Lufthansa Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide [Read This First] (2023)

Are you thinking about sending off an unaccompanied child with Lufthansa?

In that case, you will want to make sure you are extra familiar with the unaccompanied minor policy, also known as the “Lufthansa care service.”

Below, we will break down everything you need to know about the Lufthansa unaccompanied minor policy.

We will discuss the various fees, paperwork, and other rules that you will need to know about and also show you how to book.

What is the Lufthansa unaccompanied minor policy?

Lufthansa requires unaccompanied children between ages five and 11 to use the Lufthansa care service unless they are traveling with someone who is at least 12 years old. The cost for the service will depend on the route and can range between $95 and $170 USD, per child, per route.

Lufthansa plane

Lufthansa unaccompanied minor fees

The Lufthansa unaccompanied minor fee depends on the length and destination of your flight. Below are the fees broken down by zones and listed in different currencies.

Domestic

Domestic flights include flights within DE, CH and AT and flights within Africa.

EUR 85CHF 95USD 95CAD 135GBP 75

Europe

Europe fights include IATA Zone 210 and include flights within and between DE, CH and AT.

EUR 85CHF 95USD 95CAD 135GBP 75

North Africa

These include North Africa and the Levant (including LB, IL, EK, JO, IQ, KZ, TM).

EUR 95CHF 105USD 105CAD 145GBP 85

MiddleEast, Central Africa and the Arab region

These flights include AE, QA, IR, NG, SA, ET, BH, OM, KW.

EUR 115CHF 130USD 130CAD 175GBP 100

Medium-haul intercontinental flights

These flights include US East Coast, CA East Coast, IN, GQ, KE, TZ, AO, MV.

EUR 125CHF 140USD 140CAD 190GBP 110

Long-haul intercontinental flights

Long-haul intercontinental flights would include flights to the US West Coast, CA West Coast, South America, JP, CN, KR, TH, SG, ZA, SC.

EUR 150CHF 170USD 170CAD 230GBP 130

Each fee is applied per route and per child.

So unlike other airlines that allow you to pay a single fee for a pair of siblings, Lufthansa will require you to pay individual fees every time.

Frankfurt germany

Lufthansa unaccompanied minor rules

Minimum age

Any child age between five and 11 can only fly unaccompanied if they are using the Lufthansa care service or traveling with someone who is at least 12 years old.

The requisite accompanying passenger age limit of 12 is on the lower side which is helpful for families that have responsible young children. But keep in mind that some airlines set that age much higher, including at 18 years.

So if you plan on sending a child between five and 11 with a 12-year-old, make sure you truly trust that the 12 year old is responsible enough for the occasion.

The unaccompanied minor service can also be used for unaccompanied children aged 12 through 17.

If your child has never flown before, using the unaccompanied minor service even when they are 12 or older can make them a lot more comfortable and give them a good first experience with air travel.

Connections

Lufthansa only provides the care service for direct flights only and they do not deal with connecting flights.

It’s not uncommon for airlines to not allow connections for unaccompanied minors because of the mess that connections can lead to. So when searching flights, be sure to put a filter on for avoiding connecting flights.

Baggage

The same baggage fees that would apply to an adult would apply to an unaccompanied minor.

One thing to note is that the child is expected to be able to easily carry the bag without help.

It would be a good idea to do a practice run and have your child carry around his or her luggage to see how they do before you take them to the airport. You may need to reduce the weight if they are struggling to carry it.

Check out the baggage calculator

Paperwork

You may have to deal with your fair share of paperwork when sending an unaccompanied minor with Lufthansa.

The documents and paperwork you may need include:

  • passport or child ID
  • valid visa for the destination country
  • travel insurance certificate
  • information regarding any allergies the child has
  • receipt for prepaid charges if needed
  • declaration of consent from the parents or legal guardians
  • the completed Lufthansa care service form (downloads PDF)

It’s worth noting that all of these documents may not always be necessary. For example, you may only need the following when flying to specific countries:

  • valid visa for the destination country
  • travel insurance certificate
  • declaration of consent

However, Lufthansa does recommend that you always provide information on any allergies the child may have if applicable.

