Ruth Haines
The minimum age for flying alone depends on the airline, destination country, and age of the child. While there is no legal age limit for flying alone, airlines have specific rules and regulations for unaccompanied minors. For instance, American Airlines requires children aged 5-14 to be booked as unaccompanied minors, while JetBlue allows children over the age of 14 to fly alone without restrictions. Delta Air Lines has a similar program for children aged 5-17, and Volaris offers assistance to unaccompanied minors from the origin airport to the destination airport for children aged 5-17. It's important to check with the airline and destination country about any specific guidelines and restrictions before booking travel for unaccompanied minors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to travel alone | 18 years old |
| Minimum age to fly without an adult | 14 years old |
| Minimum age to fly with an adult | 2 years old |
| Airlines with unaccompanied minor services | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest, United Airlines, Spirit, Volaris |
| Ages for unaccompanied minor services | 5-14 years old (mandatory), 15-17 years old (optional) |
| Fees for unaccompanied minor services | $100-$450 each way |
| Requirements for unaccompanied minors | Booking over the phone, early arrival, valid ID, birth certificate or passport, signed consent form, gate pass, special wristband or lanyard |
| Restrictions for unaccompanied minors | No connecting flights, no overnight flights, no last flights of the day, no codeshare or partner-operated flights |
| Additional services for unaccompanied minors | Lounges, dedicated escorts, early boarding, kids-only areas, complimentary phones, books, toys, video games, snacks and drinks |
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What You'll Learn
Childcare services for unaccompanied minors
American Airlines:
American Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5–14, with an optional service for 15–17-year-olds at an additional fee. Parents or guardians must book this service by phone and fill out the necessary paperwork, including an unaccompanied minor form and customs documentation. An adult must accompany the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne. American Airlines provides lounges for unaccompanied minors during connections, where they can play games under supervision. They also ensure that children are assisted during connections and accommodated in the event of disruptions.
Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines has a mandatory unaccompanied minor program for children ages 5–14 and an optional service for 15–17-year-olds. The program includes a trackable wristband, access to Sky Zones or children-only areas, and a dedicated Delta escort. Similar to American Airlines, an adult must accompany the child through the check-in process and stay until the flight departs. Delta also emphasizes the importance of valid ID presentation and signature capture for the person meeting the child.
Lufthansa:
Lufthansa offers a care service for unaccompanied children between the ages of 5 and 17. This service provides support before take-off, during the flight, and after landing. Lufthansa ensures that children are handed over to staff members upon arrival, who then assist with meeting the designated caregiver. They also provide a shoulder bag for travel documents and allow for increased carry-on baggage allowances.
Edelweiss:
Edelweiss provides an Unaccompanied Minor Service (UM Service) for children between 5 and 12 years old, with an option to book for children up to 17. This service includes a shoulder bag for travel documents, assistance through airport procedures, and companionship throughout the journey. They emphasize the importance of booking this service in advance and specifying the adults involved in drop-off and pick-up.
It is important to note that specific procedures and requirements may vary across airlines and countries. Therefore, it is essential to consult the relevant airline and local regulations when planning travel for unaccompanied minors.
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Age restrictions for flying alone
While there is no legal age limit for minors to fly solo, the minimum age to travel alone by plane is 18 years old. Most airlines allow underage passengers to fly unaccompanied from a certain age, typically ranging from 5 to 17 years old, and offer childcare or unaccompanied minor services for younger children. However, the specific rules and regulations vary depending on the airline, destination country, and age of the child.
For example, American Airlines' unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 travelling alone, with an optional service for 15 to 17-year-olds at an additional fee. Similarly, Delta Air Lines' Unaccompanied Minor Program is mandatory for children ages 5 to 14, with an optional enrolment for 15 to 17-year-olds. JetBlue allows children to travel alone without restrictions once they turn 14, while Southwest considers passengers 12 and older as "Young Travellers" who can travel unaccompanied. United Airlines requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14 and offers it optionally for 15 to 17-year-olds.
The Volaris is With You service is provided for unaccompanied minors from 5 to 17 years old, with 13 to 17-year-olds having the option to opt-out. This service assists minors from the airport of origin, during the flight, and until their arrival at the destination airport. Minors must be accompanied by an adult over the legal age (18 or 21 years old, depending on the region) who can provide their personal information and the details of the person dropping them off and receiving them.
Unaccompanied minor services typically include early boarding, access to kids-only lounges, an airport escort, and supervision during connections. These services ensure the safety, comfort, and positive travel experience of young passengers. However, they may not be available on all flights, such as codeshare, partner-operated, last flight of the day, or overnight connecting flights.
When preparing for their journey, children should be informed and prepared for various situations, including delays and interacting with onboard staff. Accompanying adults should ensure that the child has all the necessary documents and is aware of how and where to seek help. It is recommended to arrive early at the airport, usually at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure, to allow sufficient time for check-in, security checks, and boarding.
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Required documents for unaccompanied minors
The required documents for unaccompanied minors vary depending on the airline and the country of travel. Here is a list of documents that may be required for an unaccompanied minor:
Unaccompanied Minor Form and Customs Documents:
An unaccompanied minor form is often required by airlines for children travelling alone. This form must be filled out by the parent or guardian and kept with the child during their journey. It includes necessary customs and immigration documents for the day of departure.
