Flying alone is often a wonderful first experience for a child or teenager. To ensure the trip goes smoothly, it's important to be familiar with the rules of the chosen airline.
Each carrier defines its own conditions regarding unaccompanied minors (often referred to by the acronym UM – Unaccompanied Minor).
Some companies offer a dedicated assistance service for young travelers, while others allow children to fly alone from a certain age, without special accompaniment.
Before making any reservation, take the time to check the company's specific conditions: minimum age, documents to be provided, any fees and check-in procedures.
For more information, consult the policies on the websites of the airlines serving Caen-Carpiquet airport : Volotea or Air France
Documents to be provided
To travel, each child must have their own identity document : national identity card or passport, depending on the destination.
The family record book is not recognized as a travel document.
If a minor leaves French territory without being accompanied by one of their parents, an Authorization to Leave the Territory (AST) is mandatory. This document must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by a copy of their identity document.
Depending on the destination, a passport valid for several months after the return date may also be required. Remember to plan ahead for these administrative procedures.
For more information, consult the public service website: service-public.fr and the France Diplomatie, under the travel advice section.
The family record book is not recognized as a travel document.
The day of departure
On the day of the flight, go to the check-in counter with the child and all their travel documents.
Be sure to respect theCheck-in Deadline (TDL) indicated on the ticket, as it may vary depending on the airline.
For children benefiting from the “UM” service, allow a little extra time: specific formalities are required before boarding.
Things to know before you leave
Before your flight from Caen-Carpiquet airport, remember to check our practical information sections. This information will help you prepare for your child's departure with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each child must have an official document in their name, such as an identity card or passport, depending on the destination. A family record book is not sufficient. For travel abroad without a parent, an Authorization to Leave the Territory (AST) signed by the parent or guardian, along with a copy of their identity document, is mandatory. Remember to also check the passport validity according to the requirements of the destination country before booking.
The minimum age for a minor to fly alone varies depending on the airline. Some accept children as young as 12, while others have different requirements based on age or nationality. It is therefore essential to check the airline's website directly for the exact rules before making a reservation.
On the day of the flight, the child must present themselves at the check-in counter with all their documents before the Check-in Deadline (CDL) indicated on the ticket. For unaccompanied minors, allow some extra time, as specific procedures may apply. Exact times depend on the airline, so consult their official website for precise information.
Liquids in the cabin must be in containers of no more than 100 ml, grouped together in a 1-liter resealable bag. Exceptions exist for medications. If your cabin baggage is checked at the gate, certain items are not permitted in the hold, such as spare batteries, power banks, or e-cigarettes.