You can always save time at the airport and allow yourself to arrive earlier if you print out the form and fill it out at home which is what they recommend.

It’s a good idea to make three copies of the form so that you can have one, your child can have one, and the airlines can have one.

At the airport, all of these documents will be placed into a small yellow Lufthansa bag which your child will be expected to keep with them at all times.

Related: Unaccompanied Minor Policy Ultimate Guide

Lufthansa A380

Check-in

If you are checking in at Frankfurt, there are dedicated check-in counters that you can find in departure hall A, counters 41 to 44. And if you are checking in at Munich Airport, counter 417 in the departure hall on Level 4 is where you want to go.

At Frankfurt, you may drop off your unaccompanied minor at the check-in counter but at other airports you may have to accompany the child to the gate yourself.

This will be worked out at check-in and you will be issued a pass to get you through security if needed.

Most airlines in the US say that the parent or guardian needs to remain at the gate until the flight has departed.

But, perhaps because there are so many international flights, Lufthansa just says that the individual bringing the child to the airport must be “available” at the airport and contactable by phone until the booked flight departs.

So you could be sitting in a cell phone parking lot just waiting for departure.

Related: Can You Text On A Plane?

The flying experience

Lufthansa does not explicitly mention that the child will get preboarding although that is typically the case for unaccompanied minors.

The airline did state that they will seat the child close to a flight attendant, which will make it easier for the flight attendant to assist if there are any issues.

(Keep in mind that flight attendants are not designed to be babysitters).

It would be a good idea to provide the child with some snacks but Lufthansa does have a children’s menu put together by top chef Alexander Herrmann.

On the menu, you can find fun dishes like “rice pudding mouse,” “dragon feet” or “hen house.”

Reportedly, these dishes were voted on by actual children so you can count on them to not only be well balanced meals, but attractive to your child.

These children menu items can be ordered whenever you book your flight and they come at no extra cost on all Lufthansa long-haul flights and various European flights.

If you don’t order anything off the menu at the time of booking, you can still make an order online up to 24 hours before departure.

Pick up

Once the child lands at the destination, they will be handed over to a staff member who will then take the child over to meet the person collecting them.

Lufthansa will require that person to provide a valid ID or passport.

Typically, on international flights you are not permitted to meet the child at the gate so you will likely be picking up the child from a specific area.

If you are picking up the child from Frankfurt airport then you can collect them from FRACares care service which is located in the corridor between departure halls A and B in Terminal 1.

At Munich Airport the pick-up service area is located in front of the exit at baggage reclaim.

Be aware Lufthansa states that “the individual bringing the child to the airport and collecting the child from the destination airport must be at least 18 years of age.”

How to book Lufthansa unaccompanied minor reservation

You cannot book an unaccompanied minor ticket online. Instead, you have to use the Lufthansa Service Center or at your travel agency.

Tips for having a successful flight for your unaccompanied minor

Arrive extra early

You never know how long the lines will be or what type of hiccup you might encounter when sending off an unaccompanied minor.

So be sure that you arrive extra early for check-in so that you can handle all of your paperwork without stressing.

Pay attention to the weather

If the weather is not looking great on the day and time of departure then pay close attention to the flight status and weather patterns. You could end up dealing with a delayed flight or cancellation.

Also, make sure you are aware of the weather at the destination because if the weather is bad, there could be a chance of a flight diversion.

Plan out the food situation

Lufthansa is one of the airlines that provides a special food service for children so it might be worth taking advantage of that. But often the best strategy is to fill up your child before the flight and then just provide them with light snacks for the flight.

However, given how long some of these flights might be, it could be easier to put more trust into Lufthansa dining.

Give your child some entertainment

You know the unaccompanied child better than anyone else so provide them with things that they will enjoy playing with during the flight. These could be toys, tablets, gaming devices, etc.

