##### When Kids Fly Alone

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####### U.S. Department of Transportation

Aviation Consumer Protection Division

[Many children]{.smallcaps} [fly alone.]{.smallcaps} There are no
Department of Transportation regulations concerning travel by these
"unaccompanied minors," but the airlines have specific procedures to
protect the well-being of youngsters flying by themselves. This booklet
summarizes some of the most common airline policies. These policies may
differ, however, so you should check with the carrier that you plan to
use for a description of its rules and services and any additional
charges that may apply.

> **Important**: There have been instances of teens buying an airline
> ticket and flying without their parents' knowledge.

-   If your son or daughter has access to a credit card and the
    Internet, he or she can buy a ticket. Your child can also use cash
    to buy a ticket at an airport, an airline's city ticket office, or a
    travel agency.

-   As noted below, at age 15 most airlines will allow a child to fly
    alone on domestic flights without any unaccompanied-minor
    procedures. 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.

-   If you are concerned that your child may attempt to purchase and use
    an airline ticket without your knowledge, you may wish to monitor
    his or her activities more closely, consider canceling any credit
    card to which your child has had access, and learn how to review
    your credit card accounts online and do so on a regular basis (e.g.,
    weekly or more). Look for any questionable travel-related charges.

-   If you believe that your minor child may be traveling without your
    consent, call your local police.

**General Airline Policies**

***Who can fly alone?***

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. On many carriers, children 5
through 7 will only be accepted for nonstop flights and for direct or
'through' flights. (A direct or 'through' flight has one or more stops,
but no change of planes.) Kids ages 8 and up can usually take connecting
flights as well as direct or 'through' flights.

On domestic flights some airlines do not require unaccompanied-minor
procedures for children 12 and over (15 and over on some airlines), but
will apply those procedures---and charge the appropriate fee if
applicable (see "Fees" below)---at the request of the parent or
guardian. Children under the age of 5 must always be accompanied by
someone at least 12 years of age flying in the same cabin (18 years of
age on some airlines); airlines do not allow kids under 5 to fly alone.

**Reminder**: once your child has reached the age of 12 (or 15 on some
airlines), the carrier will consider him or her to be a "young adult"
passenger. As noted above, some airlines will apply unaccompanied-minor
procedures to children over age 12 (or 15) if you specifically request
this and, in most cases, pay the unaccompanied-minor fee. If these
arrangements are not made, the carrier will probably expect your child
to be responsible for making his or her own alternative plans in the
event of a canceled, delayed or diverted flight. You will not
necessarily be notified of any such schedule irregularity if
unaccompanied-minor procedures are not arranged.

Here are the principal age-based unaccompanied-minor qualifications for
most U.S. airlines:

+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| **Age**           | #### Restrictions     | **Unaccompanied-Minor   |
|                   |                       | Procedures?**           |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| Under 5           | Cannot travel alone   | N/A                     |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| 5 through 7       | Can travel alone on   | Yes                     |
|                   | nonstop and through   |                         |
|                   | flights               |                         |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| 8 through 11      | Can usually travel    | Yes                     |
|                   | alone on any flight\* |                         |
| (8 through 14 on  |                       |                         |
| some airlines)    |                       |                         |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| Domestic flights  | Can travel alone on   | Only on request         |
| 12 through 17 (15 | any flight without    |                         |
| through 17 on     | restrictions\*        |                         |
| some airlines)    |                       |                         |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+
| International     | Can travel alone on   | Required by many        |
| flights:          | any flight, but many  | carriers                |
| 12 through 17     | carriers require      |                         |
| (15 through 17 on | unaccompanied-minor   |                         |
| some airlines)    | procedures            |                         |
+-------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------+

> \* Except on small aircraft with no flight attendant. Restrictions\
> on connections in some cases.

Although these are the minimum and maximum ages set by the airlines, you
as a parent are in the best position to decide whether your child is
ready to travel alone.

