How does an unaccompanied minor get through TSA?

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.



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

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).

MORE DETAILS

ID Requirements
Kids 18 and younger do not need any IDs to fly domestically. Passengers in that age range simply need a boarding pass to get through TSA.

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

A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, they need to have this written permission.

MORE DETAILS

Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Unaccompanied minors may travel in economy or first class. Contact reservations to book an unaccompanied minor's flight at 1-800-367-5320.

MORE DETAILS

Usually, parents are given a pass that allows them to go through airport security and accompany their child to the gate. Children are sometimes given badges that state their unaccompanied minor status. Airline chaperones will meet unaccompanied minors at the gate and help them board.

MORE DETAILS

Check in with an Employee at the gate and let them know you're picking up an Unaccompanied Minor. If the UM's flight is scheduled to arrive after the ticket counter and/or security checkpoint is closed, proceed to the Baggage Service Office to let the Agent know you're picking up a UM.

MORE DETAILS

We do not carry unaccompanied children under 16. We cannot provide an escort or special facilities.

MORE DETAILS

Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.

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 minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, they need to have this written permission.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS