British Airways no longer offers Unaccompanied Minors services or the Skyflyer Solo service for children. Children are not allowed to travel alone as unaccompanied minors unless they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 16 years old.
Under-16 passengers travelling alone must carry a parental/guardian consent form filled out by the parent/guardian before travelling. Reservations for children under 16 years of age travelling alone cannot be made online—you must call (or visit) the British Airways local office in your area or your travel agent to make a flight booking.
Age to Qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor on British Airways
- Children who are 14 years or older can travel alone on British Airways.
(except on SUN-AIR flights, where children who are 5 years or older can travel alone). - Children below 14 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.
- Parents/legal guardians of children below 16 years must fill out a parental/guardian consent form before traveling, and attach the parent/guardian’s valid passport or photo ID with signature.
- Bookings for passengers below 16 years of age cannot be made online; the parent or legal guardian must contact British Airways to make the flight booking.
- Age limits, charges and regulations on partner airlines may be different, so you will have to check with them directly.
Guidelines for Children Travelling Alone
Children, i.e., young flyers travelling on their own, will be considered as adults and must be able to make their way through the arrival and departure airports and board their flight unescorted and unaided. It is highly recommended that you (i.e., the parent or adult guardian) wait at the airport terminal until your child’s flight takes off.
- Reservations for under-16 passengers can be by made by phone or by visiting a British Airways ticket office. Online reservations are not accepted.
- All travel documentation—such as valid passport, visas and proof of return travel, etc.—must be in place.
- A signed consent form along with a copy of parent/guardian’s valid passport or photo ID with signature must be attached to the form.
- Health certificates or medications that may be required must be in place.
- The child/young flyer must be able to:
- Communicate with the parent/guardian/person collecting the unaccompanied minor/child at the destination.
- Pay for any expenses such as refreshments via debit/credit cards or Avios.
If you have any doubts, ask British Airways for clarification.
Legal Requirements by Different Countries
The immigration departments in some countries have additional documentation requirements for young flyers travelling to or through the countries. They may even have additional requirements for children travelling alone, with another person, or with only one parent or guardian.
Before finalizing your child’s/young flyer’s travel plans, check with destination country’s authorities to ensure that all your documentation is in order.
Good reference sources are:
Frequently Asked Questions on British Airways Unaccompanied Minors Policy
Children below a certain age who are flying alone are considered Unaccompanied Minors. Most airline carriers offer Unaccompanied Minor services to help children from the departure airport to their final destination airport for a service fee.
British Airways has stopped offering unaccompanied minor services on its flights. However, children who are 14 years or older are allowed to travel alone. Children below 14 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.
The minimum age for children travelling alone on British Airways is 14 years. Children below 14 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old. Also, children between 14 – 16 years old are required to carry a consent form duly filled out by the parent or legal guardian. Flight bookings for young flyers cannot be made online. You must contact British Airways to make the flight booking.
If you’re traveling with an infant or a child:
● Arrive early at the airport
● Get your child’s favorite food
● Bring a small, quiet toy
Be patient with your child ?
British Airways does not accept unaccompanied minors on its flights any longer. Children above 14 years of age are allowed to travel alone, and children below 14 years must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.
British Airways has stopped accepting unaccompanied minors on its flights. However, children who are 14 years or older are allowed to travel alone. Children below 14 must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.
The unaccompanied minor declaration form, known as the consent form, can be downloaded through this link.
British Airways does not charge an unaccompanied minor fee as it has stopped offering the service.
Children who are 14 years or older are allowed to travel alone on British Airways flights, provided they fulfill the destination country’s immigration requirements.
British Airways does not accept unaccompanied minors on South Africa flights or any flight, as it has stopped offering the service. South Africa’s immigration department has specific requirements under-18 children travelling from or to South Africa. For more information, check out these links:
● South Africa Children Travel Advisory
● UK foreign travel advice – travel to/from South Africa
British Airways does not accept unaccompanied minors on international or domestic flights, as it no longer offers the unaccompanied minor service.