age to travel by yourself

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly Alone?

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Parents typically want to travel with their children, but that isn't always possible. Your children may have to travel by themselves for a variety of reasons.

So, that leads parents to ask, "Can minors fly alone?" And, "How old do you have to be?"

The answer depends on the airline and the type of flight you want to purchase. Learn about the rules for each airline, how much they charge and what restrictions govern unaccompanied minor flights.

Why do children fly by themselves?

Here are a few of the reasons why your child may need to fly alone.

Financial . Plane tickets can be expensive, and some families may not be able to afford enough tickets for parents and children.

Divorced parents

Time off work . Parents may have difficulty getting time off work to travel with their children. Whether the child is off to camp, going to see family or other reasons, they may need to travel alone.

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Which airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly?

Flying as an unaccompanied minor is available on major carriers Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United Airlines.

At what age can you fly alone?

The minimum age to travel alone varies among airlines. While there are no specific federal laws on how old a child must be to fly alone, no major U.S. airline allows children under the age of 5 to fly by themselves.

Unaccompanied minors may also travel internationally if they have a passport and meet the airline's requirements.

Depending on which airline your child is flying and their age, the airline may require them to fly nonstop or on a direct flight that doesn't require a plane change. As they get older, some airlines allow them to take connecting flights.

Once a child turns 15, most airlines allow them to fly alone without unaccompanied minor rules and fees. Some airlines allow children as young as 12 to travel without these procedures.

Child travel policies by airline

The travel policies for unaccompanied minors vary significantly by airline. Depending on your child's age and circumstances, your child may not be able to fly on your preferred airline.

» Learn more: How to navigate the airport

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines' Junior Jetsetters program is an unaccompanied minor service for young fliers aged 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights. It costs $150 each way per flight.

The service is optional for young adults ages 13 through 17 years old.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 traveling alone. Children ages 2 to 14 can travel as unaccompanied minors with someone who is 16 years and older.

The American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way (plus taxes) and must be booked over the phone. The fee also covers additional siblings on the same flight. It includes early boarding, kids-only lounges in hub cities, an airport escort and more.

There are different levels of restrictions based on your child's age:

0 to 4 years: Cannot travel alone.

5 to 7 years : Nonstop flights only.

8 to 14 years : Nonstop flights and connecting flights through select hub cities.

15 to 17 years : Unaccompanied minor service is optional.

You cannot use this service on code-share or partner-operated flights, the last flight of the day or overnight connecting flights.

Delta Air Lines

For a Delta unaccompanied minor fee of $150 each way, up to four children ages 5 to 14 can travel together as unaccompanied minors. Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 can also use this service, but it is not required. With this service, Delta provides an employee escort and special amenities for children during their trip.

At select airports, children also have access to the Delta Sky Zone. This kids-only lounge featuring video games and snacks is a secure area for children to relax between flights.

Unaccompanied minors receive a bar-coded wristband that tracks their journey. Parents are allowed to accompany their children through airport security to the gate area until their departure.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines eliminated unaccompanied minor travel for children under the age of 15 in 2018. All children under 15 must travel with an accompanying adult to fly with Frontier Airlines.

Children ages 15 and older are treated as adults when flying Frontier. They do not receive special accommodations or airline escorts like those available with other airlines.

JetBlue Airways

Travelers between the ages of 5 and 13 are considered unaccompanied minors with JetBlue. Under the JetBlue unaccompanied minor rules, they can take only nonstop flights.

Additionally, there can be a maximum of three unaccompanied minors on each flight. So, you may not be able to pick certain flights if there are already too many unaccompanied minors on that flight. There is a fee of $150 each way for each child for this service.

Once children reach their 14th birthday, JetBlue allows them to travel alone without restrictions.

Southwest Airlines

Children ages 5 to 11 are required to book an unaccompanied minor ticket on Southwest. Parents can book these tickets online, over the phone or at the airport ticket counter.

The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is $100 each way per child and due at booking. These fees are refundable if the minor does not travel or if they're later joined by an accompanying passenger age 12 or older.

Parents can get a gate pass from the Southwest ticket counter to bring their children through security and deliver them to their departure gate. At the gate, the child receives an unaccompanied minor lanyard that holds their paperwork and must be worn throughout the duration of their flight.

Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on connecting flights. They must fly nonstop or on a flight that does not require a change of planes. These travelers also cannot travel on flights that require an overnight connection.

Passengers 12 and older are able to travel as "Young Travelers" on Southwest. While Southwest allows these younger passengers to travel alone, parents should consider whether their child is capable of navigating the airport by themselves, dealing with flight disruptions and other scenarios they may face.

Spirit Airlines

The Spirit unaccompanied minor fee is $150 and its policy is as follows:

4 Years and Younger Children must travel with another guest at least 15 years of age.

5-14 Years children can fly on direct flights only and require booking the unaccompanied minor service.

15 Years and older guests are not required to have Unaccompanied Minor service, but it is an option.

Young fliers are offered a snack and drink as part of the service.

United Airlines

On United Airlines, unaccompanied minor service is required for children ages 5 to 14 and is optional for passengers ages 15 to 17. These tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or at the airport.

At the airport, you'll check your child in at the airport ticket counter, where they'll receive a special wristband and envelope for their travel documents. Parents can get a gate pass at U.S. airports to walk their children to the gate.

To use the unaccompanied minor service, children must be booked on a nonstop United or United Express flight. The fee is $150 each way for up to two kids, $300 for up to four kids and $450 for up to six kids.

Comparison of unaccompanied minor fees by airline

This chart summarizes the ages and fees for unaccompanied minor travelers.

The bottom line

Even if you cannot travel with your child, it is still possible for them to travel alone. If you're considering allowing your child to travel without you, you may wonder, "How old do you have to be to fly alone?"

While no major U.S. airline allows children under the age of 5 to travel solo, the rules and fees vary considerably for children ages 5 to 17. In some cases, children as young as 12 years can fly without any restrictions.

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Best Age to Travel Alone: Tips and Recommendations

Traveling alone can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but choosing the right age to do so can be a difficult decision. While some may argue that there is no "perfect" age to travel alone, there are certainly factors to consider when deciding whether or not it's the right time for you.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of traveling alone as an adult, considerations for traveling alone, traveling alone as a minor, and tips for making the most of your solo travel experience.

For some, traveling alone can be a liberating experience that allows for complete freedom and independence. As an adult, you have the ability to make your own decisions and create your own itinerary without having to compromise with others. Additionally, traveling alone can help you gain confidence and self-reliance, as you'll be forced to navigate new environments and situations on your own.

However, there are also important considerations to keep in mind when traveling alone, such as safety concerns and potential loneliness. It's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of solo travel and make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and circumstances. Whether you're an adult or a minor, there are steps you can take to prepare for your solo journey and stay safe while on the road.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the best age to travel alone depends on personal preferences and circumstances.
• Traveling alone as an adult can be liberating and help build confidence.
• It's important to consider safety concerns and take steps to prepare for your solo journey.

The Benefits of Traveling Alone as an Adult

Traveling alone as an adult can be a life-changing experience that offers many benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider embarking on a solo adventure.

Increased Independence and Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of traveling alone as an adult is the increased independence and confidence that comes with it. When you're on your own, you have to make all the decisions, from where to go and what to see, to where to eat and where to stay. This can be intimidating at first, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn how to rely on yourself and trust your instincts.

As you navigate new places and cultures, you'll develop a sense of self-reliance that will serve you well in all areas of your life. You'll also gain confidence in your ability to handle unexpected situations, which can be incredibly empowering.

Opportunities for Adventure and Self-Discovery

Traveling alone as an adult also opens up a world of opportunities for adventure and self-discovery. Without the constraints of a travel companion's schedule or preferences, you're free to explore at your own pace and pursue your own interests.

Whether you want to hike a mountain, try new foods, or learn a new language, solo travel gives you the time and space to do so. It also allows you to connect with locals and other travelers in a way that might not be possible when you're with a group.

As you venture out of your comfort zone and try new things, you may discover aspects of yourself that you never knew existed. This can be a transformative experience that helps you grow as a person.

In conclusion, traveling alone as an adult can be a rewarding and enriching experience that offers many benefits. From increased independence and confidence to opportunities for adventure and self-discovery, solo travel can help you grow and learn in ways that you never thought possible. So why not take the leap and embark on your own solo adventure?

Considerations for Traveling Alone

Traveling alone can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to take some extra precautions to ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when traveling alone:

Safety Tips

When traveling alone, safety should be your top priority. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Research your destination before you go. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, laws, and culture.
• Let someone know your itinerary. Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member, and keep them updated throughout your trip.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
• Keep your valuables secure. Use a money belt or a secure bag to carry your passport, money, and other important documents.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.

Packing Essentials

When traveling alone, it's important to pack smart. Here are some essentials to consider:

• A portable charger. Keep your phone charged and ready to use in case of emergencies.
• A first aid kit. Pack a small first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any medications you may need.
• Comfortable shoes. You'll likely be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes.
• Travel insurance. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected events such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies.

By following these safety tips and packing essentials, you can help ensure that your solo trip is a success. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and have fun exploring the world on your own terms.

Traveling Alone as a Minor

If you're a parent considering letting your child travel alone, you may be wondering what the best age is for them to do so. While the answer may vary depending on the child and the airline, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

Accompanied Minors

For children under a certain age, airlines require that they travel with an adult. This is known as an accompanied minor. The age at which this requirement kicks in varies by airline, but it is typically around 5-7 years old. Some airlines may also require an adult to accompany a child with special needs or medical conditions.

If you're traveling with an accompanied minor, you'll need to make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as birth certificates and passports. You may also need to pay an additional fee for the child's ticket.

Unaccompanied Minors

For older children who are ready to travel alone, airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service. This service is typically available for children between the ages of 5-14, although the exact age range may vary by airline. Some airlines may also offer the service for children up to age 17.

When you book an unaccompanied minor service, the airline will provide a designated staff member to escort your child through the airport and onto the plane. They will also supervise your child during the flight and ensure they are safely handed off to the designated adult at their destination.

It's important to note that there may be additional fees for the unaccompanied minor service, and you'll need to provide the airline with all the necessary documentation, such as birth certificates and passports.

Overall, the best age for a child to travel alone will depend on a variety of factors, including the child's maturity level and the airline's policies. If you're considering letting your child travel alone, be sure to do your research and choose an airline with a good reputation for safety and customer service.

Choosing the Best Age to Travel Alone

When it comes to travelling alone, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best age to travel alone. The decision ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including maturity level, destination, and travel experience. In this section, we will explore some of the key factors to consider when choosing the best age to travel alone, as well as some recommended ages based on these factors.

Factors to Consider

Before deciding on the best age to travel alone, it is important to consider a few key factors:

Maturity Level: The ability to make responsible decisions, handle unexpected situations, and navigate new environments are all important factors to consider when determining if someone is ready to travel alone.

Destination: Some destinations may be more suitable for solo travel than others. For example, a well-traveled city with a good public transportation system may be a better option for a first-time solo traveler than a remote wilderness area.

Travel Experience: Previous travel experience, even if it is just a few family vacations, can help prepare someone for the challenges of solo travel.

Recommended Ages

Based on the factors above, here are some recommended ages for solo travel:

Ages 12-14: This is generally the youngest age at which airlines will allow unaccompanied minors to travel alone. However, it is important to consider the maturity level of the child and the destination before allowing them to travel alone.

Ages 15-17: Many teens in this age range may be ready to handle the challenges of solo travel, especially if they have previous travel experience and are traveling to a relatively safe destination.

Ages 18-21: For many young adults, this is an ideal age range to begin solo travel. At this age, most people have completed high school and may be taking a gap year before college or starting their careers.

Ages 22 and up: There is no upper age limit for solo travel, and many people continue to enjoy traveling alone well into their golden years.

Ultimately, the decision of when to travel alone is a personal one that depends on a variety of factors. By considering these factors and choosing an appropriate age, solo travel can be a rewarding and life-changing experience.

Preparing for Your Solo Journey

Traveling alone can be an exciting and liberating experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your solo journey.

Making Reservations

When making reservations, it's important to do your research and choose reputable airlines and hotels. Look for reviews from other solo travelers to get an idea of what to expect. Consider booking a single room to maximize your privacy and comfort.

Check-in and Boarding

When checking in for your flight, be sure to arrive early and have all your documents ready. If you're nervous about flying alone, ask the airline staff for assistance. They are usually happy to help solo travelers. During boarding, try to get a seat near the front of the plane for easy access to the restroom and to avoid getting stuck in the middle of a crowded row.

Carry-on and Luggage

When packing for your solo trip, consider bringing a carry-on backpack instead of a larger suitcase. This will make it easier to navigate airports and public transportation. Be sure to pack light and only bring what you need. Check with your airline for their carry-on size restrictions.

Connecting Flights

If you have connecting flights, make sure you have enough time between flights to make your connection. Consider booking a longer layover to give yourself time to explore the airport or grab a bite to eat. Be sure to keep important documents and valuables in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free solo journey. Remember to stay safe, be aware of your surroundings, and have fun!

Staying Safe and Connected While Traveling Alone

Traveling alone can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to stay safe and connected while on the road. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and connected while traveling alone.

CDC Guidelines

Before you travel, it's important to check the CDC guidelines for your destination. This will help you understand any health risks and what precautions you should take. It's also a good idea to bring any necessary medications and a first aid kit.

Phrases to Know

If you're traveling to a country where you don't speak the language, it's a good idea to learn some basic phrases. This can help you communicate with locals and navigate your way around. Some useful phrases to know include "hello," "thank you," "excuse me," and "where is the bathroom?"

Avoiding Loneliness

Traveling alone can be lonely at times, but there are ways to avoid feeling isolated. Consider staying in hostels or attending group tours or activities. This can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Sharing Your Contact Information

It's important to share your contact information with someone you trust before you leave. This can include your itinerary, photo ID, address, and phone number. You should also check in with them regularly to let them know you're safe.

By following these tips, you can stay safe and connected while traveling alone. Remember to always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience.

Making the Most of Your Solo Travel Experience

Traveling alone can be an enriching and fulfilling experience. However, it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to finding ways to entertain yourself during downtime or making new friends. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your solo travel experience.

Group Trips and Hostels

One way to make friends and have fun while traveling alone is to join a group trip or stay at a hostel. Group trips offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded people who share your interests, while hostels provide a more social atmosphere than hotels. Many hostels organize group activities, such as pub crawls or city tours, which are a great way to explore new places and meet new people.

Entertainment and Snacks

When traveling alone, it's important to have some entertainment options at hand. Bring a book or download some movies or TV shows to your phone or tablet. You can also bring a deck of cards or a board game to play with other travelers you meet along the way. Snacks are also important to have on hand, especially if you're on a budget. Stock up on some healthy snacks, such as nuts or dried fruit, to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Games and Books

Games and books are great ways to pass the time while traveling alone. Bring a puzzle book or a crossword to keep your mind active during downtime. If you're more into fiction, bring a novel or two to read on your journey. You can also join a book club at a local hostel or coffee shop to discuss your favorite books with other travelers.

In conclusion, traveling alone can be a rewarding and exciting experience. By joining group trips or staying at hostels, bringing entertainment and snacks, and packing games and books, you can make the most of your solo travel experience and have a great time exploring new places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal age for solo travel.

There is no set age for solo travel as it depends on the individual's maturity level and experience. However, most people recommend starting solo travel in their early twenties.

When is it safe to travel alone?

Safety is a top priority when traveling alone. It is recommended to wait until you are at least 18 years old to travel alone domestically. For international travel, it is best to wait until you are at least 21 years old.

How old should you be to travel solo?

The minimum age to travel solo varies by country and airline. Most airlines allow children as young as 12 to travel alone, while others require children to be at least 16 years old to fly alone. It is important to check with the airline for their specific policies.

What age is best for international travel?

International travel can be a great experience at any age, but it is recommended to wait until you are at least 21 years old. This allows for more independence and maturity when navigating unfamiliar cultures and customs.

Can you travel alone at 18?

