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.

When traveling solo with a minor, you should carry several key documents to prevent delays or suspicions of child abduction. For domestic travel within the U.S., a birth certificate is usually sufficient for infants, while older children generally do not need ID. For international travel, the child must have their own passport. Most importantly, you should carry a notarized Letter of Consent signed by the non-traveling parent, stating that they give permission for the child to travel with you. If you have sole custody, bring a copy of the court order or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased. Customs officers in many countries, particularly Canada and Mexico, are legally required to ask for these documents to ensure the safety of the minor. Having these papers ready can significantly streamline the boarding and immigration processes.