what age can u travel abroad alone

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Children traveling to another country without their parents

Minor children may be able to travel to another country without either one of their parents. C hildren must have their own passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults. In addition, certain countries require children leaving that country without both parents and a legal guardian to have a letter of consent, in some cases notarized. Check with the embassy or consulate in the United States of the destination country for its requirements. Airlines and travel agents are not responsible for making sure your child has the necessary international travel documents, but they can sometimes provide useful information.  A list of embassies and entry requirements can be obtained through the Department of State   website or by calling the embassy in question.

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly Alone?

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Parents typically want to travel with their children, but that isn't always possible. Your children may have to travel by themselves for a variety of reasons.

So, that leads parents to ask, "Can minors fly alone?" And, "How old do you have to be?"

The answer depends on the airline and the type of flight you want to purchase. Learn about the rules for each airline, how much they charge and what restrictions govern unaccompanied minor flights.

Why do children fly by themselves?

Here are a few of the reasons why your child may need to fly alone.

Financial . Plane tickets can be expensive, and some families may not be able to afford enough tickets for parents and children.

Divorced parents

Time off work . Parents may have difficulty getting time off work to travel with their children. Whether the child is off to camp, going to see family or other reasons, they may need to travel alone.

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Which airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly?

Flying as an unaccompanied minor is available on major carriers Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United Airlines.

At what age can you fly alone?

The minimum age to travel alone varies among airlines. While there are no specific federal laws on how old a child must be to fly alone, no major U.S. airline allows children under the age of 5 to fly by themselves.

Unaccompanied minors may also travel internationally if they have a passport and meet the airline's requirements.

Depending on which airline your child is flying and their age, the airline may require them to fly nonstop or on a direct flight that doesn't require a plane change. As they get older, some airlines allow them to take connecting flights.

Once a child turns 15, most airlines allow them to fly alone without unaccompanied minor rules and fees. Some airlines allow children as young as 12 to travel without these procedures.

Child travel policies by airline

The travel policies for unaccompanied minors vary significantly by airline. Depending on your child's age and circumstances, your child may not be able to fly on your preferred airline.

» Learn more: How to navigate the airport

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines' Junior Jetsetters program is an unaccompanied minor service for young fliers aged 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights. It costs $150 each way per flight.

The service is optional for young adults ages 13 through 17 years old.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 traveling alone. Children ages 2 to 14 can travel as unaccompanied minors with someone who is 16 years and older.

The American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way (plus taxes) and must be booked over the phone. The fee also covers additional siblings on the same flight. It includes early boarding, kids-only lounges in hub cities, an airport escort and more.

There are different levels of restrictions based on your child's age:

0 to 4 years: Cannot travel alone.

5 to 7 years : Nonstop flights only.

8 to 14 years : Nonstop flights and connecting flights through select hub cities.

15 to 17 years : Unaccompanied minor service is optional.

You cannot use this service on code-share or partner-operated flights, the last flight of the day or overnight connecting flights.

Delta Air Lines

For a Delta unaccompanied minor fee of $150 each way, up to four children ages 5 to 14 can travel together as unaccompanied minors. Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 can also use this service, but it is not required. With this service, Delta provides an employee escort and special amenities for children during their trip.

At select airports, children also have access to the Delta Sky Zone. This kids-only lounge featuring video games and snacks is a secure area for children to relax between flights.

Unaccompanied minors receive a bar-coded wristband that tracks their journey. Parents are allowed to accompany their children through airport security to the gate area until their departure.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines eliminated unaccompanied minor travel for children under the age of 15 in 2018. All children under 15 must travel with an accompanying adult to fly with Frontier Airlines.

Children ages 15 and older are treated as adults when flying Frontier. They do not receive special accommodations or airline escorts like those available with other airlines.

JetBlue Airways

Travelers between the ages of 5 and 13 are considered unaccompanied minors with JetBlue. Under the JetBlue unaccompanied minor rules, they can take only nonstop flights.

Additionally, there can be a maximum of three unaccompanied minors on each flight. So, you may not be able to pick certain flights if there are already too many unaccompanied minors on that flight. There is a fee of $150 each way for each child for this service.

Once children reach their 14th birthday, JetBlue allows them to travel alone without restrictions.

Southwest Airlines

Children ages 5 to 11 are required to book an unaccompanied minor ticket on Southwest. Parents can book these tickets online, over the phone or at the airport ticket counter.

The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is $100 each way per child and due at booking. These fees are refundable if the minor does not travel or if they're later joined by an accompanying passenger age 12 or older.

Parents can get a gate pass from the Southwest ticket counter to bring their children through security and deliver them to their departure gate. At the gate, the child receives an unaccompanied minor lanyard that holds their paperwork and must be worn throughout the duration of their flight.

Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on connecting flights. They must fly nonstop or on a flight that does not require a change of planes. These travelers also cannot travel on flights that require an overnight connection.

Passengers 12 and older are able to travel as "Young Travelers" on Southwest. While Southwest allows these younger passengers to travel alone, parents should consider whether their child is capable of navigating the airport by themselves, dealing with flight disruptions and other scenarios they may face.

Spirit Airlines

The Spirit unaccompanied minor fee is $150 and its policy is as follows:

4 Years and Younger Children must travel with another guest at least 15 years of age.

5-14 Years children can fly on direct flights only and require booking the unaccompanied minor service.

15 Years and older guests are not required to have Unaccompanied Minor service, but it is an option.

Young fliers are offered a snack and drink as part of the service.

United Airlines

On United Airlines, unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 and is optional for passengers ages 15 to 17. These tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or at the airport.

At the airport, you'll check your child in at the airport ticket counter, where they'll receive a special wristband and envelope for their travel documents. Parents can get a gate pass at U.S. airports to walk their children to the gate.

To use the unaccompanied minor service, children must be booked on a nonstop United or United Express flight. The fee is $150 each way for up to two kids, $300 for up to four kids and $450 for up to six kids.

Comparison of unaccompanied minor fees by airline

This chart summarizes the ages and fees for unaccompanied minor travelers.

The bottom line

Even if you cannot travel with your child, it is still possible for them to travel alone. If you're considering allowing your child to travel without you, you may wonder, "How old do you have to be to fly alone?"

While no major U.S. airline allows children under the age of 5 to travel solo, the rules and fees vary considerably for children ages 5 to 17. In some cases, children as young as 12 years can fly without any restrictions.

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• Special assistance

Unaccompanied minors

Children traveling alone.

We want your child to have a safe and positive trip. For safety, we require children age 5 – 14 traveling alone to use our unaccompanied minor service. This service is optional for children age 15 – 17, but if requested, then the fee applies.

The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way, plus applicable taxes*, in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight.

* Flights within the U.S. are subject to a 7% tax.

Flights departing Canada

Find out how much you'll pay for children traveling alone and other fees on roundtrip and one-way flights departing Canada, displayed in CAD.

