Do you have to be 16 to travel alone?

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.



In 2026, the age at which a minor can travel alone without airline-provided supervision depends strictly on the carrier, but 12 to 15 years old is the most common threshold for "independent" travel. For children aged 5 to 11, most airlines (such as Delta, United, and Emirates) mandate an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service, which includes a fee and staff escorts. Once a passenger reaches age 12 or 15 (depending on the airline), this service usually becomes optional, meaning they can navigate the airport alone. However, some international carriers and low-cost airlines (like Ryanair) require passengers to be at least 16 to travel without an adult. Always check the specific airline's policy, as "Young Traveler" rules vary significantly across global regions.

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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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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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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Children ages 13-17 years are not required to travel as unaccompanied minors, but the service is optional for this age group as well. Children under seven years of age are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult.

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What age must my child be to travel without a parent? EasyJet does not accept unaccompanied minors under the age of 16. Children under 16 years of age cannot travel unless accompanied by a person aged 16 years or older who will take responsibility for the minor. the best seats and in-flight amenities.

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United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent.

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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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At 16 you can:
  • Get married.
  • Enter into a civil partnership.
  • Consent to lawful sexual intercourse.
  • Leave home without your parents/guardians' consent.
  • Apply for your own home through your local council.
  • Have access to many more banking facilities, including all adult services, except overdrafts and credit.


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Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone. Here's how to book a ticket and prepare your child for their trip.

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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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Any unaccompanied person under the age of 18 cannot enter or leave Portugal without authority of parent or guardian.

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The service is mandatory for children ages 7-12 traveling without an adult of at least 18. Children 13-18 do not have to travel as an unaccompanied minor, but cannot accompany children younger than 13. Children under 7 years of age are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.

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The service is mandatory for children between ages seven and 12 traveling without an adult. Children ages 13-17 years are not required to travel as unaccompanied minors, but the service is optional for this age group as well. Children under seven years of age are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult.

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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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