How old do you have to be to fly by yourself?

Question

I'm planning to take my nephew to China over the summer, and we have relatives over there, and because of my job, I can only be over there for 2 weeks, and he wants to stay for about 2 months.

He is 15 yr old,

So I want to ask can he fly over sea by himself ?

And I would like to know what does he need if he is able to come back by himself？

Answer 1

Absolutely he can.  My daughter flew by herself when she was 10.  

Each airline handles this differently (it's called "unaccompanied minors") but essentially when my daughter did it, I paid a fee, and the airline made sure she made her connection OK (she had a connection in Newark.)

You can get special permission to take him to the gate, despite the security, and he must wear special identification, and there must be a designated person to pick him up at his destination (who, I believe can also come through security).  

Note that I did not do international travel with my daughter - there are special requirements, like parental permission involved there.

Your best bet is to call the airline he will fly on.  But it should not be a problem at this age.

Answer 2

Some airlines allow as low as 5, or perhaps even less. So 15 is absolutely no problem.

Answer 3

Most airlines allow children over 12 to fly independently, but also call your airline to ask for sure.  You will also need a  letter of permission to take your nephew out of the U.S., signed by both parents and notarized. He will need to carry a letter of permission signed by both parents and notarized to travel alone.

Answer 4

i thought it was 15 16 years old, best thing is to check with the airline before you fly out to china.

Answer 5

Different ages for different airlines.  You have to call them up or check their website.  There is no problem with a 15 year old but you'll need to make sure the airline ground staff and flight attendants are fully aware of his presence at check in, on board and during any transit connections.  Go over with your nephew a series of contingency plans if the plane is delayed or diverted.

Answer 6

it will depend on where you are going eg oz