Can your child fly alone? MS parents need to know these airline rules
If you are considering sending your children on a flight alone, it may be best to know how young is too young before they become one of the millions in the air.
Children who fly without their parents are considered “unaccompanied minors.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, most major U.S. airlines define unaccompanied minors as children between the ages of 5 and 14, though the exact age ranges and requirements can vary by airline.
Most airlines serving Mississippi have clear guidelines
Airline staff are experienced in handling unaccompanied minors, and procedures are in place to ensure their safety at every step.
Parents should be aware, however, airlines often charge a $150 fee for the unaccompanied minor service, so be prepared to pay extra.
Here are the age requirements for a few of the airlines serving Mississippi:
Ages 5-7: Allowed to fly alone, but must use unaccompanied minor service
Ages 8-14: Can fly alone on nonstop and connecting flights, must use unaccompanied minor service
Ages 15+: Can fly as regular passengers, but parents can opt into the service
5-14: Unaccompanied minor service is mandatory and only for direct flights
15-17: May opt out of the service and can fly connecting flights
5-14: Unaccompanied minor service is mandatory
5-7: Only allowed on nonstop flights
8-14: Connecting flights allowed
- Does not provide an unaccompanied minor service
- 13 and under must travel with an adult 18 years of age or older
- 13 and older are allowed to travel independently on all nonstop flights
Does not provide an unaccompanied minor service
- Children 14 and under must travel with a parent or guardian
- 15-17: May travel alone but must be on the same reservation as an adult aged 18 or older
Tips to make your unaccompanied minor have a safe flight
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers protocol for traveling with children, and guidelines can apply as they fly on their own, as well.
As a parent, you know how well your child will do flying alone, but there are some ways to make the experience a little less stressful.
Arrive early to complete paperwork.
Bring a photo ID for the adult dropping off and picking up.
Provide contact info for both ends of the journey.
Walk your child through the airport process ahead of time.
Pack snacks, a book and a fully charged device.
Make sure your child knows who to ask for help and how to contact someone in case of an emergency.
Plenty of local families are navigating this same journey, one boarding pass at a time, so you’re not alone. If you’re still having misgivings about your child’s solo travels, you can check out the passenger information on the airport’s website.
Would you let your child travel alone? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
