Can a 16 year old fly alone? Things parents need to know

According to general regulations of airlines in Vietnam, passengers aged 16 and over are allowed to fly alone without an escort or special assistance services. To better understand the issue Can a 16 year old fly alone?, procedures and important notes, you can follow the details in the article below.

1. Procedures for 16 year olds traveling alone

Children 16 years old traveling alone need to prepare all necessary documents, plane tickets and learn about the flight regulations in advance, specifically:

1.1. Prepare necessary documents

Children 16 years old when flying domestically need to present one of the following documents:

• Citizen identification card: This is the most common and official form of identification for passengers aged 16 and over.
• Passport: Can replace ID if the child has been issued a passport.
• Original birth certificate or certified copy: Applicable in cases where children have not been issued an ID.
• Identity certificate: If you do not have an ID or passport, you can apply for a certificate of identity at the local police station. This document must have a photo, be stamped and have a valid period (usually 30 days).

For international flights, passengers 16 years of age are required to carry:

• Valid passport: Minimum 6 months remaining from expected date of departure
• Visa: Must be presented if the destination country requires an entry visa.
• Authorization or consent letter from parent: Some countries require a notarized parental consent document, written bilingually or in English.
• Copy of birth certificate: Applicable in cases where it is necessary to prove the relationship between the child and the guardian, especially when doing procedures at international border gates.

1.2. Buy plane tickets

You can buy tickets for 16 year olds traveling alone online or at official ticket sales points:

• Buy tickets online via Vietnam Airlines website:

• Visit the official website of Vietnam Airlines.
• Select the desired trip, then enter complete passenger information.
• Fill in your full name, date of birth and ID number (ID or passport) correctly. Note, there is no need to select the “Children accompanied by adults” if the child is flying alone.

• Buy tickets at the box office or agent:

• When purchasing in person, parents should bring their child's ID card, passport or other identification documents to ensure correct information is entered.
• If booking tickets through the hotline or at the ticket office, you need to provide the contact phone number of the pick-up person so that the airline can easily support you when needed.

1.3. Boarding the plane

Parents should instruct in advance or ask customer service staff to assist 16-year-olds traveling alone to help make the journey smoother and safer:

• Check-in: You can check-in online from 24 hours to 75 minutes before departure to select your seat and receive your electronic boarding pass. If you have not checked-in online, your child needs to go to the airport check-in counter, bring their ID card or passport (and visa if flying internationally), and the booking code.
• Check in luggage: At the counter, carry-on luggage will be checked for size and weight, while checked luggage will be weighed, tagged and put on the conveyor belt. Parents should check the airline's baggage regulations in advance to avoid additional fees.
• Security and immigration checks: Passengers need to go through the security screening area, remove personal accessories such as watches, shoes, hats, etc. for inspection. For international flights, children will continue to go through immigration procedures with a valid passport and visa.
• Getting to the boarding gate: Based on the information on the boarding pass and the display screen at the airport, children need to arrive at the correct gate at least 30 minutes before the flight and present documents when requested.
• Boarding: Children will board the plane as instructed, find the correct seat number, put their carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment and fasten their seat belt. While waiting for take-off, pay attention to the safety instructions and comply with the airline's regulations on the use of electronic devices.

2. Notes when letting 16 year olds fly alone

To ensure a safe and smooth journey, parents need to keep in mind some important points when letting a 16-year-old travel alone:

• Check airline specific regulations: While most airlines allow passengers 16 and older to travel alone, some airlines may have their own regulations regarding the type of travel documents or procedures required. Parents should check in advance to avoid any problems on the day of departure.
• Contact the airline in advance: In case of needing clarification on the policy of supporting minors traveling by plane, parents should contact the hotline or ticket office directly for detailed and timely instructions.
• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual: Parents and children should arrive at the airport early to have enough time to complete check-in procedures, check in luggage and go through security without being rushed or anxious.
• Notify relatives about the trip: Parents should remind children to share flight schedule details with relatives for easy contact in case of emergency.

Thus, the article has answered the question “Can a 16 year old fly alone?” in detail. 16 year old passengers can absolutely fly alone but You should learn the regulations of each airline and prepare the necessary documents in advance for a smooth flight.

If you want to update more useful information for a safe flight, you can visit the official website of Vietnam Airlines.