Can my 16 year old son travel alone?

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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Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 15 to 17 Birth certificate. Company ID. Credit card. Driver's license.

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Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as it is nonstop on United or United Express. Young adults ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight, or they can choose to opt into the unaccompanied minor service.

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What is this? Most US based airlines (but not all of them) offer flights for unaccompanied minors. For a fee, the airline and its employees provide limited supervision on board flights for the child. They also help the child in making flight connections, when applicable.

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Unaccompanied Minor Ticketing Unaccompanied minors can travel on nonstop JetBlue-operated flights only. JetBlue allows up to three unaccompanied minors per nonstop flight.

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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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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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Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees Southwest charges a $50 fee per direction of travel per child. Children ages 5 to 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors.

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Escorting Minors to Their Gate Each airline has their own policies, but usually will approve a gate pass if you are assisting unaccompanied minors. Airlines will usually allow for a parent or guardian to enter and go through security with them and will assign you a gate pass during the booking process.

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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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Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age. Electronic screen shots, phone images, or immunization records are not acceptable.

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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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Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding. There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.

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