15yr old travelling alone?

I do not have any experience of this but my first call would be to the airline to ask what they think. They may also know of any special arrangements that can be made at Malaga airport to help.

Alex

Thanks Alex. The airline say “it is your responsibility to check any individual countries rules with regard to minors” Hence my question.

The UK government website advises that under a new law, "any unaccompanied minors that come to the attention of the Spanish authorities are judged to be vulnerable and may be taken into a minors centre until a parent or guardian can be found". This means that all travellers under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult at all times possible. (But I guess you would meet at the Airport) 

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/world-news/what-spains-laws-unaccompanied-teenagers-24061597

I assume airlines would be aware of this law and refuse carriage?

You would have thought airlines would be a bit more helpful. I had occasion to contact Jet2 helpdesk and found them to be very helpful and would say they are worth a try.

I would be offering a letter of authorisation from parents for child to fly and asking if the child could be escorted to a safe place in Malaga Airport for pickup by yourselves. I understand there is a Spanish law prohibiting unescorted minors from travelling and I believe that the letter helps to circumnavigate that.

Alex

I think you are all a little mad and very very careless.  You need to ensure that a 15 year old is travelling with the best security / help possible.  That means you have to go collect them or have an appropriate adult ( Someone  YOU know personally escort them.  ). Don’t blame the airline / airport staff if you have not done all you should and something goes wrong.  Ridiculous- Alan. 

A lot of airlines, especially the low cost ones will not permit anyone under the age of 16 to fly alone.  A 16 year old can fly with an 8 year old for instance.  You need to check the airline rules first.  A lot of scheduled airlines allow "unaccompanied minors" this involves a lot of paperwork both ends.  Your first port of call is sourcing an airline that will carry your grandson alone.  For example:

Ryanair

4.1 Unaccompanied children

We do not carry unaccompanied children under 16. We cannot provide an escort or special facilities.

British Airways

How old do you have to be to fly alone?

We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. Younger children must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over on the same or a linked booking to travel with us. Our partner airline SUN-AIR of Scandinavia follow different guidelines – see below for more information.

Consent to travel form

All children aged under 16 travelling alone must carry a printed copy of:

• A completed parental/guardian consent form
• Photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature

Parents or guardians can download the consent form and once completed, print it out along with a copy of their current passport or another form of photographic identification showing their signature.

Booking flights for children under the age of 16

If you’d like to book a flight for a child under the age of 16 who will be travelling alone, please get in touch via our Contact Us page as you can’t do this online. Our partner airlines may have different regulations, age limits and charges so please check these with them directly.