By Magali Da Silva (* Updated in Nov 2025)
Talk to your child about what to expect at each stage of the trip.
If you’re feeling anxious about letting your child travel alone on a flight, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of kids – from young children visiting grandparents to teens heading to summer camps – fly solo under airline supervision. The good news: most major airlines have solid programs to make sure your little traveler is safe and comfortable from takeoff to landing.
Here’s an updated 2025 guide to help you – and your child – prepare for a stress-free solo flight experience.
- Make Arrangements with the Airline
Before booking, contact the airline directly and ask about their unaccompanied minor (UM) policies. Each carrier has its own rules, age limits, and fees.
- Age guidelines: Most U.S. airlines, including Delta, United, and American, allow children aged 5 to 14 to fly alone on direct flights (and 15–17 optionally as unaccompanied minors).
- Service fees: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 round trip for the UM service, which includes staff escorting your child through security, boarding, and to the designated adult at arrival.
- Identification: Both the person dropping off and the one picking up the child must show valid ID and be listed in advance.
Choose an airline known for its reliability and kid-friendly assistance — a small extra cost can mean greater peace of mind.
- Prepare Your Child Mentally and Emotionally
Talk through the journey step-by-step. Walk your child through what will happen – from check-in and security to boarding, takeoff, and landing.
Let them know who they can ask for help (flight attendants and gate agents), and remind them never to leave the gate or speak to strangers outside airline staff. Encourage confidence and curiosity – for many kids, this becomes a memory of independence and pride.
Try to prevent your child from becoming bored by providing activities that occupy their time.
Pack Smart: Snacks and Essentials
Airport and airline food can be limited or expensive. Pack healthy, TSA-friendly snacks that keep well, such as:
- Granola bars or trail mix
- Cheese sticks or sandwiches
- Dried fruits or apple slices
Liquids over 3 oz. won’t pass security, so give your child some cash or a debit card to buy bottled water after screening. Always pack extra snacks in case of delays.
- Entertainment Is Key
A bored child is a restless traveler. Keep your child happy and occupied with a mix of quiet, screen-free, and tech-based activities:
- Coloring books, word puzzles, or a small journal
- Music playlists, audiobooks, or downloaded shows
- A handheld game console or tablet (with headphones!)
Don’t forget to charge all devices before the flight and include a portable power bank.
- Plan the Pick-Up and Communication
Before departure, clearly arrange who will meet your child at the destination and share that person’s full contact information with the airline.
Once the plane lands, your child can text or call you. Encourage them to contact you as soon as they arrive and again once they’re safely with the designated adult. For extra reassurance, many airlines now send real-time flight updates via text or app notifications.
- Stay Calm – They’ll Be Fine
It’s natural to feel nervous watching your child board that plane alone. But remember — millions of kids travel safely each year thanks to strict airline procedures and attentive crews.
Preparation, communication, and trust make all the difference. Take a deep breath, wave goodbye, and get ready to hear their stories when they land. This isn’t just a flight – it’s your child’s first big adventure in independence.
Remember that children travel safely at all times, thanks to the care of the flight crew.
Quick Checklist Before Takeoff
- Confirm airline UM service policy and pay the fee
- Pack snacks, ID, itinerary, and contact list
- Label all bags with name and contact info
- Charge devices and pack chargers/power bank
- Review the plan and emergency contacts together
- Arrive early at the airport for check-in and escort paperwork
- Make sure the pickup adult’s ID matches airline records
Conclusion
Allowing your child to travel alone can feel like a leap of faith – but with careful preparation and clear communication, it becomes a positive milestone. Trust the process, trust your child, and let this experience empower both of you. After all, confidence and independence often start with small steps… or one solo flight.
* For airfare from the United States to Brazil or Latin America, customized travel packages, alternative accommodations, as well as travel planning consultation please visit our travel agent page or contact Magali da Silva directly by phone or whatsapp: 1(323)428-1963.
