How Old Do You Have To Be To Go On A Plane Alone?
Quick Answer
Most U.S. airlines allow children as young as 5 to fly alone using their unaccompanied minor program. Kids 15 and older can typically fly as regular passengers. Here's a complete breakdown by airline.
The Short Answer
Children as young as 5 can fly alone on most U.S. airlines, but they must be enrolled in the airline's unaccompanied minor (UM) program. Kids ages 5-14 are typically required to use the program, while teens 15-17 can usually fly as regular adult passengers. Each airline has its own specific rules, fees, and restrictions.
No airline allows children under 5 to fly without an accompanying passenger.
Unaccompanied Minor Programs: What They Are
When a child flies alone, airlines don't just hand them a boarding pass and wish them luck. The unaccompanied minor program provides supervised travel from gate to gate. Here's what's typically included:
- An airline staff member escorts the child through the airport and onto the plane
- A flight attendant monitors the child during the flight
- The child is escorted off the plane and handed directly to the designated pickup person
- The pickup person must show a valid photo ID that matches the name on the UM paperwork
- Parents or guardians must fill out paperwork listing authorized pickup contacts
It's a solid system, and airlines take it seriously. But it comes with fees and restrictions that vary by carrier.
Age Rules By Airline
American Airlines
- Ages 5-14: UM program is mandatory
- Ages 15-17: UM program is optional
- Ages 5-7: Restricted to nonstop flights only
- Ages 8-14: Can fly nonstop or connecting flights
- Fee: $150 each way (covers up to 2 children on the same flight)
Delta Air Lines
- Ages 5-14: UM program is mandatory
- Ages 15-17: UM program is optional
- Ages 5-7: Nonstop and direct flights only
- Ages 8-14: Can fly connecting itineraries on Delta-operated flights
- Fee: $150 each way for up to 4 children traveling together
United Airlines
- Ages 5-14: UM program is mandatory
- Ages 15-17: UM program is optional
- Ages 5-7: Nonstop flights only
- Ages 8-14: Nonstop or connecting United-operated flights
- Fee: $150 each way
Southwest Airlines
- Ages 5-11: UM program is mandatory
- Ages 12-17: Classified as "Young Travelers" and can fly without the UM program
- Restriction: Nonstop or same-plane (direct) flights only — no connecting flights requiring a plane change
- Fee: $100 each way per child
- Bonus: Unaccompanied minors get pre-boarding and are seated in the front of the aircraft
JetBlue
- Ages 5-13: UM program is mandatory
- Ages 14-17: Can fly as regular adult passengers
- Restriction: Nonstop flights only
- Fee: $150 each way per child
Alaska Airlines
- Ages 5-12: UM program is mandatory
- Ages 13-17: UM program is optional
- Domestic and international flights: Both available through their "Junior Jetsetters" program
- Fee: $50 each way for nonstop flights; higher for connecting itineraries
Frontier Airlines
- Ages 5-14: UM program available
- Restriction: Nonstop flights only
- Fee: $100 each way
Spirit Airlines
- Does not offer an unaccompanied minor program
- Children under 15 must travel with a passenger who is at least 15 years old
Key Restrictions to Know
Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights
This is the biggest restriction for younger kids. Most airlines only allow children ages 5-7 on nonstop flights — meaning the plane goes directly from Point A to Point B without stopping. Some airlines extend this restriction to all UM-age children (JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier).
For kids 8 and older, several airlines allow connecting flights, but only on their own operated flights. If your itinerary involves a codeshare or partner airline, the UM program usually won't apply to that leg.
International Flights
Most airlines offer UM service on international flights, but the rules can differ. Some require children to be older (typically 8+) for international travel. You may also need additional documentation like a passport for the child and, in some countries, a notarized letter of consent from both parents.
Last Flights of the Day
Many airlines won't book unaccompanied minors on the last flight of the day to a destination. If the flight gets cancelled, the airline would have to take responsibility for the child overnight — and most would rather avoid that situation.
Red-Eyes and Overnight Flights
Some airlines restrict UM bookings on overnight or red-eye flights. Check with your specific airline when booking.
How to Book an Unaccompanied Minor
You usually can't book UM travel online. Most airlines require you to call their reservation line to set up unaccompanied minor service. Here's what you'll need:
- The child's full legal name and date of birth
- Contact information for the person dropping off and picking up the child
- The pickup person's name and photo ID details
- Emergency contact information
- Any allergy or medical information
On the day of travel, the parent or guardian dropping off the child will need to go to the check-in counter, fill out the UM paperwork, and will typically receive a gate pass to escort the child through security and wait at the gate until the flight departs.
Tips for Sending Your Kid on a Solo Flight
Preparation
- Do a practice run. Walk your child through what the airport experience will be like. Show them videos of the process so they know what to expect
- Pack snacks. Especially on airlines that don't provide free food. A hungry kid is an anxious kid
- Charge their devices. Fully charged tablet or phone with downloaded content (movies, games, music) makes the flight go by quickly
- Give them a phone. Even a basic one. Being able to text or call when they land provides peace of mind for everyone
- Put ID inside their bag. A copy of their birth certificate or a school ID can help if there's any confusion
Day Of
- Arrive early. UM check-in takes longer than a standard boarding pass. Plan for an extra 30-45 minutes
- Bring your own ID. The dropping-off parent will need a government-issued photo ID
- Confirm pickup details. Double-check that the person picking up has the correct flight information and brings their photo ID
- Stay at the gate. Don't leave the airport until the flight has taken off. If there's a delay or cancellation, you need to be there
What Age Can Kids Fly Totally on Their Own?
Once your child turns 15 (12 on Southwest, 14 on JetBlue, 13 on Alaska), they can fly as a regular passenger on most airlines. No UM paperwork, no extra fees, no escort service. They just book a ticket and go, same as any adult.
There's no federal law setting a minimum age for flying — it's entirely up to each airline's policy. And once a child ages out of the mandatory UM range, the airline treats them like any other passenger.
The Bottom Line
Kids can fly alone starting at age 5 on most airlines, as long as they're enrolled in the unaccompanied minor program. Fees typically run $100-$150 each way, and younger children are usually limited to nonstop flights. The programs are well-run and safe — airlines have been doing this for decades. Just book early, arrive early, and make sure the pickup person has their ID ready at the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 5-year-old fly alone on a plane?
Yes, most U.S. airlines allow children as young as 5 to fly alone using their unaccompanied minor program. The child must be enrolled in the program, which costs $100-$150 each way. Children ages 5-7 are typically restricted to nonstop flights only.
How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost?
Most major airlines charge $150 each way for unaccompanied minor service. Southwest charges $100 each way, and Alaska Airlines charges $50 each way for nonstop flights. Some airlines cover multiple children traveling together under a single fee.
At what age can a child fly without the unaccompanied minor program?
It depends on the airline. Southwest considers children 12 and older as regular travelers. JetBlue's cutoff is 14. Most other major airlines (American, Delta, United) make the UM program optional at age 15, and at that point kids can fly as regular passengers with no extra fees or paperwork.
Does Spirit Airlines allow unaccompanied minors?
No. Spirit Airlines does not offer an unaccompanied minor program. Children under 15 must travel with a passenger who is at least 15 years old. This is an important consideration when booking budget airlines for children traveling alone.
Can an unaccompanied minor fly on a connecting flight?
It depends on the airline and the child's age. Most airlines restrict children ages 5-7 to nonstop flights only. Kids 8 and older can typically fly on connecting flights at American, Delta, and United. Southwest, JetBlue, and Frontier only allow nonstop flights for all unaccompanied minors regardless of age.
Written by Aviation Experts
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