompanied minor service needs to be arranged separately for each journey in the booking with the respective operating airlines. Please contact the airline directly for details on their unaccompanied minor policy before purchasing tickets.

An additional fee will be charged per unaccompanied minor per flight sector at the time of requesting the service.

^The fee is paid in the local currency equivalent based on the exchange rate on the date of purchase. Bookings from certain countries/regions, including India and Nepal, may incur a sales tax.

Travelling as an unaccompanied minor

Below you will find the step-by-step instructions for the journey of an unaccompanied minor.

After the unaccompanied minor service has been booked, please log into Manage Booking and complete the unaccompanied minor service form online. You’ll need to take printouts of the form for each journey.

Please review the country-specific regulations listed below on this page. Prepare all required documents ahead of time, as some countries have restrictions for children travelling with guardians or as unaccompanied minors.

Check-in You’ll need to be present at one of our counters for check-in and document checks. At 90 minutes prior to departure, we will escort your child through security and immigration procedures and take them to the departure gate. Please stay at the airport until your child’s flight has departed.

Boarding The unaccompanied minor will be guided to their seat by our airport team member.

Connecting flights For connections involving a change of aircraft, the unaccompanied minor will be escorted between flights. An airport team member will remain with the minor during the entire connection period.

The adult nominated to meet your child at the destination airport, as specified in the unaccompanied minor service form, will need to provide proof of identification before we release your child to them.

Should the person at the airport attempting to collect the unaccompanied minor be different to the person nominated on the form, we will contact the parent or guardian to verify the identification of the pickup person at the destination.

Country-specific regulations

Certain countries have specific restrictions for children travelling as unaccompanied minors, as listed below. Please note that the regulations described below are subject to change, and that the country/destination you are travelling to may not be listed.

Extra documentation varies depending on the country you are travelling to, so please check with the relevant government authorities to make sure you have everything you need before you travel.

Any minor less than 18 years old that is either a citizen or a resident of France shall obtain authorization to leave France for any journey without a parent or legal guardian. The customer must hold their own passport, a permit to travel form (L'autorisation de sortie du territoire) signed by a parent or legal guardian and a photocopy of a valid identity document of the parent or legal guardian who provided his or her signature for the permit to travel form before they can be accepted to travel.

This requirement applies to flights departing France only.

Although not a regulatory requirement, the Irish government advises that anyone less than 18 years old who is not travelling with an adult 18 years or older, should have the following documentation:

• A signed letter from the parent or guardian giving consent for travel with their contact details
• A photocopy of a valid identity document of the parent or guardian
• Evidence of the parent or guardian relationship with the child
• A death certificate in the case of a deceased parent
• Full address of where they will be staying
• Full contact details of who they will be staying with

In the event where a minor is accompanied by an adult with a different surname or by a person that is not their parent or guardian, Immigration may request for further information on the relationship between the minor and accompanying adult. In the event that a child is travelling with only one parent, Immigration may request evidence of consent from the other parent.

Parents are advised to carry evidence (originals or photocopies) of the following where applicable:

• A birth or adoption certificate, or guardianship papers showing the relationship with the child
• A copy of a document identifying the parent or guardian
• A marriage or divorce certificate in cases where the adult has a different surname to the child
• A signed letter from the parent or guardian giving consent for travel with a specific person and their contact details

Until 14 years of age, minors traveling on an Italian passport/travel document: 

• must travel accompanied by at least one parent or guardian or
• if travelling with someone other than the parent / guardian mentioned on page 5 of the minor’s passport, must carry with them, an authorization ( Dichiarazione Di Accompagnamento ) signed by both parents and issued by a competent authority (e.g. police headquarters in Italy or a consular office abroad). or
• if travelling alone, is required to travel as an Unaccompanied Minors on all Cathay Pacific operated services. They must also carry with them, a completed authorization (“ DichiarazioneI DiI Accompagnmento ”) signed by both parents and issued by a competent authority (e.g. police headquarters in Italy or a consular office abroad) including the name of the airline (i.e. Cathay Pacific) to which the minor is entrusted.

For more information, please contact: European Union Open a new window

All children under 15 years of age who are not citizens residing in the Philippines and are not accompanied by a parent with the same surname are required to carry proof of their relationship. Any other adult (such as relatives or friends with the same surname) cannot take the role of the escort.

