Unaccompanied Minors

Children ages 5 - 14 who travel without a parent or guardian are known as

"unaccompanied minors." Many airlines will not allow children who are under 7 to make
connections at all, but in the event a minor is old enough to change planes, they will
probably be assisted by airline personnel and a fee of $75 - $100 will be charged. Some
airlines, Southwest for example, will not allow any minor (5 - 11) to change planes. On
US Airways, a child must be at least 15 years old to take a flight with a connection.

If you intend to send an unaccompanied minor by plane (with or without a connection),

you will be required to fill out a form detailing the child's name, age, medical
considerations and other relevant information. Upon arrival, children will be escorted
from the aircraft by a flight attendant and released to the person named by you prior to
departure.

In addition, you will have to agree that the airline is not taking on any special
responsibility of guardianship during the flight. Legally, an unaccompanied minor is
treated in the same way as an adult passenger.

General Age Guidelines

Airline rules vary, but here's a good idea of what to expect on domestic flights:

 Children ages 1 - 4 may fly only when accompanied by an adult. A child must be at
least 5 to fly alone.

 Kids ages 5 - 7 can take a direct flight to a single destination but not connecting
flights.

 Those 8 and up may change aircraft on most airlines. If they're between 8 and 11,
they will be escorted by airline personnel to their connecting flight. A significant extra
charge for this service is likely. Older kids -- age 12 and up -- may not be routinely
escorted, but you can request this assistance.

 Anyone under the age of 17 who is flying alone on an international flight must have a
signed note from a parent or responsible adult giving permission, destination and length
of stay.

 Minors must be met at their destination by another parent or responsible adult.

Editor's Note: As these guidelines vary slightly by airline, be sure to contact your carrier
for specific information.

What It Will Cost You

Most major airlines will charge you $75 to $100 each way for an escort fee. The exact
fees will depend on the airline, the age of the of the child and whether the flight involves
connections.
Here are the fees charged each way for domestic flights on some of the major U.S.
airlines:

Airline Nonstop Connecting

American $100 $100
AirTran $39 $59
Continental $100 $100
Delta $100 $100
Not allowed for
JetBlue $75
children under 15
Not allowed for
Southwest $50
children under 12
United $99 $99
Not allowed for
US Airways $100
children under 15
Other Considerations
Although many airlines offer discounts for minors under normal circumstances, if your
child is flying unaccompanied, it is practically a certainty that you will pay a full adult
price for the ticket. The good news? The fee you pay for an escort generally covers an
unlimited number of related children traveling in the same party (except on Alaska
Airlines, which will charge for more than three children). Hence, if you are sending your
three children together, you pay only once.

On international flights, age restrictions are more stringent. Additional fees may apply for
flights longer than six hours.

Some airlines may not allow unaccompanied minors to fly on the last connecting flight of
the day, or on so-called "red eye" flights between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Be sure to read each
airline's policies carefully before booking.

After filling out some paperwork and paying the appropriate fees at check-in, one parent
or guardian will receive a special pass that will allow him or her to get through the
security checkpoint. The parent or guardian must accompany the child to the gate and
wait there until the plane takes off.

Tips For Smooth Sailing

 Never wait until you have reached the airport to inform the airline that you have a
minor traveling unaccompanied. Always provide this information to customer service
over the phone, and have them inform you of all your options, fees and so forth.

 If you can help it, buy your children nonstop tickets only. If a change of planes is
necessary, use a small, less intimidating airport for the transfer, if possible.

 Make sure your child carries plenty of emergency information. For example, leave
instructions on how to handle flight delays or cancellations, including emergency
contacts and a means to pay for necessities, such as overnight accommodation.
  Familiarize your child with his or her itinerary and make sure all travel
documents are kept in a safe place -- especially if they'll be needed for a return
flight.

 Try to book a morning flight. If it is delayed or canceled, you have the rest of
the day to make alternate plans.

 Small children may have trouble with checked baggage. If possible, stick with a
single carry-on bag and a personal item. If not, check your child's checked bag stubs
carefully to be sure that the luggage claim ticket and luggage tag match your child's final
destination.

