British Airways no longer offers services for unaccompanied minors or Skyflyer Solo for children. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel alone unless an adult 16 years or older is accompanying them.
For under-16s traveling alone, a parental/guardian consent form must be filled out by the parent/guardian. To make a reservation for a flight for a child under 16 traveling alone, you must call (or visit) the British Airways local office in your area or your travel agent.
Age to Qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor on British Airways
- British Airways allows children 14 years and older to travel alone.
Children 5 years and older may travel alone on SUN-AIR flights. - At least 16-year-old passengers must accompany children under 14 years of age.
- Before traveling, parents/legal guardians of children under 16 must complete a parental/guardian consent form and include a valid passport or photo ID with their signature.
- Parents or legal guardians must contact British Airways to make flight bookings for children under 16 years old.
- Partner airlines may have different age restrictions, charges, and regulations, so check directly with them.
Guidelines for Children Travelling Alone
Travelers under the age of 18 on their own will be considered adults and must be able to board their flights without assistance and without being escorted. It is highly recommended that you (the parent or adult guardian) wait at the airport terminal until your child’s flight takes off.
- Under-16 passengers can make reservations by phone or in person at a British Airways ticket office. Reservations cannot be made online.
- Travel documentation, such as passports and visas, as well as proof of return travel, must be in order.
- Attached to the consent form must be a signed consent form and a copy of the parent’s or guardian’s valid passport or photo ID with signature.
- You must have any required health certificates or medications.
- A child/young flyer must be able to:
- Contact the parent/guardian/person who will pick up the unaccompanied minor/child at the destination.
- Use debit/credit cards or Avios to pay for expenses such as refreshments.
British Airways can clarify any doubts you may have.
Different countries have different legal requirements
Some countries require additional documentation for young flyers traveling to or through their countries. For children traveling alone, with another person, or with only one parent or guardian, they may even have additional requirements.
Ensure that all your documentation is in order before finalizing your child’s/young flyer’s travel plans.
The following are good sources of information:
- Travel Center of IATA
- EU travel documents for children
- Expat parenting
Frequently Asked Questions on British Airways Unaccompanied Minors Policy
Q1. What is unaccompanied minor service?
Unaccompanied minors are children under a certain age who are flying alone. Unaccompanied Minor services are usually offered by airlines to assist children from the departure airport to their final destination airport.
Q2. Is British Airways able to accommodate unaccompanied minors?
British Airways no longer offers unaccompanied minor services on its flights. Children who are 14 years or older may travel alone. At least 16-year-old passengers must accompany children under 14 years of age.
Q3. Are there any age restrictions for children traveling alone on British Airways?
British Airways requires children to be at least 14 years old to travel alone. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old. Additionally, children between the ages of 14 and 16 are required to carry a consent form filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Young flyers cannot book flights online. To book a flight, you must contact British Airways.
Q4. If I’m traveling with my baby on British Airways, what should I know?
If you are traveling with an infant or a child:
- Arrive at the airport early
- Make sure you get your child’s favorite food
- Make sure you have a small, quiet toy with you
Can you be patient with your child?
Q5. Unaccompanied minors are accepted by British Airways?
British Airways no longer accepts unaccompanied minors on its flights. It is permissible for children over 14 years of age to travel alone, and children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years of age.
Q6. Does British Airways charge an unaccompanied minor fee?
British Airways no longer accepts unaccompanied minors on its flights. Those who are 14 years of age or older are allowed to travel alone. Passengers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a passenger at least 16 years old.
Q7. What is the procedure for downloading the British Airways unaccompanied minor declaration form?
Click here to download the unaccompanied minor declaration form, also known as the consent form.
Q8. British Airways unaccompanied minor fee: what is it?
Currently, British Airways does not charge an unaccompanied minor fee.
Q9. Is it possible for unaccompanied minors to travel on international British Airways flights?
British Airways allows children aged 14 and older to travel alone on its flights, provided they meet the immigration requirements of the destination country.
Q10. Can British Airways accept unaccompanied minors on flights to South Africa?
British Airways no longer accepts unaccompanied minors on flights to South Africa or any other flight. South Africa’s immigration department has specific requirements for under-18 children traveling from or to the country. Check out these links for more information:
- Children’s Travel Advisory for South Africa
- Travel to/from South Africa – UK foreign travel advice
Q11. Can British Airways accept unaccompanied minors on international flights?
Due to the discontinuation of the unaccompanied minor service, British Airways does not accept unaccompanied minors on international or domestic flights.