Flight of a child on an unaccompanied plane. What services do different airlines offer? What documents will be needed for a child flying without parents

Airplanes fly not only adults, but also minors, and even children. If you are going on a plane trip with a child, then you need to know some. little passenger(up to 2 years) has the right to fly with parents without the need to purchase a separate passenger seat. In this case, the discount will be 90%.

In the event that there are several children, a separate children's air ticket should be purchased for each child (from 2 to 12 years old). In most airlines, the cost of such a ticket is half the price of an adult, but in some, the discount is up to 70%. For each child under 2 years old, you can take luggage weighing up to 10 kg.

But sometimes buying a child ticket may not be enough. Some airports may require proof of parentage from parents. In the Russian Federation, a birth certificate is suitable as proof. But it is also possible to present documents on adoption or guardianship if the natural parents are deprived of their rights, died or this moment missing.

In some situations . But in similar situations not every company will sell you a children's air ticket at a discount. Most likely, you will have to pay the entire cost of the ticket. In the event that a child flies alone, his ticket must have a note indicating the need to care for the child during the flight. The main duty of the staff in this case is full responsibility for the health and life of the child until he is picked up by adults at the airport.

Children under the age of 18 in without fail must have a notarized consent from the parents. If the parents are absent, then this consent is made on behalf of the guardian, guardian or adoptive parent. If one of the parents is going to fly with the child, the consent of the other parent must be required.

A child has the right to fly abroad unaccompanied by an adult only under specific conditions:

    Parents or accompanying persons are required to be near the child almost until boarding the plane.

    Upon arrival at the airport, the child must be met by relatives or parents.

    An unaccompanied child is prohibited from flying on flights with transfers.

Some airlines specifically for similar cases a service is offered - the provision of an accompanying person. It usually has to be paid extra. Those tickets that already include escort services are booked and paid for in the same way as regular tickets. In addition, on child ticket the reservation is distributed.

Traveling long distances is much more convenient and faster with the help of an airplane. Is it possible for a child to fly without parents if they are not able to accompany him?

The answer to this question depends on the age of the children. Each airline sets individual requirements for the carriage of minors with and without escort.

Can children fly on an airplane?

Until recently, flying with newborn babies and children under one year old was considered undesirable. The aircraft were not equipped for comfortable travel with a young child.

However, at the moment this problem has been solved, although some airlines still have some age restrictions.

Most carriers do not prohibit flights with newborn children. Passengers can go to another city or country already on the seventh day after giving birth, if they have no medical contraindications.

However, experts in the field of medicine recommend using air travel after reaching the age of three months for small passengers. In this case, the child more easily endures the stresses that await him on the journey (pressure drops, low oxygen levels, etc.).

Is it possible to send a child alone on a plane?

If the parents are unable to accompany the child on air travel, the child may fly alone or be accompanied by an adult. Each carrier company sets individual requirements.

By general rule sending a child under the age of five, alone, unaccompanied will not work. He can fly only if there is an adult accompanying him, that is, a person over 18 years old.

If the child is between 5 and 12 years old, parents or guardians have the right to use the escort service from the airline. In this case, an employee of the escort service or a flight attendant will follow the minor passenger. This service is paid, its cost is set by the carrier company.

Most often, children over 12-14 years old are allowed to travel unaccompanied. In this case, a ticket for a minor passenger is purchased at the cost provided for an adult. The rules of carrier companies do not prohibit ordering an escort service.

Some airlines have stricter age requirements for unaccompanied children. So, Aeroflot allows a person from 12 years old to travel independently, and Delta - only from 15 years old.

Rules for the flight of minor children in Russia


In addition to the age restrictions listed above, some airlines do not allow children to travel unaccompanied by their parents if there are transfers. For example, Delta only allows transportation of a child from 5 to 7 years direct flight.

How can you send a child alone on an airplane if there are connections? If the age of a minor passenger is from 8 to 14 years old (in some cases up to 12 years old), transfers are allowed when ordering an escort service, that is, under the supervision of flight attendants.

In most cases, children over the age of 12-14 can travel independently on both direct and connecting flights.

To send a child with or without an escort, parents must comply with several important rules:

  • book tickets in advance;
  • prepare certain documents for a minor passenger;
  • bring essentials with you (comfortable and warm clothes, wet wipes, baby food, medicines, toys, etc.);
  • notify the carrier in advance about the flight of an unaccompanied child.

Pregnant women and underage passengers cannot purchase tickets with emergency exit seats. Only the legal representatives of the child (his parents, guardians, adoptive parents or guardians) are able to issue an escort service.