Children traveling alone and other fees - Canada

Unaccompanied minor service

Our service includes:

• Early boarding to allow extra time to get settled and meet the flight attendants
• Kids-only lounges in our hub cities for flight connections
• Complimentary Kids' Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 – 10, in hub cities)
• An airport escort to help your child to the gate for flight connections
• Escorting the child to the authorized adult picking them up when they land

Keep in mind, our flight attendants will be busy with onboard duties and can’t continuously monitor your child during their flight. Let your child know to ring the call button if they need anything.

Age and flight restrictions for children traveling alone:

We don’t allow children to travel alone when their trips include:

• Flights on another airline including codeshare and one world® partners
• Ground or co-terminal connections where the child must transfer from one local airport to another
• The last flight of the day from the final connection city (unless it’s the only flight)
• Overnight connecting flights

Note: Children ages 2 – 14 can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 or older.

Complimentary Kids' Kits by Quaker

Children between 5-10 years old can stay entertained during their journey with our complimentary Kids’ Kits* presented by Quaker. Included are puzzles, activities and 2 complimentary snacks to enjoy at the airport or in flight. Kits are available for children departing from:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
• New York, NY (JFK and LGA)
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Chicago, IL (ORD)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

*Subject to availability

Booking your child's trip

Unaccompanied minors need to be booked by phone.

Contact Reservations

Preparing for travel

Whether your child has traveled alone or this is their first time, we recommend talking with them about the trip and what to expect. Assure them our team is there to help keep them safe.

Some helpful tips to prepare:

• Point out our team uniforms at the airport. Remind your child to ask for help only from a uniformed team member.
• Write down phone numbers for your child.
• Pack games, books and money in one small carry-on.
• Food and drink service is limited, so we recommend packing snacks for your child to enjoy during their flight.
• Attach an ID card and contact information to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket.
• Fully charge any electronic devices, and don’t forget to pack chargers and headphones.
• Be sure your child knows to wait for a team member to walk them off the plane when they land (this includes older children using our service).

Note: We don’t hold or give personal medication to an unaccompanied child.

At the airport

Check-in and required documents.

Arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of your child’s flight and speak with a ticket counter agent. Children traveling alone can’t check in online or at the kiosk.

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
• The adult’s government-issued photo ID with their current address
• Your phone number so we can contact you
• The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting your child at their destination

Once your child is checked in, the ticket agent will give you a security pass from the airport ticket counter so you can take your child to the gate.

Boarding and takeoff

For a smooth departure:

• An adult must take the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne.
• When you get to the gate, tell the gate agent you have an unaccompanied minor traveling on the flight.
• We’ll board your child early so they can meet the flight crew and learn about the plane’s safety features.
• The gate agent will let you know when the flight is airborne and you can leave the airport.
• Please contact the adult picking up your child to let them know they’re on their way.

During the flight

Our flight attendants will check on your child as duties allow, but they can’t continuously monitor your child throughout the flight.

Please remind your child to:

• Tell a flight attendant if he or she needs assistance or feels discomfort.
• Follow plane safety instructions, like wearing their seatbelt.
• Wait for a uniformed team member to escort them off the airplane once it arrives at the gate.

Unaccompanied minor lounges

If your child has a connection, we have lounges for unaccompanied minors in these airports:

• Dallas Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

While there, your child can wait for their connection and play games while supervised by American business partner personnel. These staff members will take your child outside the lounge to buy food and drinks, but they won’t be allowed to walk around outside alone.

Arrival and pick-up

For a seamless pick-up, don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. You’ll need to show it to get a security pass and meet the child at the gate (in the U.S.). You’ll also need to show it before we release the child to you.

We suggest arriving at least 2 hours before the child’s scheduled arrival so you have enough time.

Flight status and notifications

Stay connected with your child’s journey with flight notifications and remind the adult picking up your child from the airport to do the same. Be sure to get alerts for all flights in their trip.

Flight status

Flight delays and cancellations

We’ll call the contacts on the unaccompanied minor form and arrange an alternate flight if your child is unable to make a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations.

In the rare case that your child needs to stay overnight because of a missed connection, we’ll arrange for overnight accommodations, meals and supervision. We’ll call if this occurs.

Young adults (15 – 17 years of age)

If your young adult isn’t using the unaccompanied minor service and their flight is delayed or canceled, they will be accommodated as an adult customer. Keep in mind, many hotels won’t allow young people to check-in unless they are accompanied by an adult. Please remind them not to leave the airport for any reason unless they:

• Are accompanied by a uniformed team member or police officer
• Have spoken with a parent or designated adult

Please tell your young adult to speak to a team member if they have questions or need help.

Children traveling outside the U.S.

You may not be able to escort your child through security in some airports. If this is the case, a team member will take your child to the gate and stay with them until the flight departs.

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

Country-specific regulations

Some countries have additional restrictions for children traveling with guardians or as an unaccompanied minor.

If your child is traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent, you’ll need:

• The child's birth certificate
• Notarized travel authorization from both parents

The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate must issue, authenticate or legalize this travel authorization.

Contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence or check the National Council of Justice site for more information.

Brazilian National Council of Justice (CNJ) guidelines Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Italian citizens younger than 14 traveling internationally must have their Individual Passport and Dichiarazione di Accompagno (Declaration of Temporary Guardianship for Travel Abroad). The document must include:

• The signature of a parent or legal guardian
• Authentication by local Police Headquarters
• The name of the airline the child will use

For children with a document proving another nationality (not Italian), check with the local Italian embassy or consulate in their residence country or the embassy or consulate of their destination country for requirements.

Children younger than 18 (at time of travel) and traveling alone to or from Mexico must have a travel authorization letter. This letter must be:

• Signed by at least one parent or legal guardian

All children should present their own passport and meet the requirements of their destination.

Spanish authorities require that all Spanish children traveling alone, with only one parent or with a third party have a travel permit requested by the parents or legal guardians. This permit must be issued by one of these: Police, Civil Guard, Notary’s Office or Town Hall.

For children with a document proving another nationality (not Spanish) and living in Spain, go to the consulate to complete the necessary paperwork.

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Unaccompanied Minors | Rules, Fees, Policies, and Tips for International Travel

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Traveling with kids can be an adventure. However, there may be a time where your child needs to travel without you. Whenever a child under the age of 18 is traveling alone, there are certain rules and procedures you need to follow. When an unaccompanied minor travels internationally, there are even more things to consider.

As a parent of young children and someone who traveled solo internationally as a child, myself, I can attest: planning is everything. Getting the details right can make the difference between a positive experience for your child and a nightmare.

This guide provides the most important details for supporting a child traveling abroad without an adult chaperone.

The Rules and Regulations for Unaccompanied Minor Travel Abroad

Your child needs a passport.

It all starts with a passport. Any American citizen traveling outside of the United States needs a valid U.S. Passport. It doesn't matter what the traveler's age is.

Getting a passport for a minor is not that different from getting a new passport for an adult . That said, if the person who needsa passport is under the age of 16, there are some additional steps that need to be followed. Most of these have to do with establishing parental and/or guardianship rights.

For more on this topic, our Passports for Minors FAQ covers some of the most common questions we have received on the topic over the past two decades.

Your Child Needs Additional Travel Documentation

In addition to a passport, having a notarized minor travel consent form is essential. This official document will ensure the airline and customs officials have access to critical information about your unaccompanied child.