 Get to the airport early to ease check-in and get children accustomed to their
surroundings. If possible, show them where help desks are located and teach them to
recognize uniformed employees.

 Give your child a picture of the person meeting him or her -- with the full name,
address and phone number written on the back. You will need to provide this information
to the airline as well.

 Make sure the adult meeting your child at the destination airport is carrying photo
identification.

 Pack some snacks for your child: chips, sandwiches, trail mix or other finger foods
like grapes or berries. You may also want to purchase juice or water for your child after
you pass through the security checkpoint.

 Make or buy young children a travel pack to keep them entertained while in flight.

 Give your child a little cash to cover incidental expenses and phone calls in the event
of an emergency.

 In addition to being sure your child knows how to place a collect call, you may want
to provide a calling card to use in an emergency, as well as a list of numbers to call if
necessary.

 Just because a 5-year-old is permitted to fly solo, that doesn't mean that your 5-year-
old will be able to handle flying alone, especially if your child hasn't flown before.
Parents should use common sense and make a decision based on their own child's level of
maturity.

Airline Policies
Click on the link below to find your airline's policy on children flying alone.

AirTran * American * Continental * Delta * JetBlue * Southwest * United * US Airways

Don't see your airline? Check out our full list of airline contact information.
 For more family travel tips and ideas, see our sister site, Family Vacation Critic!

United States - English Change

English
Español
Sign In | My Account | Contact Us

Home > Travel Information > Customers with Disabilities > Children Traveling Alone

Children Traveling Alone

Inside Children Traveling Alone

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Service Fees

• Young Travelers Club

Continental designates children 5-11 years of age as unaccompanied minors when traveling
without their parent or guardian over the age of 18 in the same cabin. Travel arrangements
for young travelers can be booked at any of the following:

• continental.com
• Continental Reservations Call Center
• A U.S. Continental Ticket Office
• Your local Travel Agent.

The following rules are in effect for unaccompanied minor travel:

• Continental will allow unaccompanied minor travel only on Continental Airlines,

Continental Micronesia, Continental Express and Continental Connection flights.
• Unaccompanied minors under 5 years of age are not accepted.
• Unaccompanied minors ages 5-7 may only travel on nonstop flights.
• Unaccompanied minors ages 8-11 may travel on any flight (nonstop or connecting)
operated by Continental, Continental Micronesia, Continental Express, or Continental
Connection. However, travel will not be allowed on the last connecting flight of the day
– unless the connecting flight is the only published service to that destination.
 Unaccompanied Minors are not accepted on flights which require an overnight stay in
order to make a connection.
• Children ages 12-17 have the option to pay the fee and use the unaccompanied minor
service or they may travel as adults with no unaccompanied minor service provided.

• Children under the age of 12 traveling alone may not travel on any flights operated by
Continental that connect to/from other carriers.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Children Traveling Alone

The guidelines for children traveling alone vary depending on the age of the child. For the specific guidelines, please refer to Age Ranges For Travel above.

Please note that Unaccompanied Minors cannot be booked on AA.com. Please call Reservations for assistance.

AA reserves the right to request documented proof of age for children traveling alone. Please be prepared to provide documentation (birth certificate, driver's license, passport,
etc.) upon request.

Charges For Unaccompanied Minors

Children who will be traveling alone will be required to use the Unaccompanied Minor service subject to the following charges:

Region of Travel Charges

TO/FROM ALL LOCATIONS $100 USD each way

Please also note the following:

• The charges listed are in addition to the applicable airfare.

• The charge will be assessed for each individual unaccompanied minor. Two or more unaccompanied children from the same family (immediate or extended),
traveling on the same flights, will be assessed a single charge.

• The charge does not cover onboard snack purchases or meals during a layover.

Return to Top

Procedures - Reservations And Travel Planning

Children traveling as Unaccompanied Minors must be booked through our Reservations representatives. Children traveling under the Unaccompanied Minor program may use
electronic ticketing.

Please note that no reservation will be accepted for an unaccompanied minor traveling on an itinerary that includes the last on-line connection to any American Airlines, American
Eagle or AmericanConnection destination.

