If your child has to take a plane unaccompanied, it is normal that you have doubts. Is it safe? Which airlines offer help? What documents do they need?
To make sure everything goes smoothly, there is a service designed to ensure that children travel safely and under supervision at all times.
In this guide we tell you how it works, which airlines offer it and what options you have to make your child’s trip as easy and safe as possible.
What is the child flight escort service?
When a child is traveling alone, airlines can take care of his or her safety from the moment he or she arrives at the airport until he or she is handed over to the responsible person at the destination. This service is designed to ensure that minors travel protected and well cared for at all times.
This is how the service works:
- An airline staff member accompanies them from check-in to the boarding gate.
- During the flight, the cabin crew supervises that the child is comfortable and safe.
- On arrival, the child is personally handed over to the authorized person at the destination.
Many airlines include this service as part of what they call “special airport assistance”. This means that, in addition to accompaniment on the flight, the child receives extra help with passport control, baggage collection and connections between flights.
For many parents, this service is absolute peace of mind, knowing that their child will be in good hands from start to finish.
Requirements and documents for unaccompanied minors
If your child will be traveling to a summer camp abroad, it is essential that he or she has all documentation in order to avoid problems at the airport.
The essential documents you will need for the flight are:
- ID card or passport, depending on the destination.
- Travel authorization signed by the parents and validated by the Police or Guardia Civil.
- Visa if the country requires it, as in the case of the USA, where it is mandatory to complete the ESTA questionnaire before the trip.
At what age can a child travel alone on an airplane?
Airlines set different rules depending on the age of the child. Here is a simple summary:
- Under 5 years old: They cannot travel alone on any airline.
- From 5 to 11 years old: They must use the escort service.
- From 12 to 17 years old: They can travel alone, but the service is recommended on long flights or flights with stopovers.
Important: Some airlines have stricter rules and require parental authorization up to the age of 18. Therefore, it is important to verify the minimum age for traveling alone before purchasing a ticket.
Which airlines offer the service of accompanying minors?
If your child is traveling alone to his or her summer camp abroad, it is important to choose an airline that offers the appropriate service. Not all airlines allow minors to travel alone, so check your options before booking.
Airlines that do offer accompanying minors on flights guarantee that a member of their staff will look after the child every step of the way. However, some low-cost airlines do not offer this service and require the child to travel with an adult.
Airlines offering this service in Spain and Europe:
- Iberia: Compulsory for children from 5 to 11 years old. Optional up to 17.
- Air Europa: Similar to Iberia, with assistance at airports and international flights.
- Lufthansa: Accompanying service on European and long-haul flights.
- KLM: Supervises minors from check-in to delivery at destination.
- Air France: Kids Solo service for children traveling unaccompanied.
Airlines that do NOT offer accompaniment of minors:
- Ryanair: Does not allow minors under 16 to travel alone.
- EasyJet: Does not accept passengers under 16 years old without an accompanying adult.
- Vueling: Only allows passengers over 12 years old to travel without an accompanying adult.
- Norwegian: Does not offer this service on any flight.
Important: Before booking, check the conditions of each airline, as some may have additional restrictions depending on the destination or stopover.
Alternative: Is it cheaper to travel with the child on low-cost airlines?
In-flight child escort service is a great option to ensure that children travel safely. However, some parents consider a cheaper alternative: traveling with the child on low-cost airlines instead of hiring the escort service.
This may be a more convenient option in the following cases:
- If the total cost of the escort service is higher than two tickets on a low-cost airline.
- When flights have complicated stopovers and you prefer to make sure that the child does not travel alone.
- If the child is very young and you prefer to accompany him/her on his/her first international trip.
Example of comparison:
- Iberia charges between 50 and 100 € for the escort service, depending on the destination.
- A low-cost round-trip flight may cost the same or less.
If you have flexibility and can travel with your child, in some cases it is cheaper and more practical to travel on a low-cost airline than to hire the escort service.
However, if you prefer your child to travel alone, it is better to choose an airline with specialized assistance.
How to contract the escort service step by step
If you have already decided that your child will travel alone and you need the escort service for minors on flights, it is important to know how to book it and what to expect on the day of the flight.
When and how to book?
- During the purchase of the ticket: Most airlines allow you to book the service at the time of booking, either on their website or by phone.
- After purchasing the ticket: Some airlines allow the service to be added later, although it is advisable to do so in advance.
- Confirmation before the flight: It is key to check with the airline at least 48 hours before the flight to make sure everything is in order.
How much does the flight attendant service for children cost?
The cost of the service varies depending on the airline and the distance of the flight:
- Domestic flights: From 30 € to 50 €.
- Flights within Europe: Between 50 € and 80 €.
- Intercontinental flights: From 75 € to 150 € depending on the airline.
Important: Some airlines offer discounts or family packages if the service is contracted for more than one child.
Tips for parents: How to prepare a child for traveling alone
It’s normal for children (and parents!) to feel nervous before their first solo flight. But with good preparation, the experience can be safe, smooth and stress-free. Here are some tips:
Before the flight
- Book early: Make sure you have all your paperwork in order.
- Prepare your child: Explain what the trip will be like and who will be with them at all times.
- Make a list of important contacts: Include emergency numbers, camp information and the adult who will be picking them up.
During the flight
- Explain to your child that the crew is there to help him/her: This will make him/her feel safer.
- Give him something to entertain him: A book, a tablet with games or headphones with his favorite music can make the trip more enjoyable.
- Don’t overload him with luggage: Ideally, his carry-on bag should be light and easy to handle.
Upon arrival
- Confirm that the child has arrived safely: A message or video call can reassure parents.
- Verify that the responsible adult has all the documentation: The airline will only release the child if the person listed on the reservation shows identification.
Bonus tip: If your child is traveling alone for the first time, you can take a short trip together beforehand to familiarize them with the airport and the flight process.
Still have questions about how to organize your child’s trip?
At Ertheo, we know that planning an international summer camp trip can raise a lot of questions.
That’s why our customer service colleague, Elena Gozalo, explains in detail how to organize your child’s trip and what to consider after booking the camp.
How has the escort service for minors evolved?
Accompanying minors on flights has changed over time to offer more safety and comfort to children traveling alone.
More and more airlines have improved their protocols to give parents peace of mind when sending their children to camps abroad.
Here are the trends and improvements in this service over the past few years:
More airlines optimizing assistance
Some have improved their processes with mobile apps that allow parents to track the flight in real time.
Greater flexibility in ages
Some airlines have extended the option of escorting children up to 17 years of age on long-haul flights.
Personalized attention
On intercontinental flights, some airlines have improved their service with specific rest areas for minors.
While escort service is a great option for many families, it is important to evaluate all alternatives, including the possibility for parents to travel with the child on low-cost airlines when it is more convenient.
Conclusion: The Best Option for Your Child’s Safety
Sending a child to a summer camp abroad is an experience that will mark him or her for life. And ensuring safe travel is a critical part of that adventure.
If your child needs to travel alone, in-flight child escort is a service designed to make their journey safe, organized and worry-free. With the right documentation, the right airline and good preparation, you can be sure that everything will go smoothly.
At Ertheo, we know that organizing a trip for your child to attend a camp abroad can be a daunting task. That’s why, in addition to offering top-notch programs in soccer and other sports, we guide you through every step of the process to make the experience safe and hassle-free. If you’re looking for an opportunity for your child to train, learn and enjoy in an international environment, check out our summer camp abroad options.