• the legal identity of the child
• the legal parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of the child
• contact information for the child's parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• where the child will be staying while abroad
• contact information for the child and caregivers while abroad

In the event of any confusion or travel itinerary mishap, this document could prove to be the key to keeping your child safe. It gives airline personnel and customs officials the information they need to get the child to whom and to where he or she is supposed to be.

Age Restrictions for Minors Traveling Unaccompanied

The U.S. Department of Transportation has some general guidelines for unaccompanied minors flying on planes. Airlines are free to interpret them as they wish, but most follow them pretty closely.

Some of the key guidelines include:

• Children younger than 5 years old cannot travel alone.
• Children age 5 through 7 can travel alone, but only on non-stop and through flights. This may not be permitted by all airlines.
• Children age 8 through 11 can travel alone on any flight where there is a flight attendant. In some cases, minors in this age group may be restricted from certain flights that involve connections.

Again, these policies may be stricter depending upon individual airline policies. Some airlines ban this outright. Others extend this age limit to 14 years of age.

Children age 12 through 17 may be subject to the same or fewer restrictions as the 8 to 11 age group. For domestic flights, most airlines will only provide unaccompanied minor accommodations for this age group upon request. However, international travelers under the age of 18 are usually required to pay an unaccompanied minor fee.

Some carriers will not permit minors of any age to fly abroad unaccompanied.

Follow the links below for the current unaccompanied minor policies for some of the most popular international airlines:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines

Medical Considerations for Unaccompanied Minor Travelers

As a rule, most governments and companies (including airlines) have strict policies about medication. If your child requires medication, be sure to do your due diligence about what documentation and storage rules apply for all the locations your child will be traveling through. Do the same for any of the transportation and accommodation services they will be using to do so.

You should also be sure your child has the proper amount of medication for their trip. Both access to pharmacies and the usefulness of a prescription from an American doctor may vary outside of the country.

You should also consider if your child is able to administer their own medication. It should not be assumed that a flight attendant, customs official, or other adult will be willing or able to do so for your child. If this is an issue, consider reaching out to your child's doctor for advice or potential alternatives.

Airline Accommodations for a Child Traveling Alone

As mentioned, for airlines that allow minors to fly solo internationally, there is almost always an unaccompanied minor fee. These can range from $50 to over $200 depending on the airline.

In exchange for this fee, airlines provide some extra assistance for their young travelers:

• Preferential seating - Many airlines will only seat unaccompanied children in specific seats. These are usually locations that are within easy access of flight attendants, restrooms, and boarding entrances and exits.
• Extra supervision - Flight attendants are assigned to keep eyes and ears on unaccompanied minors. While they are not full-on chaperones, these airline employees strive to make the experience safe and comfortable for kids flying alone.
• An escort on and off the plane - In most cases, airlines will assign an employee to receive an unaccompanied child from their caregiver at the boarding gate. An employee will also help the child gather their belongings and get from their plane to their waiting adult.
• Transfer assistance - For airlines that allow unaccompanied minors on multi-leg flights, there are usually employees tasked with helping children get to their connecting flights.
• Complementary comfort services - Some airlines include food, drinks, and/or entertainment packages specifically for unaccompanied minor flyers.
• A parental gate pass - With airport security being what it is, many airports and airlines require parents to get a special gate pass to allow them to escort a child to their flights. Some airlines flat out require this as part of the ticketing process for unaccompanied minors.

Additional Tips for Parents of Unaccompanied Minor Travelers

You may also be able to register your child's travel itinerary with an embassy for some extra peace of mind in case of a potential emergency.

• Invest in a GPS tracker. In today's world, you can never be too safe. If your child is outside of your care consider having them carrying a GPS tracker so that you always know where they are. Apple AirTags and the JioBit are two popular, reliable, and affordable choices that work internationally.

More Articles about Passports for Minors

Expedited Passport for Minors

Minor Passport FAQ

Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program

Minor Travel Consent Form

Minors' passports and child support issues

Documents for travel to Mexico with minor child

Passport when birth certificate lists only one parent

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Country-Specific Regulations

Travel from brazil.

Resources: For more information regarding Brazil’s documentation requirements, please click on the link below or contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence.

• Cartilha de Viagem de Menores ao Exterior to view a guide released by Brazilian authorities.
• To view a standard authorization form please visit: https://www.cnj.jus.br/programas-e-acoes/viagem-ao-exterior

Requirements for passengers under the age of 18:

• Passengers who are traveling with only one of the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from the other parent/legal guardian
• A passenger traveling alone or accompanied by someone other than the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from both parents/legal guardians
• Judicial authorization will be required for travel of Brazilian citizens under 18 if accompanied by an adult that is not a Brazilian citizen and resides abroad, provided (1) such adult is not the parent/legal guardian of the minor or (2) the minor, though born in Brazil, does not have Brazilian citizenship

Exemptions: Authorization is not required for minors traveling with both parents or non-Brazilian citizens that were not born in Brazil.

Flying to or From Canada

Minors under age 14 traveling to or from Canada have the option of sitting next to or near a parent, guardian or tutor. Delta makes every reasonable effort to seat children in close proximity to caregivers according to age group:

• Minors under 5: Adjacent seating.
• Minors aged 5–11: Same-row seating with no more than one seat of separation.
• Minors aged 12 or 13: Seated with no more than one row of separation. 

Accommodations may require seat reassignment, and a Delta agent will reseat eligible passengers in these circumstances based on availability. Accommodation may include requesting other passengers to voluntarily change seats at the time of boarding and before takeoff, and as such, cannot be guaranteed. Note: While promoted system-wide, these arrangements pertain only to minors flying to or from Canada.

If an adjusted seating arrangement results in relocation to a different cabin class, passengers will be reimbursed for the difference if in a lower class of service or asked to provide supplementary payment if a higher class of service is selected, depending on the difference in service level for that cabin.

Travel to or From the Dominican Republic

Travel from italy.

All unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are traveling internationally are required to have the following documents:

• Individual passport (according to the Ministerial Circular n. 400/A/2012/23.1.3 attached)
• “Dichiarazione di accompagno” duly authorized by the Police Authority (“Questura”).

The current regulation applies to: 

Italian citizens under 14 years traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (Requirement)

• In addition to a passport, the passenger must have a notarized affidavit from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child confirming that the minor has permission to travel as an unaccompanied minor.
• This document must be signed by the parent(s) or by the legal guardian(s) and authenticated by the Police Headquarters (Questura) and include the name of the airline to which the minor is entrusted.

Exemptions:

• Authorization is not required for minors traveling with parents.
• Authorization is not required for non-Italian citizens.
• Authorization is not required for UMNR 14 years and older.

The “Dichiarazione di Accompagno” forms are to be prepared and held by the unaccompanied minor, in the unaccompanied minor envelope with their passport. Find more information on traveling as an unaccompanied minor .

Copies of the declaration are to be retained by the origination station for 5 Years. Click on the recommended authorization form for Passengers to follow in Italian.

Travel to or From Mexico

Travel to or from south africa, the amended regulation applies to minor travel if:, 1. both parents are traveling with the minor – (requirement).

