If I'm under 15 and want to fly from Japan to America alone, would I violate any rules against minors flying by themselves?

You may be considered “Unaccompanied minor status”, in which case you’ll have to pay an additional fee ($75 is the most common reference that I see). 16 seems to be the cut-off age. (I started flying by myself when I was 5, but I guess the world was a different place then.)

Your best bet will be to find out what airline you’ll be using and give them a call.

Check out this link. http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=203&category=21

You’re good to go.

“Age Limits – Minimums and Maximums
Most airlines have a minimum age for unaccompanied children, typically five, and a maximum age, typically 12. Children younger than the minimum age have to travel with an adult. Children older than the maximum limit may be allowed to travel under the airline’s unaccompanied child programs, but it is not mandatory. ”

Source

No, you’re okay. Ive flone by myself all the time from Mexico and Canada. I usually fly on American Airlines and usually an attendent helps me get to a gate and everything. But you’re good to go.

It is not a problem. My kids did it starting at age 14. Just let them know when you make the reservation.

your parents have to sign forms, both of them. my kids fly alone internationally and they’re 14

no

I don’t see any problem as long as you have someone to meet you when you arrive. Make sure you have the proper visa and whatever exit and entry papers are needed.

Have you parents seen the movie “Taken”? Just sayin…

I have young relatives who have flown internationally by themselves. You have to pay extra, as some said above, which means you will have a person from the airline responsible for making sure you are ok and get you to where you are going. Your parents should check with the airline for all of the necessary requirements.

Japan is fantastic by the way.

I agree with @willbrawn , i saw the movie and it really made me think twice about flying by myself. Im only 13, my dad is protective but he really cares, so he showed me the movie “Taken”, made me think of my saftey alot.

No no don’t be afraid. The family dropping you off might be able to get approval to go to the gate with you, if they can it will be only one of them most likely. I am not sure if Japan allows it or not. The airports are very populated, people will be everywhere, nothing bad will happen. Japan is very safe. Use common sense, don’t go into any rooms that seem odd to you or away from the crowds, there should be no reason to divert from the main hallways and bathrooms. You will be able to see the signs of where you are going also, its not like getting into a car and you don’t know where the person is taking you. It will say the gate numbers, where baggage is etc. Everything will most likely have English and Japanese, depending which airport you will be flying from.

Will it be a non-stop flight or do you need to make a connection?

Have you flown internationally before with your parents? If not, you may want to learn what to expect in terms of immigration and customs, its no big deal, and everyone will be happy to help you and explain. Don’t worry, really. It is an amazing opportunity to go to Japan.