A “Waiver of Exclusion Ground” (WEG) is required for any child under 15 years of age not residing in the Philippines and travelling without a parent. Parents and Guardians are required to contact their nearest consular representation of the Philippines to arrange the necessary documentation before travel.

When travelling as an unaccompanied minor

• An unabridged birth certificate / equivalent document (original or copy
• A letter of parental consent from one or both parents or legal guardian, court order or death certificate, as appropriate
• Copies of identification documents or passport of one or both parents or legal guardians and the persons where the child will stay, including visa or residence permits (if required)
• Contact details of parents or legal guardians and the persons where the minor will stay in South Africa

Review updated requirements from the government of South Africa here or on our Passports and visas page.

For more information, please contact:

South African Department of Home Affairs

Local South African Embassy

Statement from Mkuseli Apleni, Director General Home Affairs, South Africa

Note: Third party websites are included for your information and reference only. Cathay Pacific Airways takes no responsibility for the content and accuracy of any such websites.

All children less than 18 years old shall meet the following requirements to be permitted entry to the United Arab Emirates:

• If not travelling with a parent or guardian with the same surname, they shall have an official document (such as a birth certificate in original or photocopy) available to prove their relationship
• If travelling with an adult (18 years old or above), a letter of authorisation signed by the parent or guardian together with a copy of the birth certificate or an affidavit will be required. The United Arab Emirates does not provide a standard format for the letter of authorisation.
• If travelling alone and aged from 6 to less than 18 years old, they are required to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor for their entire journey.

Any person unable to fulfil the above requirements will be refused entry and fines may be imposed on the airline.

All children under 16 years of age travelling alone to the UK must provide one of the following:

• Written consent from their parent or guardian and their contact details
• Proof of where they will be staying in the UK and contact details of the person they will be staying with in the UK
• Student documentation
• A letter from school to indicate the name of the person meeting them on arrival and their contact details

For more details, please visit the UK government website .

More about help for passengers

• Disability and mobility assistance
• Travelling with children
• Elderly passengers
• Medical assistance
• Pregnant women
• Travelling with animals

Helpful links

Baggage information

Select your seat and print your boarding pass to save time at the airport.

Contact us and FAQs

Young Traveler Terms and Conditions

Traveling alone can be an exciting test of a minor’s independence; but whether it is appropriate depends on each minor’s individual maturity level. By purchasing this reservation, you acknowledge and confirm that:

• We consider children ages 12 through 17 traveling alone to be Young Travelers (YTs), not Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). Accordingly, our UM procedures do not apply to travelers ages 12 through 17. A Young Traveler must have the maturity and capability to travel alone, including but not limited to checking in, passing through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring a Young Traveler arrives for check-in and boarding in accordance with each airport’s suggested arrival time . The amount of time to park, check luggage, pass through the security checkpoint, and board the flight varies based on each airport’s size, configuration, and travel season.
• Additional Unaccompanied Minor Info for Travel to Hawaii: Flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii are subject to specific procedures for transportation of animals and plants, inspection of checked and carryon baggage, and State of Hawaii documentation requirements. The parent/guardian of a Young Traveler (YT) must complete the Plants and Animals Declaration Form at the departure gate prior to the YT boarding the aircraft. Once completed, the form will be retained by the YT until it is collected during the flight prior to landing.

Only trained service dogs assisting Customers with disabilities are permitted to travel with Customers. No other animals are permitted on flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Southwest Airlines does not transport pets to or from Hawaii.

