Yes — airlines carry unaccompanied minors, usually from age 5, through a paid escort program with an extra fee each way. The child is checked in by one named adult and handed to another named adult at the destination. Age rules, fees and whether connections are allowed vary a lot by airline.
Unaccompanied minor (UM) programs let children fly without a parent, with staff supervision.
How it works:
- Available from around age 5 on most airlines; often mandatory (you must pay for it) up to about age 12, and optional for older teens.
- A named adult drops the child at check-in and stays until the flight departs; another named adult, with ID matching the booking, collects them at the other end.
- A fee applies each way, on top of the fare — often US$100–150.
The catches:
- Many airlines won’t allow UMs on connecting flights, or only on their own connections, and some ban the last flight of the day in case of cancellation.
- International UM travel needs the child’s passport, any visa, and often a notarized consent letter.
- Book by phone or a special form, not always online.
Confirm the specific airline’s age bands, fees and connection rules before booking — they differ widely.
Related questions
Do children and babies need a passport to fly?
For international air travel, yes — every traveler including newborns needs their own passport. For US domestic flights, children under 18 don't need ID when flying with an adult, though the adult does. Children's passports are valid for fewer years than adults'. Full answer →
How do I fly with a baby or toddler?
Under-2s can fly on your lap (often free domestically, ~10% of the fare internationally) or in their own seat with a car seat. Request a bassinet on long-haul, board early, feed during takeoff and landing for ear pressure, and pack twice the nappies you think you need in the cabin. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.