Yes, you can travel alone at 18 domestically. However, some countries and airlines may require you to be at least 21 years old to travel alone internationally.

Is it okay to travel alone at 20?

Yes, it is okay to travel alone at 20. At this age, you have likely gained some independence and maturity, which can make solo travel a rewarding experience. However, it is important to research and plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

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Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies for U.S. Airlines [2023]

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Unaccompanied Minor Basics

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Sending your child on a flight alone can be an exciting (and nerve-wracking) experience.

Whether they’ve been flying with you since babyhood or are just getting their travel legs now, you and your child need to be prepared for travel as an unaccompanied minor.

In the U.S., airlines have a wide array of rules and costs when it comes to young flyers traveling alone. Let’s look at each airline’s policy for exactly what you need to know before your big kid takes to the skies on their own.

For countless reasons, you may find that sending your child on a flight alone makes sense for you and your family.

Whether they are going to meet up with their other parent, grandparents, friends, family, school, or summer camp, being prepared will help ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Although rules vary by airline, in most cases, an unaccompanied minor can be a child between the ages of 5 and 14. You can expect to pay up to $150 for an unaccompanied service from the airline to help with the travel logistics. 

Below is a chart to take a quick view of policies, followed by a more in-depth breakdown of each airline.

Unaccompanied Minor Policies

*Prices shown are for one-way flights and are in addition to the price of the ticket

Alaska Airlines has Junior Jetsetters, an unaccompanied minor service for kids 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights.

When flying with Alaska, Junior Jetsetters receive a lanyard and a wristband so staff and crew can easily identify them. Kids will receive early boarding and a special safety briefing to make sure they are familiar with the emergency protocols.

Your child will be supervised for their entire journey for $50 on nonstop flights. Kids ages 8 to 17 can fly a more complex itinerary with connections for $75. 

Junior Jetsetters who have attained MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, or Gold 100K Mileage Plan status have these fees waived.

Parents or guardians can escort the child all the way to the gate as long as they have obtained an escort pass at the ticket counter.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Alaska Airlines, call 800-252-7522.

Hot Tip: Some Alaska Airlines routes may not allow unaccompanied minors, including for seasonal severe weather.

Allegiant Air does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline considers anyone 15 and older an adult. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

American Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens ages 15 to 17. The cost is $150, which covers the cost of siblings, as well. 

The AA unaccompanied minor service includes early boarding to get comfortable and meet the flight attendants, kids-only lounge access (in select cities), Kids’ Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 to 10 in hub cities), and an escort for connecting and arriving flights.

If your child has a connecting flight, they will have access to an unaccompanied minor lounge in the following airports:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York (JFK and LGA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Rules vary by age and destination for international flights and can be found on AA.com .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines,  call 800-433-7300.

Breeze Airways does not provide an unaccompanied minor service. The airline allows children 13 and older to fly by themselves without an accompanying adult on all nonstop flights. On multiple-segment flights (including BreezeThrus and connecting flights), an adult must accompany any guest younger than 18.

Children ages 13 to 17 must provide government documentation stating their age.

Delta has an unaccompanied minor program for domestic and international travel for kids ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens from 15 to 17. The service costs $150 each way for up to 4 children. 

Only children 8 and older can travel on itineraries with connections. Younger children must be booked on nonstop flights.

Minors traveling with the unaccompanied minor program receive a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a personal escort throughout their travel day.

Sky Zones are children-only areas where children who are flying alone can use the complimentary phones to call their parents, wait for connections, play with toys and video games, and have the support of Delta representatives.

Delta Sky Zones are available in the following airports:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Detroit (DTW)
• Memphis (MEM)
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP)
• New York (JFK)
• Salt Lake City (SLC)
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

After check-in, a parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has taken off. The person meeting the child at the other airport must be registered and provide an ID and signature.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Delta Air Lines, you must call 800-325-8847.

Frontier Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline allows anyone 15 and older to fly by themselves. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

Hawaiian Airlines offers Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance, but the requirements vary based on age and final destination. The service costs $35 per flight segment on flights between the Hawaiian islands and $100 per flight segment on flights between Hawaii and continental North America for up to 2 children from the same family. 

Children ages 5 to 11 are considered unaccompanied minors and must pay for the Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance. The service is optional for kids 12 to 17. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights.

A child aged 5 to 11 can travel with a passenger 15 or older without Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance.

At drop-off, the parent or responsible adult must submit a completed Request For Unaccompanied Minor form and inform the airline who will be picking up the child at the arrival airport. Pickup locations vary by airport and can be found on the Hawaiian Airlines website .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Hawaiian Airlines, call 800-367-5320.

JetBlue allows for unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 14 years old to travel on their own. Tickets can be booked online and carry a fee of $150 per person each way.

There is a limit of 3 unaccompanied minors per flight, and they cannot occupy Mint or Even More Space seats. Seats A, B, and C in the plane’s last row are reserved for unaccompanied minors so that the crew can easily assist if needed.

Only nonstop flights can be booked for unaccompanied minors , with some international flights included. Service for the U.K. and Europe is not available at the moment. Unaccompanied minors, even on Blue Basic Fares, can bring a carry-on at no extra charge.

A photo ID and 3 copies of a completed Unaccompanied Minor Form are required at drop-off. Gate passes may be available at the discretion of the TSA.

At pick-up, the guardian listed on the Unaccompanied Minor Form must be at least 18 years old and present an ID.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue, go to jetblue.com or call 800-538-2583.

Southwest allows Unaccompanied Minors ages 5 to 11 to travel independently on domestic flights. There is a $100 fee each way. 

Children 12 and over can use the Young Travelers service for no fee.

Parents cannot accompany their child all the way to the gate.

Unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop or direct flights in the U.S., and parents or guardians must provide proper identification during drop-off and pickup.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, you can go to southwest.com , book at the ticket counter, or call 800-435-9792

Spirit Airlines allows unaccompanied minors ages 5 to 14 on select flights for a fee of $150 each way. 

Flights must be domestic, nonstop flights. Unaccompanied minors receive a lanyard with their information on it and a snack, and drinks during their travels.

The drop-off parent or guardian must provide a valid ID and escort the child all the way to the gate (with a gate pass) and wait for 15 minutes after the flight takes off. The child will be preboarded and introduced to the flight crew.

The pick-up parent or guardian should request a gate pass at the ticket counter with a valid ID and be waiting at the arrival gate so that the flight attendant can release the child to the adult listed on their Unaccompanied Minor form.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Spirit Airlines, you can go to spirit.com or call 855-728-3555.

Sun Country does not have an unaccompanied minor service and, therefore, doesn’t allow children under 14 to travel alone.

On domestic flights, kids ages 15 to 17 can accompany 1 child between the ages of 5 to 14. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

United Airlines has an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. There is a fee of $150 each way for every 2 children using the service. 

Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as they are nonstop on United or United Express. Teens ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight or opt into the unaccompanied minor service.

The young flyers receive a wristband, special bag tags, and an envelope with their unaccompanied minor forms. They also receive early boarding to get settled and a free snack after takeoff.

The drop-off parent or guardian can accompany the child to the gate if the airport allows it.

The pick-up parent or guardian can wait by the arrival gate if gate passes are available. A United representative will meet the child at the plane and bring them to the designated pick-up person.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines, use united.com or call 800-864-8331.

Tips for Unaccompanied Minor Flights

You’ve made the decision to send your little one on their first big adventure by themselves and confirmed that the airline will assist them, but there are still some things you can do to help set them up for a successful journey.

Here are tips from fellow parents and directly from the airlines to help your child fly as an unaccompanied minor.

You are likely nervous. Your child probably is, too. Making sure that they are emotionally and mentally prepared will be extremely important.

Going over exactly what the trip will entail, what is expected of them, who they can rely on, and what to do in an emergency can be calming and helpful.

Remind them that the flight crew is there to help them and that someone will be waiting for them at the other end of the flight.

For kids, nothing is worse than their favorite piece of technology running out of battery.

Let them indulge in screen time and ensure their phones, tablets, and other devices are all charged up for the trip. And don’t forget the chargers!

This will also ensure they can stay in touch with you if needed.

Apple AirTags have exploded in popularity to keep track of checked luggage.

Well, there is no more precious cargo than your child. Toss an AirTag in their backpack (Apple sells a  single AirTag for $29 , or a pack of  4 AirTags for $99 ), or, better yet, use an AirTag bracelet .

With an AirTag, you can see almost exactly where they are, which can be handy during pick-up.

Yes, there will be cell phones and proper documentation from the airline, but you never know.

It can’t hurt to have a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers on a piece of paper, if needed.

We all function better when we aren’t hungry, right?

Even though some unaccompanied minor services offer snacks, it’s a good idea to make sure your kid is well-fed before their flight and has a bag full of snacks to munch on during their journey.

You’ve packed snacks, and the airline will likely provide some as well, but it’s a good idea to give your kid some spending money just in case of a long delay.

Whether they’re waiting to board or on the plane for longer than planned, having a little cash or a credit card can come in handy if they need to buy something.

This goes for all travelers, but the less you board with, the less likely it will get left behind.

A backpack is probably the easiest for smaller travelers, so they don’t have to deal with reaching into overhead bins.

Being able to track the flight will help calm a parent or guardian’s nerves and keep the person picking up the unaccompanied minor informed if there are any delays.

Whether using the airline’s app or a third-party app such as FlightAware , a little bit of technology in your pocket is nice.

Sending your little one on a flight by themselves is a huge moment filled with a plethora of feelings with everything from excitement to fear. But with the right preparation, your unaccompanied minor could make their first successful trip of many to come.

Many airlines will make sure that your child has a safe and enjoyable flight, and if they are flying Alaska Airlines and have elite status, they won’t even charge you!

Many factors go into whether or not you and your family are comfortable enough with this type of travel. Hopefully, the information you found here will help with your decision.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i board the aircraft with my child.

No, but in some cases, the parent or guardian can get a gate pass and stay with the child until they have boarded at the gate.

Can unaccompanied minors travel internationally?

Depending on the airline and destination, yes. You will need to check directly with your carrier.

How much does it cost for my child to fly alone?

Prices vary depending on the airline and itinerary, often around $50 to $150 each way. This is in addition to the cost of the ticket.

Can my 13-year-old fly alone?

On many U.S. airlines, yes. You will likely need to pay an unaccompanied minor fee, as well.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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How Old Do You Have to Be To Fly Alone? Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policies and Fees in the US

Children flying alone is nothing out of the ordinary. However, for that parent sending their child off on their first solo flight, the experience can be anything but comfortable. In addition to the anxiety over your child traveling alone, you might also feel a fair amount of anxiety over the entire process. After all, flying as an adult is complicated. And now you want your child to do it? On their own? No help whatsoever? 

It’s enough to make any parent hesitate. Again, though, children fly solo all the time, so it is an experience that your child (and you) can get through, safely and happily. To help along the way, we’re answering all your most important questions. 

How young is too young to send a child on a flight on their own? What should your child (and you) expect? Do certain airlines have differing rules for children flying solo? Will you need to pay extra for your child to get a little bit of extra care from the flight crew? 

Keep reading to learn all this and more.

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Table of Contents

What Age Do Children Have to Be to Fly Alone?

There is no across-the-board legal age requirement for children to fly unaccompanied. However, major airlines have set the standard for what is and isn’t acceptable for children flying solo. 

Most major airlines in the United States allow children to fly alone starting at age 5. However, these airlines typically require a child to enroll in an unaccompanied minor service. This gives them that special attention and care that ensures they’ll make it safely to their destination. Most airlines allow minors ages 15 to 17 to opt-out of this service if needed. However, the airline usually still charges some sort of extra fee.

Photo: via Pixabay

What to Expect from Major Airlines

Here’s what you can expect if you’re sending your child off on a flight with one of these major American airlines.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines’ unaccompanied minors program is called Junior Jetsetters. It offers some of the most affordable unaccompanied minors service fees (if you only have one child traveling). It also allows for children to opt-out of the program at a fairly young age, 13. 

The program is required for children ages 5 to 12. The fee is $50 each way per child for non-stop or direct flights. It’s $75 each way per child for connecting flights. 

Children ages 5 to 7 are only allowed on non-stop flights. No matter what your child’s age, though, they’re not allowed to fly unaccompanied on flights that take off between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Additionally, children ages 8 to 12 are not allowed to take a connecting flight that’s the last flight of the day or connections that require a two-hour or longer layover. The same rule applies to children 13 to 17 who’ve opted in to the program unless no other flights are available. Alaska Airlines also does not offer its Junior Jetsetters program on any flights to Sun Valley, Idaho, between Dec. 1 and April 1. 

The Junior Jetsetters program fee is waived for children who have MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, or Gold 100k Mileage Plan status. 

The program is pretty basic, though. It only includes supervision by Alaska Airlines crew members before, during, and after the flight. There are no extra amenities or perks.

Read Alaska Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Allegiant Air

Unaccompanied minors under 15 are not accepted on Allegiant air. However, any passenger 15 or older is considered an adult and allowed to fly.

Read Allegiant Air’s official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

American Airlines

As mentioned, there are a lot of factors that will influence how early you need to arrive at the airport, whether

Similarly, American Airlines requires children ages 5 through 14 to use the unaccompanied minors service. Children ages 15 to 17 may opt-out of the service, but the airline still charges the fee. The fee is $150 each way and will cover siblings on the same flight.

When using American Airlines’ unaccompanied minors service, an American Airlines representative will escort your child to their gate (as needed), as well as to their later gates for flight connections. They will further escort them to their pick-up adult at their destination. 

Children enjoy access to kids-only lounges if they have a layover in a hub city. Children have priority boarding and can meet the flight attendants and settle in ahead of time. They’ll also receive complimentary amenity kits if they’re between the ages of 5 and 10 and traveling out of a hub city. 

While American Airlines does allow for children to take connecting flights, unlike United, there are some caveats. Children may not take a connecting flight until they’re 8 years old or older. Even then, they can only take connecting flights that pass through select destinations (primarily American Airlines hubs). Additionally, unaccompanied minors may not take overnight connecting flights. They’re also not permitted to take flights that include a connection that’s the last flight of the day. Children additionally are not permitted on connecting flights that require a ground transfer between two regional airports.

Read American Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Delta allows children ages 5 to 7 to fly on some non-stop flights, but not all. Children ages 8 to 14 may fly on some non-stop flights as well, in addition to flying on some connecting flights. 

Delta only requires its unaccompanied minor program for children up to age 15. Children ages 15 to 17 can choose to opt into the program. But, it’s not necessary and, if they do fly unaccompanied, they won’t be charged an extra fee. They’ll be treated exactly like a regular passenger.

A guardian must accompany their child to their gate and then remain there until the flight takes off. A Delta representative will accompany the child both to any connecting gate and to their pick-up person. If a connection passes through select Delta hubs, the child will have access to a child-only Sky Zone. 

Delta’s unaccompanied minor program fee is $150 for up to four children traveling together. 

Read Delta’s official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Frontier Airlines

Unaccompanied minors under 15 are not accepted on Frontier Airlines. However, any passenger 15 or older is considered an adult and allowed to fly.

Read Frontier Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines considers children 5 to 11 to be unaccompanied minors. Passengers 12 and up may fly solo, as an adult, on domestic Hawaiian Airlines flights. They can still opt into the unaccompanied minors service if they want, though. Unaccompanied minors cannot fly on the airline’s international flights. The fee is $35 per flight segment when flying within the state of Hawaii. The fee is $100 per flight segment between North America and Hawaii. 

Children can fly in first or business class on Hawaiian Airlines. However, unaccompanied minors must not fly on flights departing between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. There is an exception if the flight operates out of Honolulu and it’s the only flight of the day. Children are likewise not allowed to fly on the airline’s flights to American Samoa, flights that require an overnight connection, the last connecting flight of the day, or flights with layovers of two hours or more.

Read Hawaiian Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

JetBlue offers its unaccompanied minors service to children between the ages of 5 and 13. After 14, the child will be treated as an adult passenger. The program is mandatory for all children under 14 and the fee is $150 per child, per way. JetBlue does not offer the service on flights to and from London.

