Can you fly BA under 16?

The minimum age of a person permitted to travel alone on British Airways is 14 years of age (except on flights operated by SUN-AIR of Scandinavia). If young flyers are accompanied by someone who is aged 16 or over (on the same or a linked booking), British Airways will allow them to travel.



Yes, you can fly British Airways (BA) if you are under 16, but the airline has strict rules regarding unaccompanied minors. In 2026, British Airways allows children aged 14 and 15 to travel alone on both domestic and international flights, provided they have a signed "Young Flyers Travelling Alone" consent form from a parent or legal guardian. However, BA does not offer an escort service for these teenagers; they must be capable of navigating the airport, security, and boarding processes entirely on their own. For children under the age of 14, BA policy states they cannot travel alone under any circumstances; they must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same booking. If you are looking for a service where airline staff look after a younger child throughout the journey (the traditional "Unaccompanied Minor" service), you would need to book with a different carrier, as BA discontinued that specific service several years ago.

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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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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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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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Children over the age of 12 can travel unaccompanied on SUN-AIR operated flights, although young flyers between 12-16 years can use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service on request. You'll need to book and pay for the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service in advance.

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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.

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Any persons under 18 travelling without their parents or guardian are required to present an international travel permission declaration form signed by their father, mother or guardian at the check-in desks.

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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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Children traveling outside the U.S. Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.

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Can a minor fly with a friend adult? A Child Travel Consent letter is a legal document that gives permission for minors to travel without their parents or legal guardian. If a child is traveling with an adult who is not their legal guardian, both the parents need to sign the consent letter.

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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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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, ...

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The Lufthansa care service can also be booked by parents for unaccompanied children from the age of 12 up to a maximum of 17 years. This ensures that the child receives support, especially in the event of a disruption to their flight, such as a delay or cancellation.

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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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Children from 12 years of age up to, but not including, their 16th birthday, are also entitled to Unaccompanied Minors service if specifically requested by the parent or guardian (and as long as they are travelling on a full adult fare ticket).

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Is there a service offered by Ryanair for children traveling alone? No, Ryanair does not carry unaccompanied minors under 16 years. Children up to the age of 16 years must always be accompanied by an adult passenger. Special facilities like escort services and others are NOT available.

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