American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection do not accept unaccompanied children when their itinerary includes a connection to/from another airline, including
codeshare and oneworld partners.

Return to Top

Procedures - Checking In (Domestic and International)

For domestic flights, please arrive at the airport two hours before departure in order to complete all necessary forms and check-in procedures. Please review the sample form to
make sure that you have all the needed information. (Due to numerous signatures required, the actual form can only be completed in person at the airport).

For international flights, please plan to arrive three hours before departure.
Please see additional information below.

A parent or responsible adult must do the following when a child who will be traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor is brought to the airport:

• Complete an Unaccompanied Minor form at the ticket counter. This includes providing the name, address and phone number of the parent or responsible
adult who will meet the child at his or her destination. A child may not travel unaccompanied until this form is completed.

• Obtain a boarding pass from the airport ticket counter (for clearance through the security checkpoint).
 • Remain with unaccompanied minors until the child is boarded on the flight and the flight has departed the gate. This may not be possible at airports outside
the United States. See below for additional information.

An agent will ensure that the flight on which your child is confirmed is operating as scheduled. If the flight is delayed and expected to misconnect or divert to another airport,
please make alternate arrangements for your child's travel.

Upon completion of check-in, your child and the parent or responsible adult delivering your child to the airport should be at the gate 30 minutes prior to departure for pre-
boarding.

Please Note: Requests for someone other than American Airlines to escort your child at the connection city will not be honored. American Airlines remains responsible for the
unaccompanied minor from the origin city to the final destination.

At airports outside the United States, you may be required to release your child upon check in at the ticket counter. In these instances, an American Airlines representative will
escort your child to the departure gate and your child will remain under the supervision of an American Airlines representative until the flight departs.

American Airlines has implemented cashless cabins onboard flights within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Canada. However, international flights still accept cash as a
possible form of payment. American Eagle and AmericanConnection are not accepting credit cards for onboard purchases at this time.

If your child plans to purchase a snack during a cashless flight, we accept American Express® cards and other major credit or debit cards. Our flight attendants use wireless
handheld devices to quickly swipe the card and provide receipts upon request.

Return to Top

Procedures - Checking In (International)

In addition to the information listed above, the following will help you know what to expect if your child is traveling across country borders.

Please plan to arrive three hours before departure. A check-in agent will ensure all documents are in order and assist in completing all forms prior to boarding. The agent will
ensure that the parent or responsible adult delivering your child to the airport completes all necessary Customs and Immigration forms before American Airlines or American
Eagle takes custody of your child.

Upon completion of check-in, your child and the parent or responsible adult delivering your child to the airport should be at the gate 30 minutes prior to departure for pre-
boarding.

At the airport you may be required to release your child upon check in at the ticket counter. In these instances, an American Airlines representative will escort your child to the
departure gate and your child will remain under the supervision of an American Airlines representative until the flight departs.

Return to Top

Procedures - Picking Children Up From The Airport

The adult designated to pick up the unaccompanied minor at the destination airport should plan to arrive at the arrival gate 20 minutes before the flight's scheduled arrival time.
Because airport concourses are secured to ticketed passengers only, the designated person should allow additional time to obtain the required boarding pass from the airport
ticket counter to clear and proceed through the security checkpoint. After verifying identification and forms at the gate, the American Airlines employee will release your child to
the designated individual.

Schedule Irregularities
If schedule irregularities occur at any city, American may refuse to provide air transportation services at any originating city to an Unaccompanied Minor holding reservations if
there is a reasonable likelihood that the child will not make a flight connection.

Return to Top

Identification Requirements
Passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have government-issued photo identification for travel within the United States. However, you may be required to present
proof of age (such as a birth certificate) at the airport for any children under the age of 18 who are traveling with you.

Passengers under the age of 18 who are traveling outside the United States are subject to the same travel document requirements as adults. Visit the U.S. State Department's
Web site for information on passports* as well as visa and immunization* requirements for international travel.

Note: Please contact the nearest Consulate for the latest updates.

