Lois Larson
Travelling with children can be complicated, and it's natural for parents to worry about being separated from their children at the airport or during a flight. While it is uncommon for children and accompanying adults to be separated at the airport, there are some circumstances in which this may occur. For example, during security screenings, children may walk through metal detectors separately from their parents or guardians. Additionally, when flying, children may be seated separately from their parents, although they are typically not supposed to be separated by more than one aisle or row. In cases where children are travelling alone, airlines usually offer unaccompanied minor services, which include an airline employee escort at the airport and on the plane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Children sitting separately from parents | Children and accompanying adults should not be separated by more than one aisle. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults. |
| Reasons for separation | Budget airlines may not allow seat selection, which may lead to parents and children being seated separately. |
| Safety concerns | Children sitting separately from their parents may be at risk of molestation. |
| Airline policies | Some airlines guarantee seating for parents and children together. |
| Unaccompanied minors | Children travelling alone may be escorted by airline staff to the gate and during the flight. |
| Documentation | Children travelling without one parent may need documentation granting them permission to travel. |
| Carry-on items | Children travelling alone should carry essential items, important phone numbers, and contact information on their luggage. |
| Food and medication | Airlines may not provide food and medication to unaccompanied children. |
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What You'll Learn
Airlines' policies on seating children and adults together
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is pushing for all airlines to guarantee family seating. In July 2022, the DOT issued a notice encouraging airlines to review and improve their policies to ensure young children are seated next to at least one accompanying adult, without incurring additional fees.
In February 2023, Secretary Buttigieg announced the Department's plan to launch a dashboard that displays which airlines guarantee family seating. Since then, some airlines have amended their policies to guarantee adjacent seats for children and adults travelling together. As of March 2023, four out of the ten largest US carriers have committed to guaranteeing adjacent seating for families at no additional cost.
Some airlines with guarantees in place include:
- Allegiant: Allegiant does not charge for children under 13 to sit next to a parent or guardian. While seating cannot be assigned at the time of booking, Allegiant has several measures in place to ensure that children are seated with their adults at check-in.
- Hawaiian Air: Hawaiian Air offers advanced seat selection at no charge to allow families to travel together. This applies to children under 14 with an accompanying adult.
- Frontier: Frontier's policy for fee-free family seating applies to children 14 and under. The airline will automatically assign grouped seats based on ages before the check-in window opens.
- Delta: Delta strives to seat family members together upon request.
Other airlines are currently reviewing the DOT proposal, including Southwest, which will begin seat assignments in 2025. Spirit does not guarantee families will sit together, but adults travelling with those 13 and under can pre-select seats for a fee. United's policy is similar, but only applies to children 12 and under.
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Preparing to fly with an unaccompanied minor
Flying with an unaccompanied minor can be a stressful experience, but with careful planning, you can ensure a safe and positive trip for your child. Here are some essential things to keep in mind when preparing for your child's solo flight:
Know the Requirements and Restrictions:
Different airlines have varying policies for unaccompanied minors, so it's crucial to review their guidelines. Some airlines, like American Airlines, require unaccompanied minors to use their service and have specific age restrictions. Understand the booking process, as some airlines mandate phone bookings for unaccompanied minors. Additionally, be aware of any restrictions on itineraries, such as connections or the last flight of the day.
Prepare the Necessary Documents:
Ensure you have all the required documents for your child's travel. This includes a birth certificate or passport as proof of age, and any necessary consent letters or travel authorizations, especially if the child is travelling internationally without both parents. The adult accompanying the child to the airport will also need a government-issued photo ID.
Pack Smart:
Pack a small carry-on bag for your child with essential items such as games, books, snacks, money, and fully charged electronic devices with chargers and headphones. Attach an ID card and contact information to the carry-on bag or your child's jacket. Include a day's worth of essentials, like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes, in case of delays or lost luggage.
Provide Important Information:
Write down important phone numbers, including contact details for yourself and the person meeting your child at their destination. Include a copy of their complete itinerary, with flight dates and times, flight numbers, airport names, and reservation codes. Remind your child to seek assistance only from uniformed airport staff.
Arrive Early and Follow Procedures:
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure. Unaccompanied minors cannot check in online or at a kiosk, so you'll need to speak with a ticket counter agent and fill out the required forms. Accompany your child to the gate and remain there until the flight is airborne. Inform the gate agent that your child is travelling alone.
Communicate and Reassure:
Talk to your child about the trip, what to expect, and reassure them that the airport and airline staff are there to help. Let them know to contact a flight attendant if they need assistance during the flight and to wait for a uniformed team member to escort them off the plane upon arrival.
