Can airlines separate kids from parents on flights?
Under the age of 5: In a seat beside the parent, guardian or tutor. Aged 5 to 11: In the same row and separated by no more than one seat. Aged 12 or 13: Separated by no more than a row. A closer inspection of the regulations, however, suggests that the rules might not have the teeth parents are hoping for.
On most major airlines, kids must be at least five years old to fly alone, yet recently, infants as young as 11 months have been seated away from their parents. This week, major airlines have finally announced new policies to prevent families from being separated in the air.
Families, children and infants
Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.
Children under 5 can't travel alone under any circ*mstances. If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we'll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they're traveling with.
Family Seating Policy
Delta strives to seat family members together upon request. If you are unable to obtain seat assignments together for your family using delta.com or the Fly Delta mobile app, please contact Reservations to review available seating options.
Infant Travel in Flight
Children above the age of seven 7 days and under the age of two 2 years, as on the date of travel, can travel as Infants. Age proof needs to be provided at the time of check-in. Valid ID proof for Infants: Birth Certificate.
If you are traveling with a child who is not yours, bring signed and notarized consent forms from the child's parents or legal guardians. Consent form requirements vary by destination, so you may not be asked to produce them, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Airline | Family seating policy |
---|---|
Alaska | No extra cost for any fare |
Allegiant | No guarantee, seat selection for extra fee |
American | No extra cost for any fare |
Delta | No guarantee, no seat selection for lowest fares |
With most airlines, if you DON'T pay and just check in online as early as you can, you WILL get to sit with the rest of your group – as long as seats are still available.
Families traveling
We'll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we'll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.
Can a 12 year old sit alone on a plane?
Yes, it is generally safe for a 12-year-old to fly alone. Many airlines have specific policies and services in place to ensure the safety and comfort of unaccompanied minors. These services typically include assistance with check-in, boarding, and in-flight supervision by airline staff.
Children can usually sit alone on a plane once they reach the age of 5 to 7, depending on the airline's specific rules and regulations. Many airlines offer unaccompanied minor programs for children between the ages of 5 and 14, where the airline provides assistance and supervision during the flight.
Airline | Allows Unaccompanied Minors? | Contact |
---|---|---|
JetBlue | Yes | 800-538-2583 |
Southwest Airlines | Yes | 800-435-9792 |
Spirit Airlines | Yes | 855-728-3555 |
Sun Country | No | 651-905-2737 |
When it comes to choosing your seat for free, JetBlue is one of the airlines that offers this perk to its passengers. Regardless of the ticket class you book, JetBlue allows you to select your seat without any additional cost (if you do so within the first 24 hours).
Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.
Complimentary Checked Strollers, Child Safety Seats & Other Infant Items. Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate.
Note: Children ages 2 – 14 can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 or older.
Travel Within the U.S. | |
---|---|
INFANT-IN-ARMS (CHILD IN LAP) | Free within the United States, must add infant or child (under 2 years of age) to your ticket |
SEATED (CHILD IN SEPARATE SEAT) | Must pay for adult fare ticket and bring FAA-approved child safety seat for child |
Will minors need to have a state ID to fly domestically? TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.
Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.
How do I write a notarized letter for my child to travel?
A consent letter for a minor to travel should include essential information such as the child's full name, date of birth, and passport number. It must also specify the names of both parents or legal guardians, their contact details, and signature.
Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.
We know that airlines do try to seat families together. But these days, paying customers pony up sometimes hundreds of bucks for their seats on full flights. In this scenario, the airlines sometimes cannot incentivize other travelers to change seats to accommodate a family.
If you're traveling with a group, the best way to avoid a seat selection fee is to book your seats at the same time. If the airline is assigning seats for you, it typically seats people under the same record locator number together.
2 x 4 x 2 configuration...which seats to choose? When travelling as a family of 4 I choose two rows of 2, opposed to the middle aisle of 4 seats. Having a window is so handy to rest up against and also means no sibling fighting! If the configuration is 3 x 3 I will put 2 of us 2 rows (one aisle and one window)...
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