Consent For Minor Traveling Without Both Parents/Guardians

Minors under the age of 18 who are traveling with only one parent may be required to have additional documentation if leaving their country of residence. Please contact the
nearest Consulate of the country to which you are traveling for additional information.

BA children travelling alone

Important notice when booking children travelling alone
 • On British Airways operated flights, children under the age of 12 years must be
accompanied by a person of 16 years of age or above.
• On flights operated by our codeshare partner Meridiana, children under the age of 12
years must be accompanied by a person of 18 years of age or above.
• The person accompanying the child can be a family member, guardian or other appointed
person.
• If the child cannot be accompanied by a family member, guardian or other appointed
person, he/she must be registered with our Skyflyer Solo service or we will be unable to accept
them for travel.
• You cannot book the Skyflyer Solo service on ba.com
Please note that rules and regulations for children travelling alone may vary by country, so please
check the applicable regulations with the local country authorities.

Skyflyer Solo service booking information

When you book your child to travel on a flight by themselves, we know you want to make sure
they’re safe and have a fun flight. We offer a special service for children travelling alone called
Skyflyer Solo for just that reason.
Things you need to know before booking

• All children travelling alone, between the ages of 5 and 12 years old must be booked with
the Skyflyer Solo service.
• Children between their 12th and 18th birthdays requesting assistance can also be
registered as unaccompanied minors by following the same booking process.
• We charge for the Skyflyer Solo service, which must be booked and paid for together with
your child’s flight. If not, cancellation and re-issue fees will be charged.
• The Skyflyer Solo service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of the flight’s
departure, otherwise it will not be possible for your child to travel.
• All flights must be confirmed at the time of booking.
• Children from age five upwards can travel alone on a single sector, direct, non-stop flight
only.
• Children from the age of six can travel alone on any British Airways flight.
• If you are booking through your travel agent, please take your child’s passport with you, as
you will need to show this to make the booking.
• Check that all visas and other formalities have been completed.
• Additional documentation is needed for some countries when your child is travelling alone.
Please note that we cannot accept:

• children travelling on any journeys which include a transfer between London Heathrow and
London Gatwick airports
• children on any journeys which involve a night-stop, transfer or stopover exceeding six
hours, unless you have arranged for your child to be met and cared for at the transfer point. Full
contact details must be provided before the child can be accepted for their first flight
How to make a booking
You can book your child’s flight and the Skyflyer Solo service by contacting your local British
Airways office or your travel agent.
 • Contact us to make a booking
The Skyflyer Solo service cannot be booked on ba.com.

Cost of the service

In most cases we will charge the adult fare for children travelling alone. In addition to the flight
price, the Skyflyer Solo service fee per child, per sector, is approximately:

• US $50 ($100 return trip) for shorthaul flights and flights within the UK
• US $75 ($150 return trip) for longhaul flights
Exchange rates fluctuate, so the price may vary.
Other airlines, with whom we have alliances, may have different regulations, age limits, and
charges, so do check when you make your flight booking.
Please contact your local British Airways office or your travel agent for further information.

• Contact us

Limitation of Skyflyer Solo service on some flights

On occasions where a large number of unaccompanied children are travelling on the same flight,
British Airways provides an in-flight escort.
Due to the lengthy process for gaining visa clearance for the escort on routes to Algeria, Libya,
Saudi Arabia and Russia, we can only offer a limited number of bookings for unaccompanied
children on these flights.
Should this limit have been reached, you will be offered an alternative flight at the time of booking,
so please book as early as possible.
Please note : the Skyflyer Solo service is not available on flight numbers BA001, BA002, BA003 and
BA004 (Club World London City).

When your child travels

Check-in at the airport

You will need to accompany your child to the airport and go to the designated check-in desk, to
hand your child into our care.
You will not be able to use online check-in or an airport check-in kiosk.

