Can my 17 year old fly alone in Canada?

Children from 8 through 11 years of age (inclusively) may travel alone only if the Unaccompanied Minor Service is purchased. Children from 12 through 17 years of age may travel alone without restrictions. The Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional, but if requested, the restrictions imposed by the service will apply.



Yes, a 17-year-old can fly alone in Canada in 2026, and they are generally treated as an adult passenger. For domestic flights within Canada (on WestJet, Air Canada, or Porter), the mandatory "Unaccompanied Minor" service usually only applies to children aged 5 to 11. For those aged 12 to 17, the service is optional. This means a 17-year-old can check themselves in, pass through security, and board the plane without any airline supervision. However, if the flight is international (crossing into the US or overseas), it is highly recommended—and sometimes required by border agents—that the 17-year-old carries a Notarized Letter of Consent signed by both parents. This letter proves they have permission to travel across borders and helps prevent delays with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or US Customs, who are hyper-vigilant about potential runaways or international child custody disputes.

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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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How old does a child have to be to fly alone? We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. Children under 13 years old cannot travel alone with us. They must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking to travel with us.

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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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United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent. This written consent must be in English.

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What is the minimum age to travel alone by plane? The minimum age to travel alone by plane is 18 years old. If a minor will be traveling unaccompanied, we offer the Volaris is With You service.

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At what age can I travel abroad on my own? If you are 18 or over – You will be able to travel abroad on your own without the consent of your parents. If you are under the age of 18 – It is up to the airline or travel operator whether you can travel abroad.

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A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, they need to have this written permission.

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All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.

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A signed, notarized letter for a minor to travel from both parents is required if a child travels internationally alone or with an adult who is not their legal guardian. The other parent must also sign the consent form if they are traveling with just one parent.

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