Loading Page...

Can you travel alone at 11?

No. Our Unaccompanied Minor program is only for children ages five through 11 years old. Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers.



Yes, an 11-year-old can travel alone on most major airlines in 2026, but they must use the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. For children aged 5 to 11, this service is mandatory on nearly all carriers like Delta, United, and British Airways. An airline staff member will escort the child through security, wait with them at the gate, and hand them over to a flight attendant. Upon arrival, they are escorted through customs and immigration to the specific adult authorized in the paperwork. In 2026, fees for this service typically range from $150 to $250 per way. Note that children this age are generally restricted to nonstop flights or very simple connections to avoid the risk of being stranded during delays. Always check the specific carrier's rules, as some budget airlines (like Ryanair) do not offer a UM service and require all passengers under 16 to be accompanied by someone 16 or older.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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, ...

MORE DETAILS

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, ...

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A traveller between 2 to 12 year old is classified as a child, and anyone above 12 years old is classified as an adult. If your child is 11 years old at the time of departure but turns 12 before the return journey, they could still travel on a child fare or may have to pay for an adult fare.

MORE DETAILS

Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount. 16 and 17 year olds pay half the adult rate on Tube, DLR and London Overground journeys with a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

No, Wizz Air does not provide this service. Children under 14 years old cannot fly unless accompanied by an adult at least 16 years of age. The child and the adult must be under the same reservation. Passengers who are 14 or 15-years-old may fly alone, but cannot be responsible for a child under the age of 14.

MORE DETAILS

Children 14 years old or under must travel with an adult. For domestic travel, including Puerto Rico, one passenger 15 to 17 years of age may travel with up to one child 5 to 14 years of age on the same reservation.

MORE DETAILS

To fly alone, unaccompanied minors must travel on an adult fare. Otherwise children under 12 will not be able to fly solo. Children over 12 can travel alone and they fly on an adult fare. If you'd like to use our Unaccompanied Minors service for children aged 12 to 15, the fee is USD 50 for each leg of the journey.

MORE DETAILS

What your child needs to travel alone. All children aged 14 or 15 travelling alone must carry with them: A British Airways consent form (pdf, 124kb, English only), completed and signed by a parent/guardian.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS