When you wanna get away and explore the extreme ends of the world – Go Solo. Plus, there is no age for travelling. Travelling alone gives you the freedom to live up to your vacation at your own pace. Whether you’re a kid or in your late teenage years, travelling around the world will bring many new experiences and friends into your life, helping you push your limits. Even a kid can fly alone, as many airlines are offering special programs for unaccompanied minors that offer safety and support throughout their trip. Know the basic Solo Air Travel Rules to have an unforgettable experience.
Gift yourself the independence and confidence to live your ideal trip. Learn everything about travelling solo, the essential tips, fees, unaccompanied minor flights, and rules. Give Tours n Travels Pro a call at +1-844-402-8105, and the experts will guide you through your flying solo plan.
Solo Travellers: What You Need to Know?
Children travel alone, and no department regulates travel for unaccompanied minors. However, it is important to understand the options available. Also, the airlines implement specific processes to ensure their safety and well-being. Remember that the policies differ from one airline to another, so you must verify the rules, services and additional fees with the carrier you wish to book. You can read more about the minor policy here.
Checklist for Travelling Solo:✔ Fitting in the Age Criteria to Fly unaccompanied ✔ Consent of Parents or Guardians ✔ Documents Needed ✔ Proof of Age ✔ Book Tickets ✔ Buy Unaccompanied Minor Service |
If your checklist is complete and you have the above criteria filled up, buddy, you are ready for your first solo trip.
Flying Alone Age Requirements
Although there is no rule for children who fly alone, they must meet certain age requirements to fit in the atmosphere. Kids who are too young and lack knowledge of rights or wrongs are not eligible. Young ones who have a sense of maturity and realise that they are travelling alone and can take care of themselves are fit for travelling in the air.
Kids Flying Alone
Age Limit: 5 to 11 years
UM Service: Compulsory if no adult is travelling
The U.S. airlines allow children above 5 years of age to travel solo. But, the airlines are rigid about their travel as unaccompanied minors due to safety and security concerns. You must issue the UM service to let your child fly unaccompanied. Plus, as a parent, it is necessary to ensure your child’s well-being, and through the UM program, you can safeguard it. Under this service, kids can freely enjoy their time in flight without worrying about their next steps. The airline provides assistance and looks out for them during the journey. Following these procedures, you give yourself a sense of relaxation and assurance that your child is in safe hands.
Teen flying Alone
Age Limit: 12 to 17 years or 15 to 17 years (for some airlines)
UM Service: Optional
As children grow to the early teenage years of 12, they are called young adults. These young ones are now capable of self-care. Therefore, adding an Unaccompanied minor service to their flight ticket becomes optional. However, as a parent, your concern is natural. So you may or may not buy the service for security. Remember, the age criteria differ for different airlines. On some carriers, children above 12 can travel without services, while children of 15 years or above can travel as young adults. It is best to talk and confirm with your airline.
Infants Flying Alone
Age Limit: 0 to 4 years
UM Service: None
Lap infants and toddlers are not allowed to travel alone. One adult (18+) must accompany the child to fly. When toddlers are travelling with their parents or guardians, the airline is not responsible for them. However, your airline might prefer you purchase the UM ticket.
18+ flying alone
Age Limit: 18 years or above
UM Service: Not required
Youngsters who are 18 or above are considered adults and don’t require special assistance. They can freely travel by air without any trouble. All they need is a flight ticket, age proof, and valid IDs.
Airline Solo Travel Policy
When you decide that your child is ready to explore the world alone, it is time to look at what options will best suit them. In search of the best options, you must first check the solo travel policies of different airlines.
The basic features of an unaccompanied minor policy are:
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The child must be within the age limit to fly alone.
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Parents must purchase the UM service in addition to their flight tickets.
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You can only book direct or non-stop flights.
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A ‘through’ flight is allowed, with stopovers but no plane change.
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However, connection flights can only be offered to children above 8 years.
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Kids can take domestic or international flights.
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The airline assists the child and will care for their needs throughout the trip.
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However, this does not mean that the child will be assigned a specific flight attendant who will remain beside them.
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Electronic tickets are issued so that there are no lost or misplaced tickets
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But parents must hand over a copy of the ticket in their kid’s hand for special situations.
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Parents must fill out a UM form and sign it to request the service.
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Documents, including age proof, are necessary.
You may read their detailed guidelines for seamless travel:
What are the Fees for Solo Travelling in Flights?
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The fees for solo travel remain the same as for normal adult travel. You pay the amount of your total itinerary, and you’re good to go.
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If a child aged 5 to 17 is flying with an adult or their family, they also don’t have to pay any extra fees, only the ticket amount.
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However, if a child is flying alone without any adult’s supervision, they are supposed to travel under the unaccompanied minor program.
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Most airlines charge a fee for this service, which can vary between carriers. The fee can be $50 to $150 per direction ($100 to $300 for a round trip).
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The fee is in addition to the flight ticket, and it can be higher for longer routes like international travel.
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Also, if you have two or more kids travelling on the same flight to the same place, some airlines charge only one fee for all.
Domestic v/s International Solo Flights
When travelling solo, it is better to plan simple itineraries than complex ones. Parents can book both domestic and international flights for their kids, but there are certain exemptions.
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All age groups qualify for domestic travel.
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For international travel, the UM service automatically applies to ages above 8 years.