**Travel Tips for Parents of Unaccompanied Minors**

***Booking the flights***

> In order of desirability, you should try to book (1) a nonstop flight,
> (2) a direct or 'through' flight (may have a stop, but no change of
> planes), (3) an online connection (change of planes on the same
> airline), or (4) an interline connection (a change of planes from one
> airline to another). Remember that most airlines will not allow kids
> under 8 to take connecting flights when traveling alone. If your
> child's trip involves more than one airline, call each carrier to find
> out about its policies and requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Simpler itineraries mean fewer opportunities for flights to be delayed
or for other problems to arise. Flights earlier in the day are less
susceptible to delays than later flights. Avoid the last flight of the
day if possible; if it is canceled, opportunities for rerouting may be
limited. Some carriers will not accept a reservation for an
unaccompanied minor that involves a connection to the last flight of the
day or a connection to/from another airline. Some airlines don't permit
unaccompanied minors to use connections at all.

Most airlines require that a child traveling as an unaccompanied minor
have a reservation for all flights; standby travel is generally not
permitted. If the flight has meal service, ask about reserving a child's
meal; if available, these have to be arranged in advance.

Ask the airline about "electronic ticketing," in which no paper ticket
is issued (the purchase record is maintained in the computer). This
means there will be no ticket to be lost or forgotten during the trip.
You might not be able to purchase an unaccompanied-minor ticket on a web
site.

When you receive the ticket or itinerary, check to make sure that all
dates, times and cities, as well as your child's name, are correct. Note
the origin and destination airport; some cities have more than one. Make
sure the person meeting your child also knows the airport for the
arriving and return flights. Ask the airline what phone number you
should call if you have questions about unaccompanied-minor procedures
or problems during the trip.

Ask the airline about getting a "gate pass" so that you can accompany
your child through security to the departure gate. Some airlines require
this. Each adult going to the gate will need a government-issued photo
ID. Give this information to the person who will be meeting your child
at the destination airport and putting him or her on the return flight.

***Preparing for the flights***

If your child has not flown before, you may want to visit the airport
before departure day to familiarize him or her with the surroundings.
Point out places where assistance is available.

Your son or daughter should dress for both the outbound and return
flights in comfortable clothes that are easy for him or her to manage in
small aircraft lavatories. Put the child's first initial and last name
in any article of clothing that might get taken off during the flight
(e.g., a sweater or jacket).

Many airlines do not permit their employees to administer medication to
passengers. If your child requires medication that he or she cannot take
unassisted and which would normally be necessary during the time of the
flight, consult your doctor about alternatives.

Airlines try to do everything necessary to make your child's trip safe
and comfortable. However, you should understand that unaccompanied-minor
services do not include constant supervision or entertainment during the
flight.

***At the airport***

When checking in an unaccompanied minor, airlines generally recommend
that you get to the airport at least one or two hours before departure
on a domestic flight and two hours or more for an international flight.
Check with your airline for its requirement. Allow time for traffic
delays and lines at the check-in counter. You may also need time to fill
out an unaccompanied-minor form, clear security (there may be a line),
and get your child to the gate in time for pre-boarding. Don't plan to
simply drop off your child at the airport entrance or the ticket
counter. Make sure the person putting your child on the return flight
also understands this.

Bring to the airport the address and the home and daytime phone numbers
of the person meeting your child; the airline will want that
information. The airline wants your phone number and the phone number of
the person meeting the flight at the child's destination so that the
carrier will be able to provide information in the event of any schedule
irregularity that may arise.

Your child may be given a special badge to wear; tell him or her not to
take it off until after being met by the person who will be meeting your
son or daughter at the destination. **If** there is a paper ticket and
the airline does not have its own procedure for handling it, have your
child keep the ticket (or a copy of the itinerary) in a pocket or
carry-on bag so that it will not inadvertently be left on the airplane.
The ticket should never be placed on an adjoining seat or in the
seatback pocket.

