Packing for your child's solo flight requires extra thought. Beyond clothes and toiletries, you need to consider comfort items, entertainment, and essential documents. Here's everything your unaccompanied minor needs.
💡 Pro Tip
Pack everything in a carry-on bag your child can manage alone. Avoid checked luggage when possible — it can get lost, and your child needs to navigate the airport independently.
📋 Essential Documents
These items are non-negotiable. Without them, your child cannot fly.
- Photo ID or birth certificate — Required for TSA screening
- Boarding pass — Printed or on your phone (transfer to their device)
- UM paperwork — The airline provides this at check-in; child keeps one copy
- Emergency contact card — Written list of phone numbers (in case phone dies)
- Copy of itinerary — Flight numbers, times, and connection info
🎒 Carry-On Bag Essentials
Comfort Items
- Neck pillow or small travel pillow
- Lightweight blanket or large scarf
- Comfort item (stuffed animal, small toy) — for younger kids
- Change of clothes — in case of spills or delays
- Sweater or hoodie — planes get cold
Entertainment
- Tablet or phone — Pre-loaded with movies, games, books
- Headphones — Wired ones work on airplane entertainment systems
- Charger and power bank
- Activity books, coloring books, puzzle books
- A few small toys or fidget items
Snacks & Drinks
- Empty water bottle — Fill after security
- Non-messy snacks (granola bars, crackers, dried fruit)
- Gum or hard candy — Helps with ear pressure
- Avoid peanuts — Many airlines prohibit them
🧴 Toiletries (TSA-Compliant)
Pack these in a clear quart-size bag:
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer (3.4 oz or less)
- Lip balm — Cabin air is very dry
- Tissues or small tissue pack
- Any medications with pharmacy label
- Wet wipes
📱 Technology Checklist
- Fully charged devices — Phone, tablet, gaming device
- Chargers for everything
- Power bank — Pre-charged
- Headphones — Wired preferred (Bluetooth can be finicky)
- Download content offline — WiFi isn't guaranteed
⚠️ Important
Set up Find My Phone or equivalent tracking. Make sure your child knows their device passcode.
💵 Money & Payment
- $20-50 cash — For emergencies or airport food
- Prepaid debit card — Optional but useful for older kids
- Money kept in multiple places — Some in wallet, some in bag
Flight attendants will help with purchases, but having some cash gives your child independence for snacks or emergencies.
🚫 What NOT to Pack
- Sharp objects, scissors, or pocket knives
- Large amounts of cash or valuables
- Glass containers
- Liquids over 3.4 oz
- Items that look like weapons (even toys)
- Anything they'd be devastated to lose
📝 Printable Packing Checklist
Quick Reference
Documents: ID, boarding pass, UM forms, emergency contacts
Comfort: Pillow, blanket, comfort item, extra clothes
Entertainment: Tablet, headphones, books, toys
Snacks: Granola bars, crackers, water bottle, gum
Toiletries: Toothbrush, hand sanitizer, lip balm, tissues
Tech: Chargers, power bank, downloaded content
Money: $20-50 cash, hidden in multiple spots
Ready to Book?
Now that you know what to pack, find UM-friendly flights for your child's trip.
Search Flights
