Q: I’ve heard that some airlines have regulations requiring 14-year-olds (Class IV students) to fly as unaccompanied minors. What do I need to know?

A: The frequency of children traveling by themselves has led airlines to set up programs that address the specific needs of children traveling alone. While most airlines require these programs for children under 12, there are a some airlines that require students 14 and younger to take part in their unaccompanied minor program.

Each airline has different rules and restrictions when it comes to students traveling alone. For instance:

• Northwest Airlines requires that any child 14 and younger, traveling without an adult 18 years of age or older, must participate in its unaccompanied minor program.
• Southwest and United Airlines allow 14 year olds to fly unaccompanied with no restrictions.
• American Airlines requires that children 14 take part in the airline’s unaccompanied minors program unless they are traveling with someone over the age of 15.
• US Airways allows unaccompanied children, 14 years old or younger, to travel on all US Airways nonstop, direct or connecting flights; however, a service fee of $40 each way is required for nonstop or direct flights, and a service fee of $75 each way is required for connecting flights.
• Delta airlines requires that children aged 14 take part in its unaccompanied minors program.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Each airlines has its unaccompanied minor age restrictions and rules posted on its Web site.
• Let the airline know that a child is traveling unaccompanied in advance - many airlines require this information at the time of booking.
• Almost all airlines will charge for their unaccompanied minor services, usually assessed per direction.
• When taking part in an airlines unaccompanied minor program an adult will be asked to provide information about the unaccompanied minor. Airlines complete forms that normally include the child's identification; flight itinerary; a parent or guardian's authorization; and the details about who will be meeting the child at the gate.