Expert: Roberto Gomes - 7/11/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am under 18 and is going on a Domestic air travel. I want to know if I am going to require my mother to be there to sign some papers at all? This is my first time traveling alone. Will I need birth certificate? Social Security card? I am 17 years old and I would like to know how the procedure will be like. Thank you

ANSWER: Dear Thao,

There are some different policies depending on the airline you will travel with. See one example below:

Unaccompanied minor service is available, but not required, for this age group. Standard fees will apply.

Please note that if a child aged 12-17 years is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, he or she will be accepted under the following conditions:

He/she may travel on non-stop, direct and connecting flights. (A direct flight makes a stop but there is no plane change.) He/she may also travel unaccompanied on connecting flights to other airlines. He/she is restricted from connecting to the last flight of the day which includes the last direct flight of the day.

Also information must be provided when making reservations. Such information includes the names, addresses and phone numbers of individuals bringing the unaccompanied children to the airport and information on who will be picking them up at their destination.

Unaccompanied minors must be brought to the departure airport by a parent or responsible adult (including camp counselors, etc.) who must remain at the airport until the child boards and the aircraft departs the gate. This individual must provide evidence that another parent or responsible adult will meet the child at his or her destination.

I'll encourage you to call your airline reservations to check which procedures are in place.

If you need further info, please let me know.

R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for replying to my question :)

So basically I learned that since I am under the age of 17 then I will need my mother to be there to give information and until I board. Is this correct?

I am going on a non stop flight. From Tucson AZ. to Sacramento. My destination coming back isn't going to have an adult there. Will this be a problem?

Where is the number that I can call to ask about my reservation? It doesn't say on my itinerary.

Thank you for all the help Gomes!
ANSWER: Thao,

Could you please inform which airline you are planning to travel with?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will be traveling with Expressjet Airline.

Answer
Thao,

According to its website, Expressjet considers kids between the ages of 8 and 14—who aren’t traveling in the same compartment as their legal guardian or an escort over 18—are considered to be flying alone and will be treated as unaccompanied minors.

You can call them at 1-888 958-9538 to reconfirm your reservation and clarify their procedures.

Have a nice flight!
R. Gomes