Parents must accompany their children to their gate. They must remain there until the JetBlue flight is off the ground. On the plane, minors sit in the aircraft’s back row. There, the flight crew can more easily supervise them. Unaccompanied minors can only fly on JetBlue’s non-stop flights.

Read JetBlue’s official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-11. The fee is $50 each way. And, the service is only available on domestic, nonstop flights. Southwest does not offer accompanied minor service for international flights. Children 12-17 flying Southwest alone can take advantage of their Young Travelers program for free.

Read Southwest Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines offers unaccompanied minors service for children 5-14 years old. The current fee is $100 per child, each way. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on connecting flights, international flights, or domestic flights that include a scheduled change of aircraft. Children 4 or younger may not fly alone. Unaccompanied minor service may be requested for guests 15 and older and the fee will be charged. However, it is not required for children 15 or older.

Read Spirit Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Sun Country Airlines

Unaccompanied minors under 15 are not accepted on Sun Country Airlines. However, any passenger 15-17 years old may travel within the US and to Puerto Rico alone. Additionally, children 15-17 years of age may travel with one child 15-17 years old within the US or to Puerto. Any child of any age must be travel with an adult and a passport to Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean.

Read Sun Country Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

United Airlines

United Airlines requires children ages 5 to 14 to use its unaccompanied minor service. This service allows your child priority boarding. During boarding, the crew will help your child feel at home, show them to their seat, and help with carry-on luggage. They’ll also walk your child through the safety procedures and show them where the restroom is. 

During the flight, the crew will continue to check in with your child and help if needed. Children will receive a free food item. Once at their destination, a United representative will meet your child and take them to their pick-up person. 

You’re still responsible, though, for your child up until the point of boarding the plane (at least in the United States). If you don’t think your child is old enough to go through security and make it to their gate on their own, you can get a gate pass at the check-in counter. That will allow you to accompany your child to their gate until they board. If your child is traveling on a United flight outside of the United States, a United representative will take them to their gate. Regardless of where you are, though, United asks parents to stay at the airport until the child’s flight has departed. 

The unaccompanied minor service is only available on non-stop flights. The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 each way for every two children.

Read United Airlines’ official unaccompanied minor policy by Clicking Here .

Are There Any Airlines That Do Not Offer an Unaccompanied Minor Service?

While most major airlines do offer some form of an unaccompanied minor service, not all do.

Allegiant Air does not offer an unaccompanied minor service. However, children ages 15 and up can fly as an adult on Allegiant Air flights. The same applies to Frontier flights and Sun Country flights. Please be sure to read their specific policies as some restrictions may apply.

How to Make Your Child’s First Solo Flight a Success 

Before you send your child off on their first flight, take a few precautions. You want to ensure their first solo trip is an enjoyable one.

Firstly, consider if they’re ready to fly solo at all. 

If your child has never flown before, asking them to do so completely on their own could be a bad idea. Similarly, it might be a bad choice if you know they have a difficult time with flying even when they’re with you. 

Do you think your child will be able to sit quietly for the duration of their flight? Without disrupting their fellow passengers? Do they have a track record of following instructions from other adults without an issue? You don’t want to send your child on their solo flight if you know they’ll cause issues for their fellow passengers, as well as the flight crew.

But if you think your child is mature enough to go it alone, and you know that they’re comfortable with air travel, don’t feel like you need to put it off any longer.

As you prepare your child for their trip, make sure that they have everything they might need in their carry-on, where they can easily find it. This includes a drink, snacks, toys, digital devices, maybe a comfort toy or blanket. Include whatever you think will keep them occupied and happy. Consider doing a run-through of the bag before they depart, so they know where everything is.

Still need to invest in some travel tech for your child? Consider the Amazon Fire HD 10 for kids , which comes with a year of Amazon Kids+. Your child will enjoy access to tens of thousands of books, games, videos, songs, and more. And to protect their travel companions from listening to the songs of Frozen for the entirety of the four-hour flight, invest in a pair of kid-friendly, noise-canceling headphones , too. Lastly, make sure your child has all the documentation that they need for their trip. Documentation will differ according to your child’s travel itinerary. You can check out our full guide to children’s travel documentation, here .

But What About You?

As you sit at the gate and watch your child’s plane pull away, you might feel a little bit of anxiety. Try not to dwell on it too much, though. You’ve outfitted your child with all the skills and travel gear they need. This is just the next step to them becoming a globe-trotting, wanderlusting traveler just like mom or dad.

It depends on the airline. Most airlines consider 15-year-old flyers as adults. Many airlines also offer unaccompanied minor service for children 5-14 years old. Check with your specific airline to be sure.

Yes. Almost all airlines will allow 15-year-olds to fly alone. However, a few may charge a fee.

Yes. Almost all airlines will allow 16-year-olds to fly alone. However, a few may charge a fee.

Yes. Almost all airlines will allow 17 year olds to fly alone. However, a few may charge a fee.

While every airline differs, in most cases, airlines will allow teenagers to fly alone. In most instances, airlines require teenagers to use an unaccompanied minor service until they’re 15. However, some airlines allow teenagers as young as 13 to opt-out of unaccompanied minor services.

Most airlines will allow preteens to fly alone. However, the majority also require preteens to enroll in an unaccompanied minor program. These come with an additional fee but ensure your child gets safely from their home airport to their destination.

Airlines that allow minors to fly alone typically allow children to start flying solo as early as 5 years of age.

It depends on the airline. Some airlines allow children to fly on connecting flights (with a few exclusions). Others only allow children to fly solo on direct flights.

By Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.

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Unaccompanied Minor Program

Program details, unaccompanied minor travel journey.

If your child is traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor, an adult (18 years old or older) must accompany the minor through the check-in process and pick up the child at their destination. Review the process to help your unaccompanied minor prepare for their flight. 

How to Book 

To determine eligibility and book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact Reservations at 800-325-8847 to ensure that the travel is permitted and correctly documented. When you book, the adult making the reservation will provide a 4-digit PIN configuration that will be required to make any changes to the itinerary.  

Getting Ready to Fly

When it’s time to travel, we recommend talking with your child about the journey, reminding them only to speak to Delta Air Lines representatives if they need anything. Remind them not to leave the gate area at any time and notify Delta if your child has any special needs. When packing, we recommend bringing: 

• Snacks, games, books or other entertainment
• A single, small carry-on like a backpack, so nothing’s left behind
• A checked suitcase for larger items, which your child and accompanying adult can pick up after their flight
• An ID card & contact information attached to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket

Required Check-In Documents

When you arrive at the airport, please see a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent for information regarding drop-off and pick-up for unaccompanied minor travel. You will receive a  wristband for your child to wear in-flight and create a package of boarding documents and ID for your child to use as they travel. At check-in, the accompanying adult must provide the following:

• Photo ID (license, passport, etc.) 
• Address (as shown on ID) 
• Contact phone number 
• Name, address and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at their destination

Unaccompanied Minor Boarding & Takeoff 

A parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has left the ground. 

If the minor is connecting though another city, the child will be assisted by a Delta or business partner employee. 

• Delta recommends that children be seated in the rear of the aircraft to be near a flight attendant for safety
• For questions or concerns, please contact Delta Air Lines at 800-325-8847 (U.S./Canada/Guam/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands) or find numbers for all other locations

Delta Sky Zone

If your child has a connecting flight through Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City or Seattle, we offer Delta Sky Zones for their entertainment. In these children-only areas, children flying alone can wait for connections, use complimentary phones to call parents/guardians and take advantage of activities like books, toys and video games. Staffed by Delta representatives, your child will find staff members always there to help them feel secure and comfortable.  

Unaccompanied Minor Pick-Up 

A valid ID must be presented and signature captured of the person meeting the child. Delta will not release to anyone other than the person named. A parent or accompanying adult should report to the destination airport two hours before scheduled arrival to obtain a gate pass. Please note: 

• If the pickup person at the destination changes, the accompanying adult must call Delta at 800-325-8847 to provide the new information.
• Upon arrival, if someone other than the person named at check-in is at the destination to pick up the child, a Delta representative will contact the original accompanying adult to verify the identification of the pickup person at the destination.
• The pickup person at the destination will typically be issued a gate pass to pick up the unaccompanied minor at the gate. In some locations, the pickup person will be directed to the local Delta Baggage Service Office for pickup.
• At the point of departure, the accompanying adult must remain at the gate until the flight is off the ground.

Unaccompanied Minor Program Fees & Rules

The Unaccompanied Minor Program requires a fee of $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way, with CAD and EUR used when departing Canada or Europe. This fee applies to travel within the United States and International on both nonstop and connecting flights, in addition to the ticketed adult fare. 

• The $150 fee is mandatory for children ages 5-14, and for 15-17-year-olds if a parent chooses to enroll in the unaccompanied minor program
• The fee covers up to 4 children if multiple children, such as siblings, are traveling together 
• The fee can be paid one-way or round-trip at the time of check in or in advance by calling 
• Unaccompanied Minors must be ticketed on an adult fare
• Travel is permitted on Delta and Delta Connection
• Travel is permitted on Domestic and International itineraries
• Unaccompanied Minors can only connect to other Delta, Delta Connection, Air France, KLM and Aeromexico flights
• Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day, except in markets with only one flight per day.
• International flights
• Connecting to/from international flights
• Connecting to markets with only one flight per day

Unaccompanied Minor Frequently Asked Questions

A Delta Air Lines employee will take your child on board before general boarding begins. This allows time to:

• Introduce your child to the flight attendants
• Introduce your child to the cockpit crew, time permitting 
• Take your child to his or her seat and assist with carry-on items
• Familiarize your child with the safety features of the aircraft
• Advise your child of lavatory locations
• Inform your child if assistance is required to contact a flight attendant and to remain in their seat upon landing as a flight attendant will get them when it is time to deplane

No. You will be asked to say goodbye in the terminal area because access is restricted to ticketed passengers only. We do ask, however, that you stay in the gate area until the child's plane takes off in the event the flight returns to the gate.

A badged employee will meet your child's arriving flight. If your child's connection time is short, the unaccompanied minor escort will take your child directly to the connecting departure and will escort him or her on board.

If your child's layover is longer, the employee will take him or her to the Delta Sky Zone or other secure location, and turn the ticket and the Unaccompanied Minor over to the next Delta Air Lines representatives in the room (the employee keeps your child's documentation until it is time to go to the connecting flight). Another representative will escort your child onto the connecting flight at the appropriate time and introduce him or her to the flight attendants.

If we have any indication that your child’s flight may not operate as scheduled, we'll advise you and suggest that you book travel for another day. If the delay or cancellation occurs en route, Delta employees will:

• Rebook your child on the next available departure to their destination
• Stay with your child until they can be boarded on an alternate flight
• Contact the person at the destination who is designated to pick up the child and/or the person listed as the emergency contact. We will continue to attempt contact until contact is made

Under very rare circumstances, an overnight may be required (e.g. a major snowstorm). In these situations, we will provide overnight and meal accommodations for your child. And a Delta employee(s) will provide supervision to ensure your child's safety during an overnight stay. You will be contacted with pertinent information if this unusual circumstance occurs.

Enrollment in the Delta Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for children 5 to 14. If you prefer that your 15 to 17-year-old travel without supervision, please advise the agent at the time of the reservation and it will be noted. Your child will be expected to handle boarding and deplaning as well as transfers to connecting gates on their own.

• Remind your teenager never to leave the airport for any reason unless accompanied by a badged Delta employee or uniformed police officer until they have reached their destination city
• She or he should never seek help from or leave the airport with strangers
• Provide your teenager with instructions, phone contacts and a small amount of money for food in the unlikely event their flight is missed, delayed, canceled or rerouted
• Remind your teenager that they can seek the assistance of any Delta employee if they have questions, concerns or need reassurance
• Remember most hotels will not accept young people who are not accompanied by an adult

Yes. If you are dropping off or picking up your minor but opted out of the Unaccompanied Minor program, we will issue you a pass to accompany your child to the gate. Please check with an airport agent at the time of check-in to have the gate pass issued.

Due to safety concerns, gate passes are not issued for the person picking up the minor (15-17) unless they are enrolled in the Unaccompanied Minor program.

Yes.  International UMNR travel resumed April 1, 2021. However, there are some restrictions on travel based on individual country requirements or travel on other airlines.  Contact Reservations at 800-325-8847 for more detail related to international travel for UMNRs. 

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Trip Planning // Getaways

How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly Alone?

All about flying solo.

Flying alone as an adult can be fun, until you realize you have to bring your bags into the crowded Chicago airport bathroom with you because there's no one else there to watch them. But flying alone for children can be daunting, so it's important to prepare them well for their first solo trip. Most airlines allow kids five and older to fly alone, with restrictions. Those who fall under a certain age cutoff (between 12 and 15, typically) qualify as unaccompanied minors, and airline staff will supervise and assist them. Each airline has its own policies, though, so check with your airline before booking any solo flights for a child.

The rules on flying alone

Each airline sets its own definition of who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor, or UM. For example, Southwest defines UMs as children between five and 11 who travel alone; on United, it's kids between five and 15. Airlines also have rules about what types of flights UMs are allowed to take. Southwest doesn't allow unaccompanied minors to fly internationally, for example, and American Airlines allows UMs only between five and seven to fly on direct flights.

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If your child is flying alone and falls within your chosen airline's UM age range, he will be required to use UM services. For an extra fee (usually in the $50 to $150 range), airline staff will help your child board, check on him during the flight and escort him to meet the person picking him up.

Anyone who falls above the airline's UM age range can fly alone without paying the extra fee or receiving any special service. So on Southwest, a 12-year-old can fly alone without special requirements. On United, a child has to be 16 to fly alone without being considered a UM.

Preparing a child to fly alone

A child traveling alone should carry documentation to the airport. Bring a copy of his or her birth certificate with you to show airline staff. They may ask for proof of age. If the child is flying internationally, bring his passport and a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents, outlining the child's travel itinerary and acknowledging that both of you give permission for the child to travel alone. If your child is flying as a UM, you'll probably need to complete a form providing contact information for the person who will be greeting him at his destination.

If your child is too old to qualify as an unaccompanied minor, talk to him about how to navigate the airport alone. Look at terminal maps together and explain what signs the child should follow to find the place where he will be picked up. Urge the child to ask a gate agent or airport police officer for help at any time, and stress that the child should never leave the airport without the designated adult who is meeting him at his destination.

When you arrive at the airport with a UM, ask at the ticket counter about getting a gate pass. It allows you to accompany your child through security and to his gate. That should be comforting to you and your child, but it may also be required: the airline may ask parents of UMs to remain at the gate until the plane has taken off, just in case there's a schedule change. Make sure the person who is picking up an unaccompanied minor knows to bring photo ID to the airport. He or she may be able to get a gate pass to go through security and greet the child when he deplanes.

These extra measures are usually only for UMs, though. If your child is old enough to fly alone without following UM procedures, you may not be granted a gate pass, and the child may be treated like any adult passenger. Again, airline policies vary. The best way to make the experience a smooth one is to thoroughly research your airline's guidelines before the big travel day.

More Travel Content

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• Do you Need a Passport for Domestic Flights
• TSA International Flight Guidelines
• Southwest: Unaccompanied Minors
• American Airlines: Unaccompanied Minors
• U.S. Department of Transportation: When Kids Fly Alone

About the Author

Kathryn Walsh

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When Kids Fly Alone

About this document.

There are no Department of Transportation regulations concerning travel by these “unaccompanied minors,” but the airlines have specific procedures to protect the well-being of youngsters flying by themselves. This booklet summarizes some of the most common airline policies. These policies may differ, however, so you should check with the carrier that you plan to use for a description of its rules and services and any additional charges that may apply.

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• Special assistance

Unaccompanied minors

Children traveling alone.

We want your child to have a safe and positive trip. For safety, we require children age 5 – 14 traveling alone to use our unaccompanied minor service. This service is optional for children age 15 – 17, but if requested, then the fee applies.

The unaccompanied minor fee is $150* each way, plus applicable taxes † , in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight.