• Your child has sufficient maturity and capability to travel alone (this includes, but is not limited to, checking in, passing through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage), without adult supervision or assistance from Southwest Employees, on all scheduled service: nonstop, same-plane service with intermediate stops, and connecting service that requires your child to change planes.
• Purchaser represents that they are either the parent or guardian of the minor child or has authority to act on behalf of the parent or guardian.
• Parents/guardians wishing to escort a Young Traveler to/from the gate must obtain a gate pass from the ticket counter to pass through the security checkpoint. Each airport may impose restrictions on gate passes being issued based on guidance from the local Transportation Security Administration.
• Southwest does not monitor Young Travelers during travel. Accordingly, each Young Traveler must have sufficient maturity and capability to request assistance from a Southwest Employee if needed and the means to contact a parent/guardian if there is a travel disruption.
• Southwest Airlines reserves the right not to allow travel on flights that may be delayed, diverted, or canceled due to weather or other operational disruptions.
• Southwest Airlines does not provide Young Traveler service to/from international destinations.
• Southwest does not permit Young Travelers to travel on itineraries involving an overnight connection.
• Southwest Airlines does not assume responsibility for any Young Traveler’s actions. THE PURCHASER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND FULLY RELEASE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FOR ANY AND ALL INJURY OR DAMAGES TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS CAUSED BY OR INCURRED AS A RESULT OF A YOUNG TRAVELER’S ACTIONS, INCLUDING INJURIES TO THE YOUNG TRAVELER CAUSED BY HIS OR HER OWN NEGLIGENCE.

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Unaccompanied children: little passengers are a big deal.

Unaccompanied children need very special support. With Lufthansa, they are in the best hands: we look after their needs with great sensitivity – at the airport, during the flight and after landing.

Care service for unaccompanied children available on direct connections

We currently provide our care service for unaccompanied children on direct flights only. Connecting flights are not possible.

From what age are children allowed to travel alone?

Children aged between 5 and 11 may only fly unaccompanied if they are using our care service or if they are travelling with someone who is at least 12 years old. The Lufthansa care service can also be booked by parents for unaccompanied children from the age of 12 up to a maximum of 17 years. This ensures that the child receives support, especially in the event of a disruption to their flight, such as  a delay or cancellation. Every year 70,000 children travel using the Lufthansa care service. The Lufthansa care service ensures that the children and their relatives feel they are in good hands before take-off, during the flight and after landing. On arrival, the flight crew will hand your child over to a member of staff who will then take your child to meet the person who is collecting them. Please note that your child must be met immediately by the person collecting them at the destination airport. Please also note that unaccompanied children under 12 years of age may not take a pet into the cabin with them. Please note that other airlines may have different regulations for unaccompanied children than those described here for Lufthansa. If your chosen flight is operated by a carrier other than Lufthansa, please enquire directly with the respective airline about the rules for children travelling alone. This also applies to Lufthansa Group airlines:

Are additional fees charged for unaccompanied children?

Yes, for the Lufthansa care service for unaccompanied children, in addition to the price of the flight, a care service charge applies per route and per child (even in the case of siblings travelling together):

Zone 1: Domestic flights (within DE, CH and AT) and flights within Africa

Zone 2: Europe (IATA Zone 210) incl. flights within and between DE, CH and AT

Zone 3: North Africa and the Levant (incl. LB, IL, EK, JO, IQ, KZ, TM)

Zone 4: The Middle East, Central Africa and the Arab region (incl. AE, QA, IR, NG, SA, ET, BH, OM, KW)

Zone 5: Medium-haul intercontinental flights (incl. US East Coast, CA East Coast, IN, GQ, KE, TZ, AO, MV)

Zone 6: Long-haul intercontinental flights (incl. US West Coast, CA West Coast, South America, JP, CN, KR, TH, SG, ZA, SC)

Important travel documents and care service form

Please let us know that your child will be travelling alone as soon as you book the flight. To help you prepare for the journey, please use our practical checklist for unaccompanied children, in which we have listed all the important information for your child’s trip.

As well as the necessary documents (e.g. the care service form), the list also includes useful tips on booking, check-in, carry-on baggage, free baggage allowance and collection at the destination. At the airport you will be given the small yellow Lufthansa shoulder bag which your child should keep with them clearly visible during the entire journey. The bag holds all the necessary travel documents:

• Valid passport/child’s ID card 1
• Visa for the destination country 2
• Travel insurance certificate 2
• Information on any allergies the child may have 3
• Receipt for pre-paid charges for the care service, if applicable
• Declaration of consent from parents/legal guardians that their child may travel unaccompanied 2
• The completed care service form 1

Save yourself time: fill in and print out the care service form at home. We recommend you make three copies of the form: one for you, one to go in your child’s small yellow bag (which you will receive at the Lufthansa check-in counters) and one for us.

Tickets for unaccompanied children cannot be booked online, but only through the Service Center or at your travel agency. If you have any questions, please contact the Service Center.