Where the minor is a South African national, in addition to a valid passport, parents need an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy.

Where the minor is a foreign national,a valid passport is all that is required.  See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below. 2. One parent is traveling with a minor – (Requirement)

Where the minor is a South African national, in addition to a valid passport, the parent needs an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy and one of the applicable items below:

• Parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent listed in the birth certificate — authorizing minor to enter or depart from South Africa.  To be valid, the parent consent letter must not be older than six (6) months from the date presented and must include contact details and a copy of the passport of the non-traveling parent.
• For a sole parent or legal guardian: a court order that indicates full parental responsibilities/rights or legal guardianship
• Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent who is registered as the parent on the birth certificate

Where the minor is a foreign national, a valid passport is all that is required. See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below.

3. Persons traveling with a minor that is a South African national who is not their biological child – (Requirement) Where the minor is a South African national, the following documents are required:

• Valid passport for minor
• Certified copy of the birth certificate
• Parental consent letter from the parents or legal guardians of the minor confirming that minor has permission to travel with non-related person
• Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the minor
• Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor
• A certified copy of the death certificates of the parents who are registered as the parents on the birth certificate
• A certified copy of the adoption order granting full parental responsibilities / rights or legal guardianship
• A court order that indicates full parental responsibilities / rights or legal guardianship

Where the minor is a foreign national, a valid passport is all that is required.  See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below.

4. Unaccompanied minors – (Requirement)

• A certified copy of the birth certificate
• Parental consent letters from the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) authorizing travel into/out of South Africa
• A copy of the identity document(s) or valid passport(s) of the parent(s) / legal guardian(s)
• A letter from the person receiving the child in South Africa; containing their South Africa residential address and contact details and where the child will reside
• A copy of identity documents or valid passport (and where applicable, visa or permanent residence permit) of the person receiving the child in South Africa
• Parent/Legal guardian contact details

5. Child in Alternative Care –(Requirement)

Where the minor has been placed in foster care, temporary safe care, or care of a child and youth care center following an order of a court in terms of the Children’s Act, 2005, or the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Alternative Care), the following documents are required:

• Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorizing departure from South Africa
• South African minors traveling on South African passports may travel to and within South Africa without birth certificates.
• Minors in possession of valid South African visas are not required to produce identity documents already submitted as part of their visa applications when traveling through a South African port of entry (e.g., a birth certificate).
• Where a minor has a passport that contains the details of their parent(s), the minor is not required to produce a birth certificate as well
• School tours — South Africa immigration will accept a letter from the school’s Principal to cover all minors on a school tour.
• Birth certificate and additional documentation is not required for those transiting South Africa.
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Children travelling alone

If your child is about to embark on their first adventure without you, here’s everything you need to know to help make sure it goes smoothly. 

How old does a child have to be to fly alone?

We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. 

Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone with us. They must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking to travel with us. 

Our partner airline SUN-AIR of Scandinavia follow different guidelines. Please see below for more information.

Booking flights for children under the age of 16

A child aged 14 or 15 years old travelling alone will be booked to travel as an adult. To book their ticket, please get in touch via our  Contact Us  page as you’re unable to book this online. 

The young traveller will be making their own way through departure and arrival airports and boarding their flight(s) without assistance or a chaperone. We’re unable to accept parental responsibility for the young person. 

Our partner airlines may have different regulations, age limits and charges, so please check with them directly.

What your child needs to travel alone

All children aged 14 or 15 travelling alone must carry with them:

• A  British Airways consent form  (pdf, 124kb, English only), completed and signed by a parent/guardian. 
• A copy of photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature, such as passport or driving licence. 
• Any required travel documentation, such as valid passport(s), visas and proof of return travel.  Check what they need for their destination .

These three documents must always remain in the child’s possession while travelling. 

We also advise your child carries with them:

• Any required medication and/or health certificates.
• Method of payment for any expenses.
• A way to communicate with their parent or guardian, as well as the person they are meeting at their destination. Please ensure all phones and devices are fully charged, with sufficient credit and roaming activated.

At the airport

You can accompany your young traveller up to the security gate. Anyone not flying with us is unable to go past this point, because we cannot offer gate passes at any of our airports. Airport colleagues will be able to tell you the latest time your child can stay with you before they need to go through security and onto their departure gate. 

We recommended that you wait until their flight takes off before leaving the terminal.

It can help to look at the airport terminal maps with your child before arriving at the airport so they’re familiar with their journey. Some airports do offer paid assistance to help customers to their boarding gate. Please visit the airport’s website for more information. 

Children travelling alone on SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR, our partner airline, allows young children between the ages of five and 11 years to travel without a parent or legal guardian provided you contact the airline in advance. Children over the age of 12 can travel unaccompanied on SUN-AIR operated flights, although young flyers between 12-16 years can use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service on request.

You’ll need to book and pay for the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service in advance. You can’t book this service online, so please contact SUN-AIR for more information and to make your booking.

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• Solo Travel

How to Travel Abroad Alone As a Teenager

Last Updated: January 20, 2022

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. In 2019, she went on a three-month sabbatical from her work and solo traveled throughout Southeast Asia. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 39,082 times.

You’re ready to see the world and experience the thrill of adventuring out on your own, but how do you do that when you’re a teenager? The good news is that traveling abroad alone as a teen is definitely possible. There are just some extra logistics you’ll need to keep in mind and plan for. This article will walk you through your different options and everything you’ll need to do to prepare so you can start planning the solo trip of your dreams!

Traveling Solo

• Some countries will require a consent letter signed by your parents or guardians and some may refuse your entry all together.
• Most hotels will make you jump through extra hoops as a minor or may not let you stay there at all.
• Some tourist attractions won't let minors in without an adult accompanying you.
• You'll be all alone. If you're have a medical emergency, are arrested, or experience any other kind of pitfall, you may not be able to reach anyone back home.

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

Community Experience: Before I left for my travels, I visited my doctor to get caught up on all of my vaccines. It's something a lot of people take for granted, but the vaccines helped me not worry so much about rabies and other viruses. It's especially important if you'll be somewhere that you'll be petting animals along the road or eating local food.

• In some countries, like Portugal, minors must have a letter signed by both of their parents, and must authenticate that letter at an embassy prior to travelling.
• In other countries, like Spain, minors can generally travel alone, but if they are arrested, end up in the hospital, or otherwise run into problems, they may be held by authorities until their situation can be resolved.

• If the city you plan to visit has a youth hostel, try calling them. Many youth hostels will allow minors to stay, although most are restricted to those 16 and older.

Traveling with a Tour Group

Expert Q&A

• Finding a friend and traveling with them can be a good idea. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Make new friends on your trip, and ask if you can come with them to tour the city. Meeting new people is a big part of traveling, and it can open you up to new experiences you wouldn't have otherwise experienced. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• Send someone back home your full itinerary, and keep them up to date on any changes. In an emergency, it will be easier for them to find you even if you can't contact them. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

• Don't book any flights, activities, or hotels without being sure they accept minors traveling alone. You may be refused entry when you arrive! Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Be especially cautious when traveling alone as a teenager. You may be an easier target for crime. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/travel-documents-minors/index_en.htm
• ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/21-tips-to-staying-safe-abroad_b_4725192
• ↑ https://www.thisbatteredsuitcase.com/tips-for-teenagers-who-want-to-travel-the-world/
• ↑ http://thatbackpacker.com/2014/08/06/travel-for-teenagers/

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• Teenagers going on holiday without their parents

Having your son or daughter go on holiday without you for the first time can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a parent, but one of the most exciting for a teenager.