* Amount quoted in U.S. dollar (USD)

† Flights within the U.S. are subject to a 7% tax, and flights originating in Canada are charged a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Unaccompanied minor service

Our service includes:

• Early boarding to allow extra time to get settled and meet the flight attendants
• Kids-only lounges in our hub cities for flight connections
• Complimentary Kids' Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 – 10, in hub cities)
• An airport escort to help your child to the gate for flight connections
• Escorting the child to the authorized adult picking them up when they land

Keep in mind, our flight attendants will be busy with onboard duties and can’t continuously monitor your child during their flight. Let your child know to ring the call button if they need anything.

Age and flight restrictions for children traveling alone:

We don’t allow children to travel alone when their trips include:

• Flights on another airline including codeshare and one world® partners
• Ground or co-terminal connections where the child must transfer from one local airport to another
• The last flight of the day from the final connection city (unless it’s the only flight)
• Overnight connecting flights

Note: Children ages 2 – 14 can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 or older.

Complimentary Kids' Kits by Quaker

Children between 5-10 years old can stay entertained during their journey with our complimentary Kids’ Kits* presented by Quaker. Included are puzzles, activities and 2 complimentary snacks to enjoy at the airport or in flight. Kits are available for children departing from:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
• New York, NY (JFK and LGA)
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Chicago, IL (ORD)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

*Subject to availability

Booking your child's trip

Unaccompanied minors need to be booked by phone.

Contact Reservations

Preparing for travel

Whether your child has traveled alone or this is their first time, we recommend talking with them about the trip and what to expect. Assure them our team is there to help keep them safe.

Some helpful tips to prepare:

• Point out our team uniforms at the airport. Remind your child to ask for help only from a uniformed team member.
• Write down phone numbers for your child.
• Pack games, books and money in one small carry-on.
• Food and drink service is limited, so we recommend packing snacks for your child to enjoy during their flight.
• Attach an ID card and contact information to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket.
• Fully charge any electronic devices, and don’t forget to pack chargers and headphones.
• Be sure your child knows to wait for a team member to walk them off the plane when they land (this includes older children using our service).

Note: We don’t hold or give personal medication to an unaccompanied child.

At the airport

Check-in and required documents.

Arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of your child’s flight and speak with a ticket counter agent. Children traveling alone can’t check in online or at the kiosk.

You’ll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide:

• A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child’s age
• The adult’s government-issued photo ID with their current address
• Your phone number so we can contact you
• The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting your child at their destination

Once your child is checked in, the ticket agent will give you a security pass from the airport ticket counter so you can take your child to the gate.

Boarding and takeoff

For a smooth departure:

• An adult must take the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne.
• When you get to the gate, tell the gate agent you have an unaccompanied minor traveling on the flight.
• We’ll board your child early so they can meet the flight crew and learn about the plane’s safety features.
• The gate agent will let you know when the flight is airborne and you can leave the airport.
• Please contact the adult picking up your child to let them know they’re on their way.

During the flight

Our flight attendants will check on your child as duties allow, but they can’t continuously monitor your child throughout the flight.

Please remind your child to:

• Tell a flight attendant if he or she needs assistance or feels discomfort.
• Follow plane safety instructions, like wearing their seatbelt.
• Wait for a uniformed team member to escort them off the airplane once it arrives at the gate.

Unaccompanied minor lounges

If your child has a connection, we have lounges for unaccompanied minors in these airports:

• Dallas Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

While there, your child can wait for their connection and play games while supervised by American business partner personnel. These staff members will take your child outside the lounge to buy food and drinks, but they won’t be allowed to walk around outside alone.

Arrival and pick-up

For a seamless pick-up, don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. You’ll need to show it to get a security pass and meet the child at the gate (in the U.S.). You’ll also need to show it before we release the child to you.

We suggest arriving at least 2 hours before the child’s scheduled arrival so you have enough time.

Flight status and notifications

Stay connected with your child’s journey with flight notifications and remind the adult picking up your child from the airport to do the same. Be sure to get alerts for all flights in their trip.

Flight status

Flight delays and cancellations

We’ll call the contacts on the unaccompanied minor form and arrange an alternate flight if your child is unable to make a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations.

In the rare case that your child needs to stay overnight because of a missed connection, we’ll arrange for overnight accommodations, meals and supervision. We’ll call if this occurs.

Young adults (15 – 17 years of age)

If your young adult isn’t using the unaccompanied minor service and their flight is delayed or canceled, they will be accommodated as an adult customer. Keep in mind, many hotels won’t allow young people to check-in unless they are accompanied by an adult. Please remind them not to leave the airport for any reason unless they:

• Are accompanied by a uniformed team member or police officer
• Have spoken with a parent or designated adult

Please tell your young adult to speak to a team member if they have questions or need help.

Children traveling outside the U.S.

You may not be able to escort your child through security in some airports. If this is the case, a team member will take your child to the gate and stay with them until the flight departs.

Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.

Country-specific regulations

Some countries have additional restrictions for children traveling with guardians or as an unaccompanied minor.

If your child is traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent, you’ll need:

• The child's birth certificate
• Notarized travel authorization from both parents

The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate must issue, authenticate or legalize this travel authorization.

Contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence or check the National Council of Justice site for more information.

Brazilian National Council of Justice (CNJ) guidelines Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Italian citizens younger than 14 traveling internationally must have their Individual Passport and Dichiarazione di Accompagno (Declaration of Temporary Guardianship for Travel Abroad). The document must include:

• The signature of a parent or legal guardian
• Authentication by local Police Headquarters
• The name of the airline the child will use

For children with a document proving another nationality (not Italian), check with the local Italian embassy or consulate in their residence country or the embassy or consulate of their destination country for requirements.

Children younger than 18 (at time of travel) and traveling alone to or from Mexico must have a travel authorization letter. This letter must be:

• Signed by at least one parent or legal guardian

All children should present their own passport and meet the requirements of their destination.

Spanish authorities require that all Spanish children traveling alone, with only one parent or with a third party have a travel permit requested by the parents or legal guardians. This permit must be issued by one of these: Police, Civil Guard, Notary’s Office or Town Hall.

For children with a document proving another nationality (not Spanish) and living in Spain, go to the consulate to complete the necessary paperwork.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

How old do you have to be to fly alone? Read this before booking your kid’s trip

Find out the right age for solo flying and other important facts.

If you thought traveling with kids was stressful, try sending them off on a flight alone. For many parents, it’s necessary to send their child on a flight by themselves, whether it’s for a vacation, to visit a parent who lives far away, or for any number of reasons. If you find yourself in a position where your child may need to travel without you, you may ask yourself, “How old do you have to be to fly alone?”

When can children fly alone?

What happens when a child flies alone, traveling alone can teach a lot of important skills, can a child under 16 fly alone, american airlines, delta airlines, hawaiian airlines, southwest airlines, united airlines.

All airlines have their own rules and regulations regarding unaccompanied minors, so parents or caregivers must be aware that there isn’t one specific set of rules that applies to all airlines. Before booking any trip , parents need to ensure they know the airline’s policy regarding how old they have to be to fly alone and be aware that there are often extra fees that apply when a child flies without an adult.

Typically, airlines have unaccompanied minor policies in place for children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old, which means children under 5 are not allowed to fly solo, regardless of whether they’re traveling with an older unaccompanied minor or not.

Most airlines restrict unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 7 years old to direct flights only, while those between the ages of 8 and 14 years are sometimes allowed to take a connecting flight through an approved city, depending on the airline. Because international age limits also vary, certain airlines won’t allow an unaccompanied minor to travel internationally .

Although every airline has its own protocols when it comes to unaccompanied minors, most of them are very similar. Children need to be escorted to their airline by an adult who typically must remain with them until their plane has taken off unless the departing airport doesn’t allow for this. These adults are given a special pass that will allow them to escort the child through security, where they will remain as the child boards the plane.

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It’s important to arrive at the airport early enough to ensure ample time to fill out all necessary forms and get through security without feeling rushed. The airline will also require the name, phone number, and address of the adult responsible for picking up the child from the airport once the child arrives at the destination.

Most airlines will board the child early and introduce them to the flight staff so they can feel comfortable while on board. They’ll do their best to show the child around the plane and let them know things like where the bathroom is and how to work the entertainment system.

It is important that adults realize that airline staff aren’t babysitters and won’t be able to  constantly monitor the child, but will check on your young one as often as their regular duties allow.

While it can cause a parent a lot of anxiety when sending their child on a flight by themselves, traveling alone can foster a lot of different skills in children, including responsibility, independence, and problem-solving. Solo travel “nurtures the development of a cognitive skill called executive functioning, which refers to one’s ability to coordinate and implement planning,” psychologist Marcel Green told USA Today. “Traveling alone represents an extremely important task, and if a kid is supported enough to master that task, it will correlate with swifter development.” As long as parents have prepared their children for their travels and made the experience something that should be fun and not scary, there’s no reason that children shouldn’t be able to be successful when traveling alone.

Children between the ages of 15 and 17 years old can fly with most airlines as standard customers, or as unaccompanied minors. The unaccompanied minor fee still applies to some airlines regardless of whether they choose to use the full service or not. Some airlines will still require a gate escort and parent or guardian contact for children between the ages of 15 and 17.

Here are some of the unaccompanied minor policies for many of the major airlines. These policies are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with your airline directly before you book any flights to confirm their most recent policy.

American Airlines requires all children between the ages of 5 to 14 who are traveling alone to use their unaccompanied minor service but is optional for children between the ages of 15 and 17. There is a fee of $150 for this service on top of the ticket price, but does include siblings on the same flight.

Delta Airlines’ unaccompanied minor program offers features like a trackable wristband and lounge for kids in certain cities. This service charges a fee of $150 each way and applies to travel within the United States and internationally on both nonstop and connecting flights, in addition to the adult fare ticket. This fee covers up to four children. This is a mandatory service for kids between the ages of 5 and 14 and optional for those between the ages of 15 to 17.

Children 12 years old and above are permitted to travel alone domestically with Hawaiian Airlines, while those between the ages of 5 to 11 must travel with someone who is at least 15 years old and traveling on the same flight. Hawaiian Airlines does not allow children under the age of 12 years to travel alone on international flights but will allow those 12 and older to travel alone with proper documentation. Hawaiian Airlines’ full unaccompanied minor policy does include their extra fee structure, too.

Jet Blue has a mandatory unaccompanied minor program for any child between the ages of 5 to 14 traveling alone. Although children over the age of 14 years old must be booked as an adult, additional services can be requested. Jet Blue charges a fee for unaccompanied minors of $150 per person, each way.

Southwest Airlines doesn’t have an unaccompanied minor program for international flights but does allow for children between the ages of 5 to 11 to travel alone traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older. They charge a fee of $50 each way.

United’s unaccompanied minor program is mandatory for children between the ages of 5 to 14 who are traveling alone, and available as an option for those between the ages of 15 to 17. They only allow unaccompanied minors to travel on direct flights at a service fee of $150 each way, for up to two children.

If you’re planning on sending your child on a flight alone, make sure you do your homework. Each airline has its unaccompanied minor policy clearly posted on their websites with many tips and tricks to help you make your child’s solo travel a positive and safe experience. Fully preparing your child for what they can expect when flying alone as well as ensuring they’re able to handle any issues that may arise can take a lot of stress out of the situation.

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing brings more joy on Christmas morning than watching your children excitedly run towards the tree to see what Santa brought for them. (A quick cup of strong coffee also helps.) A child's wish list can seem endless and although no parent wants to disappoint their child, they often find themselves asking how many presents should a child get for Christmas.

Before arriving at that point, you’ve been planning and shopping for the gifts on your child’s list for Santa. If you have ever wondered just how many presents an average child gets at Christmas, we have a few insights to share with you about gifting your little ones.

Parents notice new things about their kids daily, especially when it comes to hitting developmental milestones. As toddlers begin to develop motor skills, practice their social skills on the playground, and expand their vocabulary (hopefully past "mine" and "no") parents may notice some other changes as well and may wonder if those changes are signs of Asperger's in toddlers.

Parents may realize that their child never looks them in the eye when telling a story, or that their toddler has been seemingly fixated on one specific character from a show. If you have started to wonder if these little quirks could mean something more, you aren’t alone. According to Everyday Health, the CDC states that "about 1 in every 68 children has an autism spectrum disorder." If you think that might include your tiny tot, let’s go over some signs of Asperger’s in toddlers that you can look out for.

Life is never boring when you have a toddler. This is a stage of development full of new challenges and exciting milestones that see them changing at a rapid pace. Because of all these changes, it is hard to keep up, and you may find yourself wondering if your toddler is growing at a normal rate.

Even though your pediatrician probably went over the stages of toddler growth spurts, you might want to know specific details involved in your child's development and what changes you should be looking for to ensure they're on track. All kids are different and the ages at which they hit growth spurts will fluctuate. But there are general guidelines to watch for to know if you should be concerned. Here's what you need to know about toddlers and their growth spurts.

How to Travel Alone: 18-Year-Old Guide to Solo Travel

Traveling alone at 18 is an exciting experience that allows you to discover yourself and experience new things. You must know where to check in to ensure your safety and comfort when visiting a new place. Traveling alone at such an age is a chance for adventure and independence. 

A Solo trip at a young age can be overwhelming, but with proper guidance, you can make it a memorable and fun experience. Below are a few guidelines that will aid you in creating an amazing trip as an 18-year-old.

Why Travel Alone at 18?

Traveling alone at 18 is a rite of passage that allows you to explore the world on your terms. It is a good age to learn about different cultures and gain independence. You get a chance to have more control of your life and make decisions on your own. 

Visiting new places on your own allows you to learn valuable life skills. You will get good experience in problem-solving and financial management. These are skills you can use in your normal life.

Planning Your Trip

You need to plan your trip carefully to ensure sufficient preparation for any possible outcome when traveling. Knowing a few things beforehand guarantees your adventure runs smoothly.

You should research your destination and make a comprehensive budget for the trip. Look into the various and most viable accommodations before you leave home.

Research Your Destination

Before you set off, it’s crucial to research your destination thoroughly. Learn about the local customs, laws, and safety concerns. Check out travel blogs, forums, and guidebooks to understand what to expect. 

Most places have their unique ways and laws of doing things. You must familiarize yourself with the basic customs of the region you plan on visiting. It will aid you to blend in and enjoy various activities without risking yourself.

Proper Budgeting

Traveling can be expensive, and you must set a realistic budget. You should consider the cost of all the expenses you will incur. 

Budget for the accommodation, food, and transportation. You should also have cash for any extra activities you will engage in during the trip. Always have a contingency fund for emergencies. You cannot predict what will happen, so you must have extra cash to ensure you are not stranded in a foreign land.

Ensure you understand the exchange rate to avoid confusion when making local purchases. The prices of different commodities may vary with each region, so you need to ensure you have a budget that matches where you are traveling to. 

Choosing the Right Accommodation

You should choose the right accommodation that caters to your specific needs. Ensure the place is safe and at a convenient location for any of the activities you hope to do. Look for places within your budget to prevent financial strains.

Hostels are a popular choice for young travelers as they are budget-friendly and a great place to meet other travelers. Always read reviews before booking.

Important Tips for Traveling Safely

Traveling is fun and exciting but can open you up to unknown risks. To ensure your safety during the trip, always do the following:

Stay Connected

Keep your family and friends updated about your whereabouts. Share your itinerary and accommodation details with them. You can get a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to ensure you don’t lose connection.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

You should always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, avoid it, it is better to be safe than sorry. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar places.

Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance to cover yourself. It can cover medical expenses and lost luggage, ensuring you don’t suffer additional costs. Some covers also pay for trip cancellations and other unforeseen circumstances.

Making the Most of Your Trip

You should make the most of your trip, as you don’t get many chances to tour new places.

Be Open to New Experiences

Traveling alone allows you to do what you want, so you should be open to trying new things. Enjoy new dishes from the local cuisine, don’t just eat what is available at home. Join the local festivals and teach yourself new skills.