It does sound like Lufthansa will provide some things like toys, drawing equipment, and a special children’s entertainment program but you may want to check with them to see exactly what they can offer your child on the flight.

Also, make sure that you inquire about power outlets at your child’s seat.

Try to limit the baggage

If you can, try to limit the carry-on for your child to one single bag if possible. This will be especially helpful for smaller children who may struggle to deal with two bags.

Track the flight

Since you, the guardian or parent, will no doubt be interested in keeping track of the flight status, I would recommend downloading an app like FlightAware. That will help you stay up-to-date on the flight status but you can also check the Lufthansa app.

Final word

Lufthansa has a pretty standard unaccompanied minor policy.

They go further than some airlines do by providing a special children’s menu, toys and other items for children, and by placing them close to a flight attendant. The dedicated check-in desks are also an upgrade for a many airlines.

The fees also are not that bad although they do not allow you to combine related children together under one fee which is a drawback.

Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide [2023]

Sending off an unaccompanied minor can sometimes be a pretty stressful experience.

This is especially true on longer flights like those between Hawaii and the continental US. Luckily, Hawaiian Airlines has a very detailed and straightforward unaccompanied minor policy.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. I’ll cover things like the route restrictions, fees, and show you where to find the form you need to fill out.

Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor policy explained

Any child who is five through 11 years old and not traveling with another guest who is at least 15 years old and in the same class of service as the child is considered an “Unaccompanied Minor” and will be subject to all of the rules below.

If a child is 11 years old or younger and traveling with another guest who is at least 15 years old and in the same class of service, they are not forced to travel as an unaccompanied minor.

Children 12 years and older can travel unaccompanied.

Children under five years old cannot travel as unaccompanied minors.

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Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor policy fees

For an unaccompanied minor traveling within the state of Hawaii, the unaccompanied minor fee is $35 per segment. This fee is in addition to the cost of the plane ticket.

For an unaccompanied minor traveling between the continental US and Hawaii, the unaccompanied minor fee is $100 per unaccompanied minor (each way). This fee is also in addition to the cost of the plane ticket.

If you are traveling from the continental US and will require a connection within Hawaii you will be charged the $100 fee for the travel from the mainland plus $35 per connecting segment.

If you have more than one unaccompanied minor traveling you might be able to get away with only paying once.

That’s because Hawaiian Airlines will accept up to two unaccompanied minors belonging to the same immediate family.

In order to capture that discount, the drop off and pick up information and contact details must be 100% identical.

Want extra tips on flying with an unaccompanied minor? Read: Unaccompanied Minor Policy Ultimate Guide

Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor policy rules

Age restrictions

The minimum age for an unaccompanied minor is five and this means that the child must have reached his or her 5th birthday by the date of travel.

So it may be okay if your child is four years old at the time of booking as long as they turn five before or on the day of travel.

The same thing applies to the young person who could be accompanying the minor. He or she must be 15 years old by the date of travel.

Connecting flights

Connecting flights are permitted for flights within Hawaii but unaccompanied minors will only be accepted on non-stop, direct flights operated by Hawaiian when flying to or from the mainland.

When flying to/from the mainland, based on the language found from Hawaiian Airlines, it sounds like unaccompanied minors are allowed to fly on an inter-island connection in Hawaii as long as it is on a flight operated by Hawaiian Airlines.

Like many other airlines, Hawaiian Airlines has quite a few restrictions on the type of routes and flights allowed for unaccompanied minors.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important restrictions you need to know about:

They will not accept any unaccompanied minors on any Hawaiian flight departing between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless: (i) travel is on a flight operating out of Honolulu, Hawaii, and (ii) the flight is the only flight to the Unaccompanied Minor’s destination for the day.

They will not accept any unaccompanied minors for travel on any flight connecting to any other flight when such other flight is the last flight of the day to the unaccompanied minor’s destination.

If you’re sending your unaccompanied minor on a connecting flight, you need to pay special attention to how long the layover is.

That is because they will not accept unaccompanied minors when the connection time is greater than two hours or less than one hour.

