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Can unaccompanied minors go through airport security?

Usually, parents are given a pass that allows them to go through airport security and accompany their child to the gate. Children are sometimes given badges that state their unaccompanied minor status. Airline chaperones will meet unaccompanied minors at the gate and help them board.



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With TSA PreCheck™, you can breeze through airport security. Best part, children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck™ on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 and older who do not have a TSA PreCheck™ boarding pass must go through standard security lanes or apply for TSA PreCheck™.

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A parent or guardian must escort an Unaccompanied Minor to the departure gate 45 minutes before scheduled departure and must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air.

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Some airlines permit this for kids as young as 12. When a child has reached this minimum age for traveling alone without unaccompanied-minor procedures, the airline does not require evidence of parental permission to travel alone. If the child has a passport, he or she can even travel internationally.

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Children aged 12 and above: Children over 12 (15 for some airlines) can travel alone but the Unaccompanied Minor Service is available for an extra charge.

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For example, British Airways, KLM and EasyJet permit children aged 14 and over to fly alone while Ryanair doesn't allow any child under the age of 16 to fly unless with someone over 18. On Lufthansa and Norwegian Air flights, children can travel without an adult from the age of 12.

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Unaccompanied children aged 15 and under are not permitted to travel alone and will not be permitted to board the plane as easyJet does not provide an escort service or special requirements for unaccompanied children.

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If your child is traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent, you'll need:
  • The child's birth certificate.
  • Notarized travel authorization from both parents.


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Ryanair does not allow unaccompanied minors under 16 years to travel. Children under the age of 16 years must always be accompanied by a passenger over 16 years. Escort and special facilities are not available on Ryanair flights.

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Unaccompanied minors may travel in economy or first class. Contact reservations to book an unaccompanied minor's flight at 1-800-367-5320.

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Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.

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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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Each airline is different. My airline all under 18s are to be checked in by a parent/guardian and even if not using the unaccompanied minor program, recommend escort to the gate. International travel the parent must go through to help with pre-filling the customs form of the destination (if required).

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On arrival your child will be escorted to a parent or guardian waiting to collect them (ID will be required). Children aged 12 and above: Children over 12 (15 for some airlines) can travel alone but the Unaccompanied Minor Service is available for an extra charge.

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