Unaccompanied Minors Traveling by Air? Know the most important Tips for Children Flying Alone 

There can be a time when you have to let your child fly unaccompanied. We understand how worrisome it is for parents to let their children fly alone. But worry not as millions of unaccompanied children are flying every year safely by air. Of course, there are times when accidents happen. Like how United Airlines put an unaccompanied boy on a wrong flight . The boy was supposed to be on a flight to Sweden but was instead put on a flight to Germany. To avoid situations like these airssist tells you all the important things about unaccompanied children air travel and also gives you tips for children flying alone. 

How old should your child be to fly alone? 

The age group for unaccompanied children differs in different airlines. The rules and regulations are often different for the travel of unaccompanied minors at different places. Most airlines consider children between 5 to 11 years as unaccompanied minors and allow them to fly alone without a guardian. In some airlines, 5 to 17 years, and 5 to 14 years is considered for unaccompanied children category. 

But mind you there are different rules for kids flying solo too. For instance, in certain cases 5 to 7 years old unaccompanied minors can only travel in non-stop flight or direct flight. In some airlines, this rule is applicable to the age group 5 to 11 years. 

In many airlines 12 to 17 years is considered as ‘young passenger’, where special unaccompanied minor service can be used. 

AT airssist we understand how worried a parent gets when their kid is flying alone. But worry not you can book Airport Meet and Greet  service at airssist for unaccompanied children traveling by air. Your child will not only be in safe hands, but the professional greeter  will ensure that your child has an enjoyable time at the airport too. Some airports even have special Kids-only Lounge for Children Flying Solo. After all the airport formalities are completed, your child can enjoy and play in these lounges and have a memorable airport journey. 

Can kids flying solo take a connecting flight? 

The maximum connection time for your child flying alone should be four hours.  

Unaccompanied Children with Special needs 

Children with special needs cannot travel alone. Because of the special care they need, they have to be accompanied by an adult guardian. 

The Red-Eye Flights 

Some airlines do not allow the travel of unaccompanied minor in flights between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. Flights between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am are called the “red-eye” flights. 

Tips for the travel of unaccompanied children 

• Always try to purchase non-stop flights if your kid is flying alone. 
• If you’re unable to get direct flights, then make sure the at transit is not long. 
• Give your child a list of emergency contacts and a means to pay for necessities. 
• Make your child carry identification certificate with him 

Booking Meet and Greet for children with a guardian 

Children up to the age of 2 years can avail airssist Services as part of guardians’ booking at no extra cost. If your child is above 2 years but less than 12, they get a 50% discount as part of guardians’ booking.