Travel with Children - Questions for people that fly teenagers unaccompanied

Morning group.

Quick question for those of you that fly your teenagers unaccompanied. I have my oldest 2 nieces 17 and 16 that will be flying from ROA to DEN in June on my miles.

I'm trying to do some research and see what is needed to make this happen as far as permission from the mother ids and all that fun stuff.

Does anyone have a quick list of what is needed?

I don't plan on having them use Uniteds service since they are old enough to look after their selves but what should I be prepared to have them present to the airport in June?

Their mother will be present to see them off in June to meet me in DEN and I will see them off at DEN back to ROA.

Thanks for any insight

They are adults if you don't pay the UM fee, hence all they need is all the normal stuff, BPs, and IDs.

I'll move this question to the Travel With Children Forum as it's more topical there, plus I know there is information in the archives/FAQ that answers this question.

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United MileagePlus Forum

You won't need a thing since theya re 16 and older. I've flown my kids unaccompanied since they were about 12 with no problems. We would just get gate passes to drop them off and pick them up. I believe that is less easy these days but at 16 & 17 that is not an issue.

If they do not have driver's licenses or passports I would get a state picture ID. They are old enough that they are going to be asked for some form of official government ID.

Passengers under 18 are not required to have identification to get past security when flying domestically in the US. If you accompany them at the airport, though, you'll need to provide ID. I've never had trouble getting a gate pass when dropping off a teen, but your mileage may vary.

Be present at check-in and even though the are not UM's, wait at the airport until the aircraft leaves, just in case of a last-minute mechanical or other problem. Same with the mom on the other end.

Thanks everyone for the input. Hopefully they should have no problems coming out.

How does a 17 year old prove they are under 18 without ID?

How does a 17 year old prove they are under 18 without ID?

They just say they are under 18. I have several children who fly as UM frequently and it's not a problem. If they have a Driver's license or school ID with a picture, they can bring that, but for domestic travel if you are under 18, it's not necessary.

If TSA is really interested in their DOB, it's in their Secure Flight information.

My nieces have used their student ID's because they have photos on them.

Now of course they both have driver's licenses so it doesn't matter anymore.

My organization flies teens unaccompanied maybe 75 flights a year to participate in activities. Many carry school IDs or tribal IDs if they don't have a drivers license, but even if they don't, we've never had a problem getting anyone past security.

My teen girls always have their passports when traveling in the U.S., because they're German and French citizens here on tourist visas when they visit.

For minors, they may need an ID if checking in at the ticket counter with an agent, in which case any photo ID (school, learner's permit, etc) will do. For TSA, they just need to state they are under 18 years old.

As mentioned above, you should also be able to get a gate pass from the AIRLINE to accompany your nieces to the gate. I'd wait at least until the plane pushes back and, if you really want to, even until the plane actually takes off. Assuming they're flying UA and you have United club access, I'm sure the agents there can tell you when the flight actually lifts off while you enjoy a drink. ;)

Aside: reminds of when my sister and I were in jr high/high school and we'd visit my bachelor uncle in Denver every couple of summers. Our older cousins would also visit. We'd pile into his '77 Town Car and visit everywhere - Durango Silverton Railroad, Royal Gorge, Aspen (great place to visit in the summer!), Central City Opera, etc. I'm sure you'll show your nieces a good time!

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