How Do I Book a Flight for a Minor Traveling Alone on Hotwire?

Traveling with children can be a daunting task, but you can make it easier for both parents and children by following these tips. First, research the different options for airline travel and decide on the best ticket type for your child. Then search for flights. Before you book, compare the cost of different flights and factor in extra costs like baggage fees and seat reservations. Once you've found a flight that fits your budget and travel needs, go ahead and book it. Be sure to print out the confirmation email or boarding pass, so you have it handy when your child goes to the airport.

Jeff Whelpley is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Dec 9, 2022

If you're a parent, you've likely been through the stress of booking travel for your family. And if you have a child who is not yet 18, booking travel can be even more complicated and stressful. If your child is traveling alone, it's imperative to make sure everything is taken care of ahead of time. Here are some tips on booking a flight for a minor traveling alone through Hotwire.

How to Book a Flight for a Minor Traveling Alone on Hotwire

Follow these steps to book a flight on Hotwire for a minor child traveling alone:

  1. First, make sure that your child is old enough to fly alone. The FAA requires that children be at least 14 years old to fly without an adult.

  2. Research the different options for airline travel. There are three basic types of airline tickets, coach, business, and first-class. Coach is the most affordable option, but it can be cramped and uncomfortable. Business-class offers more space and a better overall experience, while first-class provides the ultimate in luxury and service.

  3. Head to the booking service site (Hotwire) and search for flights once you've decided on an airline and ticket type. Be sure to enter your child's correct age in the "Traveler's Age" field. You'll then see a list of available flights, sorted by price.

  4. Before you book, be sure to compare the cost of different flights. Sometimes it's cheaper to fly to a nearby airport than the closest to your final destination. Rmember to factor in extra costs like baggage fees and seat reservations.

  5. Once you've found a flight that fits your budget and travel needs, go ahead and book it. Be sure to print out the confirmation email or boarding pass, so you have it handy when you go to the airport. Contact customer support for further guidance.

What You Need to Know Before Booking a Flight for a Minor Traveling Alone on Hotwire

You need to know a few things before booking a flight for a minor traveling alone. First, be sure to familiarize yourself with your target airline's policies regarding unaccompanied minors. Hotwire being a booking service may not give such specifics. Each airline has different rules and restrictions, so it's important to know what they are ahead of time.

Second, be sure to pack all necessary documents and information your child will need while traveling. This includes a copy of their passport or other identification, as well as contact information for you and any other adults who will be accompanying them on their trip.

Finally, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary with someone back home. This should include all of the flight information and the address and contact information for your final destination. Contact customer support when a problem comes up.

Tips for Making Travel Easier for Both Parents and Children

Booking travel for a minor can be stressful for parents, but there are ways to make it easier:

  • First, research the different options for airline travel and decide on the best ticket type for your child

  • Then head to the booking service provider (Hotwire) and search for flights. Be sure to enter the correct age of your child in the "Traveler's Age" field

  • Before you book, be sure to compare the cost of different flights and factor in extra expenses like baggage fees and seat reservations

  • Once you've found a flight that fits your budget and travel needs, go ahead and book it

  • Be sure to print out the confirmation email or boarding pass, so you have it handy when you go to the airport

  • Leave a detailed itinerary with someone back home, including all of the flight information and the address and contact information for your final destination

  • Finally, familiarize yourself with the airline's policies regarding unaccompanied minors before your child flies solo. Reach out to customer support for guidance.

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Jeff truly believes that all customers deserve good service. He’s been building tools, inventing phone tree hacks and helping customers since before his days at GetHuman. He's also a Google GDE and involved in the Angular community.
How Do I Book a Flight for a Minor Traveling Alone on Hotwire?

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How Do I Book a Flight for a Minor Traveling Alone on Hotwire?
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