Can a 16 year old travel on their own with Ryanair?

Passengers over the age of 16 may travel without an adult. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. the best seats and in-flight amenities.



Yes, a 16-year-old can travel alone on a Ryanair flight, but the airline’s policy is more restrictive than many other carriers. Ryanair does not allow anyone under the age of 16 to travel unless they are accompanied by an adult (16 or older). Therefore, once a person turns 16, they are considered an "adult" in Ryanair's eyes for ticketing and travel purposes. This means they do not need any special "Unaccompanied Minor" (UMNR) service, as Ryanair does not offer a UM service or any special assistance for solo young travelers. In 2026, it is important to remember that while the airline allows it, some countries may have specific entry/exit requirements for minors. For example, a 16-year-old traveling from France or Spain may still require a signed "Parental Consent" form to clear national border control. Always ensure the young traveler has a valid passport and all necessary visas, as Ryanair will not provide extra supervision at the airport or during the flight.

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Spanish authorities will require that all Spanish minors travelling alone or accompanied by third parties who are not parents or guardians have a travel permit issued by one of the following: Police, Civil Guard, Notary's Office or Town Hall, requested in person by the parents or legal guardians.

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We do not carry unaccompanied children under 16. We cannot provide an escort or special facilities.

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In order to check-in, you need a valid travel document. When travelling with Ryanair, we generally accept 2 forms of ID. A valid passport; A valid National Identity Card.

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EasyJet does not accept unaccompanied minors under the age of 16. Children under 16 years of age cannot travel unless accompanied by a person aged 16 years or older who will take responsibility for the minor. the best seats and in-flight amenities.

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On a random website for travel to Spain A minor under the age of 18 travelling to Spain must either: be accompanied by a parent or guardian, carry a letter of authorisation to travel from a parent or guardian. The letter should name the adult responsible for the minor during his/her stay.

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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.

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Any persons under 18 travelling without their parents or guardian are required to present an international travel permission declaration form signed by their father, mother or guardian at the check-in desks.

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Children ages 15 to 17 can travel as an unaccompanied minor, but it is not required. Children ages 2 to 14 can travel as an accompanied minor with someone 16 years or older. Reservations must be made over the phone at 1-800-433-7300.

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Child age at the time of unaccompanied travel Children ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.

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We accept unaccompanied children aged 14 or over at the date of departure provided the booking is made by a person aged 18 or over.

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Unaccompanied children aged 15 and under are not permitted to travel alone and will not be permitted to board the plane as easyJet does not provide an escort service or special requirements for unaccompanied children.

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Verification is a new identification check Ryanair requires on some bookings. If your booking is selected, Ryanair may ask you to verify your identity by submitting a photo of your ID, your signature, and in some cases, your recent photo before you can check in online or add extra services.

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Child age at the time of unaccompanied travel Children ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.

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Standard Verification is free of charge. Express Verification takes approx. two minutes. Standard Verification can take up to seven days.

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At 16 you can:
  • Get married.
  • Enter into a civil partnership.
  • Consent to lawful sexual intercourse.
  • Leave home without your parents/guardians' consent.
  • Apply for your own home through your local council.
  • Have access to many more banking facilities, including all adult services, except overdrafts and credit.


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Travel authorizations are required for Portuguese minors entering and exiting Portugal. Minors while travelling alone must have travel authorization signed by both parents, if married, or by the one who exercise parental responsibility.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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