Is your child travelling alone?
Your child may need to travel alone for a variety of reasons. There could be an emergency, or your child may need to head home without a parent present. If your child has to travel alone, this may cause additional stress.
When can a child travel alone on a plane?
A child can travel alone on a plane between 12 - 15 years of age. All airlines have different age requirements, so do check yours before you book to ensure that your child can travel unaccompanied. Children under the age of 12 will always need to be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older. Always check the rules and regulations of the airline you are flying with for any changes before your child flies. Rules can change between booking and boarding, so you need to be aware before you send your child off on an unaccompanied flight.
Top tips for children flying solo
If your child is about to fly alone, here are some useful tips:
- Put all of their important documents in one secure location
- Provide the money to buy food and drinks at the airport
- Ensure they have all emergency contact numbers
- Provide them with a checklist they can go through to ensure they have everything
- Stay in contact with them before and after they fly
It is also best to know your child and to adapt to their needs. Provide them with everything that they need to make their trip more comfortable, so that they can get through the airport stress-free.
Related content
If you'd like some more tips and advice on travelling with the kids or inspiration for the next family holiday, check out our other pages below:
- Travelling with a baby
- Child travelling alone
- Top tips on flying with your children
- Flying with a toddler
- Tips for boating with babies and toddlers
- Travelling by train with your children
- Travelling with a child who has chickenpox
- Getting through the airport with your child
- Top childrens' holiday activities
- Keeping the kids occupied on car journeys
- How to keep your children safe on holiday
- How to deal with a jet-lagged child
- Can a child travel alone on a ferry?
- What destintions should I avoid with my baby?
- Travelling with children with different surnames
- Can children travel alone in a taxi?
- Flying with a baby
- Can children travel alone on a train?
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