Major airlines often charge a fee when minors travel alone. Identification is not always needed for the minor, but the airlines reserve the right to see a birth certificate or other documentation to verify age. Adults dropping minors off at the airport gate are required to present government-issued identification.
Passport and visa requirements apply to minors and adults alike when traveling outside of the United States. A change in the law in 2008 requires both parents' or legal guardians' consent on a passport application for minors under age 16.
Three Florida youths shocked their parents in summer 2010 when a 15-year-old girl bought Southwest Airlines tickets for her and two siblings, ages 13 and 11. Southwest's policy, which is similar to other airlines, does not consider kids ages 12 and up to be unaccompanied minors. The three made it to Nashville before calling parents for help getting home.
