Sending your child on a flight alone can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent. Questions swirl in your mind: Will they be safe? Who will look after them? What are the age restrictions for children flying solo? While the idea of your child navigating airports and airplanes independently might seem daunting, airlines offer services to ensure young travelers are safe and well-cared for throughout their journey. This guide, focusing on Delta Airlines, will clarify the process and address your concerns about the age at which a child can fly alone.
Understanding Unaccompanied Minor Policies
When you hear the term “unaccompanied minor,” it refers to children traveling without a parent or legal guardian. Airlines recognize the unique needs of these young passengers and have established specific policies and services to support them. These policies are not just about age limits; they are comprehensive systems designed to ensure the safety, supervision, and comfort of children from the moment they check in until they are greeted at their final destination. Airlines like Delta take this responsibility seriously, providing a structured framework for unaccompanied minor travel.
Delta Airlines’ Service for Unaccompanied Minors
While there isn’t a strict “age you can fly alone” in terms of being completely prohibited at a certain age, Delta Airlines, like many major carriers, requires children between the ages of 5 and 14 to use their unaccompanied minor service when traveling without an adult (18 years or older). For children 15-17 years old, the service is optional. It’s important to understand that even if your teenager is technically old enough to fly alone, the unaccompanied minor service can offer added peace of mind and assistance, especially for first-time solo travelers.
To book this service and ensure your child’s travel is permitted and correctly documented, you must contact Delta Reservations at 800-325-8847. During the booking process, the adult making the reservation will set up a 4-digit PIN. This PIN is crucial as it will be required for any itinerary changes, adding an extra layer of security.
Preparing Your Child for Solo Travel
Preparation is key to a smooth and positive experience for your child flying alone. Start by talking to your child about their journey. Explain what to expect at the airport, during the flight, and upon arrival. Emphasize that they should only speak to Delta Air Lines representatives if they need help and should remain in the gate area at all times. If your child has any special needs or anxieties, be sure to notify Delta in advance.
When it comes to packing, involve your child in the process. Pack items to keep them entertained during the flight, such as snacks, games, books, or other entertainment. A small carry-on backpack is ideal for these essentials, ensuring nothing gets left behind. For larger items, a checked suitcase can be picked up at their destination by the designated adult. Crucially, attach an ID card with contact information to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket – this helps with identification and in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Airport Procedures for Unaccompanied Minors
At the airport, head to the Delta Airport Customer Service desk. Here, you will receive specific instructions regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures for unaccompanied minors. Your child will be given a wristband to wear throughout their flight, visually identifying them as an unaccompanied minor to Delta staff. You will also create a package of boarding documents and identification for your child to carry.
During check-in, the accompanying adult (that’s you or another designated adult over 18) must provide:
- Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Address (as shown on the ID)
- Contact phone number
- The name, address, and phone number of the adult who will be meeting your child at their destination.
You, as the parent or designated adult, will need to escort your child to the departure gate and remain there until the flight is airborne. If your child has a connecting flight, reassure them that Delta or their partner airline employees will assist them in navigating to their next gate. Delta often recommends seating children in the rear of the aircraft to ensure they are close to flight attendants for added support and safety. Should any questions or concerns arise, Delta Air Lines can be contacted at 800-325-8847 (for U.S./Canada/Guam/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands) or through their website for numbers in other locations.
For children with connecting flights through major Delta hubs like Atlanta, Detroit, New York (JFK & LGA), Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, or Seattle, Delta Sky Zones are available. These supervised, children-only areas offer a safe and fun place for kids to wait for their connecting flights. Equipped with complimentary phones to call parents, books, toys, and video games, and staffed by Delta representatives, Sky Zones ensure your child feels secure and comfortable during layovers.
Picking Up Your Child at the Destination
The designated adult meeting your child at their destination must be prepared to present a valid photo ID and sign for your child’s release. Delta will only release your child to the person named during the check-in process. It is recommended that the pickup person arrives at the destination airport two hours before the scheduled arrival time to obtain a gate pass.
It’s crucial to remember:
- If the pickup person changes, you MUST call Delta at 800-325-8847 to update the information.
- If someone other than the named person attempts to pick up your child, Delta will contact the original accompanying adult for verification.
- In most cases, the pickup person will receive a gate pass to meet the child at the arrival gate. However, some airports may require pickup at the Delta Baggage Service Office.
- Just as you remained at the departure gate until takeoff, the pickup person should be prepared to wait at the arrival gate.
Conclusion
While the question “What Is The Age You Can Fly Alone?” doesn’t have a simple numerical answer, understanding airline policies like Delta’s unaccompanied minor service is crucial for planning safe and stress-free travel for your child. By utilizing these services and carefully preparing your child for their journey, you can ensure they have a positive and secure experience flying solo. Open communication with the airline and meticulous planning are your best tools in making unaccompanied minor travel a success.
