As one of the leading providers of global aircraft and private jet charters over the last 20 years, we have frequently been asked by our clients to explain the rules and procedures for under 18s travelling without their parents or legal guardians.
From blended families, to teens travelling on their own, this Smart Guide explains all you need to know about travelling with under 18s.
Do under 18s need any documentation to travel without their parents or guardians?
Yes, often called a Child Travel Consent Form, each under 18 must have this form by their parents or legal guardian who gives them permission to travel without them. The legally required form includes details about the child, the charter journey, the accompanying adult if there is one, and important medical and emergency contact information. The form ensures that the child’s travel arrangements are authorised and that appropriate contacts are available in case of emergencies. It also helps to prevent cases of child abduction by providing proof of parental consent for the trip.
Is getting a Child Travel Consent Form difficult?
Each aircraft operator has their own Child Travel Consent Form, so your dedicated account manager will liaise with the operator on your behalf and ensure you have the correct form to sign. We’ll take the stress out of handling this. Just recently, we had a client book a same day private jet charter and we turned the form round in less than an hour, so we are really experienced in ensuring the forms are completed thoroughly and promptly. We’ll put in as many of the details as we can (the journey, full name, date of birth, the accompanying adult’s details) and send it over to you near completion to sign.
If two of my children are travelling without me, can I do one form for both?
No, you are required by law to sign two separate forms, one for each of the children.
Can my teenage son bring his best friend on our trip with us?
Absolutely. His parents will just have to complete the Travel Consent Form on his behalf before departure but yes, he can travel on the private jet with you if this is done. As well as friends, we also get a lot of grandparents, aunts and uncles taking their grandchildren, nieces and nephews on trips with them, and the same rules apply even for families, the parent or legal guardian just needs to complete the Travel Consent Form.
Can my two teenage daughters travel on their own by private jet to visit their father?
Yes, two teenagers can fly alone on a private jet, but certain rules and requirements must be met. Most private jet operators permit unaccompanied travel for minors aged 12 or 13 and up, with some allowing children as young as 7 to fly alone. For travelers under 16, a legal guardian must complete a “Chain of Custody” form, which designates a responsible person at the destination to confirm their identity to the flight crew. Additionally, many operators require a flight attendant to accompany the teens, and the crew often assists with escorting them between the aircraft and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) during stops. Forms must be completed for both of your daughters and we’ll ensure everything is clearly explained and sent to you in plenty of time.
How safe is it dropping the children off to fly by private jet?
Travelling by private jet is safe. Flying by private jet means minors will not have to navigate the main commercial terminals. Private jet terminals are away from busy terminals and children can be dropped off and enjoy the luxurious lounges with an abundance of food, drink and entertainment. Parents or legal guardians can wait with their children in the terminal and get them all set, before they are then escorted directly onto the aircraft. On arrival at their destination, they will also be escorted to the awaiting adult.
James Gregory, Head of VIP Charter, said: “Parents can be nervous about their children flying without them and rightly so. At Smart, we ensure all the required documentation is clearly explained and prepared, to make sure there are no problems. We take the safety of our passengers very seriously and along with our trusted operator partners, we will always guarantee minors are very well looked after”.
For all aircraft charter enquiries, contact us via sales@smart-aviation.co.uk or call +441293 551244