Have your child use a bathroom in the gate area at some point before
boarding. If traveling under unaccompanied-minor procedures, he or she
will be escorted onto the airplane during pre-boarding. Airline policies
call for a positive hand-off of your child from one employee to the
next. At the destination, the person meeting your child may have to show
ID (many airlines require photo ID). Even a parent may have to show ID
when picking up the child at the end of the trip.

Stay in the gate area until the flight has taken off, in case the
aircraft has to return to the gate. Flights are sometimes delayed on the
ramp or taxiway after they have left the gate. On most airlines, any
gate agent should be able to tell you when the flight has taken off.
Arrange your schedule for the departure day so that you can remain at
the airport if the flight's departure is delayed.

***Proof of age***

If your child may appear to be younger (or older) than one of the age
cutoffs described above (e.g. if he or she may appear to be under 5, or
under 8 for a connecting flight), bring the child's birth certificate to
the airport---the airline may ask to see proof of age. Send a copy of
the birth certificate to the person who will be bringing your child to
the airport for the return flight.

***Fees***

Most airlines charge a fee for the unaccompanied-minor services
discussed in this pamphlet. At the time this pamphlet was issued, most
carriers' fees were \$50 to \$100 each way (\$100 to \$200 round trip).
These fees are in addition to the air fare. The fee is sometimes higher
on international flights. On some carriers a fee might be charged only
when the child is taking a connecting flight. If you have two or more
children traveling on the same flight to the same destination, most
airlines charge only one fee.

***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. In addition, certain countries require children leaving that
country without both parents or a legal guardian to have a letter of
consent, in some cases notarized. Check with the embassy or consulate in
the U.S. of the destination country for its requirements. Airlines and
travel agents are not responsible for ensuring that your child has the
required international travel documents, but they sometimes can provide
useful information.

***What your child should bring***

You may want to consider having your child bring a carry-on bag that is
small and light enough for him or her to deal with. Some useful things
to bring would include:

> • Books, small interactive toys (e.g., Etch-a-Sketch), games (without
> a lot of pieces), coloring books and crayons, sticker books, etc. You
> may want to pack a surprise or two. Video games should have the volume
> low or off. If your child brings a personal stereo, please include
> headphones. Some airlines prohibit the playing of CD's due to
> potential interference with aircraft systems; check with your carrier.
> Remote-control toys may be prohibited for the same reason, and due to
> security considerations toy guns should be left at home. Tell your
> child that the flight attendant or pilot might make an announcement
> requesting that all electronic devices be turned off for takeoff and
> landing and that he or she should do as requested.
>
> • A copy of the child's complete itinerary, including dates, airline
> name(s), flight numbers, departure and arrival times, and the
> reservation record locator number. Make sure that he or she is aware
> that this is in the bag. You and the person meeting the flight should
> also have a copy of this. Write your home, work and cell phone numbers
> and the phone numbers of the person meeting the flight on this
> itinerary. Also include your name and the child's name, in case the
> carry-on bag is inadvertently left on one of the flights or in an
> airport.
>
> • You may want to pack a light snack, since flights can be delayed
> after boarding or take longer than expected. Be alert to
> security-related limits on the quantity of liquids that can be brought
> into the cabin (see www.tsa.gov).
>
> • Any essentials that your child will need in the first 24 hours in
> case his or her checked bag is delayed (e.g., medicine, eyeglasses, a
> change of underwear).

If the weather is warm and your child is lightly dressed, he or she may
want to bring a sweater in the cabin; the aircraft air conditioning may
feel chilly.

Your child should have enough cash to buy a meal in case of an
unexpected delay. If there is a movie on the flight, there may be a
charge for a headset. Some airlines charge for soft drinks during the
flight. Your child should also have a cell phone or several quarters in
order to make phone calls if it becomes necessary, and he or she should
know how to make a collect long-distance call from a pay phone to you or
to the person meeting the flight. Some parents of older children give
the child a pre-paid phone card and instructions on how to use it.