How old should they be to go? And where? What should they pack? Our guide may help prepare for the inevitable day when you wave them off.

Posted: 25/1/2022 | By Amanda Duffy

When can they go away without you?

If going abroad, the laws are different depending on which country your teen is going to. For instance, under-18s travelling to Portugal must have travel authorisation from their parents and could be refused entry if they can’t prove someone is taking responsibility for them during their stay. Other countries, such as Spain and Greece, are more lenient but you should check with the country’s  embassy  before booking.

It’s also worth checking with the airline as they all have different rules when it comes to under-18s travelling without their parents.

Make sure your children have travel insurance to protect them when they go.

Where should they go.

Of course, where your teenager goes on holiday is dependent on where they want to go and how comfortable you are with them going to certain parts of the world. Some teenagers will decide they want to stay close to home and stick to the UK, while others may want to jet off to Ibiza or explore an entire new continent. You need to consider how responsible they are, how much experience they have travelling alone , who they are going with, what they are going to be doing and, ultimately, how much you trust them.

Talking to your teen

It’s unlikely you will let your teenager leave the house without some words of advice, but rather than preaching and nagging, you should talk to them as an adult, explaining your concerns and getting them to think about how they would react in certain situations. Example situations on a teenage holiday without parents include what they would do if one of their friends drank too much and became unconscious, one of them had an injury, or they became separated from the group and needed to get back to their hotel. Your teen needs to be aware of the potential dangers of being on holiday, without being frightened or thinking the worst could happen.

What they should pack

When it comes to clothes and toiletries, your teen should know what they need by now – just make sure they have enough of them to last the length of their holiday. However, while running out of shampoo may not trouble your teen too much, making sure they have enough money and medication (if they require it) will. So check how much money they are taking and consider giving them an emergency credit card in case they get into trouble. If they take medication, include a letter from your child’s GP explaining what the medication is for.

As well as the all-important passport , tickets and Global Health Insurance Card ( Ghic ) – as well as copies of each – you should also make sure your child has adequate travel insurance to cover any medical bills or any lost or stolen valuables.

Package holidays

Package holidays are always going to be one of the best holidays for teenagers. A week in the sun with friends and the chance to party and meet new people may fill them with excitement but it is also likely to fill you with dread as a parent. The key point is that most travel companies will require either written parental permission or one of the travellers to be over 18. Check with the individual tour operator to make sure that your son or daughter has the correct permissions before they book.

UK holidays

For many, staying closer to home is the best holiday for a teenager travelling without their parents, perhaps staying in a caravan or a tent near a holiday town. But many caravan or camp sites won’t take groups of under-18s or single-sex groups, so you may have to search around for a suitable site or accommodation that will take them. However, youth hostels in the UK will accept those aged 16 and over, and there are hostels all over the UK.

Another option for a first teenage holiday without parents is one of the many music festivals that happen every summer up and down the UK. Over-16s can get into Reading and Leeds festivals, V Festival and Glastonbury without an adult. Some of the smaller festivals include Camp Bestival in Dorset and Latitude Festival in Suffolk.

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Child turning 18? Here’s everything you need to know before the next time they travel

Are you the parent of a teen about to turn 18? Congratulations!

It's an exciting time as young adults wrap up high school and start the next chapter of their lives, which will include a host of new travel considerations.

My son just hit this benchmark age, and in addition to many exciting life milestones, each travel adventure this year has unveiled a new hurdle. Some of these have been easier to anticipate and fix than others.

For example, although you may have booked travel for your teen when they were still 17, turning 18 immediately removes them from your TSA PreCheck and Clear accounts. I have to admit, I didn't think about this until I checked myself and my son in for a flight from Newark to Austin about a month after his 18th birthday. I quickly discovered he was missing the TSA PreCheck indicator on his boarding pass.

Upon further investigation, it turned out he no longer could use my Clear account to access expedited security either. Clear was a quick fix, but PreCheck, not so much.

The good news, though, is that an educated traveler can avoid the most frustrating "welcome to adulthood" travel surprises.

Here are a few benchmarks and action items to add to your calendar as the big birthday approaches.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck officially says kids 12 and under can enter with their parents even without a PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass, and kids 13 to 17 are eligible for PreCheck indicator on their boarding passes as long as they're booked with a parent who has an active account.

This was always the case with my son, but as soon as he hit 18, the magic "check" was gone. This is a hard one to fix at the last minute, since you'll need to make an appointment for in-person registration and fingerprints. You can, however, apply for a separate account for your young adult prior to their 18th birthday.

Note that it's only a five-year validity for all accounts, so to get the most value from the $85 service, try keeping your child on your account until a few months prior to turning 18. This way, they can keep flying under your status as long as possible.

Related: 12 key things to know about TSA PreCheck

As you may have noticed at the airport, PreCheck isn't always the only way to skip the traditional security line. Another service that will expedite your airport security experience in many airports is Clear . It's a paid service that uses biometrics — scans of your eyes and fingerprints — to expedite you through the security process. Kids can come with you for free through Clear until they turn 18.

Then, the second they turn 18, they are no longer part of your paid membership. The good news is you can instantly add a new account for them either online or at the airport. One caveat: Unlike PreCheck, which offers the ability to create separate accounts for minors, you cannot create an account for anyone under 18. This means you can't move forward with this step until after their birthday has passed.

Once they turn 18 though, if you are a Clear member, you can log in to your account on Clear's website and add up to three family members for $50 each per year. To speed things up, create their profile at home online. Then, when they arrive at the Clear entry point, a member coordinator will scan their eyes and fingerprints and immediately activate the service.

Related: Guide to using Clear

Keep an eye on your big kid's passport as they approach 18. If you applied for a passport on their behalf before they turned 16, they will have received a passport valid for just five years. U.S. citizens only receive a passport valid for 10 years if they apply at age 16 or older. If your child did receive a five-year passport the last time they applied, there's a good chance the renewal date may be approaching soon — especially since you should really start renewing your child's five-year passport at the four-year mark (another lesson I learned the hard way this year when planning a family vacation).

Global Entry and Mobile Passport

Currently, minors are not allowed to use a parent's Global Entry status when they're traveling and returning to the U.S. together (although there has been chatter about the program extending free entry to minors ). So, it's possible your 18-year-old already has their own account. If your big kid doesn't have an account and you're applying for the first time concurrently with TSA PreCheck, streamline the applications into one process and one payment, since the $100 Global Entry fee automatically gives you PreCheck for no additional cost.

The free Mobile Passport app lets you add up to 12 profiles to a single account, meaning that a single household only needs to submit one transaction. However, even if your children's information is saved on your account, they can each still have their own apps with their personal information saved on their phones. This is useful if they're traveling without you, just as long as you don't both try to submit the same information at the same time when you land, which could hinder your ability to get approval.

