If i'm under 18 do my parents need to show up at the airport?

In aug i'm flying alone to Germany out of IAD. I'm 16 years old, I was just wondering if my parents have to show up at check in, or can they just drop me off? Cheers!

I flew by myself from the age of 14, back and forth between boarding school and home. On the school end, obviously my parents were not there. They were unnecessary.

Different airlines have different policies regarding young people travelling alone. Ring the airline and ask what their requirements are.

They might to need to sign a note or a waiver (check with the airline), but parents don't need to accompany you to check-in, though one would think they'd WANT to, unless you were going somewhere for only two days, but if you're going to Germany, it probably isn't for that short a time period, is it?

Read this article for more information. It's from United, so do some research if you're on a different airline.

They have to hand you over personally to the airline staff.

Showing up with you at check in is part of it. (At least an Adult appointed by your parents like a school teacher can substitute)
WHO is the Adult that is greeting you in Germany?
CHILDREN that is you do not get to wander the world at will.
YOUR parent is part of the check in process.
You can be on the plane without them.

GERMANY does not want unescorted children wandering their land.

You NEED an ADULT for the return part also for your check in.
Your PARENTS APPOINT an Adult for you for this purpose.

If you want to play games be warned Airport Officials do not play nice. You might consider the opinion of the German Government if you do not believe any answers here. THEY DECIDE the rules to enter Germany NOT THE AIRLINE. They just decide who can go on the plane.

Have your parents booked the airline's unaccompanied minor service? If they have, then a parent has to be with you at check-in, the airline will keep an eye on you all the way, a member of airline staff will go with you through the German airport, and they won't let you go unless a specified person with ID has turned up to meet you. To use this service costs an extra fee.

But at 16, almost no airline will REQUIRE you to use the unaccompanied minor service. So your parents have the choice of whether to book it or not. Or maybe they don't - Kyle gave a link to what United Airlines says and that's quite clear that if you fly with United, you're too old to use the service! They only do it for under 14s.

If you're not going as an official unaccompanied minor, the answer is no. You go as an adult and you'll be treated like one.

Gute Reise! I love Germany myself and hope you have a great time.

All airlines allow passengers age 16 to fly unaccompanied. Your parents can just drop you off.

If you are not a German citizen then you need to be prepared to tell the Immigration Officer in Europe/Germany what is the purpose of your trip, how long you will stay, and where you will stay. You also need the full contact information for the adult(s) who will be responsible for you while you are in Germany.

Honestly there's no point asking anyone except the airline.