Key Takeaways
• Airlines charge $150 each way for unaccompanied minor service, required for ages 5-14 and optional for 15-17 in South Carolina.
• Children ages 5-7 must fly nonstop; some airlines do not allow children under 15 to fly alone at all.
• Parents must book unaccompanied minor tickets by phone, provide full details, and arrive two hours early at the airport.
When children need to travel alone by air, parents and guardians in South Carolina often have many questions and concerns. The process for unaccompanied minors—children flying without an adult—can seem confusing, especially with different airline rules, airport procedures, and federal guidelines. This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know for 2025, so you can help your child fly safely and confidently from any South Carolina airport.
Introduction: Why This Guide Matters
Sending children on a flight alone is a big decision. Whether it’s for family visits, school, or emergencies, parents want to make sure their child is safe every step of the way. South Carolina airports, like those in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach, follow strict airline and federal procedures for unaccompanied minors. This guide will walk you through each step, highlight important rules, and help you avoid common mistakes.
Step 1: Booking the Flight for an Unaccompanied Minor
Booking a flight for children traveling alone is different from booking a regular ticket. Airlines have special rules and forms for unaccompanied minors.
1.1 Choose the Right Airline
- Check the airline’s age rules: Most airlines allow children as young as 5 to fly alone, but some, like Spirit Airlines, require children to be at least 10. Some low-cost airlines, such as Allegiant and Frontier, do not allow children under 15 to fly alone at all.
- Review the unaccompanied minor service: This is a special program where airline staff supervise your child during the journey. For most airlines, this service is required for children ages 5-14, and optional for those 15-17.
- Compare fees: The standard fee is $150 each way for most major airlines. This fee usually covers up to 2-4 siblings, depending on the airline.
1.2 Book the Flight
- Book by phone: Many airlines require you to book unaccompanied minor tickets by phone, not online. This ensures all details are correct and the airline can explain the process.
- Provide full details: You’ll need to give the airline:
- The child’s full name and age
- Names, phone numbers, and relationships of the adults dropping off and picking up the child
- Emergency contact information
Time estimate: Booking by phone can take 30-60 minutes, especially during busy travel seasons.
1.3 Confirm Flight Restrictions
- Nonstop flights: Most airlines require children ages 5-7 to fly only on nonstop flights. Some allow older children to take connecting flights, but only through certain airports.
- No international flights: Some airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors on international flights, or have extra rules for these trips.
Common Pitfall: Booking a flight with a connection for a child under 8. Always double-check the airline’s rules before confirming.
Step 2: Preparing for Travel
Once the flight is booked, it’s time to get ready. Preparation is key to a smooth experience for both children and parents.
2.1 Gather Required Documents
- Child’s identification: This could be a school ID, passport, or birth certificate. Airlines may require proof of age.
- Unaccompanied minor form: Each airline has its own form listing the child’s details and the authorized adults for drop-off and pick-up. You can usually download this from the airline’s website or get it at the airport.
- Medical information: If your child has allergies or needs medication, provide clear instructions and any necessary paperwork.
2.2 Pack Smart
- Carry-on bag: Pack snacks, a water bottle (empty until after security), books, and a small comfort item.
- Contact information: Put a card with the child’s name, flight details, and emergency contacts in their bag and pocket.
- Electronics: If your child has a phone or tablet, make sure it’s charged and has important numbers saved.
2.3 Talk to Your Child
- Explain the process: Walk your child through what will happen at the airport, on the plane, and at arrival.
- Practice safety: Remind your child not to leave with anyone except the authorized adult and to ask airline staff for help if needed.
Time estimate: Preparing documents and packing can take 1-2 hours.
Common Pitfall: Forgetting to list the correct pick-up adult on the airline form. Only adults named on the form can pick up the child.
Step 3: At the South Carolina Airport
On the day of travel, both the child and the accompanying adult need to follow special airport procedures.
3.1 Arrive Early
- Arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This gives you enough time for check-in, security, and any last-minute issues.
3.2 Check-In at the Ticket Counter
- Go to the airline’s check-in desk: You cannot use self-service kiosks for unaccompanied minors.
- Present valid ID: The adult dropping off the child must show a government-issued photo ID.
- Complete paperwork: Fill out or hand in the unaccompanied minor form.
- Get a gate pass: The airline will give the adult a special pass to go through security and escort the child to the gate.
3.3 Security and Boarding
- Go through security together: Both the child and the adult with the gate pass must go through TSA screening.
- Wait at the gate: Stay with your child until the flight boards. The child will receive a lanyard or wristband to identify them as an unaccompanied minor.
- Meet airline staff: A flight attendant or gate agent will introduce themselves and explain what will happen next.
Time estimate: Check-in and security can take 45-90 minutes, depending on airport crowds.
Common Pitfall: Arriving late and missing the check-in window for unaccompanied minors. Always allow extra time.
Step 4: During the Flight
Once on board, the airline’s staff take over responsibility for your child.
4.1 Supervision
- Constant supervision: Flight attendants check on unaccompanied minors regularly and make sure they are comfortable.
- Special seating: Children are often seated near the front of the plane for easy access.
4.2 Connecting Flights (If Allowed)
- Escort between gates: If the child has a connecting flight (allowed for older children on some airlines), airline staff will walk them to the next gate and wait until they board the next plane.
- No overnight layovers: Airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors to stay overnight at airports.
