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Can a minor fly with a sibling?

Only with the letter of consent from the parents of the minor.



Yes, a minor can fly with a sibling, but the specific rules depend on the ages of both children and the airline's "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) policy. Generally, if the older sibling is at least 16 to 18 years old (depending on the carrier), most airlines consider them an "adult" for the purpose of supervising a younger child. In this scenario, the younger child does not need to be enrolled in the UM program. However, if both siblings are under 15, many airlines—including major U.S. carriers like Delta and United—will require them to be enrolled in the Unaccompanied Minor service, which involves a fee and specific drop-off/pick-up protocols at the airport. In 2026, some international airlines have stricter age requirements, requiring the supervisor to be at least 21. It is critical to carry a "Consent to Travel" letter signed by the parents, especially for international flights, to prove that the siblings have permission to travel together. This letter should include contact information and details about the trip. Always check the "Minor Travel" section of your specific airline's website, as "Budget" carriers like Ryanair often have different age thresholds than full-service airlines.

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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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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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We recommend a signed and notarized consent letter from the child's parent or parents, such as our Child Travel Consent Form. Be sure to include the child's name, the companion's name, the dates of travel, the destination, the parents' names and contact information, and a statement of permission from the parents.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Some airlines permit this for kids as young as 12. When a child has reached this minimum age for traveling alone without unaccompanied-minor procedures, the airline does not require evidence of parental permission to travel alone. If the child has a passport, he or she can even travel internationally.

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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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If you are traveling with a child who is not yours, bring signed and notarized consent forms from the child's parents or legal guardians. Consent form requirements vary by destination, so you may not be asked to produce them, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

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At a minimum, the permission letter should provide your child's name and date of birth, the dates of trip, the name of the adult companion, the specific travel destinations, and the reason for travel. You should also make sure to include both parents' full names, signatures, and phone numbers.

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International Travel. Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person.

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U.S. citizen children traveling abroad If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel.

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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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The fact is, even though it's rarely asked for, you still need to bring clear documentation that authorizes you to travel with a minor unless both parents are traveling with the child. If you're leaving the country, yes, you need permission via documents that have been signed and notarized by guardians and/or parents.

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A Young Traveler must have the maturity and capability to travel alone, including but not limited to checking in, passing through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage.

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How can I add my child's ticket to an existing flight booking? Unfortunately, a child cannot be added to an existing booking. You will need to book a separate ticket for your child with the airline directly. Did you find this article helpful?

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However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends that any child under the age of 16 traveling without both parents should have a notarized Child Travel Consent signed by both parents.

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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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