What is the minimum age to travel alone by plane?

The minimum age for flying alone varies by airline . Generally, it's set at 4 or 5 years old, with an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service mandatory for children traveling alone . For example, Air France and Iberia accept children as young as 4, KLM, Delta, and TUI from 5, and Air Canada requires a minimum age of 8. This service is often required until age 11-14 and may remain optional until age 17 on certain domestic or international flights .

Things to keep in mind before sending a child on a plane alone

• Minimum age : varies depending on the company (often 4 to 5 years with UM).
• UM service : comprehensive care, often mandatory depending on age.
• International flights : stricter rules, sometimes limited connections.
• Documents : identity document + AST + UM forms.
• Tip : check the airline and choose a direct flight .

At what age can a child travel alone?

Basic criteria according to airlines

Airlines have specific rules for allowing children to travel alone. For domestic flights within France, some airlines like Air France accept children as young as 4, with a mandatory Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service until they are 11. From age 12, they can travel alone. However, Lufthansa and American Airlines require a minimum age of 5 .

At Transavia, children under 5 are never allowed to travel alone, and the unaccompanied minor (UM) service remains mandatory until age 11. British Airways, on the other hand, imposes a minimum age of 14 , with no UM service.

These rules include full care of minors by company staff, from check-in to handing them over to a designated attendant .

International variability in age standards

Internationally, regulations vary significantly between airlines. For example, Turkish Airlines allows children to travel alone from the age of 7 , with mandatory unaccompanied minor (UM) service until age 12. Air Arabia, on the other hand, refuses children under 12 unless accompanied by an adult of at least 16 years old. For Vueling and Ryanair, the minimum age is 16 .

Luxair allows children aged 5 and over to travel alone, subject to an additional fee ranging from €40 to €80. Tunisair, however, requires written authorization for minors aged 12 to 17.

Given this diversity , it is essential to check the conditions with your airline before any trip . The rules depend on local regulations and passenger rights .

Support services for minors (UM)

What is the UM (Unaccompanied Minor) service?

The Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service is offered by airlines to ensure comprehensive care for children traveling alone. This service includes assistance from arrival at the departure airport until the child is handed over to the designated person upon arrival. It also covers essential steps such as security checks, passport control, boarding, and any layovers.

During extended waits, constant monitoring is provided in dedicated areas such as the Delta Sky Zone . The service can also manage animals in the cabin or hold for children traveling alone.

How does the UM service work?

To use this service, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight . An agent will check in your luggage and escort you through security to the plane. You must remain at the gate until your flight is confirmed.

On board, the cabin crew closely monitors the child. In the event of a cancellation or layover, an employee will stay with the child until the next flight and will inform the designated contacts. Upon arrival, the child will be given priority disembarkation, and the designated adult (with photo identification) will collect them.

For inter-airline flights , it is necessary to book separately with each operator.

Cost and booking of the UM service

The Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service must be booked at the time of ticket purchase. You will need to indicate the child's unaccompanied status and provide a form with the contact information of the accompanying adults at departure and arrival. Some airlines, such as ITA Airways or Delta, require you to go through their assistance service or an agency to finalize the booking.

Prices vary depending on the airline: this service is free with some, such as in Toulouse, while others charge between €40 and €80 (e.g., Luxair) or a flat rate of USD 150 with American Airlines, regardless of age. A voluntary option is sometimes available for teenagers up to 17 years old.

For international flights , it is advisable to check the applicable fees and pay them after booking if necessary.

Policies by airline

Examples of large company policies

Each airline has its own specific rules for children traveling alone . For example:

Air France accepts children from age 4 on domestic flights with a free Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service for children up to age 11. This service becomes chargeable (between €30 and €90) for children aged 12 to 17. On international flights , the Kids Solo service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 14 (€50 for medium-haul flights, €75 for long-haul flights) and optional for those over 14.

KLM offers a mandatory escort service for children aged 5 to 14, while it is optional for young people aged 15 to 17.

Brussels Airlines accepts children from the age of 5 with mandatory service or when accompanied by a person aged 12 or over. This service can be extended to young people aged 12 to 18 upon request.

Air Transat requires its VIP service for minors aged 8 and over. EVA Air, on the other hand, accepts children aged 5 to 12 with an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) form.

Low-cost carriers are generally more restrictive. For example, EasyJet and Ryanair set the minimum age at 16. Volotea allows children to travel alone from the age of 12. British Airways requires a minimum age of 14, while Aer Lingus allows children from 12 on direct flights. Transavia , on the other hand, offers a paid unaccompanied minor service (€55 per flight) for children aged 5 to 12.