• Please be at the airport early, with your child, to check in - at least one hour before the
flight's scheduled departure - and remain at the airport until their flight has actually departed.
• At most airports there is a designated desk for children travelling alone. Please ask a
member of airport staff for directions.
• You will need to complete check-in formalities in order for us to accept your child for travel.
• You will be asked for the completed and signed Declaration Form, contained in a
distinctive blue wallet with red and white stripes, that advises us who will be collecting your child
at the end of their journey.
• We will also ask for your contact details in case there is any disruption to flights.
The Declaration Form will require the following information:

• age and date of birth of your child

• languages your child speaks if they do not speak English
• whether they have any allergies or additional needs
• name/address and telephone number both of the person delivering your child into our care
and the name/address and telephone number of the person collecting your child at the
destination; or the airline to which they are transferring, if applicable
 • a contact telephone number on which nominated parents/guardians can always be
contacted both at the departing and arrival airport. This is particularly important should there be
any disruption to flights.
Taking care of your child

A member of staff will host your child throughout their journey, until they are collected by the
nominated adult at the arriving airport, or by the transferring airline if applicable.
It is essential that we know who will be collecting your child as they will be required to show us
formal photographic identification.
At London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, we have dedicated lounges for children travelling alone,
where they will be cared for until they board their flight.
Arriving at their destination

Our ground staff will host your child from the aircraft through all the arrival procedures until they
have met up with the person nominated to collect them, or the staff of the airline to which your
child is transferring.

If the person collecting your child is delayed, it is essential that you advise us as we have limited
hours of operation at some airports.

The safety and security of your child is of utmost importance and we do ask for photographic
identification of the person collecting your child to make sure it is the person you have asked to
meet them.

Virgin alantic

CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

• Unaccompanied minors travelling in Upper Class are not

permitted use of the Upper Class lounge or the limo service.
• Children and young persons between the ages of 5-15 must be
registered in advance of travel for the Unaccompanied Minor
service, or be accompanied by someone aged 16 years and over.
• Children under five years old are not accepted for the
Unaccompanied Minor service and must be accompanied by
someone aged 16 years and over.
• An adult published fare is charged for the Unaccompanied Minor
service.
• Virgin Atlantic only accepts unaccompanied children and young
persons for travel on its flights and on bmi flights.
• Virgin Atlantic does not accept unaccompanied children and
young persons who are connecting onto/from other airlines
except flights operated by bmi.
• For safety and security reasons, unaccompanied children and
young persons will not be permitted to travel where transit times
between flights (Virgin to Virgin or Virgin to bmi) exceeds 4
hours, the flight incurs a stopover or there are inter-airport
connections by road/rail such as Gatwick or Heathrow. Where
 this does apply, they must be accompanied by someone aged 16
or over.
• The person assigned to take the Unaccompanied Minor to
departures is required to remain at the airport until the flight has
departed and the person assigned to collect on arrival will attend
the airport at the scheduled arrival time of the flight.
• For safety & security reasons, Virgin Atlantic Airways has the
right to refuse travel if the applicable form (Declaration of
Indemnity) is not fully completed and signed by the parent or
guardian.

Virgin Atlantic Airways constantly develops and reviews its services,

products or policies and these are subject to change without prior
notice.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
Virgin Atlantic is happy to help kids fly solo. We accept them from the
ages of 5 to 15 years old (up to and including the day prior to their
16th birthday). Conditions and restrictions apply for the
Unaccompanied Minor service.

WHEN TO BOOK:

At the time of booking, the Unaccompanied Minor service should be

requested, either directly with the Virgin Atlantic offices or through a
travel agent. The service cannot be booked online.

WHAT TO DO:

A form (Declaration of Indemnity) must be completed and signed by

the parent or guardian. Full instructions are on the form, but once fully
completed the top white copy only should be returned to the UK
Special Assistance Department prior to travel and the remainder of the
form presented to check-in on the day of departure.

It is important to check for any Visas or documentation that may be

required and completed for the child or young person's destination.

Please call our Contact Centre if you have any doubts about whether
the child or young person is able to travel unaccompanied.

SPECIAL NEEDS:

If the child or young person has any special needs or a pre-existing

medical condition, please advise at the time of booking so that we can
verify their fitness to fly unaccompanied. Cabin crew are First Aid
trained, but not permitted to administer medication.

