Can a minor sit by themselves on a plane?

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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The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, ...

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Getting ready. Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone. Here's how to book a ticket and prepare your child for their trip.

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The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, ...

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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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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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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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Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers, but any unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 is required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. Those ages 5 to 7 are allowed to travel only on nonstop flights.

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In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

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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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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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For travellers younger than 18, an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID (e.g. a student card) is suggested but not mandatory, unless our Unaccompanied Minor Service is used. * Fishing, hunting and boating licenses are no longer accepted as identification for domestic flights.

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What age does my child have to be to qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor? Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult age 16 or older when traveling. The UM service is mandatory for children age 8-11 who are traveling alone. The UM service is available but optional for children age 12 to 17 traveling alone.

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Unaccompanied minors run a significantly increased risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, or criminal exploitation.

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Upon entering the US, UMC may still experience trauma such as community violence, abuse or neglect, and/or lack of basic resources. In addition, they may face stress associated with reunification, foster placement, or entering the US school system.

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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.

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