Meet New People

Traveling alone allows you to meet new people and make new friends. It gives you plenty of opportunities to interact with strangers from different backgrounds and experiences. Join tour groups and engage in other social activities.

Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

Traveling alone will give you physical and mental exhaustion. Your health is important, so you must protect it during the trip. Ensure you take care of yourself by eating well and drinking fluids. You should also get enough sleep and take time to relax and recharge.

Traveling alone can be a life-changing and fun experience for any young adult. It provides you with a journey to self-discovery and personal growth. The trip is a great adventure that allows you to experience new cultures and make new friends. With careful planning, you can make your solo travel experience memorable and exciting. 

Crossroadadventure

Why 20’s is the Best Age to Start Solo Travel

I am 23 right now and I took my first solo travel at the age of 21 and after that, there’s no stopping but are you still wondering what’s the best age to start solo travel.

This is not a big deal; the big deal is to step out into the world and experience the world from your perspective.

The school kids who landed on this article by searching – why the heck I can’t travel solo because I am not in the ’20s?

Dude you can, I had met 16 years old mature guy and the knowledge of surroundings he is having at that age is mind-blowing and the same guy turned out to be a brother of a person I met somewhere. Two known heads are meant to be banged when they step out, small world. These few lines just told that the best age to start solo travel can be lower than the ’20s too.

Lexie Alford at the age of 21 became the youngest to travel to every country. An epic example who has broken all the barriers of saying a ‘perfect age’.

We will now start “The best age to start solo travel” but before –

Table of Contents

What is Solo Traveling

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What is an opportunity here?

The opportunity of making your presence felt, the opportunity of creating an impact in the world, the opportunity of taking decisions, the opportunity of involving in the stories of others.

That’s a travel opportunity for me and I try to make my every minute count.

What is Solo Travel for you, let me know in the comment section?

Why the ’20s is the Best Age to Start Solo Trip?

1. Young Blood

The Youngblood is more agile and the curiosity to discover and explore at the 20’s age is towards maturity.

If you direct your mind in favor of Travel: the symptoms it shows to ourselves, other well beings will be more balanced.

This line was not written in any book, anything I discuss here is more of experience talking.

2. Makes you Independent at an early age

Everybody becomes Independent at certain stages of life but solo travel and that too in the early ’20s makes you Independent before the actual age.

Depending upon yourselves right from the word go is among the major trait’s solo travel provides.

Let’s discuss this with an example – Suppose you are on a solo trip to a certain place and all you want to do is; take the control of your solo travel.

That’s it go ahead and make the move – If you want to wake early then woke up, if you want to explore on foot then the way is all yours if you want to spend some time with the locals then no one can stop you.

3. Introduce yourself to the world

If you are at a party and you got introduced to the person who has hosted the party towards the end or when you are leaving. What will you think?

Is this a not so important person, right.

The same goes here, the early the better.

Also Read, 10 Best and Worst Things about Travel Blogging

4. Solo Travel will give you a new direction

Not only in terms of mental impact but traveling alone will also give a goal-oriented approach.

It will discover the possible ways which fascinate you like Photography, Videography, Travel agent, Travel operator, and many more.

At the very start, it will strike you that yeah this is interesting and I would like to take this and work upon it to present it my way.

5. Open ways to save

Travel will be going to open the ways to discover the world and i.e. will make you save.

Yes, you read it right, Solo Travel will make you save.

It will generate curiosity in you that a certain place made this impact and god knows what impact other places will be going to bring.

God doesn’t know, you will create by yourself.

Also Read , How to Travel Every Month in 2019 and Beyond

Why Travelling alone is Important at least once in a lifetime?

Once in a lifetime because to gain exposure and face the circumstances on your own.

What kind of circumstances?

Suppose you’re stuck in a situation like –

You are an Introvert and traveling to a place full of strangers with nothing to do rather than telling yourself to open up. I hope you got this example.

Now you have only one thing to do, let your inner self get out and engage with the strangers to get insights into the place you are traveling, which will ultimately help you to calm down as an Introvert and take balanced decisions.

How to Plan your first Solo Travel?

I already did 6 Solo Trip this year, i.e. considers myself liable to answer this question.

First Solo Trip brings excitement as well as a healthy tension that how it’s going to be like, what I am supposed to do alone and what if I started getting bored and stuffs like that.

But you’ll only be going to overcome these by only facing them.

1. Make your first move

Start planning with packing and what medium you will be choosing to travel. This will solve 30% of your fear of traveling alone.

Check what’s the condition of the place in terms of weather, any necessary medicine you’ll going to require, and whether you are going to choose public transport or hire a private vehicle for a day. This will give your trip a well-planned start.

2. Accuracy in time

Being accurate or committed with your time will always going to give you an edge to utilize the time properly.

Suppose – planning at night that what needed to be done the next day and sticking with the plan is a good example of accuracy.

3. Whether that particular place is safe to Travel alone

How to get to know if that particular place is safe to travel solo?

Social media plays an important role in this part – You can search for the place you are visiting on Facebook

or Instagram

Can also check the very recent images and that will give you an idea of what people are saying and background idea and even can talk to them by sending a direct message to know the experience and what problems they have faced.

With so many benefits and continuous up-gradation of technology, nowhere is out of reach from human feet.

Also Read , Why Traveling Solo proved to be your best decision 

How to feel comfortable and Travel freely in the ’20s

It all starts with a change in ourselves and our behavior towards the environment and surroundings.

A happy and smiling face can make a bad day and a positive response or attitude can make a soul smile.

Being in the ’20s fills us with the raw behavior and if we can convert it into healthy behavior then we can create a difference in our environment and likewise feel comfortable traveling around anywhere in the world.

We just need to keep our perspective/attitude right towards our surroundings and rest everything will fall on the place.

The ’20s is the best age to Start Solo Travel if you ask me and there’s no doubt that if you are men solo traveler or a woman solo traveler difficulties are bound to arise and if you face the circumstances, the solution finds its way to help you out.

If you have liked the post then forgot to share and if you are a first-timer here please follow this blog and get the updates right in your inbox.

Until then keep traveling and make stories.

Vansh Tiwari

Share this:, about author.

Vansh Tiwari is a passionate traveler who explores every corner. Then, he presents his vision in images and writing. Further, he loves long walks along the roadside!

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How to Travel Alone for the First Time

Last Updated: September 29, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. In 2019, she went on a three-month sabbatical from her work and solo traveled throughout Southeast Asia. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 47,379 times.

Traveling alone can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. It can also be dangerous without the proper preparation. With the right planning, you can make the best of your solo trip, be prepared for anything and make memories you'll carry with you forever. [1] X Research source

Preparing for the Trip

• If you're going on a multi-destination trip, create an itinerary for each destination.
• Read travel guides and reviews to figure out what's really worth your time.
• Check local event guides for any seasonal activities that might align with your trip.

• Make sure you can pay for a taxi, train ticket or whatever else may be necessary as soon as you get off the plane. [3] X Research source
• See how the locals get around. If your destination has strong public transportation, a bus pass can be a great way to see the city. Maybe you're headed somewhere bike-friendly, there may be rental options.

• Location is incredibly important. Decide if you want to be near tourist attractions and events or something with a more local vibe. You'll want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable and can easily get around.

• There are a few phrases that are universal. A few common phrases are: [5] X Research source "Where is the bathroom?," "I need help," "My name is...," "Hello," "Goodbye," and "Thank you."

• Pack for the appropriate weather conditions. Common items are: a jacket, socks, underwear, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of jeans, two light tops and two warmer tops. You may consider special weather items like a bathing suit or rain jacket.
• Pack for emergencies. Common items are: copies of all your important documents, a travel first aid kit, cash, and a map.
• Pack for passing the time. Traveling alone can be boring. Make long bus rides more interesting by packing a book, playing cards or games. This can also be a great way to meet other travelers.

Staying Safe During Your Trip

• Keep this person updated about any major changes to your trip.

• Look into international phones. If your current phone plan won't work where you're traveling, it might be beneficial to get a burner (or temporary) phone with international minutes. Make sure you know the country code for calls and how to contact the authorities by phone.

Enjoying Your Trip

• If you're staying at a hotel or hostel, ask the staff or other guests if they recommend any bars, pharmacies, restaurants or locations nearby.
• Walk around and see how close you are to the nearest bus and train stops.
• Memorize the address of where you're staying or keep it saved on your phone.

• Make sure you're not spending too much time by yourself and try to limit your time on your smartphone or social media. [15] X Research source

Expert Q&A

• When you return, write reviews of your experience for fellow travelers. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 0
• If you're leaving the country, make sure you know where your embassy is located. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure to exchange contact information with any new friends or connect with them on social media. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0

• While traveling alone, be careful with any alcohol consumption. Be sure not to drink too much. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 0
• In the event of any medical emergencies, make sure you know where the nearest hospital is located. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/15-mistakes-avoid-traveling-solo/
• ↑ https://solotravelerworld.com/travel-alone-tips/
• ↑ https://www.tripsavvy.com/find-cheap-flights-for-a-solo-traveler-3026961
• ↑ https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/language-phrases-before-travel
• ↑ https://solotravelerworld.com/packing-list/
• ↑ Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Experienced Solo Traveler. Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnnyjet/2017/10/23/ten-tips-for-traveling-alone/#2e5af3ab7c49
• ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/single-travel-tips-going-solo/
• ↑ https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2018/07/five-top-tips-for-travelling-solo

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Children travelling alone

If your child is about to embark on their first adventure without you, here’s everything you need to know to help make sure it goes smoothly. 

How old does a child have to be to fly alone?

We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. 

Children under 14 years old cannot travel alone with us. They must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking to travel with us. 

Our partner airline SUN-AIR of Scandinavia follow different guidelines. Please see below for more information.

Booking flights for children under the age of 16

A child aged 14 or 15 years old travelling alone will be booked to travel as an adult. To book their ticket, please get in touch via our  Contact Us  page as you’re unable to book this online. 

The young traveller will be making their own way through departure and arrival airports and boarding their flight(s) without assistance or a chaperone. We’re unable to accept parental responsibility for the young person. 

Our partner airlines may have different regulations, age limits and charges, so please check with them directly.

What your child needs to travel alone

All children aged 14 or 15 travelling alone must carry with them:

• A  British Airways consent form  (pdf, 124kb, English only), completed and signed by a parent/guardian. 
• A copy of photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature, such as passport or driving licence. 
• Any required travel documentation, such as valid passport(s), visas and proof of return travel.  Check what they need for their destination .

These three documents must always remain in the child’s possession while travelling. 

We also advise your child carries with them:

• Any required medication and/or health certificates.
• Method of payment for any expenses.
• A way to communicate with their parent or guardian, as well as the person they are meeting at their destination. Please ensure all phones and devices are fully charged, with sufficient credit and roaming activated.

At the airport

You can accompany your young traveller up to the security gate. Anyone not flying with us is unable to go past this point, because we cannot offer gate passes at any of our airports. Airport colleagues will be able to tell you the latest time your child can stay with you before they need to go through security and onto their departure gate. 

We recommended that you wait until their flight takes off before leaving the terminal.

It can help to look at the airport terminal maps with your child before arriving at the airport so they’re familiar with their journey. Some airports do offer paid assistance to help customers to their boarding gate. Please visit the airport’s website for more information. 

Children travelling alone on SUN-AIR flights

SUN-AIR, our partner airline, allows young children between the ages of five and 11 years to travel without a parent or legal guardian provided you contact the airline in advance. Children over the age of 12 can travel unaccompanied on SUN-AIR operated flights, although young flyers between 12-16 years can use the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service on request.

You’ll need to book and pay for the SUN-AIR Unaccompanied Minor service in advance. You can’t book this service online, so please contact SUN-AIR for more information and to make your booking.

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Boarding the plane to head to another country alone is often an emotional experience – there’s the excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation.

It can also be totally nerve-wracking.

When Angie Orth made the bold choice to leave her job and embark on a solo yearlong journey around the world in 2011, her friends and family cautioned her about safety concerns. “Everyone was horrified,” the Florida native told USA TODAY. “The fear was all I heard.”

The then New York City-based Orth kicked off her 12-country solo trip in Fiji before making her way to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Then she trekked through Europe, including Greece, Spain and England, and stopped in Turkey and Egypt before ending in Kenya and South Africa.

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

Learn more: Best travel insurance

It wasn’t always smooth traveling. At times, Orth said she survived “by the skin of my teeth.” Orth was in Egypt during the Arab Spring , got unbelievably sick in Thailand, and had a bike accident in Bali. She was also robbed of 400 euros. “I was in Greece for a half an hour and had already been pickpocketed,” she said. 

Still, to Orth, the solo journey was invaluable. “It’s a confidence that I don't think there’s any other way to get that confidence than by solo travel,” she said, referring to the problem-solving that inherently comes with navigating travel on your own. Then there’s also the compassion you gain from meeting and experiencing other cultures. 

Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2.

Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows more people – especially women – traveling the world alone. 

“Women are not waiting for permission or their 401(k) to mature. If my husband doesn’t want to go, fine. Women are having more confidence,” said Orth, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Flirting with Disaster,” which chronicles her yearlong solo trip. 

Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel. 

How to safely travel alone

Safety is always top of mind when traveling, and it’s especially important for solo travelers who have to look out for themselves. 

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

“Isn’t it fun to meet a person in a hostel and say yes, let’s go hiking right now? That’s fun, but it’s risky,” Orth said. “It’s about balancing it out and researching ridiculously.” 

◾ Start your research by heading to the State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re interested in. These advisories are based on changing conditions and also inform you about the specific region you’re visiting.

For the most direct updates, enroll in the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you the most up-to-date information on the destination. It can also help connect you to the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate if traveling and something happens.

◾ One thing Orth always searches for is “the destination plus scams” to see what she has to look out for when in that place. Many European cities are notorious for petty theft, like pickpocketing in popular tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain or public transportation.  

When doing research, it may feel like an information overload. "There is so much information now, you could read 1,000 reviews and get so many sources of conflicting information," Orth added. "It’s hard to wade through all that and find trusted sources."

◾ To help sift through everything, Orth recommends reaching out to others who have traveled to your ideal destination. She also recommended cleaning out your feed and only following travel content creators who “give you the good and the bad.”

“You don’t want the glossy, glossy, oh, it’s so magical because travel isn’t always so magical,” she said. 

◾ At your destination, you’ll also need at least a basic understanding of the language used there. “Translation plays a big role in safety, just being aware of your surroundings,” said Craig Ewer, Google Communications Manager for Search. 

Besides direct translation between 133 languages, the Google Translate app offers pronunciation help – “such a lifesaver,” according to Rose Yao, vice president of product management at Google. You can also snap a picture of a menu and have it translated in real time. 

The Google app also has a feature called Lens that allows users to search using a picture of something like a sign. “You’d be surprised at what you can Lens: menus, what is that building or what is that statue,” Yao said. You can also capture a screenshot of your social media feed and then search for it on Google to incorporate it into your travel plans.

Staying healthy on your travels

◾ To safeguard yourself and others against preventable illnesses while exploring new places, look up any recommended vaccinations for the countries you plan on visiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a good starting point, with in-depth travel health notices and recommended vaccines and medicines posted. 

The CDC website also offers travel advice on managing nonpreventable illnesses, like preventing bug bites to reduce the risk of contracting diseases like dengue or Zika.

◾ Typically, you’d want to give yourself at least a month before departing on your trip to get everything you need from your doctor. And if you don’t know who to go to, the CDC can help you find a clinic as well. 

Orth recommends having a doctor help you put together a medical kit with some necessities and medications, such as for food poisoning. “It’s helpful to have some things on hand so you’re not scrambling on a remote island and no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said. 

◾ As you’re making the big purchases for your trip, don’t forget about travel insurance for the unexpected. Orth said she never travels without this layer of protection. Travel insurance not only helped with her medical costs from her bike collision but also replaced her camera, which was smashed in the accident. She also recommends a service called  MedJet , which offers worldwide security crisis and medical transportation assistance for its members.

What are the most popular solo travel destinations?