Documents required for the flight

The flight of a child with or without an escort is not possible without two documents:

  • identity card of a minor passenger;
  • a written parent to leave, certified by a notary.

The last document will be needed when international transportation if the child is flying on an airplane without guardians, parents or guardians. If a minor citizen is sent to another city or country with his mother or father, a notarized consent to travel from the second parent will also have to be issued.

Depending on the situation, other papers may be required, for example, a visa, a document containing personal information about the accompanying person, the citizen meeting the minor passenger and the child himself.

How to send a child alone on a plane?


Legal representatives must fill out a special form for the carriage of an unaccompanied passenger, their form depends on the airline.

To complete these forms, you need to have the following documents on hand:

  • representative's passport;
  • child's identity card;
  • relationship document minor and an adult (for example, a birth or adoption certificate).

The application and the application are filled out at the offices of agencies involved in the sale of air tickets, or directly at the branch of a particular airline.

The application must indicate the personal data of the person meeting the child, as well as his photograph. A citizen must be at the airport at the place of arrival in time for arrival desired flight and carry a passport or other identification document.

When sending a child to another city or country with or without an escort, you must take care in advance of the list of things that should be with him on board. We are talking about warm and comfortable clothes (it can be both hot and cold on the plane, depending on the season and country of destination).

Many carrier companies offer children's menu. It is recommended to order food in advance for the child, especially if he has medical contraindications or religious beliefs.

In addition, at long flight it is better to take with you additional fruits, cookies or other foodstuffs that are not forbidden to be taken on board.

Most airlines accept newborn passengers for flights 7-10 days after birth. At the same time, in some cases, parents may require a medical certificate on the possibility of allowing the baby to fly.

By air are used everywhere, it is comfortable, fast and convenient. There are many destinations and flights, you can always choose the one you need for the whole family. Not only on a business trip, on a visit, on business, but for tourism purposes - this is the most modern look transport. And if there are minor children in the family, are they required to be sent on an unaccompanied flight? For example, for the summer to the grandmother, who was notified in advance and meets her grandchildren. Or at children's resort, summer language classes, just to friends in another city or country. After all, this option saves family money, the time of parents and the child will not have time to get bored in a fairly short period of time.

About the escort service

In the price list of all self-respecting airlines there is a similar service. On completely legal grounds, parents will be explained the rules by which an escorted flight is carried out. The stewardess will necessarily monitor the children, accompany them to the toilet room, feed and control the well-being of the young passenger. A teenager will be even more interested in this option, without parents, a boy and a girl will feel independent and adults. Moreover, adults can be calm, because the flight takes place in a closed room, the cabin of the aircraft, from where it is impossible to get lost, fall behind or get to know the newly entered passenger. You should first familiarize yourself with the existing conditions, which are regulated by the Federal Rules for Air Transportation No. 82 of 2007.

Basic rules for solo travel

The rules establish the procedure for the movement of minors without parents. When buying a ticket or making a reservation, be sure to indicate the requested service: accompanying a child. An airport employee issues an accompanying document of a standard form, which indicates the passport details and full name of the meeting person. When filling out the document, care should be taken to exclude problems after arriving at the destination. The worker picks up the child service center airport and passes with it passport control, after checking, checks in the luggage, and waits for the boarding time.

After the landing is announced, the airport employee hands the child over to the flight attendant, who is responsible for him during the flight. Practice shows that flight attendants try to determine the seat at the beginning of the cabin, which helps to keep the child under constant control. After landing, the reverse procedure takes place, the flight attendant passes the minor to the ground services officer, and he must already bring him to the receiving citizen. The accompanying documents and the passport of the meeting person are checked, this is a mandatory procedure that must be strictly followed.

How old do you have to be to fly on an unaccompanied plane?

According to FPA No. 82, a child under two years of age cannot fly without parents or a trusted person who has documentary evidence state sample. Children from 2 to 12 years of age may fly unaccompanied by their parents under the supervision of the carrier, unless otherwise specified in internal rules airlines. To do this, you will need to apply for such a service. After the age of 12, children can fly without adults, no special registration is required.

The law says so, but many airlines impose their own age limits that do not contradict government regulations. For example, in most cases, the restriction on the age of flight without adults from the age of five is common. Restrictions apply to connecting flights. A similar option is allowed from the age of five, the flight attendants of successive flights will be required to transfer the child. Agree that sending a preschooler to such extreme travel Not all parents take the risk. But as an option in insurmountable situations, this is possible.