Related: Flying internationally? Here's what you need to know about new Mobile Passport app CBP MPC

Accompanied minor policies

In the positive column, here's something cool your 18-year-old can do — accompany a minor! Actually, on American Airlines , anyone 16 and up can accompany a minor, but on United Airlines and many other carriers, only a "parent, legal guardian or someone who is at least 18 years of age or older" can escort minors on a plane. This is great news for parents who want to, for example, send both their 18-year-old and 12-year-old to grandma's house on the other side of the country.

Hotel rooms

Here's something else to keep an eye on when traveling with your older teen: a surcharge for an extra "adult" in your room. You know those pull-down menus that pop up after you check "number of children" in your reservation on a hotel booking site? Many top out at 17, with 18 as the maximum age. This won't cause much of an issue at hotels where you can have four adults in the room for the same price. However, for properties that charge per person, like all-inclusive resorts, expect to see a price bump.

Legal considerations

There's one more important category to pay attention to if your 18-year-old child is traveling independently: medical power of attorney. To be honest, I'm still figuring this one out myself, but in short, a medical power of attorney becomes necessary when your teen is considered an adult and is ever in an accident. Without it, a doctor or other medical professional might be prevented from giving you medical updates, and you may not be able to make medical decisions for your child the way you would if they were a minor. Yup, we know, it's a scary one. But a little knowledge here goes a long way to smooth planning and future journeys.

Traveling to Europe with kids? What to know about vaccination and entry rules

Mar 31, 2022 • 9 min read

The EU has introduced flexible vaccination rules for children traveling under the EU Digital COVID Certificate © Getty Images

Do children need a booster for travel in Europe this summer? Can unvaccinated children travel? Here's what you need to know as the European Union (EU) introduces flexible travel rules for people under the age of 18.

Across the EU, tourists who completed their primary jabs more than 270 days ago need a booster to enter countries such as France , Spain and Italy  — or be considered unvaccinated and therefore subject to additional rules such as testing.

This recommendation was introduced by the European Commission (the legal arm of the EU) on February 1 under the EU Digital COVID Certificate regulation . Most EU member states adopted it, though some, such as Ireland , Denmark and Sweden , have since scrapped all COVID-19 entry requirements at their borders.

What it's like for Americans proving they are vaccinated in Europe

This week, the Commission introduced new rules on the EU digital COVID certificate that exempt children under the age of 18 from the 270 days acceptance period following the primary vaccination series. This means that children are considered fully vaccinated after having received their primary dose; whether that's a two-shot vaccine series or a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

By April 6, this new feature will be included in the mobile app used to verify EU Digital COVID Certificates so that children's certificates remain active without the booster.

In a statement, Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: "One of the biggest benefits of the EU Digital COVID Certificate is its flexibility to adapt to new circumstances. Following discussions with member states' public health experts, we have decided that the vaccination certificates of minors should not expire. When travelling, they will be able to continue using the certificate received after the primary series of vaccination."

This exemption applies to EU and Schengen Zone citizens and residents traveling within Europe, though some countries can adopt their own entry restrictions regardless of the Commission's ruling.

If you plan to travel to Europe with kids this summer, here's what you need to know about the latest entry rules and how they apply to you, even if you're traveling from countries outside of the EU like the UK and the US.

Can unvaccinated children travel to Europe?

Generally speaking, yes. Children under 12 are typically exempt from vaccination requirements in most countries but many require that children between the age of 12 and 18 have received the primary vaccine course to avoid testing rules.

What countries in Europe have scrapped COVID-19 entry restrictions?

Andorra , Denmark, Hungary , Lithuania , Iceland , Ireland, Montenegro , Norway , Poland , Romania , Slovenia , Sweden, and the United Kingdom have recently dropped all pandemic restrictions at their borders, meaning people no longer have to show vaccination certificates or negative tests to enter these countries, regardless of where they are coming from.

Countries in Europe with travel restrictions

Here are some of the destinations in Europe that still require proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test from travelers.

People over the age of 12 need one of the following: proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory 270 days after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days); or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test.

Boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

See more: Austria Entry Requirements

Generally, people traveling from the EU/Schengen area can present proof of vaccination (booster mandatory 270 days after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days) or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (36 hours) test.

People from outside the EU or an area categorized as high-risk must present proof of vaccination. Children under 18 can present proof of recovery or a negative test. Children under 12 are exempt.

Belgium's rules vary depending on the COVID-19 risk associated with your departing country.

See more: Belgium Color Codes by Country

People need one of the following: proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory 270 days after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days); or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from testing. Boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

See more: Visit Croatia

People over the age of 12 need one of the following: proof of vaccination (booster mandatory seven months after primary vaccine course) or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test. People also have to take a PCR on arrival and isolate while awaiting results.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from testing. Boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

See more: Visit Cyprus

People must present proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory nine months after primary vaccine course) or recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days) to bypass additional restrictions. Unvaccinated travelers from the EU and approved countries including the UK and US must isolate for seven days upon arrival.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from entry rules.

See more: Estonia Ministry of Foreign Affairs

People traveling from the EU, Schengen Zone or approved countries including Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Korea can present one of the following: proof of vaccination; recovery certificate (older than 28 days, but no less than three months old) or a PCR (48 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from testing.

People traveling from outside the EU, including the UK and the US, must be vaccinated to enter Germany. Unvaccinated 6-11 year olds can enter with a vaccinated parent; unvaccinated accompanying over-12s can provide a negative PCR or antigen test.

See more: Government of Germany

People traveling from the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other approved countries need to present one of the following: proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory seven months after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days); or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test.

Children under five are exempt from all entry requirements. Boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

See more: Greece Ministry of Tourism

There are no entry rules for those traveling from the EU and Schengen Zone countries. However, people coming from third countries such as the UK and the US must provide proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory nine months after primary vaccine course) or recovery certificate (issued within the past six months).

Children born in 2007 or later are exempt if accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

See more:  Finland Border Guard

People must present one of the following: proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory nine months after a primary vaccine course) or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test.

Children under 12 are exempt. Boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

See more:  French Ministry of Foreign Affairs  

People need to present one of the following: proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory seven months after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days); or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test.

Children under the age of six are exempt from testing. Boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

See more:  Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

People over the age of 12 need one of the following: proof of vaccination (second dose administered at least 14 days prior to travel); recovery certificate; or negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test.

See more: Discover Latvia

People need one of the following: proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory nine months after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past six months); or a negative PCR (48 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt.

See more:  Visit Luxembourg

People must present proof of vaccination with a booster to travel to Malta. 

Children between the ages of five and 11 must present a negative PCR test (72 hours). Children under five are exempt.

See more:  Visit Malta  

Netherlands

There are no entry rules for people traveling from the EU/Schengen area or countries participating in the EU travel rules scheme. People from elsewhere, including the US and UK, must present proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory 270 days after primary vaccine course) or a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days but no earlier than 11 days).

Children under 12 traveling to the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area must show a negative PCR (48 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test.