Troubleshooting: If a flight is delayed or canceled, airline staff will contact the adults listed on the form and keep the child safe until new arrangements are made.
Step 5: Arrival and Pick-Up
The process at the arrival airport is just as important as departure.
5.1 Authorized Adult Pick-Up
- Arrive early: The adult picking up the child should arrive at the airport before the flight lands.
- Get a gate pass: Go to the airline’s ticket counter with a valid photo ID to receive a gate pass.
- Wait at the gate: Be at the arrival gate when the plane lands.
5.2 Handover Process
- ID check: Airline staff will check the adult’s ID and make sure it matches the name on the unaccompanied minor form.
- Release: The child is released only to the authorized adult. No exceptions.
Time estimate: Allow 30-60 minutes for the pick-up process, especially if the flight is early or delayed.
Common Pitfall: Sending someone not listed on the form to pick up the child. Only listed adults can receive the child.
Step 6: Fees, Restrictions, and Special Considerations
Understanding the costs and rules helps you plan better.
6.1 Fees
- Standard fee: $150 each way for most airlines, covering up to 2-4 siblings.
- Payment: Fees are usually paid at booking, but check with your airline.
6.2 Flight Restrictions
- Nonstop flights: Required for children ages 5-7.
- Connections: Allowed for older children on some airlines, but only through certain airports.
- No service: Some airlines, like Sun Country, do not offer unaccompanied minor service for children under 14.
6.3 Age Limits
- Under 5: Cannot fly alone.
- 5-7: Nonstop flights only, must use unaccompanied minor service.
- 8-14: May have more options, but service is still required.
- 15-17: Can often fly alone as regular passengers, but may use the service if desired.
Troubleshooting: If you’re unsure about your airline’s rules, call their customer service or check their website for the latest information.
Step 7: Checklist Summary
Before heading to the airport, review this checklist to make sure you’re ready:
- [ ] Booked the flight by phone (if required) and paid the unaccompanied minor fee
- [ ] Completed the airline’s unaccompanied minor form with correct adult names and contact info
- [ ] Gathered all required documents (child’s ID, birth certificate, medical info)
- [ ] Packed a carry-on with snacks, comfort items, and emergency contacts
- [ ] Talked to your child about the process and safety rules
- [ ] Arrived at the airport at least 2 hours early
- [ ] Received a gate pass for drop-off and pick-up adults
- [ ] Stayed at the gate until the flight departed
- [ ] Made sure the pick-up adult has a valid ID and is listed on the form
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Pitfall: Booking a flight with a connection for a young child
Solution: Always check the airline’s age and connection rules before booking.
Pitfall: Forgetting to list the correct pick-up adult
Solution: Double-check the unaccompanied minor form and update it if plans change.
Pitfall: Arriving late at the airport
Solution: Plan to arrive early, especially during busy travel times.
Pitfall: Not having the right documents
Solution: Keep all paperwork together in a folder or envelope for easy access.
Official Resources and Further Help
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check with your airline and airport. Here are some helpful links:
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Traveling with Children
- American Airlines: Unaccompanied Minors
- Delta Air Lines: Children Traveling Alone
- United Airlines: Children Traveling Alone
- Spirit Airlines: Unaccompanied Minors
- Alaska Airlines: Unaccompanied Minors
For airport-specific questions, visit your South Carolina airport’s official website or call their customer service desk.
Recent Changes and What to Expect in 2025
- Fees: Airlines have confirmed the $150 fee for 2025, with some small changes for international flights.
- Digital tracking: Airlines are using wristbands and digital notifications to help parents track their children’s journey, but no major new technology is expected this year.
- Capacity: Airlines have kept or slightly lowered the number of unaccompanied minors allowed per flight for safety reasons.
- Federal rules: There are no new federal laws for unaccompanied minors in 2025; airline policies still apply.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, parents should expect airlines to keep improving digital tools for tracking children, but no big changes are expected for the rest of 2025.
Practical Tips for South Carolina Families
- Book early: Unaccompanied minor slots can fill up quickly, especially during holidays and school breaks.
- Stay available: Keep your phone on and check for airline updates, especially if there are delays.
- Know your rights: If you have questions or concerns, contact the airline or the U.S. Department of Transportation for help.
Final Thoughts
Letting children fly alone from South Carolina airports is possible and safe when you follow the right steps. By booking early, preparing carefully, and following airline and airport rules, you can help your child have a smooth and positive travel experience. Always check with your airline for the latest policies, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
For more details on traveling with children and unaccompanied minors, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official page.
With careful planning and attention to detail, your child’s solo flight can be a safe and memorable adventure.
Learn Today
Unaccompanied Minor → A child flying alone without an adult, ages typically between 5 and 17 requiring special airline supervision.
Gate Pass → Special authorization allowing an accompanying adult to escort and drop off or pick up an unaccompanied minor at the gate.
Nonstop Flight → A flight that travels directly to the destination without any connecting stops or layovers.
Connecting Flight → A subsequent flight a passenger takes after landing from an initial flight to reach their final destination.
TSA Screening → Security procedures conducted by the Transportation Security Administration to check passengers and baggage before boarding.
This Article in a Nutshell
Flying alone can be safe for children from South Carolina airports if parents follow airline rules carefully. Book early, prepare documents, and follow airport steps. Airlines provide supervision, with fees and restrictions applying depending on age. Tracking and digital updates aid peace of mind as children travel independently.
— By VisaVerge.com