AT THE AIRPORT:

From the check-in point onwards, we will take charge of the child or
young person and guide them through the airport until they are safely
handed over to a member of our crew.

At their destination they are introduced to a member of our staff who

will escort them through Immigration and Customs to arrivals, where
they will be handed over to the parent or guardian noted on the form
to meet them. For security reasons the parent or guardian will be
required to show formal identification, the details of which will be
noted.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN ACCEPTANCE CHANGE

From 1 July 2008, unaccompanied children or young persons will not be
accepted and allowed to travel on Virgin Atlantic flights:

• if they are not presented to Virgin Atlantic Check-In staff by a

parent/guardian prior to departure;

• if arrived from a connecting flight, other than one operated by

bmi or Virgin Atlantic;

• if travelling on another connecting flight, other than one

operated by bmi or Virgin Atlantic;

• if they are not going to be collected from Virgin Atlantic directly

by a parent/guardian upon arrival.
 Home > Encyclopedia of Everyday Law > Children Traveling Alone
• Resources

• Encyclopedia of Everyday Law

• About

• Get help in the Law & Politics Group

Search Encyclopedia of Everyday Law:

Children Traveling Alone

1. Printable Version
2. Download PDF
3. Cite this Page
4. Share

• Background
• Why Children Travel Alone
• Train and Bus Travel
• Air Travel
• Common Sense
• Additional Resources
• Organizations

Background

The number of children between the ages of 5 and 12 traveling alone, particularly by air,
has risen steadily over the years. Estimates for how many children travel alone by plane
in the United States per year run as high as 7 million. Children traveling alone, known in
the travel industry as "unaccompanied minors," raise a number of issues, the most
important being liability and safety. In most cases, solo child travelers neither create nor
encounter difficulties. Even the best-planned trip, however, can go wrong, and when
unaccompanied children are involved the issues can be particularly problematic.

Many air travelers, for example, have had the frustrating experience of finding out that
their luggage was accidentally placed on the wrong plane, and they may have to spend
hours or even days tracking it down. But in August 2001, two girls ages 11 and 8 wound
up in Toronto instead of San Diego because airline personnel placed them on the wrong
connecting flight in Phoenix. While many airlines have strict rules about allowing
unaccompanied children to transfer to connecting flights, others do not. (The airline that
placed the two girls on the wrong plane quickly revised its policy.)

There are no official guidelines regarding the transport of unaccompanied children. Train
and bus regulations are more strict than air regulations, but in all cases it is the
transportation providers' obligation to set the requirements. Neither the Air Transport
Association nor the International Air Transport Association provides detailed guidelines
or even statistics on the number of children traveling alone. The American Society of
Travel Agents (ASTA) does note in its "Traveler's Bill of Rights" that unaccompanied
children have a right to "timely and courteous assistance" and that they should "never be
abandoned or put in fear of being abandoned."

These omissions do not mean that the government is unconcerned about unaccompanied
children. The self-imposed industry requirements that must be met are considered
stringent enough. With the rise in concern for travel safety in general since the fall of
2001, the government has taken a more active role. Still, airlines, trains, and bus lines are
all still allowed to set their own rules for children traveling alone.

The necessary precaution for sending children on trips unaccompanied is that those
making the travel arrangements should get as much information before the trip as
possible about travel policies and procedures for children. Because rules are subject to
change and in order to avoid potential difficulties, it is important to check each time a
child travels.

Why Children Travel Alone

The most common reason children travel alone is to visit relatives. As families spread out
it is more likely that grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may live across the country
or overseas. Children whose parents are divorced also travel alone. In years past,
divorced couples with children would tend to stay in the same geographic location to be
able to spend time with those children. Today, job opportunities or remarriage may mean
that a child's mother and father may live on opposite coasts.

Clearly, some children are more comfortable traveling than others. A child who flies
several times a year will likely be more comfortable on a plane than one who has never
flown alone. That is not a given, however. Just as some frequent passengers never get
over their fear of flying, neither do some children. A 6-year-old who has never flown
before may find the experience one big enjoyable adventure. An 11-year-old who dislikes
plane travel, on the other hand, might actually be a difficult and demanding passenger.

