How old does your child have to be to fly solo on an airplane?

On Tuesday, KPRC 2 reported on a teen in NW Harris County who was reported missing and found by Homeland Security after boarding a flight to New York City to visit a man she met online.

• NW Harris County father confirms missing 16-year-old daughter found in New York by Homeland Security

This situation begged the question: How old does your child have to be to board a flight unaccompanied?

Ages allowed by the major airlines

Children are allowed to fly on domestic flights alone on adult fares, but the minimum age allowed varies by airline. They are still eligible for unaccompanied minor programs, but these measures are not required beyond the age designated by the airline.

American Airlines: 15 years old

Delta Airlines: 15 years old

Southwest Airlines: 12 years old (Young Traveler program)

United Airlines: 15 years old

Unaccompanied minor

Younger children are also allowed to travel without a guardian present, but they must pay a fee associated with an unaccompanied minor program. These programs help to ensure that children fly safely by assigning airport personnel to monitor children and make sure they are safe before, during, and after their flights. Children have to be five years old or older to be eligible for these programs.

Here are the ages and fees for unaccompanied minor flights:

American Airlines: $150 fee, ages 5-14 (only nonstop flights are allowed for children ages 5-7)

Delta Airlines: $150 fee, ages 5-14 (only nonstop flights are allowed for children ages 5-7)

Southwest Airlines: $50 fee one-way or $100 roundtrip, ages 5-11

United Airlines: $150 fee, ages 5-14 (only nonstop flights are allowed for children ages 5-7)

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