Ready to Send Your Kid Off on a Solo Flight? Here's the Lowdown!
Frequently Asked Question: Can my kid fly alone to visit Grandma in Dallas?
Preparing Your Child for Independent Travel? Check Out Heather Greenwood Davis's Expert Advice, Illustrated by Blaise Hayward (Courtesy of Getty Images)
The Scoop: Although airline policies for unaccompanied minors differ, the vast majority of airlines permit children aged between 5 and 14 to travel solo on domestic direct flights.
Know Before You Go:
- Airport Research: Utilize sites like SeatGuru.com to explore airline policies regarding minors. You might shell out an additional fee ranging from $100 to $150 beyond the airfare.
- Navigating Anxiety: If your child is a flying newbie, preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with airport procedures at both departure and arrival so they know what to expect.
- Essential Carry-Ons: Encourage your kid to bring a phone and emergency contact information, along with some snacks to hold them off until they touch down.
- Finding the Right Airline: Spirits Airlines allows children aged 5-14 to fly alone on direct domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travelers aged 15 and up can also opt for this service if needed. Delta Air Lines requires children aged 5-7 to be on non-stop flights only, while kids aged 8-14 can also travel unaccompanied on non-stop flights. Keep in mind that both airlines typically charge a fee for this service ($100 for Spirit and $150 for Delta, although costs may vary).
- ID and Contact Info: Airlines often require parents to provide identification and contact information for the individual meeting the child upon arrival.
- Restrictions: Unaccompanied minors may not be permitted on certain flights like red-eye flights depending on the airline's policies.
Travel Tips:
- TSA PreCheck: If your child has TSA PreCheck, they must be enrolled in it.
- Identification: Remember to bring identification documents when traveling.
Heather Greenwood Davis, renowned family travel columnist and advocate for our website Traveler magazine, offers valuable insights into navigating the world with kids. You can follow Heather's journey on Twitter @GreenwoodDavis.
Looking for more family travel inspiration from Heather? Check out her must-read articles:
- Viva the Family Road Trip
- How to Raise a Museum-Loving Kid
- Raising the Bar on Family Adventure
Want to ask Heather your own burning travel-related question? Comment below for a chance to be featured in Traveler magazine! And, of course, don't forget to search trips on our website for your family's next adventure. Safe travels, everyone!
- With adequate preparation and understanding of airline policies, a family adventure can be planned, allowing the child to travel solo to meet Grandma in Dallas on a family-oriented expedition.
- As relationships between family members evolve over the course of a travel lifestyle, engaging in activities together such as museum visits and road trips might foster stronger family dynamics.
- By embarking on an adventure together, families can create lasting memories and enhance their relationships, further enriching their lifestyle and cultivating a passion for travel.
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