can 14 years old travel alone

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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.

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Kids flying solo guide

Whether traveling to camp or school or heading off to visit family, sometimes allowing your child to fly alone just can’t be avoided. When a child flies without the presence of a legal guardian, they are referred to as an “Unaccompanied Minor” and require special supervision – which also provides peace of mind for parents. Each airline has its own rules in regards to Unaccompanied Minors, including age requirements, cost, flight limitations and amenities included, so it’s important to look into the rules of the airline you plan on booking with.

While parents may be nervous to allow their children to fly alone, flying as an Unaccompanied Minor provides extra care through the whole process. Prep for your child’s solo flight with our tips, and consult our guide to the policies of the major carriers below. When you’re ready to book, head over to Cheapflights.com , where you can search and compare your flight options.

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Airline Policies for Unaccompanied Minors

Air Canada Alaska Airlines American Airlines British Airways Delta Air Lines Frontier Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Icelandair JetBlue Norwegian Air Porter Airlines Southwest Airlines Spirit Airlines United Airlines Virgin America WestJet Wow Air

What to pack

• Cell phone : If your child doesn’t have a cell phone, it’s a good idea to get him or her a pay-as-you-go phone – an easy form of communication for emergencies. Pay-as-you-go phones can be purchased from any cell phone retailer.
• Gift cards : Invest in a few pre-paid gift cards worth $25 or $50, which will let your child purchase food or any unexpected expenses along the way. This will eliminate the worry of travelling with a large amount of cash.
• Family/friends contact information : Give your child a complete list of names, numbers and addresses of the people who are picking him or her up at the airport.
• Photographs : Provide a picture of the person(s) your child will be meeting at the airport, and write out the person’s complete contact information on the back of the photo.
• Copy of passport and other ID : It’s always a good idea to pack a photocopy of the child’s passport and other identification in his or her luggage.
• Medication : Make sure your child has all medications he or she needs and is comfortable taking medications on his or her own. Consult our guide to traveling with medication for more information.
• Details of the day’s schedule : Make sure your child knows what to do in an emergency. For example, provide instructions on how to handle flight delays or cancellations. Let him or her know how to handle overnight accommodations if necessary. Provide at least two copies of this information and store it in two different places.
• Snacks: Pack some munchies and an empty water bottle for your child to fill at a water fountain past security.
• Entertainment : Make or buy a travel pack to keep him or her entertained during the flight. Include items like (depending on age) coloring books, crayons, books, a tablet stocked with TV shows and games, handheld video games and a favorite toy.

Before the flight

• Be in-the-know : Contact your preferred carrier in advance of making a reservation for specific information and guidelines regarding children traveling alone.
• Try to book a morning flight : That way, if for some reason the flight is delayed or canceled, you have the rest of the day to make alternate plans.
• Write out the details : Anyone younger than 17 flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or guardian giving permission, destination and length of stay.
• Provide the right info : Parents must provide information regarding who will be dropping off and picking up their child from each airport. Children are escorted off the aircraft by a flight attendant and released to the designee or another designated employee.
• Go over the itinerary : Familiarize your child with his or her itinerary and make sure all travel documents are kept in a safe place – especially if they’ll be needed for a return flight.
• Make smart clothing choices : Make sure your child doesn’t wear any clothing that has his or her name on it, which would make it easier for an impersonator to convince a child they can be trusted.
• Choose the right luggage : Choose luggage that’s easy for your child to carry and recognize to minimize airport stress.

At the airport

• Arrive early : Unaccompanied Minors are usually pre-boarded, so airlines recommend allowing plenty of time to check in and get through security. A relaxed pace will also be less stressful for kids traveling solo.
• Inform the flight attendants : Make sure the flight attendants know your child is traveling alone. Confirm that he or she will be seated in an area of the aircraft that’s convenient for attendants to keep an eye out – the very front or very back of the aircraft is ideal.
• Get confirmation (if you can) : If possible, have your child contact you once they land and then once again when they’re with the person who is picking them up.

Age:  8 to 11 years old – must purchase Unaccompanied Minors (UM) service; 12 to 17 years old – UM service optional; Children under 8 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  $100 per child each way.

Flight restrictions:  Available on non-stop flights only.

How to book: Contact Air Canada reservations .

Alaska Airlines

Age: 5 to 7 years old – non-stop flights only; 8 to 12 years old – Non-stop and connecting flights; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  $25 each way, per child (non-stop flights); US $50 each way, per child (Connecting flights).

Flight restrictions: Travel may not begin between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

How to book: Book online or by phone .

