How do I buy an airplane ticket for a minor online?

Question

16 year old. I need answers ASAP, because I'm leaving by car tonight and would like to have a sure way to return.

Answer 1

You have to call the airline

Airlines consider "minors" to be under the age of 12. With some airlines minor fare is 75% of adult fare and some airlines charge 100% adult fare. It varies completely by airline policy.

You have to buy an adult ticket which is a little more expensive, but they will never check for proof of age at the airport or on the plane. They only ask for ID and Passport when he checks in, to varify that he is who he claims to be and that he can legally leave the country.

continental airlines

Can I purchase the ticket online?

Yes, OnePass members may book a ticket for an Unaccompanied Minor online. Please see our Unaccompanied Minor policy for details.http://www.continental.com/web/en-us/con...

Northwest Airlines

Your child will be expected to handle boarding, deplaning, and transfers to connecting gates on their own. Enrollment in Northwest Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for children ages 5 to 14. If you prefer your teenager, age 15 to 17, travel without supervision, please advise the reservation, ticket or travel agent at time of reservation and it will be noted in the reservation.

Remind your teenager never to leave the airport for any reason until they have reached their destination city. He or she should never seek help from or leave the airport with strangers.

Provide your teenager with instructions, phone contacts, and a small amount of money in the unlikely event their flight is missed, delayed, canceled or rerouted.

Most hotels will not accept young people who are not accompanied by an adult.

Remind your teenager that they can seek the assistance of any uniformed Northwest employee if they have questions, concerns or need reassurance.

http://www.nwa.com/services/onboard/mino...

Answer 2

You can buy tickets online for people over 2 years of age.  16 should be fine.  When you get to the airport, you can print them out there.