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Kids below 8 are not allowed to travel internationally.
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You may contact the airlines and ask for the availability of Unaccompanied Minor Flights for your child’s age.
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If travelling internationally, children must have a passport, visa, or other documents required in their arrival country.
What is the procedure for booking flights for solo travelling?
You can proceed with the usual method of booking flights to book a solo flight for children or young adults aged 15 and above.
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Move on to the official airline site if you prefer.
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Go to the tab for “Book A Flight”, “Book A Trip”, or “Find Flights”.
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Select your travel preferences and search for your favourable flight.
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Upon finding a suitable option, you can customize it accordingly.
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Save the information and proceed to make payment.
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Confirm your payment and get the final tickets for your trip.
See, it is so easy and simple; no extra effort is required. But that doesn’t mean you will not research your airlines first and pick a safe and suitable destination.
How to book an unaccompanied minor flight ticket?
When it comes to booking flights for a minor who will travel alone, you can book a ticket through the website. You must call your airlines straight away.
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Dial the number +1-844-402-8105 and talk to an airline representative.
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Tell them that you need to book a UM ticket.
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They will guide you through the complete program and services they offer to unaccompanied kids.
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Understand the associated fees and flights available.
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To book a flight, you must provide your child’s birth certificate as age proof and other government-approved IDs.
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Also, make sure you tell them about any special request you need to make for your child.
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Proceed with confirming the trip and paying for the fees.
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Finally, you can have the confirmed reservation for an unaccompanied minor.
Tips for First-Time Solo Flyers
The Department of Transportation suggests that first-time travellers must book simple itineraries. This means there are fewer opportunities for flight delays or other disruptions. Parents must make extra efforts and talk to each airline if their kid’s itinerary includes flights with more than one airline. Here are some useful ideas to ensure a smooth solo trip:
Tips for Parents to Prepare Your Kid:
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Research Airline Policies: You must familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies and make sure the itinerary you booked aligns with them. Airlines have different solo air travel rules regarding age limits, services, fees and documents. You may refer to this parent’s guide for further assistance regarding the policies.
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Document Everything: Collect all the documents and hand over a copy of each to your child before their travel begins. Also, communicate everything and tell them about their upcoming journey.
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Help in Smart packing: Make sure they don’t overpack and also pack a small carry-on with essentials. Put some snacks, entertainment and comfort items, and ensure it is easily portable.
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Teach your Kid Navigation Basics: You can explain the passage ways of the airport and show them where security, boarding and information desks are located. This will help them confidently pass through the security protocols. Guide them through the check-in process as well.
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Arrive Early At the Airport: Reach the airport before the expected time to reduce stress and check the procedures.
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Provide Emergency Contacts: Write down all the important emergency contacts in a list and hand them. Tell them to keep it handy and use it in case they need assistance.
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Stay Connected: Stay in touch with them throughout their flight by providing them with a mobile phone.
Travel Safety Tips for Children:
Whether for young ones, solo travellers, or first-time travellers, you must ensure these:
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Be Calm and Positive: Remember it is your adventure trip, and make the most of it. Think positive and be calm throughout, and make new friends.
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Watch the Airport Signs: Paying attention to the airport signboards and instructions will lead you to security and boarding gates. So even if it’s your first time, you can easily navigate through the ways.
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Listen to Announcements: Listen to the voices announcing the flight statuses and boarding times. You will be informed about any alterations or updates in your flight schedules.
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Follow Safety Instructions: Watch out for the safety demonstrations and know what to do in an emergency.
Fly Solo with Tours N Travel Pro!
It is an incomparable experience of one’s life where one can be one’s real self and enjoy freedom. Whether a kid or a teen, everybody enjoys liberty. As a parent, you must trust your child’s capabilities and make them brave enough to explore the world’s wild side. This will help boost their confidence and expand their vision, too. But, before that, understand the flying alone age requirements for children and teens to ensure a comfortable trip.
Trust the process and make a reservation now. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to knock on your door. Pick up your phone and dial +1-844-402-8105. Talk to Tours N Travel Pro Advisors for complete assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children who are required to fly alone must be aged 5 and 14 and qualify under the unaccompanied minor service. Beyond 14 years of age, the service is optional. Children below 5 years old aren’t fit to travel unaccompanied. The fees for unaccompanied minor service can vary for different airlines and can cost you around $150 each way in addition to the airfare.
If a 16 year old is travelling alone, they must be accompanied by an adult (18+) to pass them through check-in. and pick them up at their destination. They can travel bsing the unaccompanied minor service offered by airlines.
Yes, 14-year-old can travel in the U.S. by themselves. However, they must have proper documents, including their IDs and consent from their guardians. As a parent, you need to enrol them in the unaccompanied minor program.
You can call directly at the reservation desk and make a booking for the UM service; just provide the age proof. It can be a birth certificate or a valid government-issued ID. While checking in at the Airport, show the proofs, and you can travel as an Unaccompanied Minor.
Yes, airlines allow minors to travel alone who are 16 years and older. They don’t require special services or arrangements to travel by air.
Airlines like Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Frontier, United, and others allow kids of 5 to 14 years of age to fly without being accompanied by an adult. They allow unaccompanied minors on their flights, providing them with special assistance at a fee. The children must qualify for a certain age limit that makes them fit for travelling solo.