Baggage for unaccompanied children

Your child’s carry-on baggage may be the same size as that which is permitted for an adult. However, your child should be able to carry the bag easily unaided. Any medicines to be taken during the flight or at the destination, warm clothing and a small amount of spending money should, of course, also be included. Find out more about this subject in our carry-on baggage regulations.

You can check your free baggage allowance in just a few steps with our baggage calculator – based on route, travel class and fare. There you will also find the prices and dimensions for optional baggage.

The best of care even before departure

The Lufthansa check-in counters are the first point of contact for you and your child as soon as you arrive at the airport. In Frankfurt you will now be entrusting your child to the service staff. Your child is therefore in the best hands from take-off to landing and will be looked after until the handover to the person collecting your child at the destination airport.

At other airports you may be required to accompany your child to the gate yourself. Please enquire about this at a Lufthansa check-in counter when you arrive at the airport.

Please note that the individual bringing the child to the airport and collecting the child from the destination airport must be at least 18 years of age. The individual who brings the child to the airport must be available at the airport and contactable by phone until the booked flight departs.

Dedicated check-in counters

At Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa provides dedicated check-in counters for children who will be travelling alone and their parents in departures hall B, counters 336–339. At Munich Airport, counter 417 in the departures hall on Level 4 serves the same purpose.

The best of care on board and after landing

Welcome on board.

Your child will be welcomed on board by our flight attendants and looked after throughout the flight. Your child will be seated close to the flight attendants so that they can be on hand immediately if your child has any questions or concerns. With toys, drawing equipment and a special children’s entertainment programme, the time on board will simply fly by.

Our special children’s menus , which have been prepared with care, are delicious and healthy. You can order these menus free of charge up to 24 hours before departure online at My bookings .

More information about children’s and special meals can be found in our FAQs.

Welcome at the destination

At the destination airport, the flight crew will hand your child over to a member of staff who will then take them to meet the person collecting them.

Before entrusting your child to the person collecting them, Lufthansa will check by asking to see a valid ID that this is the person named on the Lufthansa care service form. Please let the person collecting your child know that he or she must produce a valid ID or passport. The person collecting your child must then take immediate responsibility for your child.

Even if flights are delayed, your child will be well looked after by us. In order to save the person collecting your child an unnecessary wait in the event of a flight delay, you can check the flight status at any time online and thus always keep up to date.

In Frankfurt you can collect your child after baggage claim in the Arrivals area of the respective flight; in Munich in front of the exit at baggage reclaim.

1 Required in every case 2 Required depending on destination country 3 Recommended

Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age

A couple of times a year, I get a panicked message from a friend or reader who is about to take an airplane flight with their kids. Suddenly they’ve realized that they have no idea what kind of identification they need for their children to fly, if any. After a decade and a half of flying on hundreds of flights and dozens of airlines with my kids to destinations all around the world, I know this question can certainly be confusing!

In the United States, there are multiple entities that set the official legal rules and regulations governing air travel identification and documentation. Those can include Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and each specific airline.

So exactly what documentation is required to board an airplane with kids? As you might imagine, it depends! Here is all the information you need to make sure you have the right identification to travel aboard both domestic and international flights with kids.

Short on Time? Quick Answers in a Nutshell

Children under the age of 18 typically do not need ID to fly on domestic flights within the United States when accompanied by an adult. Airlines may require identification, however, in more unusual circumstances such as with very young infants, lap children, unaccompanied minors, or older teens flying solo. Identification – specifically a passport book but sometimes more – is always required for kids of any age to travel on international flights.

Identification Required for Kids for International Travel

Most travelers usually expect strict identification rules when it comes to international travel. If you are traveling internationally by air the answer to the question of whether kids need ID to fly is pretty simple. Yes! They do!

Not just any ID will suffice. Just as with adults, a passport book is required to fly with kids internationally no matter how young. If you have kids who are United States citizens, getting an official passport can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, it requires some logistical steps that parents can mess up.

How to Get Passports in the US for Kids

Specifically, the consent of both parents is required for kids under age 16. That usually means both parents need to appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (like many post offices, local government offices, etc.). Alternatively, one parent can appear in person with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent. I got a notarized letter from my husband the last time we applied for our kids because his work schedule made it difficult for him to be available during the limited business hours passport acceptance facilities in our area were open.