Since the attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, airline,
train, and bus security have all increased. While this may not affect children as directly as
it affects adults, the travel process is longer and involves a considerable amount more
time standing in line and waiting. Not only that, children who are old enough to
understand what happened in the plane attacks may be frightened of flying even if they
were never afraid in the past.

Relatively few unaccompanied children travel by train or bus, in part, because train and
bus trips may be too long for children. Also, railroad and bus companies have stricter
regulations about who is old enough to travel solo.

Train and Bus Travel

Amtrak estimates that no more than 5,100 children per year travel unaccompanied on its
trains. Greyhound estimates far fewer unaccompanied children on its bus routes. In part
this low number reflects the fact that most long-distance travel is done by plane, but it
also has to do with strict train and bus regulations.

Amtrak will not allow children under the age of 8 to travel unaccompanied, subject to the
following restrictions:

• All trips must be scheduled for daylight hours

• Unaccompanied children cannot transfer to another train or to a bus
• Children must depart from and arrive at fully staffed stations; an Amtrak stop
with only a ticketing machine is off limits
• Whoever takes the child to the train must fill out a form authorizing Amtrak to let
the child travel alone
• The Amtrak agent who makes the arrangements must ask the child who is
meeting him or her
• Children traveling unaccompanied pay the full adult fare

Greyhound's requirements are similar, with the following additional restrictions:

• The child's trip cannot be for more than 250 miles

• The child must sit in the first two rows of the bus and must get the driver's
permission to get off the bus at rest stops

Air Travel

Travel by air presents a number of challenges where unaccompanied children are

concerned. One reason is that so many more children travel solo by plane than by any
other means. Another is that, while there are age guidelines and restrictions, maturity
levels can differ dramatically among children. It is not just whether a child likes to fly.
Some children are fearful of not being with their parents. Others may not want to travel to
the place where they happen to be going. The Independent Traveler, Inc., an organization
that provides travel advice, reported on its website the case of an 11-year-old boy whose
father saw him board the plane that was to take him to his grandparents' home. After the
father left, the boy got off the plane, left the airport, and walked 30 miles back to his
house. Clearly he did not want to take this trip. Yet his behavior is surprising in view of
his age.

Airline Regulations

No airline will allow a child under the age of 5 to travel alone, although some will allow
a child under 5 to travel with a companion as young as 12. Most airlines will not allow a
child under the age of 8 to take a flight that requires changing planes to make a
connection. Any child under 12 who has to make a connecting flight will be escorted by
an employee of the airline. Southwest Airlines does not allow any child under the age of
12 to take connecting flights. Although children between the ages of 12 and 15 are not
automatically escorted, the parent or GUARDIAN making the travel arrangements can
ask the airline to assist the child.
Accompanied minors usually pay half or reduced fare when flying. Unaccompanied
minors are required to pay full fare, as well as an additional service fee of between $30
and $75 each way (the price is higher when the child has to make a connection). On most
airlines, that fee will cover more than one minor traveling within the same party.

Airlines usually require that a parent or guardian fill out a form with all relevant
information about the child. While the airline does not generally take actual guardianship
of the child during the flight, one of the personnel is generally assigned to look after the
child. Solo child travelers usually have to wear a button or badge to make them easy to
identify by airline staffers.

Some children are required to take medication. Airline personnel will not dispense
medication to the child, but if the child is able to administer his or her own medication,
the airline will allow the child to carry that medicine. The form that parents and guardians
fill out asks for a list of medications or other medical issues that may be important for
staffers to know.

Most airlines will not allow minors to take the last flight of the day. The reason is that, air
travel being subject to such unforeseen circumstances as weather, there is always a
chance of delay. If a late evening flight is delayed, it means passengers will probably
have to wait until the next morning to catch another flight. A stranded child clearly
presents more difficulties to the airline than a stranded adult.