See more: Government of Netherlands

See more: Visit Portugal

People traveling to Slovakia must show proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory nine months after primary vaccine course).

See more: Slovakia Information Centre

People traveling from the EU can show proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory nine months after primary vaccine course); a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days) or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test.

People traveling from outside the EU must show proof of vaccination or recovery only (unless traveling to Balearic Islands where proof of vaccination is mandatory).

Children under 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements. Unvaccinated 12 to 17-year-olds can present a negative PCR (72 hours) test.

See more: Spain Ministry of Health

Switzerland

People traveling to Switzerland must show proof of vaccination ( booster mandatory 270 days after primary vaccine course) or a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days). 

Children under 18 are exempt.

See more: Switzerland Travel Check

Most people need to present one of the following: proof of vaccination; a recovery certificate (issued within the past six months but no less than 28 days); or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test.

Children under the age of 12 are exempting from testing.

People from high-risk countries are subject to stricter rules including quarantine if they're unvaccinated.

See more: Visit Turkey

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Unaccompanied children: little passengers are a big deal.

Unaccompanied children need very special support. With Lufthansa, they are in the best hands: we look after their needs with great sensitivity – at the airport, during the flight and after landing.

Care service for unaccompanied children available on direct connections

We currently provide our care service for unaccompanied children on direct flights only. Connecting flights are not possible.

From what age are children allowed to travel alone?

Children aged between 5 and 11 may only fly unaccompanied if they are using our care service or if they are travelling with someone who is at least 12 years old. The Lufthansa care service can also be booked by parents for unaccompanied children from the age of 12 up to a maximum of 17 years. This ensures that the child receives support, especially in the event of a disruption to their flight, such as  a delay or cancellation. Every year 70,000 children travel using the Lufthansa care service. The Lufthansa care service ensures that the children and their relatives feel they are in good hands before take-off, during the flight and after landing. On arrival, the flight crew will hand your child over to a member of staff who will then take your child to meet the person who is collecting them. Please note that your child must be met immediately by the person collecting them at the destination airport. Please also note that unaccompanied children under 12 years of age may not take a pet into the cabin with them. Please note that other airlines may have different regulations for unaccompanied children than those described here for Lufthansa. If your chosen flight is operated by a carrier other than Lufthansa, please enquire directly with the respective airline about the rules for children travelling alone. This also applies to Lufthansa Group airlines:

Are additional fees charged for unaccompanied children?

Yes, for the Lufthansa care service for unaccompanied children, in addition to the price of the flight, a care service charge applies per route and per child (even in the case of siblings travelling together):

Zone 1: Domestic flights (within DE, CH and AT) and flights within Africa

Zone 2: Europe (IATA Zone 210) incl. flights within and between DE, CH and AT

Zone 3: North Africa and the Levant (incl. LB, IL, EK, JO, IQ, KZ, TM)

Zone 4: The Middle East, Central Africa and the Arab region (incl. AE, QA, IR, NG, SA, ET, BH, OM, KW)

Zone 5: Medium-haul intercontinental flights (incl. US East Coast, CA East Coast, IN, GQ, KE, TZ, AO, MV)

Zone 6: Long-haul intercontinental flights (incl. US West Coast, CA West Coast, South America, JP, CN, KR, TH, SG, ZA, SC)

Important travel documents and care service form

Please let us know that your child will be travelling alone as soon as you book the flight. To help you prepare for the journey, please use our practical checklist for unaccompanied children, in which we have listed all the important information for your child’s trip.

As well as the necessary documents (e.g. the care service form), the list also includes useful tips on booking, check-in, carry-on baggage, free baggage allowance and collection at the destination. At the airport you will be given the small yellow Lufthansa shoulder bag which your child should keep with them clearly visible during the entire journey. The bag holds all the necessary travel documents:

• Valid passport/child’s ID card 1
• Visa for the destination country 2
• Travel insurance certificate 2
• Information on any allergies the child may have 3
• Receipt for pre-paid charges for the care service, if applicable
• Declaration of consent from parents/legal guardians that their child may travel unaccompanied 2
• The completed care service form 1

Save yourself time: fill in and print out the care service form at home. 

Please be aware that 3 copies of the form are required for each flight. For flights with multiple legs, 3 forms are needed for each individual flight to the destination.

Tickets for unaccompanied children cannot be booked online, but only through the Service Center or at your travel agency. If you have any questions, please contact the Service Center.

Baggage for unaccompanied children

Your child’s carry-on baggage may be the same size as that which is permitted for an adult. However, your child should be able to carry the bag easily unaided. Any medicines to be taken during the flight or at the destination, warm clothing and a small amount of spending money should, of course, also be included. Find out more about this subject in our carry-on baggage regulations.

You can check your free baggage allowance in just a few steps with our baggage calculator – based on route, travel class and fare. There you will also find the prices and dimensions for optional baggage.

The best of care even before departure

The Lufthansa check-in counters are the first point of contact for you and your child as soon as you arrive at the airport. In Frankfurt you will now be entrusting your child to the service staff. Your child is therefore in the best hands from take-off to landing and will be looked after until the handover to the person collecting your child at the destination airport.

At other airports you may be required to accompany your child to the gate yourself. Please enquire about this at a Lufthansa check-in counter when you arrive at the airport.

Please note that the individual bringing the child to the airport and collecting the child from the destination airport must be at least 18 years of age. The individual who brings the child to the airport must be available at the airport and contactable by phone until the booked flight departs.

Dedicated check-in counters

At Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa provides dedicated check-in counters for children who will be travelling alone and their parents in departures hall B, counters 336–339. At Munich Airport, counter 417 in the departures hall on Level 4 serves the same purpose.

The best of care on board and after landing

Welcome on board.

Your child will be welcomed on board by our flight attendants and looked after throughout the flight. Your child will be seated close to the flight attendants so that they can be on hand immediately if your child has any questions or concerns. With toys, drawing equipment and a special children’s entertainment programme, the time on board will simply fly by.

Our special children’s menus , which have been prepared with care, are delicious and healthy. You can order these menus free of charge up to 24 hours before departure online at My bookings .

More information about children’s and special meals can be found in our FAQs.

Welcome at the destination

At the destination airport, the flight crew will hand your child over to a member of staff who will then take them to meet the person collecting them.

Before entrusting your child to the person collecting them, Lufthansa will check by asking to see a valid ID that this is the person named on the Lufthansa care service form. Please let the person collecting your child know that he or she must produce a valid ID or passport. The person collecting your child must then take immediate responsibility for your child.

Even if flights are delayed, your child will be well looked after by us. In order to save the person collecting your child an unnecessary wait in the event of a flight delay, you can check the flight status at any time online and thus always keep up to date.

In Frankfurt you can collect your child after baggage claim in the Arrivals area of the respective flight; in Munich in front of the exit at baggage reclaim.

1 Required in every case 2 Required depending on destination country 3 Recommended

Children travelling alone age chart

The maximum connection time for children travelling alone is two hours between domestic flights and three hours between flights involving an international sector.

Children travelling without an adult 15 years or older must meet the unaccompanied minor requirements outlined in this table.