According to Google, the top-searched destinations for American solo travelers are: 

◾ Puerto Rico

Tips for solo travelers

◾ The Google app’s generative AI search allows you to “ask really detailed questions like you would ask a friend,” Yao said. “Ask what’s off the beaten path, what’s not crowded. What’s a great time to visit the Louvre that’s not super crowded?” 

◾ For your first trip alone, it’s OK to start small and dip your toes in the solo travel pool. “Start in an easier destination, something more familiar where you speak the language or you don't have to fly far away,” Orth said. “A lot of folks see ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and travel content creators trekking in Borneo for it to count but it doesn’t.” 

◾ It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, despite what you see on social media. Expect decision fatigue from having to make many micro-decisions, like if this taxi driver seems safe. “I think this probably hits women a lot harder than it hits men because we are never not thinking about our safety, and that’s if we’re going to Target in our hometown or hopping on a plane to a remote island,” Orth said. 

◾ Make an itinerary for yourself with at least one thing planned every day, so you don’t feel aimless but still have space for flexibility, said Madison Pietrowski, U.S. brand director at GetYourGuide, a marketplace for travel experiences, where each company listed is thoroughly vetted. It can be as casual as wanting to eat at a certain restaurant for dinner or more intensive like a whole-day tour. (On that note, make sure to read the fine print and be aware of cancellation policies for your excursions.)  

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Best Age to Travel: From Solo Travel to Travel with Kids

Best age to travel.

It is no surprise that the response to the “best age to travel” question is the age you are at right now.

We have been traveling for over 30 years:, first as solo travelers, then as a couple, and now as a small family. And there have been “best ages” to travel throughout those different times in our lives.

So read on for recommendations on the best ages to travel for a whole host of different reasons.

Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra charge to you. Thanks for your support. 

Is There an Ideal Age to Start Traveling?

The best age to start traveling is between 9-12 years old. Memories are made and held.

Kids this age are not only more flexible when it comes to travel, they can also be active participants in planning travel. 

Additionally, kids around this age are starting to form stronger peer relationships, which is definitely a good thing. But with those peer relationships, can come struggles with peer expectations. And the occasional ups and downs of friendships and school cliques. 

Travel can be a great way to keep family bonds strong and combat emotional growing pains. So travel at this age not only has the benefit of raising a person with a wider perspective of the world but with a stronger support system for the potentially difficult years ahead.

Those bonds formed on family adventures may just make it more likely that your teen can confide in you when school-, friend-, and romantic pressures start to weigh on them.

Best Age to Travel as an Adult

If you haven’t traveled as a child, the best age to travel as an adult is in your early adulthood. And one exceptional way to travel in your late teens or early 20s is through a college study abroad experience.

Students who study abroad are more likely to have higher grade point averages than those who stay on campus. They are

more likely to speak another language, which is especially important for American adults since only 7% speak more than one language. 

On the more practical side, research also shows that students who study abroad are more marketable in their career.

Best Age to Solo Travel

The narrative of solo travel is that it is something most commonly done in your 20s. However, that is definitely not the whole truth of it.

According to 2022 research , 86% of solo travelers are actually 35 or older. In fact, the average age of a solo traveler is 47 years old. 

Perhaps it is because as we age, two things happen. First, we tend to have more income to travel. And secondly, we tend to know more about ourselves and what we want to see and do. And we don’t want to wait.

Solo travel in your early 20s presents the added challenge of the minimum age for car rentals.

We travel almost exclusively by public transit, even in places like Alaska that are seemingly car centric.

So let us tell you that young adult travel is completely possible. But if you do fancy the independence of a car, then solo travel should probably wait until you are 25 or older. 

Best Age to Travel on a Budget

Famous travel bloggers like Nomadic Matt established early that budget travel was a young person’s game.

Staying in hostels, eating street food, and riding public transit have typically been the staple of traveling in your early 20s. 

The thinking here is that when you are younger you are more willing to privilege experience over luxury. And I suppose that is true.

But our budget travel game has only gotten stronger as we have aged. Here’s why…. Traveling on a budget as a small family has allowed us to see so much of the world with our son. 

Family travel is by definition more expensive i.e. more people = more flights, more beds, more food. So learning to travel on a budget as a family has been at the very core of our 40s. 

While we have, for the most part, given up the hostels of our 20s, we still find reasonable apartment-style accommodations so we don’t have to eat out. Plus, as experienced travelers, we do the leg work of planning our own DIY tours and adventures. 

And of course, we are biased. We definitely feel that traveling on a budget–even when we can afford a little more—has allowed us to spend more time where locals live, in supermarkets and on public transit. 

Budget travel should not solely be the mantra of those who can’t afford better.

Rather, budget travel should be seen as more sustainable travel, staying longer in one place, using public resources instead of private transport, learning more of the language so you can ask questions of the locals.

And for that reason, we will be budget travelers until we stop traveling. So the best answer to what is the best age to travel on a budget? Always. 

Best Age to Travel with Kids

Numerous studies suggest that family travel can have the combined benefit of reducing work stress and increasing family contentment. However, family travel is not without, quite literally, extra baggage.

While we have enjoyed traveling as a family since our son was an infant, it truly does just keep getting better. \

We right now, really enjoying traveling with him as a teenager and have expert tips on how to travel better with your teen .

However, our best recommendation of when travel really started to get good was when he was between 9 and 10 years of age. 

At 10, most kids can regulate their behavior and be enthusiastic and active participants. They are also much more able to walk longer distances. 

However, what we noticed the most, was that at the age of 10, kids start showing their own unique preferences for experiences separate from yours. Younger kids are much more willing to just go along, but as kids age they can express what they love about traveling.

While we had lived in Europe for half a year when our son was a toddler, we chose 10 as the age to take him back for his first “European” vacation. And it was a great choice. At 10, he could handle jet lag, hop trains, explore museums, marvel at cathedrals – including Notre Dame before the fire – and try new foods. 

And at 10, he could also handle the disappointments that sometimes come along with travel. Like the time we attempted to ride the longest mountain coaster in Bavaria, only to have it close from the weather minutes before we arrived. 

Around this age is also the perfect time for some solo parent trips or grandparent trips. Like the trip, Faith and O took alone to Belize or the cruise O took with his (also 10 year-old) cousin with his grandparents.

But do be aware that 10 is still too early for some experiences. For example, if you want your kid to hike Huayna Picchu , the peak next to Machu Picchu, for breathtaking views in Peru, then they need to be at least 12. 

But regardless of what you feel is the perfect age, don’t wait too long. Travel has many benefits for kids, especially raising their cultural awareness. A 2019 study by The Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA) found that 79% of teachers found travel to be a priority to raise cultural awareness in their students.

So get your kiddo out there. We promise despite the extra baggage (both literally and figuratively) it will be worth it.

Best Age to Take a Family Gap Year

There is something important that happens during a family gap year (or 7-months from our own experience). Immersive travel as a family requires you to be strangers in a strange land together. And from that you must learn to rely on each other.

We did our version of a gap year (again, just 7 months) in Spain when our son was 3.5 years old. And there were many benefits to taking a preschooler on an extended stay abroad. The largest being there is literally no school to contend with. 

The other main benefit of traveling with young kids is language development. It is much more natural for a little one to simply “pick up” a language. And we certainly found that to be the case with our son. 

Little ones are also much more open to making new friends. Spain in particular is such an amazing place for family travel. Its “get outside” culture where kids are encouraged to play in the numerous small parks in the neighborhoods meant O made friends quickly. And his friends’ parents quickly became our friends.

However, traveling with kids under 5 or 6 means they have little to no memories of their own from the experience. If we talk about our time in Spain, O may remember small pieces, but it is far from the rich tapestry of stories and memories that we have as adults. 

In that way, a gap year with elementary-aged students definitely has more staying power. Matthew’s family lived a year abroad when he and his siblings ranged from 5-14. His sister’s have rich memories of attending German school and traveling the entire country. While Matthew, then 5, has fewer distinct memories. 

Worst Age to Travel with Kids

So we are just going to go out on a limb here and say there is no bad age to travel with kids. There are definitely harder times, like traveling with toddlers, who are so, so busy. Or the infant stage where they come with just so much stuff. 

However, there is something to be said for traveling with kids in their last few years of high school. As both parents of a high schooler and as teachers, it is really stressful for kids to miss too much school, even with the benefits of travel. 

We recently decided to take off three days from school for an unbelievable bargain flight to Spain, which we found using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) . But while we certainly don’t regret the trip (I mean who can pass up a $400 roundtrip flight from a mid-size market like Boise to Madrid?), we did stress out our kid a fair amount with all the make-up work he had to complete upon our return.

At What Age Should You Stop Traveling?

This question is perhaps more a question of fitness than of age. Travel definitely can get hard for people with limited mobility. On our recent trip to Spain, we walked nearly 8 miles a day. In that way, some travel will just be too hard for some people as they age. However, older travelers can certainly find tours like AARP’s Golden Circle Travel that caters to an older clientele.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Age to Travel

What age group travels the most.

According to AARP, Millennials, those born in 1981-1996,  travel more than any other generation.

Should you travel in your 20s?

Yes. And one of the best ways to travel in your early 20s is through your university’s study abroad programs.

Students who study abroad have, on average, better grades, more language acquisition, and more marketable skills. So get going.

Is 30 too late to start traveling?

Thirty is definitely NOT too late to start traveling.

Travelers in their 30s have the advantage of not incurring the additional fees for car rentals that a person in their early 20s will have to pay. 

Still on a budget? According to Hostelworld , 39% of people who stay at hostels are between the ages of 25-34. And hostels are a great way to meet other people if you are traveling solo.

When can kids fly alone?

At 15, most airlines will allow a child to travel alone. Some airlines allow children as early as 12 to fly alone without flying as an “unaccompanied minor.”

So yes, in truth, it is absolutely possible for a 15 year old to book a flight and travel on their own without their guardians’ knowledge. But that’s definitely a conversation you should have as a family first.

Faith, along with her husband and her son make up 3TicketsPlease. We have adventured to over 25 countries together. Budget travel allows us to live our philosophy of "why wait to travel," and we'd love to help you and your family see the world now.

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What Is The Best Age To Travel With Kids?

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Traveling with children varies from family to family. Many families start traveling in their child’s first year. Some parents wait until their child is older. Traveling with children can be challenging and exhausting, but there are lots of things you can do to help simplify the experience. Below we share our top tips on how to travel with children. This will help you to enjoy your family vacation. Here we will provide an overview to help you decide the best age to travel with kids.

The more planning that you do the easier it will be to make your trip both fun and safe while you travel with kids. Each child’s age group has its own unique characteristics and travel requirements. Therefore, it’s worth doing some research before you travel with your family.

In this post, we will cover when is a good age to start traveling with kids and whether traveling with children is difficult. We will provide tips for family travel with children and discuss the best and worst ages to travel with kids. This will include how and when to travel with a baby, toddler, children, and teens. Overall, we will help you to decide what is the best age to travel with kids.

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What is a Good Age to Start Traveling with Kids?

It’s a good idea to start traveling with children early in life. But there is no fixed age for traveling with kids. In fact, your child’s age isn’t really important when you are traveling. Trying to decide the best age to travel with kids is more about the maturity level of your children and how they deal with change.

It’s never too early or too late to travel as a family. Traveling long-distance can be tiring and stressful for parents, but particularly those with babies and preschoolers. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, then there really isn’t an age limit.

A good age to travel with children depends on the individual parent and what type of trip you are planning. Keep in mind that the fast-paced trips you took before having children are likely not appropriate. You should have different expectations now that you have little ones. Traveling with children needs to be at a slower pace, and with a lot more patience.

Is traveling with children difficult?

As long as you are willing to plan for the trip (see also, ‘ How to Plan a Camping Trip ‘) and keep your children’s needs in mind, it will be easy to travel with kids. Adjust your expectations and prepare to have a more relaxed vacation. To travel with kids you must be very patient and calm as it can be challenging.

The more you plan for your trip, and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be. For example, pack a diaper bag full of things your baby will need in case of an emergency or lost luggage.

Tips for Family Travel with Children

Traveling with children doesn’t have to be hard or exhausting. Plan ahead and use our helpful travel checklists so you know what to take. We have printable family travel packing lists that can help make your trip easier! If you are traveling long-distance, make sure to check out our Simplifying a Road Trip with Kids article.

Traveling with kids can be an amazing experience that teaches your children about the world and gives your family the chance to bond. It just takes a little bit of planning and patience, but it’s totally worth it.

Here are our top tips on how to travel with children

Explain the trip.

The more you can explain your plans ahead of time, the fewer surprises there will be. Let your kids know what to expect and where you’ll be going. It’s also a good idea to talk about topics that might come up on the trip – like staying in a hotel with family or trying different types of food.

Take it Slow and Leave Plenty of Time

Pace your trip based on the children’s needs, not your own. It is all about keeping kids comfortable and happy. If you are traveling with an infant or a toddler, remember that they can’t go as long without sleep or restroom stops as older children can – so you’ll need to budget in some more rest breaks and limit the times you try new restaurants.

Don’t Overpack

You don’t need to bring along everything you own, especially when it comes to toys and clothes for toddlers and younger children. Bring a selection of age-appropriate travel activities for kids to entertain them on a road trip or flight. And use our Printable Family Travel Packing Lists to help you know exactly what you need to take on a vacation with kids.

Pre-Book Everything You Can

With young kids, most of your activities will be planned in advance. So make sure you have booked your kids’ activities and attractions in advance, including any restaurant reservations.

Pack Plenty of Snacks

You’ll want to pack a lot of snacks for kids, especially when you’re traveling with young children. Around-the-clock snacking can sustain small children on the road, so don’t forget to toss in plenty of (non-messy) snacks for the flight. Check out our article about the Best Road Trip Snacks For Kids .

Know how to Use your Travel Gear

Kids’ gear should be designed to travel, and it’s also helpful if you can learn how to use your gear ahead of time. For example, reading the instructions for your child’s car seat will teach you how to install it and make it comfortable for your child to use in a rental car.

The Best Age to Travel with Kids

The best age to start traveling with a child is when the child is able to walk long distances without tiring easily, eat whatever food is available, has developed good sleeping habits, can be trusted not to wander away, and has enough discipline not to pick up and put in its mouth everything it sees!

The Best and Worst Ages to Travel with Children

Here are a breakdown of the best and worst ages to travel with a baby, toddlers, kids, and teens. It’s important to keep in mind that children of the same age can have different needs from each other due to their personalities, attention spans, and biology. So ultimately, the best age to travel with kids or a baby is when you and your family feel comfortable and ready to take on the adventure.

When trying to decide on the worst or best age to travel with kids, let’s begin with discussing what it’s like to start traveling with a baby at various stages during the first year.

Travel with a Baby

Age 0-3 months.

Babies require lots of stuff, and packing will be a bit more involved. They won’t remember your trip or the sights you see. New parents are often overwhelmed and sleep-deprived from having a new baby and trying to establish a routine, especially first-time parents.

Newborns are more prone to germs and are generally more at risk of getting sick when traveling. This is a time in your life that you will be extra cautious when it comes to your baby’s well-being, and this caution could affect how much fun you have on the trip. It is generally advised to wait until the baby is at least 3-months-old before taking any long trips and to always talk to your doctor first when considering traveling with a baby this young. Especially if you are taking an international trip with a baby.

Age 3-6 months

Babies over 3 months have built up a stronger immune system, so it’s safer to travel with a baby now they are older. They are more aware of their surroundings and able to hold their heads up. They can now sit with assistance, making it easier for parents who want to use baby carriers or slings. At this age, babies will enjoy looking at new surroundings from their strollers or front carriers. You can do plenty of sightseeing, but the pace will be slower.

Babies this age are still young enough that they won’t remember the trip, but just like older babies, they will get tired quickly if you’re doing any long walks or touring. It is much easier to travel with a little one who can’t crawl or walk yet. They still require lots of stuff and take a long time to pack (and unpack) because they need diapers, wipes, clothes, food, toys, etc.