American Airlines

Age: 5 to 7 years old – non-stop or direct flights only; 8 to 14 years old – Can travel on any non-stop or direct flight, or any connecting flight through Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), Dallas-Forth Worth, TX (DFW), New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, CA (LAX), Miami, FL (MIA), Chicago, IL (ORD), Philadelphia, PA (PHL) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX); Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  US $150 each way (only one fee applies for two+ siblings flying same itinerary).

Flight restrictions: Non-stop, direct flights only.

How to book: Call Reservations .

British Airways

Age: 6-11 years old – must purchase OpenSkies Solo Flyer service; 12-17 years old – OpenSkies service is optional; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost: US $150 each way.

Flight restrictions: Service only available for flights departing from the U.S. or France.

How to book: Contact OpenSkies to book.

Delta Air Lines

Age: 5 to 7 years old – nonstop or direct flights only, 8 to 14 years old – nonstop and connecting flights; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  US $150 each way.

Flight restrictions: Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on Red Eye flights (between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.), with the exception of flights departing from Alaska or Hawaii and connections to/from international flights.

How to book: Contact Delta Reservations Office .

Frontier Airlines

Age: 5 to 14 years old; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  $110  each way, per child.

Flight restrictions: nonstop or direct flights only.

How to book: Book online or by phone .

Hawaiian Airlines

Age: 5 to 11 years old; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  $35 each way (within Hawaii); $100 each way (within North America).

Flight restrictions: Non-stop flights only; No international flights.

How to book: Call Hawaiian Airlines Reservations .

Cost:  $60 each way (only one fee applies for two+ siblings flying same itinerary).

Flight restrictions: non-stop or direct flights only.

How to book: Book via Icelandair Reservations at 1-800-223-5500.

Cost:  $100 each way, per child.

Flight restrictions: non-stop flights only.

How to book: Book by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).

Norwegian Air

Age: 5 to 11 years old – service is mandatory, 12 to 15 years old – service is optional; Children under 5 cannot travel alone

Cost: US $59 each way.

Flight restrictions: Non-stop or direct flights only.

How to book: Book via the Norwegian Contact Centre at 1-800-357-4159.

Porter Airlines

Age: 8 to 12 years old – service is mandatory, 12 to 17 years old – service is optional; Children under 8 cannot travel alone.

Flight restrictions: Parents must wait at the airport until the flight has been airborne for 20 minutes.

How to book: Book via the Porter Call Centre at 1-888-619-8622.

Spirit Airlines

Age:  5 to 14 years old – service is mandatory; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Flight restrictions: Non-stop and direct flights only; No international flights.

How to book:  Book online   (Choose ‘0’ adults and the number of children flying solo).

Southwest Airlines

Age: 5 to 11 years old – service is mandatory; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  $50  each way, per child.

Flight restrictions: Non-stop flights only; No UM service to/from international destinations.

How to book: Book a UM reservation online or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

United Airlines

Age: 5 to 14 years old – service is mandatory; Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

Cost:  $150  each way.

Flight restrictions: Unaccompanied minors can only travel on nonstop flights operated by United or United Express.

How to book: Book online or by calling a United Customer Contact Center .

Virgin America

Cost:  $75 for short-haul flights (less than two hours); $100 for flights more than two hours in duration; $125 for international flights.

Flight restrictions: Non-stop flights only.

How to book: Call Virgin American Reservations at 1-877-FLY-VIRGIN (the service fee will be waived for this call).

WestJet 

Age: 8 to 11 years old – service is mandatory; 12 to 17 years old – service is optional; Children under 8 cannot travel alone

Cost:  $100 each way.

Flight restrictions: Non-stop flights only; No red-eye flights or flights that depart before 5:30 a.m. or arrive after 10 p.m.

How to book: All reservations for an unaccompanied minor must be made by calling at 1-888-937-8538.

Age: 5 to 11 years old – service is mandatory; 12 to 17 years old – service is optional; Children under 5 cannot travel alone

Cost: US $89.99 each way (only one fee applies for two+ siblings flying same itinerary).

How to book: The fact that a child will be travelling unaccompanied must be noted at time of booking. Contact WOW Air to book.

Have your children flown solo? Share your experience in the comments below and start your flight search  on Cheapflights.com.

Featured image: istockphoto/ SerrNovik

Editor’s note: Hello, travelers. We revised this post for you to make sure it’s up-to-date, comprehensive and even more awesome. We do our best to bring you the most timely information, but until superhuman speed is perfected, we can only move so fast. This information is subject to change, so please always double check current policies with your airline or agent before you book.

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