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.

Whether an unaccompanied minor (UM) needs a passport depends entirely on the destination and the child's nationality. For domestic flights within the United States or India in 2026, a passport is generally not required for children under 18; instead, the adult dropping them off must provide a valid government ID and complete the airline's UM paperwork. However, for any international flight, a valid passport is mandatory for the minor, regardless of age. Some countries and airlines also require additional "Consent to Travel" forms signed by both parents and occasionally notarized, to prevent international parental kidnapping. Even for domestic travel, some airlines like Delta or United may require the child to show a "form of identification" such as a birth certificate or school ID to verify their age. It is vital to check the specific "Unaccompanied Minor" section of the airline's website, as they often charge a mandatory fee (ranging from $50 to $150 per leg) and have strict rules about who can drop off and pick up the child, requiring those individuals to show matching photo identification at the gate.