Ryanair child travel rules: what you need to know
Ryanair primary sources reviewed July 18, 2026. Always double-check the rules for your child's specific flight. This guide helps you prepare, but the airline has the final say.
Ryanair's rule is straightforward: anyone under 16 must travel with an adult aged 18 or older on the same booking. There's no unaccompanied minor service.
This guide walks you through everything: who can fly with whom, how to link bookings, what documents you need, and what to expect at the airport.
Can my child fly alone on Ryanair?
No. Ryanair doesn't allow unaccompanied minors. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) on the same or a linked booking. There's no escort service or special supervision.
This applies to every flight, no matter how short or cheap the ticket. Always check the policy before you book.
Ryanair age rules explained
Anyone under 16 must be with an adult 18 or older. The child and adult must be on the same booking or have linked reservations.
Check the child's age on the day of each flight. If a birthday falls during the trip, it can change the rules. Always confirm with Ryanair.
If siblings are traveling together, the older child cannot act as the adult for the younger one. An adult (18+) is always required for anyone under 16.
No unaccompanied minor service
Ryanair doesn't have an unaccompanied minor program. They don't offer meet-and-assist, gate escorts, or onboard supervision.
This means the adult companion is fully responsible for the child at all times: at check-in, through security, at the gate, during the flight, and at arrival.
If the child has special needs, the adult must handle all assistance requests. The crew's role is safety, not childcare.
How to book a Ryanair flight for a child
The adult and child must be on the same reservation. If the adult books first, you can create a separate booking for the child and link them later.
Linking a booking
You can link bookings online using the "Add Minors" feature or by contacting Ryanair. This is free for the first 24 hours. After that, it costs EUR/GBP 30.
Important: Linking must be done at least 4 hours before the flight. You cannot do it at the airport. If you don't link the bookings, the child won't be allowed to fly.
Documents needed for a child on Ryanair
The child needs a valid passport or national ID card. For international trips, check visa and entry requirements.
If a child is traveling with one parent or without parents, a notarized consent letter from the other parent is often a good idea. This isn't always required, but it can prevent problems.
Make sure all names on the booking match the ID documents exactly. A mismatch can mean being denied boarding.
Fees for children on Ryanair
Linking is free for 24 hours. If you link after that, it costs EUR/GBP 30 per flight.
There is no special "unaccompanied minor" fee. You just pay the regular fare for the child.
Other costs to consider: seat selection and baggage are not usually included in the basic fare.
Ryanair baggage for children
Baggage allowance depends on the fare. A child's ticket includes the same baggage as an adult fare. A lap infant is allowed a 5 kg baby bag.
For the child's carry-on, pack all essential items: documents, medicine, a snack, a light jacket, and a phone charger. Keep it simple and easy to carry.
Strollers and car seats
You can bring a stroller and a car seat for free. Most of the time, they are checked at the gate.
These items do not replace the adult companion. An adult must still be present to travel with any child under 16.
At the airport: check-in and boarding
Plan to check in at the airport desk. Online check-in may not work for linked minor bookings. The adult must be present at check-in to get valid boarding passes.
On departure day
Arrive early. The adult should stay in the terminal until the flight has left. It's up to the airport if the adult gets a gate pass.
At arrival
The pickup person must be at the airport early with valid photo ID. Only the adult named in the booking can collect the child. No changes are allowed without contacting Ryanair first.
Connections and international travel
Ryanair doesn't sell connecting flights with a child. For international trips, the adult rule still applies.
For international flights, you also need to follow the entry rules of the destination country. Some countries, like Spain and Italy, have strict rules for minors. Always check government and embassy websites.
Accessibility and special help
Ryanair assistance is not a substitute for adult supervision. If a child has a disability that requires help, the adult companion must manage this.
Ask Ryanair about any special assistance in advance. If the child cannot manage essential care alone, an adult companion is definitely required.
A real-world example
A parent wants their 14-year-old to visit grandparents on a Ryanair flight. The first check: the child is under 16, so they need an adult. The parent books a flight for themselves and the child on the same booking.
On travel day, the parent goes to the airport with the child. They check in together at the desk. The parent stays until the flight leaves, and the grandparents are at the arrival airport to pick up the child.
Parent tips and checklist
Prepare the child for the journey. Explain what they should do at each stage: check-in, security, boarding, and arrival.
Put a contact card in the child's bag with the adult's phone number. Make sure the child has a way to reach you if there's a delay.
