Jess

But as a reasonable parent, would you let your child fly alone at age 4? This child doesn't exist, btw...it's part of a school project. - Jess

I've seen 4 or 5 yo flying by themselves. I wouldn't let *my* 4 yo fly by himself. I think 8 is a good age. - Anika

I would never let a 4 year old fly alone. - Michelle Martinez

It just depends on how mature and self-sufficient that child is. It depends on the kid. - Eric @ CS Techcast

I flew alone at 6 but that was back when people could wait for you at the gate - Andrizzle Gizzle

Depends on the airline. United, for example, only allows children 5+ to be alone. - Rochelle

I've seen very young children travelling alone but they've always been accompanied by airline staff at all times (walking them to the plane, seating them, checking on them frequently). I wouldn't suggest a 4-year-old travelling alone, but there may be extenuating circumstances that require it. - joey

I wonder how often it happens in child custody cases. For my project, it's preferable that the kid go alone because it's one less plane ticket to buy. But I would be afraid someone would snatch him. - Jess

The airlines are really careful to make sure no one nabs the kid. You have to wait with the kid until they board, & someone has to sign for the kid at the other end. ID has to be shown every time. My daughter was 12 when she flew alone, but I think I'd let a kid fly alone starting when they were...oh, 6-7. - joshua "magic" neff