Traveling alone can be a great adventure for a child, but it is essential to do thorough research before departure.
Each airline has its own policy regarding unaccompanied minors (UM). Some offer a dedicated assistance service, while others allow children to travel alone from a certain age, without special supervision.
Before making any reservation, check the company's conditions to find out the minimum age required, the necessary documents and any applicable fees.
Airline policies
- Volotea – Accompaniment service for unaccompanied minors and travel conditions.
- Aegean Airlines – Information on the care of children travelling alone.
- Transavia – Travel conditions for unaccompanied minors.
- Nouvelair – Support service and formalities for unaccompanied minors.
Required documents
- Each child must have their own identity document (national identity card or passport depending on the destination). The family record book is not accepted as an identity document.
- For a trip abroad without one of the parents, an Authorisation to Leave the Territory (AST) is mandatory: a form signed by the parent accompanied by a copy of their identity document.
- Depending on the country, a passport valid for several months after your return may be required: plan ahead.
To find out everything about your rights and obligations, consult the Service-Public and France Diplomatie websites before booking.
On the day of departure: check-in and HLE
Go to the counter with the child and all their documents, respecting the Check-in Deadline (CDH) indicated on the ticket.
- Volotea : closing 35 minutes before departure.
- Aegean : closing 40 minutes before departure.
- NouvelAir : closing 60 minutes before departure.
- Transavia : closing 60 minutes before departure.
- ASL Airlines : 45 minutes before departure.
For unaccompanied minors, allow some extra time for additional formalities and checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The child must have an official document in their name (identity card or passport, depending on the destination). A family record book is not sufficient. To travel abroad without a parent, a signed Authorization to Leave the Country (AST) from the parent, along with a copy of their identity document, is required. Also, check the passport validity requirements before booking.
The minimum age for a minor to travel unaccompanied depends entirely on the airline. Some accept children as young as 12, while others may have specific conditions depending on nationality or age. To know the exact rules, it is important to consult the website of your chosen airline directly before booking.
The child must present themselves at the check-in counter with all their travel documents before theCheck-in Deadline (CDL) indicated on the ticket. For unaccompanied minors, it is advisable to allow extra time, as specific formalities may be required. Exact times vary depending on the airline, so please refer to the carrier's official website for precise information about your flight.
Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, grouped together in a 1-liter resealable bag. Exceptions exist for medications. If carry-on baggage is checked at the gate, remove spare batteries, power banks , and e-cigarettes, as these items are prohibited in checked baggage.