Same day domestic New Zealand journey  e.g. Invercargill - Christchurch - Auckland

Must travel with an adult 15 years or older

Permitted as an Unaccompanied Minor

May travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at parent/guardian request

One single sector international flight e.g. Auckland - Tokyo

Must travel with an adult 15 years or older, except for all flights to and from Canada whereby the adult must be 16 years or older

One single sector international flight within the South West Pacific plus one same day domestic New Zealand journey  e.g. Rarotonga - Auckland - Gisborne

Must travel with an adult 15 years or older 1

One single sector international flight to/from the South West Pacific plus one same day domestic New Zealand journey  e.g. Nelson - Auckland - Hong Kong

One single sector international flight to/from the south west pacific plus one same day single sector international flight within the south west pacific e.g. los angeles - auckland - sydney, two single sector international flights within the south west pacific e.g. sydney - auckland - rarotonga.

Notes: 1. Where specified, travel is permitted as an unaccompanied minor if a parent/guardian meets the child on arrival at any intermediate point(s). The child must be checked-in only as far as the intermediary point, claim baggage and clear customs (if applicable) and be handed over to the parent/guardian to check in for the next flight. The parent/guardian will need to remain in the intermediary airport until after the aircraft departs. In the case of delays or flight cancellations, the parent/guardian is responsible for the unaccompanied minor's care.

2. Where transits are permitted the maximum connection time for unaccompanied minors is two hours between domestic flights and three hours between flights involving an international sector.

3. This table is for Air New Zealand operated and marketed services only.

4. Tasman and Pacific flights are services between New Zealand and Australia, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Fiji and include the same fare rules as adult fares.

5. If your child is connecting to or from another carrier they will only be accepted if a parent or guardian is available to deliver and receive the child at both ends of the Air New Zealand flight. The child must be checked-in for only the Air New Zealand flight, claim baggage and clear customs (if applicable) and be handed over to the parent/guardian to check in for the next flight. The parent/guardian will need to remain in the intermediary airport until after the aircraft departs. In the case of delays or flight cancellations, the parent/guardian is responsible for the unaccompanied minor's care.

6. Travel as an unaccompanied minor requires additional check-in procedures. To ensure you are able to complete all check-in procedures prior to the final bag drop/check-in time shown on your electronic ticket we recommend you allow an additional 30 mins to do so. Failure to have completed check-in prior to the final bag drop/check-in time stated may result in you being unable to travel as planned. Remember to carry proof of identity (passport for international travel, please check that your passport and any visas are valid) and your e-ticket with you as Aviation Security may require you to present this when in a security area. If travelling without checked baggage you are still required to complete the additional check-in procedures for travel as an unaccompanied minor.

Definitions: South West Pacific - for this rule the following countries are considered part of the South West Pacific: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna Islands.

Journey - is a flight or a series of flights from a point of origin to a point of destination, including transits and stopovers.

Sector - means an aircraft's single scheduled Flight between two different points.

Flight - means any one way travel (without a stopover) on an airline's scheduled air service that keeps the same flight number even if there is a change of aircraft. Travel on the same aircraft but with a flight number change qualifies as two flights.

See more information on children and young people travelling alone .

See the Children travelling alone terms and conditions for details.

Trump convicted on all 34 counts. Can a convicted felon run for president?

Now that former President  Donald Trump  was found guilty on all counts in his New York criminal  hush money trial , becoming the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime, the question arises: can a convicted felon run for office?

Simply put, the answer is yes.

There is no explicit prohibition in the U.S. Constitution on individuals with criminal records running for president, and the Constitution does not prohibit anyone based on indictments or convictions, according to Kevin Wagner, a noted constitutional scholar and political science professor at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

More: Trump guilty on all charges. Read reaction from across Florida.

According to Wagner: "Since the U.S. has a federal system, the rules establishing the qualifications for office can vary by which office you are trying for, and by the state, county, or municipality in which you live. For example, Florida, which had barred felons, now allows individuals who have completed their sentences to run for office or serve on juries once they have their civil rights restored. In other states, the rules may be less strict, or may depend on the severity of the crime and the length of time since the conviction. 

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

"While states can establish qualifications for their offices, the requirements for election to federal office are set in the U.S. Constitution. For example, Article II describes the requirements to serve as President, such as being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and having been a resident of the country for at least 14 years. There is no explicit prohibition on individuals with criminal records running for president, and the Constitution does not prohibit anyone based on indictments or convictions. 

More: Former President Donald Trump found guilty on all counts in hush money case: Live updates

A candidate for U.S. president ran while serving time in prison

Wagner said: "In 1920, Eugene Debs ran for President as a Socialist while serving time in prison for speaking out against the draft during World War I. Debs was convicted of violating the Sedition Act of 1918. After charging Debs, the federal prosecutor said, “No man even though four times the candidate of his party for the highest office in the land, can violate the basic law of this land.” Debs won nearly one million votes while he was in prison but did not win a single Electoral College vote.  

"The Constitution does not bar felons from Congress either, and the U.S. Supreme Court, in U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton (1995), ruled that states cannot add additional qualifications for congressional candidates. However, the House of Representatives has a rule that members convicted of a felony be removed from committee activities unless and until they are re-elected. Both the Senate and the House can censure and even expel members.  

"The Constitution does have one additional restriction. Under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States is prohibited from holding federal office. Interestingly, there is no requirement that a person be convicted for this to apply, and it was used to remove individuals linked to the Confederacy during the Civil War. 

Trump indicted: Has any other former U.S. president been indicted? No, but these guys came close.

"Congress has refused to seat some members using this provision. In 1919, Congress cited the 14 th Amendment to block Victor Berger, who was accused of supporting Germany during World War I. Berger was eventually allowed to serve after his espionage conviction was reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court.  

"Recently, we have seen efforts to bar candidates from running for Congress based on their involvement with the violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. As of yet, no candidates have been disqualified for federal office based on this, and there is significant disagreement over the meaning and application of this prohibition in the modern context. Ultimately, the most significant limitation on access to elected office is still the voters, who can weigh the importance of a conviction or other actions and decide for themselves who will be their representative.  

What happens to Trump now?

Judge Juan Merchan  scheduled Trump's sentencing for July 11.

Experts say states are unlikely to succeed in  passing additional eligibility  requirements for a candidate to get on the presidential ballot.

The U.S. Supreme Court already rejected an effort from several states to bar Trump from the  ballot based on the 14th Amendmen t, which prevents anyone who has  engaged in insurrection  after swearing to uphold the Constitution (by being sworn into office, for example), from holding office again.

Trump can probably vote for himself in Florida

The high court did not want a “state-by-state patchwork” of rules for Trump's eligibility.

The variety of state laws on voting rights for convicted felons could impact Trump's ability to  cast a vote for himself , but not in this case. Florida, where Trump is registered to vote, gives felons the right to vote if the state where they were convicted allows it. New York only removes a felon’s right to vote while they are imprisoned, and as Trump may not receive jail time at all, let alone before the election, he will likely remain eligible.

USA Today's Kinsey Crowley, Natasha Lovato, Ella Lee, Karissa Waddick, Aysha Bagchi, Maureen Groppe, Bart Jansen contributed to this report.