Ages 6-9 months

At this age, babies are more mobile and can explore their surroundings more by crawling and cruising. This is a perfect age to travel with children because they will enjoy looking at new surroundings. You’ll have an easier time traveling and sightseeing while keeping your little one entertained. They can sit on their own, so a baby carrier or front pack is no longer necessary. But I did find carrying my baby in the Ergo Baby Carrier was a GREAT way for her to take a nap when on the go. Or we would bring our Britax B-Lively Lightweight Stroller which was helpful for carrying the diaper bag and baby accessories. We also had the Britax Stroller Organizer with insulated cup holders which were awesome for carrying a coffee cup and water bottle 😉

Babies over 6 months have started eating some solid foods, so feeding your baby during travel will be much easier. Snacks will help keep them occupied during flights and long trips in the car. It’s also very helpful to have a baby that can stand on his or her own at this age. It will be much easier for you when changing diapers and dressing your baby. They can also hold a bottle, and you won’t need as many bottles while traveling.

Keep in mind that infants sailing on a cruise ship must be between at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise. And 12 months for transatlantic and transpacific voyages.

Ages 9-12 months

Babies approaching their first birthdays are able to walk without assistance. They can also speak a few words and wave bye-bye. This is a great age to travel with children because they will enjoy exploring their surroundings and seeing new things, and interacting with the people they meet. They cannot walk for long periods of time, so it’s easier for parents to bring a stroller along when sightseeing.

At each age listed above, these are generalizations and there is a lot of variation among children. It’s very common for babies and toddlers to get cranky when traveling because they’re either too hot, too cold, too cramped, or hungry. There are bound to be some meltdowns when traveling with a baby at this age. But they will generally last for a short time and then it’s over. Babies also have more patience to look at their surroundings than toddlers who get bored much quicker. This could affect how long you can stay in one place.

To learn more about stress-free travel with a baby read this post .

Traveling with a Toddler

Age 12-18 months.

Toddlers at this age are walking and running! They’ll enjoy exploring their surroundings and seeing new things. You will have an easier time traveling with them because they don’t require a lot of stuff. However, their mobility could make it harder to keep up with their curiosity.

For toddlers, traveling can be tough because they can’t communicate well and have shorter attention spans. They don’t know how to walk up and down stairs or over curbs, so it’s better for them to have a stroller. Traveling with toddlers is also difficult because they get bored easily and want to do whatever their older siblings are doing. You’ll also have more anxiety about your toddler wandering too far away from you.

Although toddlers are still young enough to be carried in a front pack or held as you walk through airports, It’s much easier to fly with a child who can sit by him/herself and walk around the airport. To learn more read this post with helpful tips for flying with a toddler . If you plan on going on long walks when sightseeing, bring along a stroller because toddlers tire easily from walking.

Be extra careful and watch out for sharp objects that toddlers can reach (ex. broken glass, rocks, dirt). Also, note that they’re much harder to keep entertained because they get bored very easily. They no longer need bottles while traveling, but it is helpful to carry a sippy cup with water.

Ages 18-24 months

There are two schools of thought about taking toddlers on vacation. Namely: ‘ Don’t do it’ and ‘ Do it ‘. The truth is somewhere between the two. Your decision should be based on more than your toddler’s ability to nap in public or their toilet training status. We have a helpful article about how to travel with a potty training toddler .

Children at this age are talking more and love to explore their surroundings more than ever! This is a great age to travel with children because they are able to stand on their own, and are walking without stumbling.

One thing you’ll notice is that toddlers this age tend to like things more “their way”. This means they might have a tantrum over something simple. This may include the color of their outfit, what they eat for snack time or what activity they will or won’t do. Children who are able to walk on their own at this age will be antsy to go where “they” want.

2 years old

The Terrible Twos. A child at this age is not likely to enjoy waiting in lines and sitting still in a confined space for extended periods of time. This can be a very challenging stage, so it might not be the best age to travel with kids for you! But if you can keep your child entertained, and they are able to understand a few simple requests that would make traveling easier for everyone: “Please stay close to me,” “Could you please hold my hand”, or simply “thank you.” Then it might be possible to still enjoy yourself.

Traveling with children this age is much more complicated, but not impossible. Two-year-olds are walking pretty well. But it’s harder for them to get occupied with things they can do themselves (like coloring, etc.). They also tend to sleep less than babies and be dependent on their parents for a longer time than younger children.

This is the perfect age to let your child carry around his or her own backpack with a few toys or snacks. Let your child pack his suitcase with some of his favorite things to help him feel a part of the process and more excited about the trip.

Traveling with Small Children

3-5 years old.

Not too young and not too old. This is the ideal age for traveling because kids of this age can play with other children easily or entertain themselves with toys and activities while also being able to understand instructions from adults. I would definitely consider age 3-5 years as the best age to travel with kids.

This is the prime age to take your children on their first plane trip. They will be able to easily sit through a flight, do activities and coloring books on their own as well as behave themselves with other passengers.

At this age, kids are always excited to see new things. Some are even old enough now to begin understanding the meaning of culture shock. That’s right, introducing children to new environments and ideas can be a lot of fun at this age! Most children age 3-5 years can handle being in a new place if there is plenty to do and explore, so it’s a good age for traveling.

You’ll want to make sure your kid has his/her own backpack with some activities inside such as crayons, paper, coloring books, small toys, or games that will keep them occupied without having to ask for your help every five minutes.

Best Age To Travel with Kids

6-9 years old.

Kids this age love to see new things just as much as their younger counterparts, but they’re also more interested in staying active while touring a destination. Whether it’s walking around the city streets, going on boat tours of the waterways, or playing games on a rainy day; elementary-age kids always have plenty of things to do.

Traveling with children over age 6 years will provide plenty of time to form memories from their trips. These family vacation memories will form strong family bonds that last a lifetime.

It’s really important that you try to make children feel involved in as many decisions as possible. Ask them what they would like to do and consider their requests before making your final decisions. Trips this age are much more enjoyable if you take the time to let kids explore on their own a bit, but still, keep an eye on them at all times.

At this age, kids are old enough to understand how planes and other forms of transportation work, but oftentimes they don’t fully grasp the concept of time so sitting through a long flight can be difficult. Use our Printable Travel Games For Kids to help entertain your children on long journeys such as a family road trip or flight. These travel games are ideal for children age 3 years plus.

10-12 years old

For the most part, children at this age can understand and remember all of the instructions you give them; so it’s best to make sure they know their schedule before leaving home. They will be more likely to have fun on vacation if they know what’s going on and when to expect certain events or activities.

These are the years when kids can truly start to appreciate the significance of travel, but they also have their own opinions on what they would like to see and do from one day to the next. Tell them about the destination, what they will see, and where you are going before you leave so they have an idea of what to expect.

It’s also important for parents to remember that while children at this age can understand more complex concepts, they’re still very much kids! They need time and space alone if needed, but don’t be afraid to give them a little extra attention or buy them small souvenirs from your travels.

Travel with Teens

13-18 years old.

There is no doubt that teenagers have their own minds and therein lies the challenge of traveling with kids this age. Everyone will be in for an entirely new learning experience when vacationing with teens because they have higher expectations than younger children. At this age, teens are old enough to see the world around them and understand how it works.

This is also the age when you are likely to hear, “I’m bored,” quite a bit so it’s important for parents to provide teens with a few options when it comes to activities. Whether it’s going for a walk, visiting a museum, or trying out some outdoor sports; staying busy on their own can be an important part of the travel experience and will keep them occupied if they have too much time to think about going home.

Teens might enjoy the trip more if they can make their own plans sometimes too. So, consider letting them go out with friends or exploring on their own every once in a while, as long as you’re visiting a safe destination. This will help create some memories and teach teens how to have more fun when traveling with family.

That is what makes traveling with teenagers rewarding; getting a chance to see the world and spend some time together as a family. Your children might be growing up quickly, but still, make sure to take time to jump in every once in a while and help them enjoy their childhood memories with adventures that’ll be remembered forever.

Deciding the Best Age to Travel with Kids

Traveling with children spans a wide range of ages and abilities. For the best experience, it is important to keep in mind that at any age, you should be prepared for possible challenges. As long as parents are aware of these potential difficulties, they can plan ahead accordingly and make adjustments when needed. It’s also helpful to remember that different stages require different approaches – from toddlers all the way through teens.

The most rewarding part of traveling with children is when they get to experience new things and learn. It’s also a time for families to spend more quality time together, so stay positive and have fun! So, is it possible to decide when is the best age to travel with kids? Ultimately, the most important thing for parents to remember is that no matter what stage their children are in, travel is an investment in memories for years to come.

And remember, let’s BE Family so you can enjoy the journey.

Until next time, 💕 Ruth

For more about family travel, check out these posts: Simplify a Road Trip with Kids Travel with a Baby Stress-Free this Holiday How to Pack for a Winter Road Trip with Kids? Road Trip With A Baby: Tips To Help Parents Survive Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids

BE Family Products Inc., or (BE Family Travel) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Using any of the links on this website does NOT cost you anything but does help us continue to create content on this blog. Thank you so much for your support and for partnering with us. Let’s BE Family.

Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.

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• Dear Life Kit
• Life Skills

We asked, you answered: Parent-approved tips on traveling with kids under 2

Becky Harlan

Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.

Reading through these responses, it became clear there's no magic hack that works for every kid. Some parents swore by sticking to their kid's sleep schedule on a trip, others said their vacation was smoother when they let the usual routine go. Some sang the praises of the overnight flight (so their child would sleep on the plane), others said their child has never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane no matter the timing.

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

A few pieces of advice held true throughout. A hungry kid is an unpleasant kid, and children are messy. So packing lots of snacks, extra diapers and a change of clothes ranked high on the list of must-dos. Almost 40 of over 200 responses suggested packing extra outfits in your carry-on for your kid and for you. (If your charge spits up, throws up, blows out or spills it will also get on you!)

So here's a non-exhaustive, impossible-to-be-comprehensive, but-hopefully-still-helpful round-up of your top advice for traveling with little kids. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What to pack

A stroller that can be stored in the overhead bin. It's a game changer to not have to check clunky strollers at the gate or check-in counters. —Amy P.

A change of clothes for yourself. If the baby spits up or has a blowout, there's a high likelihood that the mess will end up on you too, especially if you're holding them. Also, be sure to bring a bag to put messy clothes in. Reusable waterproof bags are great and they keep the smell in! —Jenna Yount

Extra diapers. You think you will be fine but if something comes up it's not a good situation to be in. —Jeanna Limtiaco

Overnight diapers. Fewer diaper changes in transit makes everyone happier. —Samantha Warren

Snacks. Remember, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration allows for any size baby food [and baby or toddler beverage], so pack those pouches! —Clara W.

Meds you and your kids might need in flight. That includes chewable Tylenol, Imodium, Dramamine, Zofran, ginger chews, Band-Aids and alcohol wipes. —Paige Ellis

A dark-colored bath towel. It's a blanket, it's for tidying up, it's a tablecloth, it's a sun cover, it shields bottoms from hot slides, it dries off swings. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse. —Judith Heise

Consider what may make sense to buy, rent or borrow upon arrival. You don't need to stuff everything into your suitcase. Buy some of your diapers and snacks at your destination. See if you can borrow or rent large, bulky items like car seats or travel cribs from Facebook Marketplace or your hotel or Airbnb. —Jocelyn Newman

How to get through the flight

Get to your gate an hour before boarding. It gives you time to feed your child, change their diapers, have a cup of coffee and fill your water bottle. It can also help your kid let out their energy before they have to sit on the plane. —Shelly C.

Check the airport for family friendly spaces. Use nursing spaces or pods and family restrooms to reset as needed. Check lounges for nursing and play rooms. —Sara Conger

Take an early morning flight. Those are least likely to get delayed, which is important when traveling with kids. —Carina Ochoa

Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition

Board with your partner separately. If you're traveling with two caregivers, have one go on the plane first with all the stuff and do the gate-checking of the stroller while the other hangs back with the kids until the last minute. It gives kids more time to run around! —Andrea De Francesca

Get a plane seat for your kid. Even though many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly for free as a lap baby, if you can afford to get them their own seat, it is worth it. It is recommended for safety to have them in a car seat, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the extra space for them to move around is nice. —Nicole Shelledy

Be ready for motion sickness. We were not prepared for how easily some little ones get motion sickness on an airplane. Have throw-up bags handy at all times. —Tiff Bankhurst

Prevent ear discomfort. Sucking during take off and landing may help relieve ear discomfort. My babies have flown with me from 4 weeks onward and never had a problem as long as they had a bottle or sippy cup or straw to suck on. —Shelly Ransom

Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. It's great if they do, but if it doesn't happen, you'll be frustrated. —Colleen Mayerhoff

Don't worry too much about your kid "bothering" other people. The vast majority of people don't care, and many have been in the same situation you've been in and feel nothing but empathy for you. As for those who do care, they are not guaranteed a child-free existence in public. Kids are part of society too, and they are also allowed to take up space. —Jenna Yount

Make friends with the flight crew. They're going to help, they've got more experience than you, and they also want the flight to be pleasant. —April Graham

Save the screens for the flight. If you're using a screen, wait until you're on the plane. While you're waiting in the terminal, let them move as much as possible. Find an empty gate and play Simon Says, see who can jump in one place the longest, do animal charades. Let them go wild. —Paige Ellis

Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. (But know that if your kid is under age 2 they'll mostly just want to push the buttons.) —Chantel Dockstader

Travel hacks

Find a lodging close to a grocery store and a park. It makes it easy to buy last-minute things and burn off their energy easily at a park. —Gillian Molina

Dress your young kids in bright, matching shirts. I once traveled alone when my kids were 2, 4 and 6. We all wore matching yellow shirts so people could see we were together. —Emily Hernandez

If you want to let your little one crawl around , bring a pair of socks that you can put over their hands. Then you don't have to worry about dirty hands afterward. —Shannon Geraghty

Hire a photographer. You'll have photos with everyone in them, maybe get to see some scenic parts of the city you hadn't seen before. Dress up, wear matching outfits, be extra! They're only little once. —Tina Doyle

Helpful mindsets

It's not a vacation. It's a trip. You're just parenting in a new place. Set your expectations accordingly. —Laura Henriquez

The airport/train/bus/car is not the time to enforce the normal at-home rules. Do you want Doritos at 7 a.m. at the airport? OK. Do you want to watch 20 episodes of Blippi on the plane? No problem. There are no rules when traveling. This also makes traveling fun for kids because they get to do something different. —Meg Houston

Build in extra time to do things. It will decrease the chances of you and your child getting into stressful situations. —Cori DeLano

You're not going to get as much done as you think with a kiddo in tow. Think about things like nap schedule, traveling with a stroller, meltdowns, diaper changes. On my most "successful" trip with my kiddo, we planned one big activity a day and left the rest of the day open with some general ideas and left room for flexibility. —Whitney Winters

They might not remember, but you will. —Nina Hartman

The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

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• Life Kit: Parenting

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Stop Wasting Your Money on Eye Cream

We initially published this story as an exclusive for our newsletter subscribers on September 11, 2023, but we liked it so much that we’re putting it up on the site too. If you’d like to sign up for the Stratgeist newsletter, you can do so here .

Welcome to  How I Pick My Picks  — a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff they’re using day-to-day, the products they’re testing for stories, and the things their friends and family won’t stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always-whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Now, meet our beauty writer, Tembe Denton-Hurst.

I’m very into  lip balms  right now. Over the past months, I’ve tested the good, the  TikTok-famous , and one horrific cayenne-pepper lip balm that I won’t name out of respect for its creator. But I keep coming back to Aquaphor and  Vaseline . I wanted so badly to love the  Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment , and I did, for a while, but after a few weeks I had such a strong reaction to it that my lips were recovering for weeks. This was also the case with the balms from  Laneige  and  Ilia  — two other standouts with well-deserved cult followings that didn’t work for me.