Note also that you can’t just easily renew children’s passports by mail like you can for adults. The same in-person application process with both parents present is required. Plus kids under age 16 must renew passports every 5 years, instead of every 10 years for adults.

For that reason, I highly recommend starting the process of obtaining passports for your kids many months in advance of any international travel. After the paperwork is submitted, the process can take 2-3 months for a passport to arrive. Plus, it can often take many weeks before you can get an appointment to even submit the paperwork.

This obviously makes international travel with very young infants especially challenging, as it takes time to first get a birth certificate for the child and then apply for a passport.

Hopefully you are landing on this article in plenty of time to get your paperwork in order for your specific situation. But if not, there may be ways you can get what you need more urgently. You can pay a $60 extra fee to expedite a passport, which can cut several weeks off of standard processing times. And in more urgent situations, there is an even more expedited option available by applying at a passport agency (which can be done if a trip is within 14 days or less).

Special Note about International Land Crossings and Cruises

One reason some travelers misunderstand the air travel rules for kid identification is because the rules for kids crossing land borders and on some cruises can be different. For example, minors who are US citizens can cross into Canada by land with only a birth certificate.

On some closed loop cruises starting and ending in the United States going to destinations like Mexico, Canada, or many Caribbean countries, there are times when both kids and adults can technically travel without a passport using a birth certificate or passport card.

But none of these exceptions apply to international air travel. Don’t mix these rules up!

Child Travel Consent Form

Although a passport book is necessary to travel with kids on international flights, it isn’t necessarily fully sufficient. There are some times that other travel documents may be required – such as a visa for certain countries.

What is even more likely to trip up international travelers is the situation in which a child is traveling with only one parent or is traveling with another adult who isn’t a parent. In many of these circumstances, proof that both parents consent to the specific trip can be required. In these cases, the best practice is to carry a notarized letter of consent for the child to travel.

Some countries have very specific forms or formats that you need to follow. Mexico is one such example and historically has tended to be quite strict. My husband will likely be traveling solo with one of our kids to Mexico for a family wedding in a few months, and we are already planning to get the a letter of consent completed as an extra precaution.

Many countries don’t have clear cut rules that are easy to research. For example, I flew last summer to Italy (first entering the Schengen Area in Frankfurt, Germany) with both of my kids without my husband. I wasn’t able to get completely definitive information as to whether consent was required. As a result, we went ahead and had my husband complete a notarized letter of consent that I kept with me along with a copy of his passport. We weren’t asked to show it, but I breathed easier knowing I had it!

Unfortunately, profiling can and does occur depending on where you are traveling. So parents who don’t share the same last name as their children or who may appear to be another race or ethnicity may find they face extra scrutiny. The best way to avoid any surprises – just or not – is to err on the side of having this document even when it’s not necessarily required.

Identification Required for Kids for Domestic Travel

If you are traveling domestically, the answer to the ID question is a little more complicated but thankfully usually much easier. In most standard circumstances, identification is not required for minors for domestic travel within the USA. There are specific unique situations, however, where it can be.

What Identification is Needed at TSA Checkpoints?

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not require you to have an ID for children under age 18 at the security checkpoint.

That said, TSA agents may well talk to your child to confirm their identity and to screen for cases of child abduction. Agents have asked my kids over the years for their names. In some circumstances, they’ve pointed to my husband or me and asked our children who we are. If you have kids who are shy or who take warnings of stranger danger to heart, let them know in advance of your trip that it’s ok for them to speak to these agents and to answer truthfully.

Related: Strategies for Speeding Through TSA Checkpoints with Kids

Special Situations Where Kids May Need ID for Domestic Travel

While the TSA won’t require identification for kids under age 18, many airlines have policies in specific circumstances where some form of ID will be required. It’s vital to know about these outlier circumstances so you don’t come to the airport unprepared.

Young Infants

A number of airlines have rules that prohibit or limit newborns from flying. Airline rules differ, with some airlines like Delta prohibiting newborns under 7 days old from flying on any flights. Others set limits only on international travel, including Southwest which limits infants 14 days old or younger from flying on international flights. Most airlines allow young infants under their age limits, however, to fly with a letter of permission from a physician.

