What Is The Age Limit For Minors Traveling Alone?

Minor flying alone can be frightening for the parents or guardian. This is why the airlines run a special program for unaccompanied minors and provide them with a safe environment. Furthermore, the UMNR service can only be used when the child has attained a specific flight age limit, before which it cannot be allowed. In view of the complexity of the topic, having doubts regarding the age limit and other stuff is quite normal. Further, you need not worry about that, as it has covered each and every detail for you over here.

What is the age limit for minors traveling alone?

Sure, there is an age limit for traveling alone. However, airlines defined this age category for ensuring the security of a minor. In some cases, minors can board the flight alone under the airline's supervision and provisions. Yet, generally, children above 5 years old are allowed to travel alone. Moreover, if a child is below 5 years old, then they have to fly with the parent or legal guardian.

Can a 12-year-old fly without a parent?

Surely, a 12-year-old can travel alone without their parents. But if they are traveling alone, there are some requirements that are essential for their safe journey. They are required to select the unaccompanied minor services for their flight. Further, these policies or conditions vary according to the airlines. Many airlines offer flight tickets for children at the age of 12 without this service. However, this totally depends on the airline.

Which airline lets kids fly alone?

Kids can travel alone by choosing airlines as their traveling companions. However, there are very few airlines that allow a minor to fly alone, but kids could need a UMNR service on top of airfare. Moreover, the airlines that let minors to fly alone are as such:

1. Southwest Airlines 

2. United Airlines 

3. Air Canada

4. American Airlines 

5. Spirit Airlines

6. Alaska Airlines

What documents are required for a child to fly alone?

When a child is traveling alone, only booking a seat is not sufficient. There are many significant documents that are required by the airlines. Parents are expected to know about these important documents, as the child should possess them during their travels. You can now learn about these documents by referring to the points listed herein:

1. Child ID card/valid passport.

2. Visa, depending on the destinations.

3. Travel insurance certificate.

4. Copies of the unaccompanied minor/consent form.

5. Information on allergies.

Can a minor fly alone?

Absolutely yes! Minor can fly alone. However, there are certain rules and regulations that are attributed to minors flying alone. A minor can only fly alone by opting for the UMNR service, which enables him to access some dedicated services. However, the terms and conditions for these unaccompanied services might change slightly with different airlines. Yet, the general norms for minor travel are shared below. You can look at them to enhance your knowledge:

• If a child is 2 years old, then it cannot travel alone. Nonetheless, such a child can fly for free on the lap of their parents or guardian.

• The minimum age of the child for solo travel is 5 years; below this age, they cannot travel alone.

• Kids aged 8 to 14 can travel on non-flight and connecting flights as well. But UMNR is also mandatory for them.

• When a minor is aged between 15 and 17 years, then they can choose to fly with UMNR service.

• It is optional for minors aged between 15 and 17 to get unaccompanied minor services.

Conclusion

Thus, when sending your little ones alone, having anxiety and doubts is a pretty normal thing. Ensuring the child’s safety and security becomes the utmost priority of the parents. Keeping these scenarios in view, most airlines offer a service call for unaccompanied minors. While reading this article, you must have cleared all your doubts about the flight age limit and required documents. However, if you have any difficulty, you can contact the airline customer service for the airline you choose to fly.