Other Air Travel Issues

In the event that a child is stranded at the airport overnight despite everyone's best efforts,
different airlines have different procedures, all of which are subject to the approval of the
parent or guardian. Usually, the airline will put the child up in a hotel room. An airline
staffer may stay in the room with the child or in an adjoining room. Some airlines will
post a guard outside the room. In most cases the airline assigns a staffer of the same sex
as the child to serve as an escort. Some airlines may turn a stranded child over to a local
child welfare agency for the night.

One of the biggest challenges for those in charge of watching children is keeping those
children amused. Doing so is particularly difficult in the case of long flights. Many of the
larger airlines have established facilities designed for children at major airports, where
children can wait for their connecting flights. These rooms have games and other
activities for children. They also will have other children, so that young travelers will feel
less lonely.

Under no circumstances will airline personnel turn a child over to a waiting adult without
seeing definitive identification and matching that carefully to the information filled out
on the pre-departure form.

International Flights
Children traveling alone on international flights face even closer scrutiny, in part because
of the fear of child abductions. In fact, children traveling with only one parent are subject
to strict regulations to ensure that a parent is not KIDNAPPING the child from a
custodial parent. Any child under the age of 18 who is traveling with one parent to
Mexico must show notarized consent from the other parent or a sole CUSTODY
DECREE from the accompanying parent. If the other parent is dead, the airline requires
the travelers to show a death certificate.

Children need the same documentation, whether passports, visas, or other official
paperwork, as adults. It is a good idea to contact the consulate of the country being
visited to determine whether there are any special requirements for children traveling
alone.

Common Sense

The most important rule for both parents and children to remember is to plan ahead.
Parents should explain to children exactly what will be expected of them as solo
travelers. They should also let children know that inappropriate behavior by adult
passengers (such as unwanted physical contact) should be reported to airline personnel. If
the child has traveled alone before on a different airline, it is not a good idea to assume
that the current airline has the same policies. Most airlines list their policies clearly and
comprehensively on their websites.

Increased concern for flight security has made the travel process slower and more
cumbersome. These new procedures should be explained to the child. It should also be
made clear that no matter how accommodating airline personnel may be, they have no
obligation to children traveling alone before or after a flight.

Checking out the airlines' websites is a good way to become familiar with each carrier's
policies on solo child travelers. Groups such as ASTA (http://www.asta.org) and the U. S.
Department of Transportation (http://www.usdot.gov) can provide additional information.
The Department of Transportation offers a free publication, Kids and Teens Traveling
Alone, which can be obtained by writing to 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D. C.,
20590.

Additional Resources

Fun on the Run: Travel Games and Songs. Cole, Joanna, and Stephanie Calmerson,
Morrow Junior Books, 1999.

Trouble-Free Travel with Children: Helpful Hints for Parents on the Go. Lansky, Vicki,
Book Peddlers, 1996.

Organizations

Air Transportation Association of America, Inc. (ATA)

1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004 USA
Phone: (202) 626-4000 (202) 626-4000
URL: http://www.airline.org
Primary Contact: Carol Hallett, President and Chief
Executive Officer

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

1101 King Street, Suite 200

Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
Phone: (703) 739-2782 (703) 739-2782
Fax: (703) 684-8319
URL: http://www.asta.org
Primary Contact: Richard M. Copland, President
and Chief Executive Officer

International Air Transport Association (IATA) (Regional Office, United States)

1776 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006 USA
Phone: (202) 293-9292 (202) 293-9292
Fax: (202) 293-8448
URL: http://www.iata.org
Primary Contact: Pierre Jeanniot, Director General
and Chief Executive Officer

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

699 Prince Street

Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
Phone: (703) 274-3900 (703) 274-3900
Fax: (703) 274-2200
URL: http://www.missingkids.com
Primary Contact: Ernie Allen, President and Chief
Executive Officer

U. S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation and International Affairs

400 Seventh Street SW

Washington, DC 20590 USA
Phone: (202) 366-4000 (202) 366-4000 (General Information)
Phone: (202) 366-2220 (202) 366-2220 (Aviation Consumer
Protection Division)
URL: http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/aviation
Primary Contact: Read van de Water, Assistant
Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs