Traveling alone can be an exciting and empowering experience, especially for young adults. But Can A Person Under 18 Travel Alone legally and safely? The answer depends on several factors, including airline policies, destination country regulations, and the child’s maturity level. This guide provides a detailed overview of unaccompanied minor policies, travel tips, and essential considerations for young travelers.
Getting Ready for Solo Travel
For children flying alone as unaccompanied minors, airlines like Delta Air Lines have specific procedures in place. If your child is preparing for a solo flight, discuss the journey with them. Emphasize the importance of speaking only to airline representatives for assistance and staying within the gate area at all times. For unaccompanied minors, special attention should be given to any unique needs. Pack entertainment items such as snacks, games, books, or other suitable activities.
A compact carry-on, such as a backpack, is ideal to minimize lost items. Pack a checked suitcase for larger belongings, which the child and accompanying adult can retrieve post-flight. Ensure the child’s carry-on bag or jacket has an attached ID card with contact information.
Booking an Unaccompanied Minor Flight
Many airlines permit children over a certain age, typically 5 or 7, to travel as unaccompanied minors, often with additional fees and restrictions.
To book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor with Delta, it’s essential to contact Reservations to confirm eligibility and ensure accurate documentation. When booking, the adult making the reservation will establish a 4-digit PIN that will be required for any modifications to the itinerary. This PIN ensures that only authorized individuals can make changes to the travel arrangements.
Required Check-In Documents
Upon arrival at the airport, visit a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent for details on drop-off and pick-up procedures for unaccompanied minor travel. Your child will receive a wristband to wear during the flight, along with a package containing boarding documents and ID. The accompanying adult must provide:
- Photo ID (license, passport, etc.)
- Address (as shown on ID)
- Contact phone number
- Name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at their destination
Boarding & Takeoff
A parent or designated adult must escort the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain there until the aircraft is airborne. The child will be assisted by a Delta or business partner employee if the minor has a connecting flight through another city. For safety, Delta suggests seating children in the aircraft’s back, near a flight attendant. For inquiries or issues, contact Delta Air Lines.
Delta Sky Zone
Delta provides Sky Zones at Atlanta, Detroit, New York (JFK & LGA), Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Seattle for children with connecting flights. Children traveling alone can relax while awaiting connections in these child-only zones, which offer complimentary phones for contacting parents/guardians and activities such as books, toys, and video games. Delta representatives will be on hand to assist your child and make them feel comfortable and safe.
Unaccompanied Minor Pick-Up
A valid ID of the person meeting the child must be presented and their signature captured. Delta will only release the child to the specified individual. A parent or accompanying adult should arrive at the destination airport two hours before the scheduled arrival to obtain a gate pass.
Important considerations regarding pick-up:
- If the designated pick-up person changes, the accompanying adult must contact Delta with the updated information.
- If someone other than the person identified at check-in arrives to pick up the child, a Delta representative will contact the original accompanying adult to verify their identity.
- Typically, the pick-up person will receive a gate pass to collect the unaccompanied minor at the gate. In some locations, they may be directed to the local Delta Baggage Service Office.
- The accompanying adult must remain at the departure gate until the flight has departed.
Other Important Considerations
- Airline Policies: Check the specific airline’s age restrictions and policies for unaccompanied minors. Some airlines may have different age requirements and fees.
- Destination Regulations: Research the laws and regulations of the destination country. Some countries may have restrictions on minors traveling alone.
- Maturity Level: Assess the child’s maturity level and ability to handle unexpected situations.
- Communication: Ensure the child has a working phone and knows how to contact you or other emergency contacts.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Ultimately, determining can a person under 18 travel alone requires careful consideration of airline policies, legal requirements, and the individual’s maturity and preparedness. By taking these factors into account, you can help ensure a safe and positive travel experience for your young traveler.