It is important to check directly with each company.

It is essential to contact your airline before booking any service . Indeed, not all airlines offer unaccompanied minors . For example, Toulouse Airport points out that some airlines operating from this base do not offer the unaccompanied minor (UM) service .

Prices, age requirements, and availability vary considerably depending on the operator, the type of flight (domestic or international), and the distance traveled. Checking directly with the airline will help avoid any unpleasant surprises when purchasing your ticket.

Coping with variations during international correspondence

International connections can complicate services for children travelling alone . For example, Brussels Airlines only provides escort service in Brussels if the connection time does not exceed 6 hours and only if the entire journey is booked on a single ticket.

KLM only accepts connecting flights for accompanied minors on its own flights , those of Air France, or Delta Air Lines. Air Transat, however, categorically refuses to provide connecting flights for minors .

Given this complexity, it is recommended to favour direct flights or to check with each airline the specific coverage of your itinerary .

Documents required for minors travelling alone

Exit permit and other forms

For any French minor leaving the country without their parents , an authorization to leave the country (AST) is required. This document must be signed by a person with parental authority and accompanied by a photocopy of a valid identity document (identity card, passport, or residence permit). The form can be downloaded from service-public.fr and must be presented at check-in. In some cases, a completed airline carrier acceptance order, in triplicate, must also be submitted at check-in.

Upon arrival, the person welcoming the child must present photo identification. The child will receive a special pouch containing all travel documents , an identification sheet with the contact information of the child's guardians, and their ticket. Please note that a family record book is not a valid form of identification and will not be accepted.

Identity documents and visas

For domestic flights , a valid identity card or passport is sufficient for minors . However, for international flights , a valid passport is required, along with a visa if the destination country requires one. Some airlines, such as Corsair and LOT Polish Airlines, specify that an identity card may require certified parental authorization (from the police or a notary) in lieu of a passport.

It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights. Check the specific requirements of your destination country, particularly for infants who must always travel with an adult. By following these guidelines, you will avoid any risk of being denied boarding at the border.

Preparing your child for air travel alone

Safety and well-being tips

To ensure your child's comfort and safety during a solo flight, prepare a kit containing essentials: a comforting cuddly toy, snacks, allergy or asthma medication, and favorite items like a stuffed animal for reassurance. Choosing a night flight is recommended to promote rest. Opt for a window seat and pack a backpack with quiet games, activity books, modeling clay, or other books to keep them entertained. Take the time to explain the flight plan, familiarize them with the specific sounds of an airplane , and consider any special needs to ensure their well-being throughout the journey.

What to do in case of delay or cancellation

In the event of a delay or cancellation, the airline will inform parents . They will provide comprehensive support, including accommodation if necessary, and will remain in contact with the designated caregivers until the journey resumes or the child returns home. For smooth operations, please ensure that emergency contact information is up to date.

Communication during travel

To track your child during the flight, use the real-time tracking feature via the airline 's app, such as Air France's. This allows you to monitor your child's progress throughout the journey . Additionally, be sure to stay in contact with the ground staff or flight crew if needed. This communication will give you peace of mind throughout the flight .

Key points: Check the minimum age requirement (usually 4-5 years old), book the UM (Unaccompanied Minor) service , and prepare the necessary documents and the travel wallet. Contact your airline now to arrange a smooth and safe trip !

FAQ

What are the minimum ages for travelling alone by plane according to airlines such as Air France or Lufthansa?

Air France: from age 4 for domestic flights and 5 for international flights (UM service is mandatory until age 11). Lufthansa: from age 5 (UM service mandatory). From age 12 , it is possible to travel alone depending on the type of flight.

What is the service for unaccompanied minors (UM) and for what ages is it mandatory?

The unaccompanied minor (UM) service provides specific support for children traveling alone, ensuring their safety and comfort. This service is mandatory for minors up to a certain age, depending on the rules of each airline.

What documents are needed for a minor travelling abroad alone, such as authorization to leave the country?

A minor travelling abroad alone must have the following documents:

• A valid identity card or passport;
• An authorization to leave the territory (AST) signed by the parent holding parental authority;
• A photocopy of the identity document of the signing parent.

A visa may also be required depending on the destination.

Are there differences between domestic and international flights regarding the minimum age for traveling alone?

Yes, there are differences:

• For domestic flights , the minimum age to travel alone is often 12 years old (for example, Air France accepts from 4 years old with UM and alone from 12 years old).
• For international flights , the minimum age is generally 15 years (or 16 years for some low-cost airlines), with the UM service mandatory from age 5.

It is important to check the specific rules of each airline.