What documents will be needed for a child flying without parents:

Air ticket, if required - visa;
permission of both parents to fly, certified by a notary;
a document for an accompanying employee of the carrier company;
an application with all the required data for the child and the meeting person.

How to choose an airline

The choice of an air carrier will have to be taken more scrupulously, to find out in advance about the possibility of a flight, the conditions of the service provided. In each case, there are limitations that must be taken into account. Travel time may be limited, night flights for children are prohibited, the possibility of transfers is excluded, only domestic flights and much more. You will have to learn the official application forms, fill them in the required order. When choosing a flight, it is not superfluous to ask citizens who have used this service, this can be done on the websites of carriers and in social networks.

Some nuances

There are a number of rules that you must strictly follow if you decide to send your children to another country by plane:

It is safer to buy a ticket in a verified travel agency or cashier in person.
You should prepare in advance for the flight by booking a ticket. Many companies have permission for a certain number of unaccompanied children on board, there may not be enough seating.
The moment of transferring the baby to the hands of the accompanying person must take place with the presentation of his written authority.
Don't forget your passports and accompanying documents. If standard applications have to be filled out on the spot, time correctly.
After completing all the formalities, the attendant brings the young passenger to the check-in counter.
Adults must be at the airport without fail until the airliner takes off.
Check the correctness of filling in the data of the person who will meet at the destination airport.

carrier puts forward additional terms, not prescribed in its rules, or even refuses to provide services? File a complaint with the regulatory authorities and you will always be able to resolve your issue positively. Of course, such flights bring more excitement to adults than to children. For young travelers, the flight will be an unforgettable adventure that you will want to repeat more than once.

What are the rules for transporting infants, at what age can a child fly alone? It is advisable to sort out these issues even before arriving at the airport, so as not to get confused later in an unusual environment.

At what age is a baby allowed to fly? The minimum age is not regulated in any way. It is believed that a child can be taken on a plane already on the 5-7th day after birth. However, each parent may have their own opinion on this matter.

Unless absolutely necessary, it is best to postpone travel until at least the child is 3 months old. During this time, his body will already pass First stage adaptation, and the flight will be perceived more easily.

Features of flying with children

Ticket price

Little passengers have their advantages. Most airlines transport children under 2 years of age free of charge, provided that the child is not allocated a separate seat. In this case, the baby will spend the entire flight in the arms of one of the parents.

If the child is not yet two years old, but he is already large enough, he can issue a separate ticket with seat. There is a special rate for children from 2 to 12 years old. Depending on the airline, the cost of such a ticket will be from 50 to 70% of the cost of an "adult" fare.

Many airlines provide free transportation for infants. special cradle, which is attached directly in front of the parent's seat. You need to take care of this service in advance, contact the carrier and clarify all the rules for providing this service.

Budget airlines, the so-called low-cost airlines, may not have such a service.

Places of high comfort

Some, as a rule, foreign companies leave the first rows of seats for passengers with children under 2 years old in advance and give them away for free, regardless of what account the passenger came to check in with.

Domestic carriers most often provide extra-comfort seats for separate fee. These places include not only the first row of seats, where legroom is increased, but also seats near emergency exits. However, for safety reasons, it is forbidden to put passengers with children near the emergency exit.

When booking plane tickets, it is worth considering the flight range and the possibility of transfers. It is quite difficult to sit for more than 4 hours in a row with baby on hands. When traveling to long distance during docking, you can relax and take a breath.

Meals on board

An infant without a seat is not provided with meals on the plane. If the baby is breastfed, there will be no problems. For an artificial child, you need to take a supply of food with you on the plane. You can always ask flight attendants hot water. Most likely, there will be nowhere to warm up ready-made meals.

Some airlines provide baby food on board. This service must be taken care of in advance. Everything related to individual meals is ordered directly from the carrier. You can find out about the terms of the order and the cost of the service by contacting the airline directly.

Children over two years of age, who buy a ticket with an allocated seat, are provided on the plane with the same meals as adults. You can order special diet food by contacting the carrier in advance. Budget airlines such service is not provided.

What to bring

As a general rule, liquids in excess of 100 ml are not allowed on an aircraft. For baby food exceptions have been made. When flying with a baby, you can take everything you need with you, including food containers and drinking water in reasonable amounts. On the plane, it will be possible to change the baby's diaper, for this there is a special changing table. If there is a need to take medication on board, it is advisable to have a prescription with you.