Related: Essential Tips for Your Baby’s First Flight

If you are traveling with a newborn, it’s highly advised to bring a document like a birth certificate for proof of age. And if you are looking for an exception to an age minimum of any sort, a physician’s letter is essential.

Lap Children

When you are flying with a child who will be sitting in your lap (permitted for kids under age 2), having identification to prove age may be required. Some airlines will allow younger infants to board with no ID, as it’s normally obvious that very small babies are not yet near the maximum age cutoff. Families with older babies toddling and speaking always should carry proof of age no matter what the airline. Airline employees can ask at any time for proof to make sure the child is young enough to travel as a lap child.

Related: What to Consider before Flying with a Lap Child

If you are flying Southwest Airlines, however, do not leave ID at home no matter what the age of your lap child. Southwest is the only US carrier that absolutely requires identification of any and every lap child regardless of how old they appear. You’ll need to show it at the ticket counter to obtain a boarding verification document (that works like a boarding pass) for the lap child.

Are there some instances where passengers haven’t had to show documentation for their children on Southwest? For sure. But I’ve flown with a lap child on Southwest more than a dozen times, and I can assure you that every time I had to show proof of age, even with a kiddo as young as 4 months! You don’t want to chance this.

Related: Complete Guide to Flying Southwest with Kids

What kind of identification works for lap children? A simple copy of a birth certificate will usually suffice. No need to rush to the DMV to get your tot a state-issued ID card.

Birth certificates can, however, can take awhile to obtain after a child is born. If you need to fly with a young infant domestically, most airlines will also accept hospital discharge documentation or vaccination records from a pediatrician’s office. The key is that the document have the child’s date of birth on it. When in doubt, if you cannot obtain a birth certificate, call the airline you are flying beforehand to confirm alternatives.

Unaccompanied Minors & Minors Traveling Solo

Another circumstance in which identification may be required for a child is in the case of children flying alone. Again, each airline’s policy is different.

In this situation, age really matters. All US airlines permit older teens (usually ages 15+ but sometimes younger) to fly solo just like adults. And most of them also allow younger kids (often ages 5-14) to fly as unaccompanied minors by paying a fee for limited supervision by airline employees. Depending on the child’s age and circumstances, different documentation can be required.

For older teens under age 18 flying truly solo and not with an unaccompanied minor program, ID is almost always required. Since many kids in this age range won’t have a driver’s license or official government photo ID yet, some airlines (like United) will accept other forms of identification like a birth certificates or student IDs. Other airlines (like Delta), however, require that 15-17 year olds flying solo have the same kind of photo ID that is required of adults. So if your child doesn’t have a driver’s permit or license yet, you’ll likely need to pack a passport.

Younger kids flying as an unaccompanied minor may need some identification as well. This also varies based on the airline and the circumstance. For example, when my son flew earlier this year as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, I had to show ID as his parent, but I was not asked to show identification for him. Officially, however, Southwest’s policy is that parents may need to show proof of age for the minor. We probably weren’t asked because I booked under my son’s Rapid Rewards account that includes his date of birth (and he clearly appears to be within the age range of the program).

Most other US airlines won’t ask for ID for unaccompanied minors in straightforward situations, but the important thing to note is that they can . So the safest course of action is to at least carry a birth certificate. I put a birth certificate in my son’s backpack anyway, so we were prepared!

Here are links to the relevant age and ID policies that may apply to minors flying solo or as unaccompanied minors on each major US airline:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Additional Identification Air Travel Tips

• When in doubt, bring it : I know from lots of digging around fine print on the internet that it’s sometimes impossible to get a definitive answer about identification. When in doubt, I highly recommend you err on the side of packing more than you need rather than less. A passport book is the gold standard. For domestic travel an original birth certificate (with the raised seal) can be helpful in many circumstances too.
• Keep extra copies on the cloud : Back in the pre-internet old days of travel, most of us traveled with extra passport copies in a separate bag in case we lost the original. In the digital age, having backups is easier than ever. I keep a copy on the cloud of passports and birth certificates for everyone in the family. That way, I can easily access everything on my phone in cases of emergency.
• Take extra precautions in case of child custody disputes and divorce : It’s crucial in situations of divorce or shared custody that parents have all of their legal ducks in a row before boarding a plane with their child, even for a simple hop across state lines. As a former attorney myself, I strongly suggest you consult your own legal counsel. Always make sure travel is permitted and that you know what additional documentation you need to bring to avoid any potential issues.

