Can children travel alone? Everything you should know about flights for unaccompanied minors

Watching your child's flight depart from the gate without you can be quite a moment. In that instant, you'll likely feel a mix of pride, excitement, and nerves as they embark on their solo journey.

Every airline has its own set of rules and fees for unaccompanied minor flights, but here we focus on the crucial tips to ensure a smooth experience for your child flying alone.

Preparing your child for their first solo trip is a significant milestone and an important step in nurturing future travelers. Once you're both ready, here are ways to help them prepare for flying as an unaccompanied minor.

Are minors allowed to fly alone?

Certain airlines, such as Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines, permit unaccompanied minors but limit them to specific nonstop or direct flights until they reach a particular age. Conversely, some airlines like Allegiant Air do not accept unaccompanied minors at all, allowing only passengers aged 15 and older, whom they classify as adults, to travel.

Generally, a parent or guardian must fill out necessary paperwork and collect boarding passes at the check-in desk, obtain a gate pass, accompany the child through security, and remain at the child's gate until their flight departs. When the child arrives, a designated adult can follow the same steps and wait at the gate for their arrival.

What is the minimum age to fly alone?

Most U.S. airlines will allow your child to fly without a parent or guardian — at least on certain flights — once they turn 5 years old, provided you pay the unaccompanied minor fee.

The fee includes extra supervision by the airline, help with boarding and deplaning, an escort for connecting flights, and support during any irregular operations.

For most airlines, children aged 15 to 17 can opt to travel as adults or as unaccompanied minors. With valid identification, they can choose the adult option, though they might still need to pay the unaccompanied minor fee for additional support.

Advice for arranging an unaccompanied minor flight

Ensure your child is mentally and emotionally ready for solo travel.

One child might feel ready to travel alone to their grandparents' home at age 6, while another may not be prepared to fly solo even at 16. Although many of your worst-case scenarios are unlikely, it's important to consider situations like diversions, delays, or safety issues.

Is your child capable of managing those types of situations on their own? If the answer is a definite no, then this might not be the right year for them to fly alone.

Keep the travel plans straightforward

Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights to ensure your child's travel experience is easy and hassle-free. Most airlines will require you to book a nonstop or direct flight for your child until they reach a certain age.

If your child is capable of booking a connecting flight, carefully consider each connection. Every layover significantly raises the risk of complications, which could result in your child being away from a caregiver for extended periods. They might end up in a location that's difficult for you to reach.

Opt for flights that leave earlier in the day. This strategy helps to minimize the risk of delays, diversions, or rebookings that could lead to an overnight stay if they occur later in the afternoon or evening.

Select their seat thoughtfully

Choose a seat close to the cabin crew, ideally near the front of the plane. However, some airlines may request that children sit in the back row; in certain cases, the airline will automatically assign their seats. Regardless, aim to have them seated near where the crew is located.

Ensure your child has a way to reach you

Provide your child with a phone or another means to contact you in case of an emergency. Options could include an iPad or Apple Watch, enabling them to FaceTime or message you over Wi-Fi if they aren't on a cell plan yet. Plus, you can track your child using the device you choose. Most importantly, ensure they have a charger to keep their device powered up.

It's also wise to give your child a printed list of emergency contacts. Teach them to seek assistance from an airline employee if they can't reach you or a designated guardian. For your part, remember to stay reachable and keep your phone close while your child is traveling.

Send along cash, cards, and comfort items

Ensure your child has a way to pay for food and other incidental expenses. Don’t rely on the airline (or its contractors) to act as your child's caretaker for every need. Encourage them to eat before the flight or bring a snack and drink on board. Alternatively, you can pack snacks in their carry-on. Having a small comfort item from home, like a pillow or blanket, can also help make the flight more enjoyable.

Keep in mind that airline staff are not babysitters

Although you pay a fee for the airline to transport your child from Point A to Point B, the $50 to $150 you spent does not guarantee constant supervision. Ideally, a flight attendant or another airline staff member will occasionally check in on your child to see if they need anything.

That said, they are not there to provide round-the-clock supervision. If your child requires constant attention, they may not be ready to fly alone.

Arrive at the airport well in advance

Flying as an unaccompanied minor involves extra time and paperwork that you can't complete until you're physically present on the day of the flight. You'll need to engage with an airline representative at the check-in counter, so be sure to account for the time required for that process, along with possible lines, traffic, and security clearance.

Monitor the flight status

You’ll need to remain at the departure gate until the flight takes off, but there are ways to track the plane once it's airborne.

Set up flight tracking alerts through the airline's website and consider using an app like Flighty or FlightAware. While the flight is in progress, you can periodically check the plane's location to ensure everything is going smoothly.

Advice for children flying as unaccompanied minors

Here are the key points that TPG's director of content, Summer Hull, shared with her child before flying as an unaccompanied minor.

Listen attentively and ask questions

Summer made it clear that, similar to school, her child wouldn’t have a parent present to handle things for her; she emphasized the importance of paying attention to instructions and asking questions if anything was unclear. Comparing a flight attendant to a teacher—being the responsible adult available to assist—was an easy analogy. She also reminded her to keep her earbuds in and actually listen to the announcements, which was a crucial part of their pre-flight discussion.

Speak up—loudly—if something feels off

You can start this part of the conversation by stating that it's very unlikely anything will go wrong. Nevertheless, it's essential to know what steps to take in case the unexpected happens.

Summer also discussed with her child how to respond if someone makes her feel uncomfortable. She explained that while some people instinctively freeze and remain silent in negative situations, it's crucial to speak up loudly—multiple times if necessary—to escape a potentially harmful scenario. Afterward, she advised her child to find a flight attendant or another adult for help.

It's essential for children to understand that problems can arise with other passengers or even airline staff. However, they should also know that many adults nearby are available to assist if something feels off or goes wrong.

Stay at the gate

If everything goes according to plan, one adult will remain at the departure gate until the flight takes off safely, while another will be waiting at the arrival gate before landing. However, unexpected situations can arise, and the child may find themselves at a gate without a guardian present. In such cases, the child needs to know not to leave the gate, even if there isn't an airline employee closely monitoring them.

In summary

You may feel overwhelmed with anxiety knowing your child is flying solo, but sometimes it’s the best choice available. In time, your child may even be the one eager to travel independently.

As a parent, you are the best judge of when your child is ready, but solo travel can provide valuable lessons and significant personal growth. While airline policies for unaccompanied minors outline what is permitted, the decision about what is best for your child within those guidelines ultimately rests with you. Every child and situation is unique.