Can a 16 year-old traveling alone use an adult-fare airline ticket?

Question

I have found a good deal online for a ticket for my son's upcoming visit. I do not know the rules of children traveling alone, Does he have to have a youth ticket?

I checked on Southwest airlines and they offer youth fares, I just didn't know if it was necessary for all youths to get this kind of ticket or if it was just an option they offer.

Southwest's website said that all youth fares must be purchased from the point of origin and the passenger must present proof of age. He doesn't have a picture I.D. yet....I just didn't know if this was for security reasons (to keep pervs from flying other people's children across the country) or what.

Answer 1

Usually anyone age 24 months and over is charged an adults fare. According to SWA's policies age verification is required, so all you would need is to show his or her birth certificate. It's really not a big issue. You can buy a regular fare for anyone of any age. If you do the Youth's fare, just have them take their birth certificate and present it at check in. Originals only, no copies

Answer 2

You can look under the Airlines web page for their guidelines for children traveling...I believe the minimum age is 15 to fly alone. That is for NWA. So just hit the main page look under the rules or even call the airlines. With all this homeland security issue going on it might be better to talk to a representative since they could be stricker with the rules during the holiday season. But at 16 I think he should be fine to fly alone...

Answer 3

I don't believe any airlines offer "youth" tickets. All seats are the same price. He should be old enough to travel alone but if not, the airline can assign a stewardess or representative to see him to the next plane if he has to change, or to wait with him until he is picked up at the airport by a party at his destination. They usually want to know ahead of time to make arrangements.

Answer 4

Assuming that he won't need to be chaperoned (travel the same as an adult would), the airline will be delighted to sell you an adult ticket for your son.

Answer 5

to procure left able for eleven hours and ignored your flight. Why interior the heck did no longer you in undemanding terms flow away the section and flow on your flight? The airways could have wised up actual rapid on the gate. only verify around, various airways enable sixteen years olds to fly on my own, although your mother and father will nevertheless could desire to fill out the UA type. The "escort" determination is on that type. make optimistic your mother and father do no longer tick that container.