Teenagers on Planes

[Twende]

What is the current policy about teens traveling alone on planes?
Is there a cut off age where they must be accompanied?

I have a 16 year old neice that wants to fly down and join us. Can she fly alone these days?

Do different airlines have different policies and can she still use ME, as long as she is booked into a Resort?

 

[Bob P]

I found this on the US Air website:

Under 5 years old: Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Between 5 and 14 years old: Unaccompanied children, between the ages of 5 and 14, may travel on US Airways nonstop flights for a fee. Flight connections to other airlines are not permitted.

Between the ages of 15 and 17 years old: Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 traveling alone are considered young adults and are not required to purchase unaccompanied minor services from US Airways. Upon request, unaccompanied minor services will be provided by US Airways for a fee. Flight connections to other airlines are permitted and additional fees may be required.


We also have neighbors with a 14YO who has flown by himself a few times in the last year or two.

Request to other posters: in the spirit of what one of our moderators (Beth R) said earlier today on the family board: let's keep this on topic and not get off on any tangents or judgements about kids flying alone!


Bob

 

[Twende]

Thanks for your answer Bob.

That is pretty much what I thoght but I just needed to know that older kids are able to fly alone.

 

[dudspizza]

No problems at all for a 16 year old flying alone.

The only concern anyone would have is if the 16yo was comfortable flying alone. I flew from London to Minneapolis and then connected to a prop plane to take me to Grand Rapids, MN. I did this without my mother even knowing I was coming home (I had spent the last 10 months with my dad in London). I had absolutely no problems, though I had taken a few trips overseas before that one.

Have a wonderful time.

Duds

 

[twoeeyy]

our DD flies every winter by herself to Florida. Unfortunately last year on Jet Blue she was 12 so she no longer was considered an unatended child which meant she would not have an escort. She was suspose to get herself from the gate onto the shuttle and then to her waiting grandparents at the security check point. Luckly I was able to put up a big enough stink that at each end one adult was given a gate pass to drop her off/ pick her up.

Maybe it is just me but I felt extremely uncomfortable having my 12 year old at the gate 1 to 1.5 hours before take off all by herself.

I am sure your 16 yr old niece will have no problem.

 

[SB in KY]

I think a 16 year old should do fine....If they can drive a car alone all over the country I think airlines should be fine with them sitting in a plane seat alone!!

Our DD has flown a couple of times by herself and once with her 14y/o sister....they did just fine and no one even questioned them about being alone.