The post Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age appeared first on Trips With Tykes .

At What Age Can You Travel Internationally Alone?

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Most airlines in the United States will allow children under the age of five to fly alone. When traveling alone, children aged 5 to 11 must normally follow particular “unaccompanied minor” protocols. These measures are needed on certain airlines for unaccompanied children as young as 14.

You might also be thinking, Can a 15 year old fly alone internationally?

Anyone under the age of 17 traveling alone on an overseas trip may be asked to provide a written letter of authorization from a parent or responsible adult . Because airline policies differ widely, be sure to check with your carrier for exact details. 30.01.2020

Similarly, Can I travel alone under 18?

How old does a kid have to be before he or she can fly alone? From the age of five, most airlines allow children to fly alone utilizing an unaccompanied minor service . Minors between the ages of 12, 14, 16, and 18 may fly without assistance depending on the airline.

But then this question also arises, Can a 14 year old fly alone internationally?

Unaccompanied children between the ages of 5 and 14 may only fly nonstop to most national and international locations . The cost of unaccompanied minor service is $100.

Can 16 year old travel alone internationally?

If a child under the age of 18 wishes to travel overseas without both parents, a Letter of Consent may be required.

What airline can a 14 year old fly on?

Children must be 12 years old to fly alone as adults on domestic flights with Hawaiian , Southwest, Air Canada , and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue ; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, and Frontier.

Related Questions and Answers

On international flights, several airlines automatically apply the unaccompanied-minor procedures to children under the age of 17 and collect the normal unaccompanied-minor fee if applicable. In most cases, children must have the same passport, visa, or other international entry papers as adults.

Federal Laws and Regulations So long as the youngster is permitted to use the credit card , any minor with access to the Internet and a credit card may theoretically buy an airline ticket and travel alone without violating any federal rules . 06.12.2017

Some airlines allow children as young as 12 to do so. The airline does not demand proof of parental consent to fly alone after a youngster has attained this minimal age for traveling alone without unaccompanied-minor procedures . The youngster may even go worldwide if he or she possesses a passport.

A Filipino kid entering the Philippines , whether accompanied by a non-parent or unaccompanied by an adult, is not subject to any restrictions. If the kid will be traveling without an adult, the parents should check the airline’s regulation on the minimum age for unaccompanied travel for children.

Unaccompanied minors are children between the ages of 5 and 14 who travel alone. By the day of travel on JetBlue, the youngster traveling alone must have turned five years old.

Young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 may fly alone on any United or United Express® aircraft, or they can use our unaccompanied minor service . The unaccompanied minor service charges $150 each way for every two youngsters going.

On SUN-AIR-operated flights, children above the age of 12 may travel solo, however young passengers aged 12 to 16 can select the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service .

Children above the age of 12 may ride alone and pay adult fares . For youngsters aged 12 to 15, the charge for using our Unaccompanied Minors service is USD 50 for each leg of the travel.

Passengers under the age of 18 who are traveling to or from Mexico alone or with someone who is not their parent or guardian . Minors under the age of 18 who enter or leave Mexico without their parent or guardian are obliged to submit an official document, according to Mexican legislation .

Taking a solo trip You may go to the United Kingdom without bringing an adult with you (someone over the age of 18). For you to go to the UK, your parent or guardian must provide their written authorization.

For the day of departure , you’ll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form as well as any relevant Customs and Immigration paperwork. This paperwork must accompany your kid throughout their trip. Parents and guardians must also supply the following information during check-in: As verification of the child’s age, a birth certificate or passport is required.

On international flights , lap infant prices are available. Most foreign flights allow children under the age of two to travel on the lap of an adult, however this is not always free. If you’re travelling on a revenue ticket, you’ll usually have to pay the taxes and fees for your lap baby, as well as 10% of the rate in certain situations. 13.08.2020

The “can a 16 year old fly alone internationally” is the question that many people have been asking. The answer is yes, but there are some restrictions.

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The “ can a 12 year-old fly alone ” is a question that many parents ask when their children turn 12. The answer depends on the country you are traveling to, but in general, it is safe for most people to travel internationally at age 12.

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• unaccompanied minors international flights
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