Important: The adult manages all disruption. If a flight is delayed, the adult must handle it.
Ryanair child travel comparison
| Age/category | Solo eligibility | Service | Fee or fare | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | Adult 18+ | No UM | Infant fee | 5kg baby bag |
| 2–15 | Adult 18+ | No solo travel | Fare/add-ons | Same/linked booking |
| 16–17 | May travel alone | No UM | Adult fare | Government rules |
| Late linking | Possible before cutoff | No escort | EUR/GBP30 after 24h | Not at airport |
Use this table as a quick reference. For final confirmation, always check with Ryanair.
Primary source for this Ryanair guide
For the most current information, we used Ryanair's official help page. Check it before you finalize any travel plans.
Frequently asked questions
Here are common questions to help you plan a child's trip on Ryanair.
Can my child fly alone on Ryanair?+
No. Ryanair does not allow children under 16 to travel alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older on the same booking.
Does Ryanair have an unaccompanied minor program?+
No, Ryanair does not offer an unaccompanied minor service. Children under 16 cannot be checked in without their accompanying adult.
How do I link my child's booking to an adult on Ryanair?+
You can link bookings using the 'Add Minors' option online or by calling Ryanair. It's free within 24 hours of the initial booking.
What happens if I forget to link my child's booking?+
If the bookings are not linked, your child may be denied boarding. The adult is responsible for making sure the booking is linked before travel.
What documents does my child need for a Ryanair flight?+
Children need a valid passport or national ID card. Depending on the destination, they may also need a visa and a parental consent letter.
What is the baggage allowance for a child on Ryanair?+
A child's baggage allowance is based on the fare they're booked on. A lap infant is allowed a 5kg baby bag.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat for my child on Ryanair?+
Yes, one pushchair and one baby item can usually be carried for free. This does not replace the requirement for an adult companion.
Can a 16 or 17-year-old fly alone on Ryanair?+
Yes, passengers aged 16 and 17 can travel alone on Ryanair, but they are still subject to government travel requirements for minors.
What is the check-in process for a linked child booking on Ryanair?+
Linked minors may need to check in at the airport desk. The adult must be present to get valid boarding passes for the child.
What happens if my Ryanair flight is delayed with a child?+
The responsible adult must manage the situation during a delay. Ryanair staff will not take over parental duties.
Can siblings travel together without an adult on Ryanair?+
If any sibling is under 16, they must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. An older sibling (16 or 17) cannot act as the required adult.
Who can pick up my child at the airport on Ryanair?+
The child must be met by an adult named in the booking. This person must arrive early with valid, matching photo ID.
Can I change the pickup person for my child on Ryanair?+
Yes, but you must contact Ryanair and get this change confirmed in writing before the flight departs.
Can a child with a disability travel alone on Ryanair?+
No. Ryanair's assistance for passengers with disabilities is not a substitute for adult supervision. An adult companion is still required.
What is the minimum age for an infant to fly on Ryanair?+
Ryanair's general rule is that infants must be at least 8 days old to fly. A doctor's certificate may be required for very young babies.
Do Ryanair's rules change for international flights?+
The adult companion rule remains the same. However, you must also comply with entry requirements for countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
Do I need a consent letter for my child to travel on Ryanair?+
A consent letter is not always required but may be needed depending on your destination, citizenship, and custody status. It's best to check with the authorities.
How early should I arrive at the airport with a child on Ryanair?+
Plan to arrive early. Check-in and document verification for linked bookings can take extra time at the airport.
Can an adult accompany a child to the gate on Ryanair?+
This depends on the airport's security policy. You can ask at check-in, but it is not guaranteed.
What should my child pack in their carry-on bag for a Ryanair flight?+
A carry-on should include travel documents, any necessary medicine, a snack, a phone charger, and a light jacket or sweater.
Does Ryanair's policy apply to codeshare flights?+
For codeshare flights, you must check the rules of the operating airline. Ryanair's rules apply only to their own flights.
Where can I find the most up-to-date Ryanair policy for children?+
Always check Ryanair's official website. This guide is a summary and should be confirmed with the airline's latest information.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
Ryanair controls flight acceptance. Governments control passports and entry rules. The primary link to Ryanair's official page is above.
Ryanair child policy editorial note: Updated July 18, 2026. AI helped with research structure, but a person should verify all details with Ryanair. We are an independent site, not Ryanair.