Kids Fly Solo, Airline Escort Fees And Tips For Unaccompanied Minors Traveling By Airplane

In the peak summer travel season, as many as 20,000 kids ages two -17 fly across America without an adult.

Airlines have different rules when it comes to kids flying solo and each carrier has its own stipulations, as well as rules imposed by customs, and government agencies. We have listed a few of the highlights below.

1. Children under age five cannot fly on any USA airline without an adult. 

2. Children ages five through 7 can fly on most airlines (believe it or not) but usually only on nonstop, or direct flights that do not require a change of planes. 

3. Kids ages five to 11 years of age must pay a mandatory minor fee. 

4. Kids ages 12 thru 14 are still considered unaccompanied minors on American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian Air, JetBlue, Northwest, United, US Airways, Virgin America, and more. 

5. Most airlines will except children up to the age of 17 as unaccompanied minors and of course you will need to pay the mandatory minor fee.

Most major airlines will not permit unaccompanied minors on red eye flights (overnight flights between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Many of the airlines require children to travel between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and unaccompanied minors cannot fly on the last direct flight of the day or the last flight of the day requiring a connection. 

Some airlines will not permit unaccompanied minors on the last flight out, or the first flight out, or a flight that requires an overnight stay in the connection city. 

There are exceptions to the red eye flight restrictions for unaccompanied minors flying on international routes, such as to European destinations, or flights to or from Hawaii or Alaska, or sometimes on short haul flights no longer than 2 hours in-flight time. Each airline has a different policy so you would need to check with the carrier directly for more details on these restrictions. 

Usually only one unaccompanied minor fee applies for kids flying solo. So in other words if you have more than one unaccompanied minor and they are flying together you will only be charged the price of one unaccompanied minor fee rather than separate fees. This applies to most airlines and allows up to four children booked together in the same record to pay only one fee. 

On international, transatlantic and transpacific flights, some airlines allow kids ages five to 7 to fly nonstop and also on flights that require a connection. Again, check with the airlines. Fees on international flights are usually higher. 

You should call the airlines prior to your child traveling to prepay all fees prior and also make them aware of your child's status. If your child is traveling overseas you will need to check with government officials as sometimes passports, birth certificates, notarized shot records and temporary visas are required and must be on record with the consulate prior to travel.

Be sure to request a seat assignment. Sometimes if you are nice the airline may assign a seat to the minor that is usually reserved in the front of the plane for elite flyers.

Keep carry-on luggage to a minimum and make sure your child has some of their favorite entertainment with them such as toys, iPod, DVD player, or a Game Boy. 

We also suggest that you give your child some extra spending money. You may want to get them a cheap debit or prepaid credit card that has a limit on spending. Many airlines today such as American, AirTran, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, United, Midwest , Virgin America and Alaska are all cashless. Continental is currently testing the cashless option on some of their flights. No prepaid card....No food. Plus if there is a long delay or a connection your child will be able to purchase some food and other small goodies. 

Make sure the child understands never to leave the airport gate area, or even the aircraft, unless accompanied by airline personnel.

Unaccompanied minors are usually boarded first before any other passengers. They are sometimes the last to get off the plane depending on where they are seated. 

Most airlines will have the child wear a button or a lanyard around their neck so they can be easily identified by airport personnel and staff. Prior to take off you will be required to provide the following information. 

1. Childs name, age and flight itinerary. 

2. The name, telephone number and the home address of the person bringing the child to the airport. Give them as many phone numbers as you have, including your cell, home and work. In case there is a weather delay or flight cancellation, the adult will be able to be reached to come pick the child back up. 

3. The name and phone number or numbers of the person or persons meeting the child at the final destination airport .

4. Be sure to give everyone back up numbers, including the child, so they will be able to call home if an emergency arises. Below is a chart listing the current fees associated with unaccompanied minors. 

Below is a chart listing the current fees associated with unaccompanied minors. All  fees are listed one way, so remember if your child is flying roundtrip, and will be unaccompanied the entire trip, you will need to double these prices.

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