Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

Yes, a 17-year-old can fly internationally alone on American Airlines, as they are considered a "young adult" rather than a minor requiring mandatory supervision. On American, the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service is optional for ages 15 to 17. If you choose not to pay the $150 UM fee, the 17-year-old is treated like an adult passenger and is responsible for navigating the airport, managing connections, and handling customs forms independently. However, a major 2026 "legal hurdle" is that many countries require a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents for any minor under 18 to enter or exit their borders alone. Without this "Travel Consent Form," a 17-year-old may be denied boarding at the gate or detained by immigration officers in cities like London or Paris, regardless of the airline's own internal age policies for flying solo.