How to book flights for children
Sometimes your child needs to fly without you, and when that happens, it is important to choose a friendly and helpful airline.
What airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly?
Aer Lingus
Unaccompanied children under 12 years old can't travel. Minors 12 and over can fly to most national and international destinations. Children's meals available.
More about Aer LingusAir Europa
Children may travel alone from 5 years to most national and international destinations, and the airline offers a service to accompany children, depending on their age. Children's meals available.
More about Air EuropaAlaska Airlines
Children may travel alone from 5 years to most national and international destinations, and the airline offers a service to accompany children for $50 (or $75 for connecting flights). Children's meals and entertainment tablets available.
More about Alaska AirlinesAmerican Airlines
Children from 5 years can travel alone to most national and international destinations with an unaccompanied minor service fee of $150. Ask the crew for commemorative kids' flight wings.
More about American AirlinesBlue Panorama
Children from 6 years can travel alone to most national destinations with the airline's unaccompanied minor service (maximum two per flight). Italian law does not allow unaccompanied minors under 14 years to enter or leave the country with an Italian passport.
More about Blue PanoramaBritish Airways
Unaccompanied minors under 14 years can't travel. Free kids' meals and entertainment available.
More about British AirwaysDelta
Unaccompanied minors from 5 years can travel to most national and international destinations with assistance for $150.
More about DeltaEasyjet
Unaccompanied minors under 16 years can't travel. Kids' snack packs with puzzles and games available.
More about EasyjetEurowings
Unaccompanied minors from 12 years can travel alone to most national and international destinations. A service for unaccompanied children from 5 years is available for flights from Germany to Zurich and Vienna. Kids' snacks and drinks available.
More about EurowingsjetBlue
Unaccompanied minors between 5 and 14 years can travel to most national and international destinations on nonstop flights only. Unaccompanied minor service costs $100. Kids' snacks and TV channels available.
More about jetBlueKLM
Unaccompanied minors from 5 years can travel to most national and international destinations with the unaccompanied minor service. Junior Jet Lounge available at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with food, computer games, films, books and toys.
More about KLMRyanair
Southwest
Unaccompanied minors from 5 to 11 years can travel to domestic destinations on direct flights only. Unaccompanied minor service costs US$50.
More about SouthwestSpirit Airlines
Unaccompanied minors from 5 years can travel to domestic destinations on nonstop flights only with the unaccompanied minor service.
More about Spirit AirlinesTransavia
Unaccompanied minors from 5 years can travel to most national and international destinations with the unaccompanied minor service for a US$50 fee.
More about TransaviaUnited Airlines
Unaccompanied minors from 5 years can travel to most national and international destinations with the unaccompanied minor service for a US$150 fee. Kids will get a free piece of food, and entertainment is available.
More about United AirlinesVirgin Atlantic
Unaccompanied minors from 5 years can travel to most national and international destinations with the unaccompanied minor service. Kids' meals and entertainment available.
More about Virgin AtlanticWizz Air
Most asked questions about unaccompanied minors
How old does a child have to be to fly alone?
Most airlines allow children to travel alone using an unaccompanied minor service from 5 years. Depending on the airline, minors may travel without assistance from 12, 14, 16, or 18 years.
What kind of ID does a child need to fly with?
Children often do not need ID for domestic flights, but they will always need a passport for international flights. Some airlines will require ID or proof of age, such as a birth certificate for domestic travel.
Can I get insurance for an unaccompanied minor?
Many insurance companies offer travel insurance for unaccompanied minors, and it is always highly recommended you insure any travel.
Can my child fly alone if they have allergies?
Many airlines will not accept unaccompanied minors with severe allergies. Some airlines have special allergy policies.
Which airlines have toys/entertainment available?
Most budget airlines don't have much in the way of entertainment for kids, but large international carriers usually have tablets or entertainment consoles with movies, TV and games.
Can I bring my child to the boarding gate?
For domestic flights in most countries you can accompany your child until their ticket is scanned and they go to board their flight. For international flights you can't pass airport security without your own ticket unless allowed by the airport/airline.
How can I ensure the safety of my child?
Most airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service: staff will accompany the child wherever they go until they are picked up by a guardian at the destination.
Which are the best airlines for kids when traveling alone?
Alaska Airlines and KLM are recommended as they offer great entertainment options.
Can I request an attendant who speaks my child's language?
Most international airlines have in-flight staff who speak a range of languages. Contact your airline to ask if someone will be available who can communicate with your child.
Where will my child sit? Will they have company during the flight?
Most airline seats unaccompanied minors at the front of the plane near the flight attendants. While they won't be accompanied for the whole flight, the attendants will keep an eye on your child and answer any questions.
Can my child take medication on the flight?
Check with your airline to see if your child's medication is allowed on the flight. Flight staff is not allowed to administer personal medication.
