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Planning by trip type · 7 min read

School and college trips by air: a checklist for teachers

ID rules for minors, consent forms, supervision ratios and the questions parents will ask you — all in one list.

By the AirRJ Group Desk · Updated 4 Nov 2026

Flying with forty students is mostly about paperwork and supervision. The airline part is straightforward once a few things are in place.

ID for students

On domestic flights, students need a valid photo ID. Aadhaar is commonly used; a school ID card may be accepted for minors, but it is safer to carry a government ID. For international trips every student needs their own passport and the visa for the destination.

Consent and medical forms

  • Signed parental consent for each student.
  • Emergency contact numbers.
  • Medical conditions, allergies and regular medication.
  • For international trips, a no-objection letter from both parents is often requested by immigration or the visa office.

Supervision

Plan at least one teacher or adult for every 10–15 students, more for younger children. Seat at least one adult in each block of rows. We can ask the airline to seat the group together, though this is subject to availability.

Unaccompanied minor rules usually do not apply

Airlines have special "unaccompanied minor" services for children flying alone. When students fly with teachers on the same booking, they are usually not treated as unaccompanied, but age limits vary — tell us the age range of the group.

Money and payment

Collect fees from parents before the airline's deposit date. Keep a simple receipt record. Ask us for an itemised invoice if the school or college needs one.

Baggage briefing

Send parents the baggage allowance in writing. Ask students to carry one cabin bag they can lift into the overhead bin themselves.

Quick answers

Do children under 12 get a lower fare on group bookings?

Some airlines offer child fares on certain routes; many domestic fares are the same for children and adults. Infants under 2 have a separate lower fare.

Can teachers sit with students?

We request group seating and can add paid seat selection so teachers are spread through the group.

Airline group rules differ by carrier, route and season, and they change. Treat this guide as a planning aid — the fare rules written on your AirRJ quote are what apply to your booking.

Travelling with 10 or more people?

Send us the route, rough dates and head-count. A Group Desk executive will come back with airline options, the fare validity and the date by which names are needed — usually the same working day.