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What to pack for children flying alone
When it comes to flying alone, children as young as two and as old as 14 can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 or older. However, unaccompanied minors need to be booked by phone, and some countries have additional restrictions for children travelling without their guardians. In such cases, a Letter of Consent may be required.
Now, here is a list of things to pack for children flying alone:
- A copy of their complete itinerary, including flight dates and times, flight numbers, airport names, city names, and their reservation code.
- Important phone numbers such as the contact numbers for their home, as well as the number of the person meeting them at their destination.
- Some cash, in case of unexpected flight delays.
- A day's worth of essentials, like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes, in their carry-on in case their checked luggage is delayed or lost in transit.
- Their favourite toys, books, games, and other items to keep them entertained.
- Fully charged electronic devices, like iPads, and headphones.
- Chargers.
- Empty water bottles that can be filled up after passing through security.
- Snacks, as food and drink services are limited.
- Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres. These are considered medically necessary liquids and can be carried in your child's hand luggage.
- Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food.
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Security screening processes for children
Security screening at airports can be a stressful experience for both adults and children. It is important for children to stay close to their parents or guardians at all times while travelling through the airport. Parents or guardians should explain the security screening process to their child and inform them about the importance of the process. There are also several children's books and videos that explain airport security in a fun and engaging way, which can help children feel more comfortable and prepared.
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening. They will not be separated from their parent or guardian during the security screening process. Parents or guardians should carry infants and children through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling or carrier through the metal detector. If the child is able to walk, they may go through the metal detector separately from their parent or guardian. If the child sets off the alarm, they will be allowed multiple passes and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm and reduce the need for a pat-down.
Parents or guardians should also inform the TSA officer if they are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby/toddler food in excess of 3.4 ounces. These items should be removed from carry-on bags and screened separately. It is recommended that these liquids be transported in clear, translucent bottles, as they may not be able to be screened in plastic bags or pouches. Ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories are also allowed in carry-ons and will be subject to the same screening procedures.
For children travelling alone, some airports may not allow parents or guardians to escort their child through security. In such cases, a team member will accompany the child to the gate and stay with them until the flight departs. Parents or guardians will need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary customs and immigration documents. They must also provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age and their own government-issued photo ID.
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Documentation for children travelling without both parents
When travelling without one or both parents, children will need certain documents to prove their identity and their relationship with the accompanying adult. The documentation requirements are more relaxed for domestic travel within the United States, but having the right documents can still help prevent any unexpected issues at the airport or during travel.
Passport
All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents when travelling internationally. Children travelling to most other countries are required to have a U.S. passport. Children travelling by air to Canada or Mexico must have a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card. A passport card is a wallet-sized alternative to a traditional passport that allows re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports of entry from Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean countries, and Bermuda. However, it cannot be used for international air travel.
Child Travel Consent Form
A Child Travel Consent Form is required when minors travel without both parents or guardians. The letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent (if the child is travelling with one custodial parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is travelling with a guardian or alone) should include the following statement: "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission." If neither parent is accompanying the child, either separate letters or a single letter with both parents' signatures may be acceptable. However, if both parents choose to sign separate consent letters, it is recommended that both letters be witnessed by a notary public.
Birth Certificate
Although a birth certificate is not required for toddlers and older children to travel, it is recommended to carry it when heading out of state or out of the country. Birth certificates can be especially useful if one of their other forms of identification gets lost during the trip.
Other Documents
- A copy of their complete itinerary, including flight dates and times, flight numbers, airport names, city names, and their reservation code.
- Important phone numbers such as home, work, and cell phone, as well as the number of the person meeting the child at their final destination.
- Bag tags with the child's and the parent's contact information on both checked and carry-on luggage.
- A day's worth of essentials, like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes, in their carry-on in case the checked luggage is delayed or lost in transit.
- A small amount of cash to buy a meal in case of unexpected flight delays.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you may not be able to escort your child through security in some airports. However, a team member will take your child to the gate and stay with them until the flight departs.
Children ages 2-14 can travel as an "accompanied minor" with someone 16 or older. Children 5-14 years old are considered unaccompanied minors by some airlines and must pay a fee for unaccompanied minor service.
You may need to submit an unaccompanied minor form and provide identification and contact information. Your child may also need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.
Yes, you can select your child's seat on some airlines. However, children and accompanying adults should not be separated by more than one aisle or one seat row.
Pack games, books, snacks, money, and a fully charged electronic device with headphones. Attach an ID card and contact information to your child's carry-on bag or jacket. Include important phone numbers and a copy of their itinerary.
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