International travel Some airlines automatically apply the unaccompanied-minor procedures to kids through age 17 on international flights, and charge the standard unaccompanied-minor fee if applicable. Children must usually have the same passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults.

Yes, unaccompanied minors (UMs) can fly internationally, but the rules are much stricter than for domestic travel. Most major airlines (like Delta, Emirates, and Lufthansa) allow children aged 5 to 14 (and sometimes up to 17) to fly alone, provided they use the airline’s mandatory UM service. This service involves a fee—often $150 to $250 per way—and includes a dedicated staff member who escorts the child through customs, immigration, and security. For international trips, parents must provide a notarized letter of consent from both legal guardians, a valid passport, and any necessary visas for the destination country. Some countries, like Mexico or South Africa, have specific "minor travel" laws that require additional documentation like unabridged birth certificates. Airlines typically do not allow UMs on the last connecting flight of the day or on itineraries involving overnight stays or transfers between different airports (like moving from Heathrow to Gatwick) to ensure the child is never left without supervision in a foreign country.