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.

Yes, but with specific rules and fees. Most airlines allow children to travel alone as "Unaccompanied Minors" (UM). Typically, children aged 5 to 11 are required to use this service, while for those aged 12 to 14 (or 17), the service is often optional. Children under 5 are generally not permitted to fly alone under any circumstances. When you book a child as an unaccompanied minor, the airline charges a mandatory fee (often $150 per way) in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers a dedicated staff member who will escort the child from the check-in counter, through security, and directly to the gate. Onboard, flight attendants keep a closer watch on them, and upon arrival, another staff member escorts them through the airport until they are handed over to the designated adult, whose ID must be verified. Parents must stay at the airport until the flight has successfully taken off. It is worth noting that some airlines, particularly low-cost carriers like Southwest or international airlines, may have different age cut-offs and restrictions on connecting flights or international itineraries for children flying solo.