Minors Flying Unaccompanied

[Vaughn]

 After spending last summer in Russia, my stepdaughter, then 16, was driven to Moscow by her natural father to make her return flight alone to the USA on Aeroflot. At the check-in counter, the clerk refused her a boarding pass, due to her age. As the tears began to flow, the clerk and her Dad exchanged heated words, at which point he summoned the militsia - who stepped in, checked our daughter's documents, and overruled one very teed-off Aeroflot counter clerk. It was only after she touched down at JFK did her Mom and I find out what happened.

We face a repeat of this situation this coming August. Is there a regulation prohibiting minors from flying internationally and unaccompanied? Is there a document, such as a voucher drawn up by Aeroflot, that you could suggest to have her avoid a denied boarding?

Any input or personal experiences are appreciated....

Vaughn 

[Bruno]

Unaccompanied Minors
You must contact the airline directly before purchasing a ticket for an unaccompanied minor. Most airlines allow unaccompanied minors to travel on their flights, but have special restrictions, so please check with the airline to confirm specific policies. Age restrictions vary by airline. In general, children under the age of 5 may never travel alone. Most airlines require unaccompanied minors services for children ages 5-14, and some require it through age 17. Additional fees apply (approximately $25-100 each way) and can be paid at check-in. For security reasons, most airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors to travel on the last connecting flight of the day. Some carriers require unaccompanied minors to travel on non-stop flights only. The specific flights required vary by airline, so check directly with them prior to making a reservation.

 

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[Vaughn]

That's odd about having to contact an airline beforehand - we are already holding tickets - after having given them dates of birth,  dates of travel, etc. We'll contact the airline well in advance and get the OK. Somehow when I posted this query I felt Bruno might respond....

THANKS, Bruno.

Vaughn

 

 

[Son of Clyde]

Vaughn, I searched Lufthansa and KLM and found this information. 

My stepson will be in the same situation this summer if he travels alone to meet his dad.

http://www.hotelfun4kids.com/air-rail/lufthansa.htm#UNACCOMPANIED%20MINORS


http://www.nwa.com/services/onboard/minor/

 

[Son of Clyde]

http://airtravel.about.com/cs/safetysecurity/a/Unaccompanied.htm