Ultimately, I’ve realized I’m  sensitive  (in every sense of the word) and have to be picky about the stuff I put on my lips, or stick to the basics. There has been one pretty surprising (and non-irritating) addition to my rotation, though: Ourself, which makes a lip-filler-like serum we’ve previously penned an ode to , also has a  post-lip-filler-serum balm  that’s meant to extend the results of its ridiculously expensive hero product. Turns out that balm is more of a gloss (though surprisingly nourishing), and I’ve found myself using it every day. It has a hint of peppermint oil that offers a slight plump (I swear my lips look juicier and fuller) and comes in this pretty translucent-pink shade, which pairs beautifully with a brown lip liner ( Victoria Beckham’s liner in the shade 06,  in case you’re curious). It holds up decently well to talking and light snacking, and I’ve been carrying it constantly. At $45, it’s pricier than a tube of super-sticky and shiny beauty-supply gloss, but it’s more conscionable than a $118 serum with mixed reviews.

As a beauty writer, what’s the product that friends and family always ask for your advice on?

Probably  moisturizer , foundation, or  concealer . Base makeup is notoriously tricky to judge ,  so I always recommend checking the ingredients. Something that contains heavy oils and butters might not work well for someone with  oily skin , while a gel-cream moisturizer might not be rich enough for someone who’s notoriously dry.

What’s the least amount of money you should spend on, for example, a foundation?

When it comes to drugstore brands like NYX, L’Oréal, and Maybelline, I always know I’m getting a solid product. For example, L’Oréal Lumi True Match is famously billed as a dupe for Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation. It makes sense, given that the two brands are owned by the same parent company — L’Oréal USA—and have a near-identical ingredients list.

What are you currently testing and researching?

Hand cream ! I’m testing against Nécessaire’s practically perfect hand cream . So much so that I’m always telling  my editor, Crystal , that nothing compares. It’s deeply moisturizing and unscented, and it leaves my hands with a subtle sheen without going greasy. I can apply it and go about my day without rubbing my hands against themselves, fretting over an icky film.

What product do you think is a total waste of money?

Eye cream . Unless you’re targeting a specific concern like dark under-eyes or puffiness from a late night out, just use your moisturizer underneath there.

What’s the most expensive product you own?

I have multiple NuFace devices (both the body and mini-face one) and Dysons. They’re my nest eggs. I am horrible at using the NuFace daily like you’re supposed to, but even with occasional use, it provides pretty noticeable results. It snatches my jaw and de-puffs my face, which is crucial for me before an event.

What’s the last thing you bought?

Owyn protein shakes . My fiancé and I go through them like water. It’s crazy how quickly we run out of a case.

What’s the last thing you bought for yourself?

An Aesther Ekme bag at Bergdorf Goodman . It was on supersale and I couldn’t resist!

What are some open tabs on your computer right now? What’s on your list but you can’t bring yourself to buy it just yet?

I have about a million  rugs  open because I need a new one in my bedroom. We bought a checkered cream one a few years ago, and that was a big mistake. I think I’m better at keeping things pristine than I really am, and I’ve had to cave and admit that I need to just let a dark rug into my life.

If you had $1,000 to spend at Sephora, what would you buy?

If I have a grand, I’m stocking up. For starters, two tubes of  Kosas concealers . That’ll run me $60, which leaves me with $940. I’m generally skeptical about celebrity beauty brands, but Rare Beauty ’s products are some of the best I’ve tried — especially the bronzing sticks. The undertones, particularly for brown skin like mine, are spot-on. That’s another $78 in bronzer sticks alone. Then with whatever money I have left over, I’d spring for whatever new thing Dyson has to offer, because its products get me every time.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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• Entertainment

Who Is Justin Theroux's Girlfriend? All About Nicole Brydon Bloom

Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom were first spotted together in February 2023

Rebecca Aizin is an Editorial Assistant at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2023. Her work has previously appeared on Elle, HGTV and Backstage. 

Amy Sussman/Getty

Justin Theroux and his girlfriend, Nicole Brydon Bloom, are encouraging of each other.

The actors, who have a 23-year age difference, first sparked romance rumors in February 2023 before photos surfaced of the two showing off some PDA six months later. In March 2024, the pair made their red carpet debut at Vanity Fair' s annual Oscars party — seemingly confirming their relationship.

A New York-based actress, Bloom portrayed Caroline Stuyvesant in season 2 of The Gilded Age . She's also appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and 1BR . Most recently, Bloom is starring in Hulu's drama series We Were the Lucky Ones .

Theroux was previously married to Jennifer Aniston from 2015 until their divorce in 2018 . He has since spoken about enjoying not being in a public relationship and all the attention that comes with it.

"There's something to, once you're out of that, where I want all of my relationships to exist within the four walls of whatever room we're in," the actor told Esquire in May 2023. "Having been in a public relationship, it's much more fun not being in a public relationship."

So who is Justin Theroux's girlfriend? Here’s everything to know about Nicole Brydon Bloom and her relationship with the fellow actor.

She attended Elon University

Nicole Brydon Bloom Instagram

Bloom graduated from Elon University in 2017 with a degree in acting. She originally entered college as a journalism major but changed her mind after she saw an Elon production, she told Today at Elon in 2022. 

Bloom also shared how the program shaped her into the actor she is today.

“They were so encouraging of me taking risks as an actor," she said. "In auditions it is really easy to fall into, ‘What do I think casting directors are looking for and how do I fit into that.’ And that can be very limiting."

Bloom continued, “Elon was so good about emphasizing finding a way to make the character you, instead of what you think it should be.”

She has a string of TV credits

Bruce Glikas/Getty

While her post-grad career started on the stage in regional theatre in Kentucky, Bloom soon moved in front of the camera, appearing in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit , The Affair and 1BR .

Her latest credit, as Caroline Stuyvesant in season 2 of The Gilded Age , was a dream come true for the young actress. The show was created by Julian Fellowes, the mind behind Downton Abbey and a personal favorite of Bloom’s. 

“I loved Downton Abbey and Julian Fellowes’ work. I was still in college when I heard the rumors that he was making a new show like the ‘New York version of Downton Abbey ,’ ” she told Today at Elon. “I emailed my agent, and I was like I have to be in this. I told my agent, ‘If this comes up, I would love the opportunity to read for them.’ ” 

Though she didn’t score a role in the first season, her chance came along again during auditions for season 2. Bloom also touched on how she navigates with the inevitable string of “no’s” in the industry.

“Find other outlets,” she said, before adding that living in a place she loves also helps her in difficult times.

Her dad died while covering the war in Iraq in 2003

Bloom was just 9 years old when her father, David Bloom, who was a well-known NBC News journalist, died suddenly in April 2003 as he was covering the war in Iraq. A clot that started as a deep vein thrombosis traveled from his leg to his lungs, where it lodged in an artery, resulting in his death. 

“We had braced ourselves for all the war-related dangers that that assignment entailed,” Bloom’s mother, Melanie Bloom, told Today 10 years after his death. “But when I got that call, I had never heard of DVT myself and I don’t think David ever had. The more I learned, the more shocked I was. It wasn’t an IED or a bomb that took his life. It was this DVT.”

Bloom has kept her father’s memory alive since, regularly posting tributes on her social media. On the 20th anniversary of his death in April 2023, she posted an ode to her father, reminiscing on their time together.

“20 years ago today my dad died while covering the war in Iraq. Forever proud of him, endeared by his sense of humor and in awe of his intelligence and commitment to the truth,” she wrote in the caption. “We miss you every day Dad 🤍 Thank you for being such an incredible role model and father. Very grateful for the time we had.” 

She was first spotted with Theroux in February 2023

Slaven Vlasic/Getty

In February 2023, Bloom and Theroux were spotted at a Netflix event at the N.Y.C. social club Zero Bond.

The pair were photographed with Tan France and actress Louisa Jacobson, who is Bloom’s castmate on The Gilded Age .

Six months after they were first seen together, the two packed on the PDA at Altro Paradiso, a restaurant in N.Y.C. The outing also included a stop at Ray's Bar, which Theroux co-owns with Succession star Nicholas Braun .

Theroux was her plus-one to her sister's wedding

Nicole Brydon Bloom/Instagram

In December 2023, Theroux (and his dog Kuma) accompanied Bloom to her twin sister's wedding in N.Y.C. She later posted a mirror selfie with Theroux from the festivities, which marked their Instagram debut as a couple.

She loves to travel

Bloom has traveled all over the world, including extensive trips to European destinations like Barcelona and Paris . She’s also traveled with Logan Lerman and Joey King , her costars in  We Were the Lucky Ones , an upcoming show based on the book of the same name

She posted pictures from Bucharest, Romania, and Málaga, Spain, with Lerman and King in May 2023. The latter commented, “Oh, Us? Babes. We are babes."

She and Theroux made their red carpet debut in March 2024

The couple made their red carpet debut at Vanity Fair 's Oscar party in Los Angeles. Bloom dazzled in an off-the-shoulder black gown, while Theroux looked effortlessly handsome in a black suit.

More recently, Theroux was on hand to support Bloom at the premiere of her latest project, We Were the Lucky Ones, in March 2024. They posed for photos together at the event, which was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Theroux wore all black, while Bloom wore a cream-colored dress.

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These Skiers Are Still Chasing Powder in Their 80s and 90s

For the Wild old Bunch of Alta, Utah, getting older means more time for the mountain. And anyone over 80 skis free.

“I ski better now than when I was younger,” said Classie Page. “I used to ski slow, but now, I ski with people who ski fast.” Credit...

Supported by

By Charley Locke

Photographs by Kate Russell

Reporting from Alta, Utah

• Published March 16, 2024 Updated March 20, 2024

It was a bluebird morning at the Alta Ski Area and Carol Bowling, 76, was looking for fresh powder.

Her husband, Nick, 83, and his cousin Bob Phillips, 84, shouted over the whir of the chairlift, deciding where to go. “Something like this is skiable,” Mr. Phillips said of the black diamond run below the lift.

At the top, the trio tightened their boots and waited for a few more friends. It was a Wednesday in late February at the Utah resort, one of the oldest in the country. The morning was cold and crisp with a few inches of new snow.

It was time to ski. The group headed down Devil’s Elbow, a winding intermediate run. Mrs. Bowling found her powder, cutting left from the trail into the pine and spruce trees. The two men stayed together in the open, carving wide S-shaped turns.

When they reached the bottom, it was almost 11 a.m. — time to meet up with Alta’s seniors ski club, the Wild old Bunch.

‘It’s not the age that will limit you.’

The Wild old Bunch (with a lowercase “o” to de-emphasize the “old”) started in 1973 and has around 115 members. A few depart each year, some to the deep powder of the afterlife and others to an old age without skiing. Jan Brunvand, 90, suffered a scary fall his first day this season and decided 85 years on skis was enough. But fueled by baby boomers, the group’s rolls stay strong.

“It’s hard to believe 90-year-olds can ski that well until you see them do it,” said Dr. Brett Toresdahl, an associate professor of sports medicine at the University of Utah, who sees plenty of older skiers — in his practice and on the slopes. “You’d assume that it’s foolish for them to continue skiing, but when done carefully and wisely, it can be a great way for them to stay healthy and be in community.”

Some inevitable effects of aging increase the risk of ski injuries. Bone density and muscle mass decrease; reaction time slows and balance falters. Dr. Toresdahl said that when he treats an older skier, it’s most often for a fracture.

But that’s not to say older skiers get hurt more often. They don’t seem to, Dr. Toresdahl said. A series of unspoken rules among the Wild old Bunch help see to that: Only ski on clear days. Ski on weekdays, when the crowds are smaller. Ski familiar territory, where you know the hidden rocks and shady patches from decades of experience.

The Wild old Bunch agree on another reality of skiing with age: Training is necessary . “We work out the rest of the year so that we stay in shape for skiing,” said Mrs. Bowling, who got two trampolines for her local gym so she and her husband could jump back and forth in the off-season.

Keeping fit eases some of the risks, but nobody can ski forever. “It’s not the age that will limit you, but your cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Gina Fernandez, an assistant professor at Dartmouth’s medical school who specializes in geriatrics. She steers older skiers toward workouts for strength and stability, but her biggest advice concerns mind-set: Know your limits.

‘It makes me live longer.’

On the slopes, members of the Wild old Bunch ski in small groups or on their own. Around 11 a.m., they gather mid-mountain at the one round table at Alf’s Restaurant for hot drinks, doughnuts and gossip. On a recent Wednesday, 12 skiers pulled up chairs. The friends caught up about upcoming surgeries (one spotted his orthopedist across the room) and boasted about visits from grandchildren.

They also talked about gear. Fredi Jakob, 90, started skiing in leather boots on straight skis made of hickory in 1951. He pulled out his phone and passed around a black-and-white photo: a young couple in front of a mountain, beaming. “We went skiing on our honeymoon in 1957,” he said. “It was 28 below zero, but we didn’t care.”

In the decades since their first runs, the group has witnessed changes to the sport far beyond composite skis and polyurethane boots. Many of them learned to ski before high-speed lifts and overnight snow grooming — or $189 day passes.

Alta is a favorite among older skiers in part because of its senior-friendly policy: Anyone over 80 skis free. Taos Ski Valley, in New Mexico and Mammoth Mountain, in California, have similar rules, and a number of resorts offer steep discounts. For retirees on fixed incomes, that can be a lifeline to the sport that still defines them.

When Matt Kindred, 82, worked as a landscaper and a river guide in the Grand Canyon, he’d regularly do 45-mile backcountry trips on skis. In recent years, he’s slowed down, thanks to a long list of ailments: a major stroke, prostate and colorectal cancer, two hip replacements. “The worst was the colorectal cancer, because I had to ski with a colostomy bag,” he said. “I had to try hard not to crash, because if I did, it would be such a mess.”

But the challenge is part of the point. “I have to work at it. It makes me live longer,” he said. “Besides, I have to keep up with my wife.”

These days, he sticks to the easy trails. He’s weak on his right side and carefully gripped the safety bar on the ski lift. Above a grove of groomed greens, he waved goodbye to his wife, Becky Hammond, 61, who was headed to the blues midway up the mountain. Then Mr. Kindred’s bent figure slowly, steadily worked down the slope.

‘I wouldn’t be skiing much without this group.’

Several other resorts host clubs for older skiers: the Over the Hill Gang at Copper Mountain in Colorado, the Silver Griffins at Bromley in Vermont.

“I wouldn’t be skiing much without this group,” Fran Ando, 92, said of 70+ Ski Club , a national group that goes on trips across the United States and beyond. Last summer, she skied with the club in New Zealand; this February, she joined them in Salt Lake City.

At home in Torrance, Calif., her agility makes her an outlier. “The people I started skiing with have all either died or quit skiing,” she said, relaxing at a group happy hour after a day skiing at Brighton, another resort outside Salt Lake City. “Many of my friends are through this group now.”

Aging often means isolation . And that can take a toll on our overall well-being, said Dr. Ashwin Kotwal, an assistant professor of geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. “Our social connections are tied to all sorts of physical health conditions,” he explained, from memory to heart disease.

So it’s significant that older skiers describe a version of aging in community that starts on the slopes and extends to the rest of their lives. Members of the Wild old Bunch regularly get together for birthday parties and summer cookouts; and every Wednesday evening, a rotating cast comes together for dinner at a nearby Olive Garden, where they’re joined by former skiers and non-skiing spouses.

The groups also offers members a way to stay true to their former selves: Once a skier, always a skier.

“Inside of every old, beat-up body on the ski slope is a 16-year-old kid,” said Mr. Phillips, who skis with hearing aids and a knee brace. “And while you keep slowly falling apart, the 16-year-old is still in there.”

A Guide to Aging Well

Looking to grow old gracefully we can help..

You need more than strength to age well — you also need power. Here’s how to measure how much power you have  and here’s how to increase yours .

Ignore the hyperbaric chambers and infrared light: These are the evidence-backed secrets to aging well .

Your body’s need for fuel shifts as you get older. Your eating habits should shift , too.

Older people are using cannabis more than ever. Here’s what to know about the potential medicinal benefits and the side effects .

People who think positively about getting older often live longer, healthier lives. These tips can help you reconsider your perspective .

The sun’s rays cause the majority of skin changes as you grow older. Here’s how sunscreen helps prevent the damage .

Joint pain, stiffness and swelling aren’t always inevitable results of aging, experts say. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk for arthritis .

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