[runescape222]

I am wondering if it is allowed for a minor age 16-17 to purchase his or her own air fare ticket and travel by his or her's own self.

Is there any part of the ticket purchasing and plane flying process where a patron of 18 years of age is required?
Thanks.

[thereuare]

No issue that i'm aware of.

[runescape222]

So a 16-17 year old could purchase their own ticket, and travel on the plane, without any involvement of a patron 18 years or older, correct?

[WillTravel]

Priceline.com requires that the passenger be 18 or older if traveling alone, at least for name your own price purchases. I somehow doubt that the airline would stop a mature-looking 17-year-old on one of these tickets, but you never know.

[powerplantop]

For flying this is the policy from Continental.

“Continental designates children five to 14 years of age as unaccompanied minors when traveling without a companion in the same cabin who is at least 18 years old. In addition, parents can request special supervision for children aged 15-17 who are traveling alone.”

From Delta.

"Unaccompanied service is required for all children 5–14 years old when not traveling in the same compartment with an adult at least 18 years old or the child's parent/legal guardian."

They also have other rules but after 14 they can fly alone.

[runescape222]

Okay.

For the companies that only consider up to 14 as unaccompanied minors, do they still allow people older than 14 to buy their own tickets? That's what I'm confused about here.

I get that they'll let a kid over 14 fly alone but would they let him buy the ticket himself too?

[Colfax]

From Priceline's Help section:

Quote

Can a minor travel unaccompanied with priceline?

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older) when traveling on tickets purchased through priceline.

If you need to purchase a ticket for someone younger than 18 who will be traveling alone, we recommend that you book through the airlines directly, so that you can choose appropriate flight times and avoid potential boarding problems.

Remember -- Tickets issued by priceline are restricted. Requests to change or cancel your reservation may be denied based on airline policy. Airlines may charge additional fees or deny boarding to minors traveling alone.