***What your child should know***

The most important thing to tell your child is not to leave the airport
unaccompanied or with a stranger. Tell the child to go to a uniformed
airline employee or airport police officer if he or she needs help.
Remind your child of the potential dangers associated with interaction
with strangers. Tell your child that if at any point during the flight
he or she is made to feel uncomfortable by someone seated nearby, the
child should immediately get the attention of the nearest flight
attendant and explain his/her concerns.

Tell your child whether the flight will have a stop or if there will be
a connection and resulting change of planes before the final
destination. Have the person who puts your son or daughter on the return
flight give him or her the same information. If the destination city for
your child's outbound or return flight has more than one airport, he or
she should know the name of the proper airport.

If traveling under the airline's unaccompanied-minor procedures, your
child will be escorted off the airplane at the connecting airport (if
any) and final destination; tell your son or daughter not to deplane
alone. If there is an enroute stop with no change of planes, tell the
child not to deplane there unless escorted into the terminal.
Unaccompanied minors are escorted by an employee of the airline or its
contractor. If you have any questions about escort procedures, contact
the airline in advance. If your child has any doubt about whether to get
off the airplane at a particular stop, or any other questions or
concerns, tell him or her to ask a flight attendant. Also, let your son
or daughter know about the flight attendant call button above the seat.

Your child should know that pressure changes during takeoff and descent
can make one's ears slightly uncomfortable. To help with this tell the
child that he or she can swallow or yawn several times, or chew gum.

If this is your child's first flight, explain that there will be some
sounds that might cause some concern but which are routine. This
includes the engines throttling up for takeoff, the whine of the control
surfaces in the wings moving during the flight, the 'thump' of the
landing gear locking into place before landing, and the roar of the
thrust reversers just after touchdown. There may also be some patches of
bumpy air, but on most flights this does not last long, and it poses no
threat to the aircraft even if things start to shake a bit. You should
advise your child to keep his or her seatbelt fastened at all times.

######## Checklist for the person at the child's destination

######### Picking up the child

> • Be accessible by phone on the day of the flight.
>
> • If your community has more than one airport, know which one the
> child is going to.
>
> • Don't send someone else at the last minute; the airline will only
> release the child to the person named on the Unaccompanied Minor form.
>
> • Bring government-issued photo ID when picking up the child.
>
> • Bring a copy of the child's itinerary (flight numbers, etc.).
>
> • Flights sometimes arrive early; get to the gate in plenty of time.
> Check the monitor at the airport---gate assignments often change.
>
> • Airlines typically will give gate passes to clear security to
> persons meeting unaccompanied minors. (This may require additional
> time.)
>
> • You may want to call the parent in the origin city after you have
> picked up the child.

######### The return flight

> • Dress the child comfortably rather than formally.
>
> • Make sure the child's carry-on bag contains a light snack (be alert
> to security restrictions on liquids), a copy of the itinerary with
> flight numbers, flight times and ticket/reservation number, the
> child's name (in case the carry-on bag is lost), phone numbers,
> essentials such as eyeglasses and medicines (in case the checked bag
> is delayed), cash for a meal, and quarters for phone calls.
>
> • The child may want to bring a sweater in the cabin; airplanes can
> get chilly.
>
> • Bring a copy of the child's birth certificate if he or she might
> appear to be under 5, under 8 for a connecting flight, or over that
> airline's unaccompanied-minor age limit.
>
> • Remember the ticket if a paper ticket was issued.
>
> • Point out to the child any enroute stops or change of planes during
> the trip.
>
> • Plan to get to the airport a couple of hours before departure (more
> than that for an international flight), and to accompany the child to
> the gate. Adults should have government-issued photo ID.
>
> • Have the child use a bathroom shortly before boarding.
>
> • You should stay at the departure gate until you are reasonably sure
> that the flight has taken off. Arrange your schedule so that you can
> remain at the airport if departure is delayed.