A 13-year-old can fly alone on several major airlines, as many carriers consider passengers 12 or 13 years old and above capable of traveling without mandatory unaccompanied minor services. This means they can typically book and fly on their own as an adult, paying an adult fare.
Airlines Where a 13-Year-Old Can Fly Alone
The ability for a 13-year-old to fly alone depends on the airline's specific policy regarding the minimum age for independent travel. Some airlines allow children as young as 12 to travel solo, while others set the minimum age higher.
Here's a breakdown of airlines and their minimum age requirements for a child to travel alone as an adult, paying an adult fare:
| Airline | Minimum Age to Fly Alone (as Adult) |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 13 years old |
| Air Canada | 12 years old |
| Hawaiian | 12 years old |
| Southwest | 12 years old |
| WestJet | 12 years old |
For these airlines, a 13-year-old meets or exceeds the minimum age requirement, allowing them to fly independently without the need for an unaccompanied minor program.
Airlines Where a 13-Year-Old Cannot Fly Alone
It's important to note that not all airlines permit a 13-year-old to fly independently. Some carriers have a higher minimum age requirement for solo travel, meaning a 13-year-old would either need to be accompanied by an adult or, if permitted by the airline, enrolled in their unaccompanied minor program (which usually comes with an additional fee and specific rules).
Airlines that require passengers to be older than 13 to fly alone as an adult include:
- JetBlue: Passengers must be 14 years old to fly as an adult.
- Allegiant: Passengers must be 15 years old to fly as an adult.
- American: Passengers must be 15 years old to fly as an adult.
- Delta: Passengers must be 15 years old to fly as an adult.
- Frontier: Passengers must be 15 years old to fly as an adult.
Therefore, if a 13-year-old wishes to fly alone on one of these airlines, it may not be possible, or they would be subject to the airline's unaccompanied minor policy if one exists for their age group. Always check the specific airline's current policies before booking, as rules can change.
