Depending on the airline, minors under the age of 11 may require an airline guardian for their journey. This is someone who will board the child and deliver the child to the person picking him up at the airport. These services cost a set fee based on the journey and airline. If you are sending two children, you are only required to pay one fee. Even if your child is over the required age for this service, you can add it on as a security precaution.
Unaccompanied minors may not be allowed on all flights. Some airlines require that specific age groups (such as those under 11) fly only nonstop flights, while older children and teens can make connecting flights within 24 hours. Be sure to check with your airline before purchasing the ticket to be certain the airline allows the child to board alone. If the airline allows unaccompanied minors, make sure your child is on a nonstop flight if required.
By law, children traveling overseas or within the United States must have written permission from both parents or from a guardian. This note must confirm that the child has permission to travel and must include departure and return dates. Whether a child is traveling with his family or with one parent, this note is required to prevent someone from trying to flee the country with a child.
A child traveling alone should have photo identification at all times. He should carry a photo ID such as an ID card, passport or passport card. Make a packet for your child that includes contact information for his parents or guardian (phone number and address) as well as a photo of the parents or guardian. Also give the child contact information and a photo of the person picking him up at the arrival gate at his destination. Finally, supply the child with a printed itinerary complete with directions on how to find any gates for any flights taken during the journey.