Proof of Age:
A birth certificate or passport is typically required as proof of the child's age. Some countries may have specific requirements, such as a Trusted Traveler Program card for travel to Canada or Mexico for U.S. citizens.
Adult's Government-Issued Photo ID:
The parent or guardian accompanying the unaccompanied minor to the airport must provide a government-issued photo ID with their current address. This is needed to obtain a security pass and meet the child at the departure gate.
Contact Information:
It is essential to provide contact information for both the parent or guardian and the person picking up the child at the destination. This helps the airline stay connected and coordinate any necessary updates or changes.
Valid ID of the Receiving Adult:
A valid ID of the adult meeting the child at the destination airport is mandatory. Airlines will typically require a signature capture of this person, and the child will not be released to anyone other than the named individual without prior notification and verification.
Additional Documents for International Travel:
When travelling internationally, all children, regardless of age, must have their own travel documents. A written letter of consent may be required for a child travelling alone or with only one parent or guardian. It is always best to check with the specific airline and the country's travel regulations to ensure all necessary documents are in order.
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Check-in procedures for unaccompanied minors
The check-in process for unaccompanied minors can vary depending on the airline and the country of travel. Here are some general procedures to follow when checking in an unaccompanied minor for a flight:
Before Arrival at the Airport:
- Book the flight by phone, as unaccompanied minors cannot book online or at a kiosk.
- Ensure you have all the necessary documentation, including the child's birth certificate or passport, and your own government-issued photo ID.
- Fill out any required forms, such as an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents. These forms must remain with the child during their journey.
- Pack a small carry-on bag for the child with essential items such as games, books, snacks, a fully charged electronic device, and a charger.
- Attach an ID card and contact information to the child's carry-on bag or jacket.
- Remind your child about the trip and what to expect. Inform them to seek assistance only from uniformed staff members.
At the Airport:
- Arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time and speak with a ticket counter agent.
- At check-in, provide the necessary documentation and forms to the agent.
- Accompany the child to the departure gate and remain there until the flight is airborne.
- Inform the gate agent that you have an unaccompanied minor travelling on the flight.
For International Travel:
Be aware of additional restrictions and requirements for children travelling as unaccompanied minors in certain countries. For example, Italian citizens under 14 need an Individual Passport and Dichiarazione di Accompagno.
For Connecting Flights:
- If the child has a connecting flight, some airlines offer dedicated lounges or Sky Zones for unaccompanied minors to wait and play under supervision.
- The child will be assisted by airline or business partner employees during connections.
Pick-up:
- The adult picking up the child at the destination should arrive at least two hours before the scheduled arrival time.
- They will need to present a valid ID and obtain a gate pass to meet the child.
- Some airlines will contact the original accompanying adult to verify the identification of the pickup person.
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In-flight and layover services for unaccompanied minors
The in-flight and layover services for unaccompanied minors vary across different airlines. Here are some examples:
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers a special service called the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) Program for children ages 5–17 travelling alone or not in the same cabin as an adult at least 18 years old or their parent/legal guardian. This program features a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a dedicated Delta escort to guide the child throughout their journey.
If your child has a layover, a badged Delta employee will meet them at the arrival gate. If the connection time is short, the escort will take the child directly to the connecting departure gate and escort them on board. If the layover is longer, the employee will take the child to the Sky Zone or another secure location and hand over the documentation to the next Delta representative. Another representative will then escort the child onto their connecting flight.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5–14 travelling alone. This service is optional for children ages 15–17, but a fee of $150 each way applies if requested. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight.
American Airlines does not specify any dedicated in-flight services for unaccompanied minors. However, they recommend that children travelling alone bring games, books, and money in one small carry-on. They also advise packing snacks as food and drink services may be limited.
For layovers, American Airlines has lounges for unaccompanied minors in certain airports, such as Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA). In these lounges, children can wait for their connections, play games, and be supervised by American business partner personnel. These staff members will accompany children outside the lounge to purchase food and drinks, but they will not be allowed to walk around alone.
It is important to note that the policies and services for unaccompanied minors may vary between airlines and airports. Always check with the specific airline for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their policies and services for unaccompanied minors.
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Frequently asked questions
The age restrictions for flying alone vary depending on the airline. However, most airlines require children to be at least 14 years old to fly without restrictions. Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, offer unaccompanied minor services for children as young as 5 years old, with mandatory enrollment for children between 5 and 14 years old. These services include supervision and assistance from airline staff during the flight and layovers.
The requirements for unaccompanied minors vary by airline, but generally include filling out necessary paperwork, providing proper identification and documentation, and ensuring that the child has a responsible adult to drop them off and pick them up at the airport. Accompanying adults will need to arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time and stay until the flight is airborne.
Yes, most airlines charge a fee for their unaccompanied minor services. The fee typically ranges from $100 to $150 each way, plus applicable taxes. This fee often covers additional siblings on the same flight and includes early boarding, kids-only lounges, and an airport escort.
