When to Use

When a child travels alone or with relatives, friends, an organization, or a group.

Traveling Alone

Under 5 years old – Must be accompanied by someone at least 12 years of age flying in the same cabin (18 years with some airlines).
5 to 11 years old – Direct flights only.
12 to 15 years old – Travel permitted nationwide, including connections.
15+ years – No consent required. This includes international flights.^[1]

Airline Procedures (Unaccompanied Minors)

Traveling with One Parent

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends if a child is traveling with one parent, especially if the parents are divorced, to carry a note from the other parent stating their consent to the trip.^[2] The note can be as simple as the following:

“I, [YOUR NAME] acknowledge that my spouse is traveling out of the country with my [SON/DAUGHTER]. My spouse has my full permission to do so with this authorization.”

Signature: ______________________

Signing or attaching a notary acknowledgment is recommended.

Medical Decisions

A minor travel consent form does not include permission to make medical decisions on behalf of the child. If the consenting parent or guardian wants to hand over those rights, a minor child power of attorney form should be authorized.

Sample

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

MINOR (CHILD) TRAVEL CONSENT

I. THE PARENT(S).

I/We, [PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NAME], am/are the lawful custodial parent(s) and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of:

II. THE MINOR.

Full Name: [MINOR’S NAME]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Place of Birth: [LOCATION]
Passport Number (if applicable): [9 DIGITS]

Country of Issuance: [COUNTRY]
Date Issuance: [DATE]
Date of Expiration: [DATE]

III. TRAVELING ALONE/ACCOMPANYING PERSON. (check one)

☐ – I authorize my child to travel alone.

☐ – I authorize my child to travel with the following individual/organization:

Individual/Organization Name: [FULL NAME]
Relationship to Child (if applicable): [RELATIONSHIP]
U.S. or Foreign Passport Number (if applicable): [9 DIGITS]
- Country of Issuance: [COUNTRY]
- Date Issuance: [DATE]
- Date of Expiration: [DATE]

IV. ITINERARY.

I authorize my child to travel to the following location [LOCATION] during the period beginning on [START DATE], and ending on [END DATE].

V. SIGNATURE(S).

Parent / Legal Guardian Signature: _________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: _______________________

Minor (Child) Travel Consent Form