The weight of the stroller is not added to the weight of the luggage, most often it is not allowed to carry it on the plane, with the exception of small-sized folding canes. When checking in baggage, the stroller is marked with a special tag and checked in at the airstairs. You can also get it back at the gangway or at the baggage claim, as well as at special places issuance of oversized baggage. This can be checked with the airport staff.

Infants are more difficult to tolerate overload during takeoff and landing. Most often, it is at these moments that children are capricious the most. So that the baby does not lay his ears, he needs to constantly swallow. Babies can be breast-fed or formula-fed. Older children can eat solid food, drink juice or water during this time.

Be sure to take care of entertainment on board. Puzzles, books, toys, tablets - it's better if all this is collected and prepared in advance. Some carriers provide children with a play set, a small coloring book, and crayons. But all this may not be in the selected airline. Therefore, it is better for parents to prepare such a set on their own.

Questions to be answered in advance:

  1. Should I buy a ticket for a baby with or without a seat?
  2. Can the company provide a bassinet for an infant?
  3. How do I get extra comfort seats?
  4. Does the company offer a children's menu ordering service?
  5. What kind of food for the baby to take with you?
  6. What can be done during the flight?

You also need to take care of a change of clothes, a supply of diapers or a travel potty for older kids.

At what age can you fly solo? A child who is 5 years old can fly without parents when accompanied by airline employees. Most carriers provide this service. From the age of 15, and in some companies from the age of 12, the child is allowed to fly alone, however, escort for him can be ordered until he turns 17 years old.

When accompanied, an airport employee picks up the child in front of the screening point and helps him through all the procedures. Then the ward is transferred to the plane under the control of the flight attendant. The child will fly under the close attention of the stewardess, who will help him if necessary. Upon arrival, the ward will be handed over to the airport employee, who, having gone through all the control procedures with the child, will hand him over to the meeting party.

This service is provided for a fee and ordered directly from the carrier. It is necessary to take care of the accompanying documents in advance, provide the company with consent from the parents to take the child out, information about the host, and warn those who meet them to have identification documents with them.

All children behave differently during the flight. The main thing is for parents to mentally prepare before the trip. A panicking mother will be unable to calm an upset baby.

Flying with children is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. It is enough to stock up on everything you need to provide your child with food, rest and entertainment on board.

07.06.2016, 10:51

Each airline sets its own rules for flying a child without parents or guardians. Therefore, first of all, what parents need to do is contact the selected airline and clarify whether it is possible for a child to fly without parents on the aircraft of this airline, and whether they provide the “accompanying child” service. If it is possible for a child to fly independently, specify how much it will cost for you this service. what documents will be needed and what will be the procedure for paying for the service.

Usually, the service of accompanying children is required if a child aged 5 to 12 years old flies alone. But at the request of parents, accompaniment can be ordered for children and older - up to 16 years. And only, some airlines undertake to accompany children under 5 years old.

Attention!

  • The service can only be booked at the airlines' own sales offices.
  • A plane ticket is issued only after confirmation of payment for the "accompanying a child" service.
  • It is better to book the “accompanied child” service and buy a ticket in advance, because airlines usually allocate a limited number of seats for children who require escort. If the limit is reached, your child may be denied.

Check-in for a flight of a child who flies without relatives

  • Registration of a child who flies without parents is possible only at the airport.
  • Pre-registration or online registration is not possible.
At the check-in desk, you will first need to present your passport or birth certificate of the child. For flights within Russia, you will need an application filled out in 6 copies and confirmation of payment for the service for transporting a child.

For international flights, you will additionally need a visa (if you plan to fly to visa country), passport, notarized consent of one of the parents.

You will also need to have a separate application form with detailed contact details of those who meet and see off the child. The questionnaire is issued either at the ticket office when buying an air ticket, or at the check-in counter at the airport. The person meeting the child must have an identity document with him. Without such a document, the child will not be given to him.

Usually, after check-in for a flight, all the child's documents are placed in a large bright envelope bag with the inscription UM (unaccompanied child, that is, " unaccompanied child or "unaccompanied minors").

Child without parents on the plane

On board the aircraft, the child is usually supervised by a senior flight attendant. Airlines often give children play sets. Here he will be sure to be fed, entertained and escorted, if necessary, to the toilet.

If a child without parents is flying on a transit and transfer flight

The rules of not all airlines provide for the service of accompanying a child on flights with transfers.

If the airline you have chosen is ready to take on such responsibility, then in such cases at airports for children there are special playrooms, where there is usually a TV, toys, everything you need for drawing.