What to Consider When Children Travel Alone by Air

Air travel with children has become much easier for families. Almost all airlines now offer various convenient services for families with infants and children, making travel less of a hassle. However, this doesn't mean that parents don't need to make any preparations.

There are specific procedures for traveling with children and infants that families should be aware of in advance to make their journey smoother. Additionally, there are special rules for families whose children will be traveling alone. If parents are not accompanying their child and are sending them on a solo journey, they must adhere to these rules.

Unaccompanied Minor Travel Rules at İGA Istanbul Airport

Children can travel unaccompanied from İGA Istanbul Airport, provided they follow predetermined rules. These rules apply to children who have reached the age of 7 but have not yet celebrated their 12th birthday. Children within this age range are allowed to travel alone without a companion, but there are certain procedures that need to be followed.

First, let's discuss the rules for accompanied travel. Children who have celebrated their 2nd birthday but have not yet turned 12 are allowed to travel with a companion, either their parents or someone authorized by their parents, under the supervision of an accompanying cabin crew member.

Unaccompanied minors are those who have turned 7 but not yet 12, traveling alone under specific permissions. The child's parent or legal guardian must give consent for the child to travel alone. This is done by filling out the Unaccompanied Minor Travel Authorization Form. For unaccompanied travel, it is mandatory for the parent or legal guardian to remain at the airport until the flight has taken off. Before boarding, the necessary documents are signed by the parent or legal guardian during the check-in process. The airport staff is also responsible for informing the parent or guardian about the unaccompanied child's journey.

Pre-Flight Procedures for Unaccompanied Minors

First, written permission is required for unaccompanied minors. This written consent can be signed by the child's parent or legal guardian and must include details affirming that the child is allowed to travel alone. The document should be filled out accurately and completely. The procedures of the airline are also important at this stage, as the rules for unaccompanied minors may vary from one airline to another. Reviewing the airline's website and obtaining detailed information before the trip can simplify the pre-travel process.

Unaccompanied minors are met and escorted by airline personnel before and after the flight. During the flight, cabin crew members closely monitor the children. Some airlines may charge an additional fee for unaccompanied minor services. Detailed information about these fees can be found on the airline's website.

Flight Procedures for Older Minors (Ages 15-17)

There are also certain procedures for children who have turned 12 but are not yet 18. For children aged 15 to 17, the Unaccompanied Minor service is optional. However, this service is only available upon request. If the service is not requested, the young travelers are considered adult passengers and travel according to adult passenger standards.

Reservation Procedures for Unaccompanied Minors

Parents who allow their children to travel by air must reserve their child's place as an unaccompanied minor at least 24 hours before departure. After booking the Unaccompanied Minor service, the details of the person who will bring the child to the airport and the person who will pick up the child must be provided. The child should be brought to the check-in counter at least 2.5 hours before the flight. Parents or legal guardians are required to stay at the airport until the flight departs.

During the reservation process, the identity of the person bringing the child to the airport will be checked. It is necessary to have four signed copies of the form listing the individuals responsible for dropping off and picking up the child. All four copies of the form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. The form can be downloaded from the reservation page.

Before departure, the child will be safely escorted to their seat on the plane by authorized personnel. During the flight, the cabin crew will ensure that the child is safe and comfortable. If the flight is long, the child will be taken to specially designed areas to keep them entertained.

Upon arrival at the destination, the staff will accompany the child to the arrivals hall. The child will be handed over to the person designated to pick them up, as specified in the written statement provided during the reservation process. Security will verify the identity of the person listed on the form before releasing the child. Once the identity check is completed, the child is safely handed over.

The fees for unaccompanied minor travel vary depending on the airline, the length of the journey, the destination, and any additional services requested. However, in general, an unaccompanied minor fee is charged in addition to the child's ticket price. You can check the websites of the respective airlines for information on unaccompanied minor fares.