Are Children (12-18) allowed alone on International flights?

Question

Specifically To Israel, and also, are they allowed on connecting flights, and if they are, does an attendant show them the way or what? will someone explain the entire (passports, visas also, any info i need) procedure for a minor going to Israel for 2-3 weeks from Logan Airport (BOS, USA.

Answer 1

Children 12-18 are allowed to travel unaccompanied internationally. They are not required to have an escort but if they are not frequent travelers I would pay the $50-100 that airlines charge to escort them. (El Al does not allow transfers from other airports or terminals)
They do need passports but if they are US citizens they do not need visa if they are staying less then 3 months. They may need a notarized letter if they are not going to a relative (call either El Al or the Israeli embassy)

Answer 2

Yes, they definitely are. I went to summer school in Ireland three years in a row when I was 14-16 and flew by my self the first two times, and with another kid the third time. I had connecting flights every time as well. I think between the three times, I had to change planes in JFK, Heathrow, and LAX, so probably three of the busiest airports in the world.

The first time I had to fly as an unaccompanied minor because my flight was on Continental, which requires kids to fly as UMs up to 14, rather than up to 11 or 12 like most airlines. For most airlines, 13-17 year olds would have the option to fly as a UM for a fee, although not all airlines offer that. If you haven't flown much before and have the option to fly as a UM, it might be a good idea for an international flight, especially if you have to change planes in a big airport. It also has the advantage that you get to skip the customs line, which is always nice. The down side is that if you have the a layover anywhere, they keep you in a little unaccompanied minors room so they can keep an eye on you. The time I had to do that they were showing a movie about a plane crash, which I thought was poor judgement on their part, but it's generally more pleasant to be able to wander around the airport anyway.

You should check with the airline before buying your ticket, and figure out if you're flying as a UM. If you're not flying as a UM, you just buy a plane old adult ticket, and check in exactly like any adult. For a UM, you'll have to arrange that with the airline in advance. Some airlines allow you to buy tickets for UMs online, but others require you buy them over the phone.

Also, you should check the entry requirements for Israel for minors traveling alone. When I went to Ireland I just needed a passport, same as for an adult, but some countries have additional requirements for minors traveling alone. It's usually only an issue for kids traveling with an adult other than a parent or legal guardian, but you should still check with the Israeli embassy. I'm not sure what the visa requirements for Israel are, but again you can contact the Israeli embassy to find out exactly what's required.

Answer 3

Continental Airlines and American Airlines do. Airline Regulations No airline will allow a child under the age of 5 to travel alone, although some will allow a child under 5 to travel with a companion as young as 12. Most airlines will not allow a child under the age of 8 to take a flight that requires changing planes to make a connection. Any child under 12 who has to make a connecting flight will be escorted by an employee of the airline. Southwest Airlines does not allow any child under the age of 12 to take connecting flights. Although children between the ages of 12 and 15 are not automatically escorted, the parent or GUARDIAN making the travel arrangements can ask the airline to assist the child. Accompanied minors usually pay half or reduced fare when flying. Unaccompanied minors are required to pay full fare, as well as an additional service fee of between $30 and $75 each way (the price is higher when the child has to make a connection). On most airlines, that fee will cover more than one minor traveling within the same party. Airlines usually require that a parent or guardian fill out a form with all relevant information about the child. While the airline does not generally take actual guardianship of the child during the flight, one of the personnel is generally assigned to look after the child. Solo child travelers usually have to wear a button or badge to make them easy to identify by airline staffers. Some children are required to take medication. Airline personnel will not dispense medication to the child, but if the child is able to administer his or her own medication, the airline will allow the child to carry that medicine. The form that parents and guardians fill out asks for a list of medications or other medical issues that may be important for staffers to know. Most airlines will not allow minors to take the last flight of the day. The reason is that, air travel being subject to such unforeseen circumstances as weather, there is always a chance of delay. If a late evening flight is delayed, it means passengers will probably have to wait until the next morning to catch another flight. A stranded child clearly presents more difficulties to the airline than a stranded adult.

Answer 4

Well... Americans don't need visa to Israel.

The minor will get his/her visa on arrival for a fee
(Contact the Israel Embassy in Washington)

All you need to do is go to airline's office
(With the minor’s passport details & they will issue you a minor form) for fee ($50-$80) depends....
Or else they may issue it @ the airport...

Than the flight crew will accompany the minor in his journey...
Helping him/her getting on broad, Visa on arrival & will make sure they hand over the minor to his/her relatives... or friends.

By the way 18 is not classified as minor, but incase he/she needs help... he or she can just be a bit more attentive to do things the other tourist do... (Follow the line) :)

Answer 5

well I traveled alone when I was 12 so basically the attendant shows you the way, carries your stuff and when she finds a family member or the person who will be the guardian of your child she makes them sign for it.
about the passports well they are easy to fill out but you should pay for it to come in four weeks depending on when the minor is traveling, and the attendant usually take care of the whole visa process.

Answer 6

Check the airline web sites for their policies on "Unaccompanied Minors". El Al had a lot of details on their website.

The traveler will definitely need a passport if he or she doesn't have one already. U.S. citizens don't need visas to travel to Israel.

Answer 7

I would never put a minor on any flight except a nonstop . I would hope the airlines have that basic respect for kids , but old saying . . .
Anything for a buck . . . they might do it .

Answer 8

yes i flew to canda by myself and if connection they just have to make sure 2 b on time