Minor traveling alone - international?

Question

My cousin in America wrote to ask if she could spend a few weeks next summer with me (in Europe). By that time, she will be 15 years old. She will be making the flight alone from Boston, Massachusetts to Vienna, Austria.

What kind of documents will she need? Will I need any documents to pick her up at the airport? Will she need an escort?

Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

Very important - if she cannot get a direct flight, she should fly early.  In the event of a delay or cancellation at one of the connections, at 15 she would have a lot of trouble getting a hotel room or other accommodations.  I would recommend a weekday flight, see below for why.  This might be more difficult going to Europe because of the time change.

I think for Austria she may also need a Visa, but I am not sure on that.  As well, as poster mentioned above, she will need a notarized letter of authorization.

She also will need to check whether her parent's medical insurance will cover her overseas and to what extent.  Additional trip insurance might be needed.

For a trip like this, I would consider booking with a real live travel agent, as they may be more aware of additional pitfalls.  Also, in the event of a problem, she (or parents) can contact the agent for assistance as well (that's why I suggest a weekday day flight if possible)

Answer 2

For most US based airlines the maximum age for travel as an "unaccompanied minor" is 13 years old.  Some will, for an added fee, provide "UM" services for minors under 18 years of age.  These services include being met at the boarding door by a flight attendant, assistance with connections if any, and the requirement that a designated adult at the destination provide photo ID and sign for the minor upon arrival.  You should have whoever purchased the tickets contact the airline to find out if they will provide these services for your 15 year old cousin and what additional fees may apply.

Answer 3

First of all, she needs a consent letter from her parents saying that they let their kid travel alone. It should also state who's she staying with, etc. an example is listed below.

She should also bring passport and some kind of ID.

She will be escorted through the airport only if they pay a fee to have an air stewardess escort her. It is not mandetory, but just check the airline's website just to see what the minimun age to travel alone is, as it varies with different airlines.

If they don't pay the fee, then she is considered an adult and no one will escort her. If they do pay the fee, you need to bring at least 2 piece of ID with you to show them that you are the person picking her up

Do some research about this topic on Yahoo answers and on websites

Enjoy and have fun!

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