Can I do something like that?

Question

Hello,

I (M/16) plan to visit my 23-year-old brother in the USA in November.

Do you think I can fly there alone and have him pick me up at the airport or something?

Or is that not possible?

best regards

levifragtgerne2 · Answer

I don't know exactly how to fly, but believe this

gustl2007 · Answer

Yeah, but I'd be safe before you book, call the airline and tell your situation.

juri57123 · Answer

I think at 16 you are old enough to fly alone, but you should have the consent of your parents. If your brother picks you up at the airport, I'd think it should work.

I hope I could help you.

To all a beautiful week, Juri57123 🌿

torontonian · Answer

Yeah, I can. But may be that you have to wait for the entry because they're checking if you left.

If your passport is taken from an intermediate landing in the States, you have to wait and then bring you to the connecting plane. Curious as you pass the LAX eg to baggage bands etc. to shorten. The plane must wait for you. We've happened when we visited friends. 15/16 years. Was a beautiful guide 🙂

stufix2000 · Answer

Flying isn't a problem. Many airlines offer escort services for minors. But it's also possible without them.

In the US, someone has to be your guard. (That's your brother.)

Your parents must document this in writing in a Letter of Consent with all necessary documents.

On the other hand, please be aware that some US states prohibit travel reservations and lodging by unaccompanied minors even with written consent from their guardians. Also, lodging by unaccompanied minors at hotels and other facilities is prohibited by law in the Continental US source

For the flying itself you need:

a flight booked by your parents
Passport valid and machine-readable
approved ESTA or visa
Fill out the customs declaration , preferably online in advance.
Letter of consent in English
For example: https://eforms.com/consent/minor-child-travel/

Useful but not mandatory.

If you are bringing valuable goods, such as sports equipment, camera equipment, computers, and jewelry, with you on vacation, it is recommended that you provide appropriate proof to avoid any doubts about the origin of the goods and the resulting duty collection. For this purpose, you should use the information sheet INF 3 for returned goods (form 0329 – only available from printed matter retailers) or the simplified certificate of identity for travel (form 0330 – only for re-entry into Germany). The information sheet INF 3 or the simplified certificate of identity for travel will be issued at any customs office before departure upon presentation of the goods . Source
Special travel health insurance for North America is strongly recommended, which also includes pandemic events
Access to cash, credit card, a few dollars in cash ($20 bills)
Adapter for the sockets for charging.
Perhaps register with Elefand. This is the crisis management unit of the Federal Foreign Office.
Leave your phone in airplane mode to avoid unnecessary costs
Have the address of your first night (hotel/friends) ready. If possible, remember it. Many people will be asked for this by the immigration officer at the immigration office.
Do not use your cell phone in the immigration hall. This is prohibited, although many people do it anyway.