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On the Plane: Flying Alone

First Steps

Each airline has its own rules about when and how children may fly alone.

Most have four layers of age groups: too young to fly alone (varies, but usually under 5 years old is a no-go), OK to fly if parent uses the airline's unaccompanied minor program (usually, 5-7, see below) and there are no connecting flights involved, OK to fly if parent uses the airline's unaccompanied minor program and connections OK (usually 8-11) and finally OK to fly no matter what.

To get you started on researching each airline's policies, here are some handy links right to the info:

  • United Airlines: General Policy on Unaccompanied Minors
  • Northwest Airlines: General Policy on Unaccompanied Minors. For more information, ask for a copy of Northwest's Unaccompanied Minor brochure available at their airport and city ticket offices, or by phone from their Distribution Center at 1-800-358-3100.
  • American Airlines: General Policy on Unaccompanied Minors

    For airlines not listed, look for information on their policy on Unaccompanied Minors under “Services”, or “Travelers with Special Needs”, or search their site with the term “minor”.

    Hmm.

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    Reader Comments

    If you need to do a follow-up on this story, I am available. We are a secure transport and traveler services company and one of our services is unaccompanied minor transport. You can visit our website at www.thetrustedtraveler.com for more information about our company and services

    Shawn Habibi
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    Shawn Habibi
    May 17, 10:26 AM


    my daughter has A.D.D. and she does not listen very well she has problems in school she repeated grade K for her learning problems I don’t think she is old enough to fly alone but her dad wants her to what do you think

    wendy higgins
    Jun 2, 07:10 PM


    commenting closed for this article