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, ...

Yes, a 12-year-old child can travel alone on most major airlines, but they are typically required to use the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. In the United States and the UK, most airlines (such as Delta, United, and British Airways) mandate this service for children aged 5 to 14. This service involves a fee (usually ranging from $150 to $250 per way) and ensures that a staff member escorts the child through security, stays with them during any gate waits, and personally hands them over to the authorized adult at the destination. For some "low-cost" carriers like Southwest or easyJet, a 12-year-old is actually considered a "Young Traveler" and may not be required to use the formal escort service, though parents must still provide contact details. Internationally, the rules are stricter; you must check the specific requirements for both the airline and the destination country, as some nations require a notarized letter of consent from parents for any minor traveling alone. Always ensure your son has a fully charged phone, a list of emergency contacts, and enough cash or a debit card for food and emergencies.