The exception to this is when there are no scheduled arrivals or departures that would allow for a connecting time within those parameters and Hawaiian Airlines decides to make an exception.

There are a few other restrictions to be aware of.

For example, Hawaiian Airlines will not accept:

  • Unaccompanied Minors when any connecting flight would require an overnight stay.
  • Unaccompanied Minors who are connecting to or connecting from any flight operated by any other air carrier other than ‘Ohana by Hawaiian.
  • Unaccompanied Minors on any flight they operate that is ticketed by another carrier with a flight number other than that of Hawaiian’s.
  • Unaccompanied Minors for travel in extra-comfort (coach or first-class only)

It’s worth noting that they also reserve the right to change the child’s itinerary if they “believe there is any reasonable possibility that the flight upon which the Unaccompanied Minor holds a reservation could be diverted to another airport.”

This is one reason why I recommend people to reconsider unaccompanied minor travel when major storms or weather systems are blowing through. It can seriously complicate your logistics.

Hawaiian airlines extra-comfort seats
These seats are not available for unaccompanied minors.

Documents needed for unaccompanied minor check-in

In order to properly send off your unaccompanied minor, the parent, guardian, or responsible adult will need to have the necessary paperwork finished. Thankfully, it’s not a very complicated process.

The responsible adult will have to fill out the Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor form.

It’s a really basic form and you can print it out and fill it out before you arrive at the airport or wait to be issued the form when you check-in.

I would recommend filling it out before you get to the airport and making a couple of copies of it for your reference.

In addition to that form, the responsible adult will have to provide:

  • A valid and unexpired government-issued photo identification
  • The name, phone number and address of (i) the parent, guardian, or responsible adult who will be meeting the unaccompanied minor at his/her destination and (ii) where possible, an alternate responsible adult authorized to pick up the unaccompanied minor

Make sure that you take some time to consider adding an alternate.

If for some reason the primary responsible adult is not able to pick up the child it will be a much lengthier process trying to add a new individual.

The flying process

It’s recommended that the responsible adult arrive a little bit early at the airport so that they can take care of the check-in process which sometimes might require a little bit of extra time.

It shouldn’t require you to wait a very long time but you never know what kind of little mishaps can occur when extra paperwork is involved.

The adult will then receive a gate pass which they can use to escort the unaccompanied minor to his or her departure gate.

Keep in mind that adult will have to get through TSA security so it’s best to make things easy and avoid bringing bags or liquids.

Super important: the adult is required to stay at the gate until the flight has departed. And by departed they don’t mean left the gate.

Instead, they want the adult to remain at the gate until the plane has actually left the ground because sometimes a plane may have to return to the gate for unexpected issues.

In the event passengers have to deplane it will be much easier if the adult is already waiting at the gate.

Pick up

Whoever is picking up the child at the airport should arrive extra early.

This is especially the case for flights between Hawaii and the mainland.

Because those flights are much longer, the plane might be capable of landing extra early. So I would recommend arriving about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.

The adult must be present and available at the destination to receive the unaccompanied minor at the baggage claim or other designated area immediately upon arrival.

If the adult desires to greet the child at the gate once they arrive they may be able to acquire a gate pass.

They should just check with the agents at check-in at the airport of arrival and if they have the resources available, they should be able to provide the adult with a gate pass.

The adult receiving the child must be one of the contact people listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form submitted at the time of departure.

For obvious reasons, airlines have a very strict policy of not releasing a minor to people not on the original form.

Make sure that you are on top of picking up the child on time because if nobody is available to receive the child at the destination, the airlines may contact the police/government for assistance to take custody of the child.

Not only will that be a stressful situation for both you and the child but you will have to reimburse them for any costs and expenses.

Unaccompanied minor flying tips

Baggage

Try to keep carry-on baggage at a minimum so that nothing gets lost. It is a good idea to attach ID and contact information on the outside or even the inside of their baggage.

Also, because this is Hawaii you have to be extra careful about certain items that you take into the state or out of the state.

It’s best to avoid bringing things like fresh fruit and vegetables because most of them are not allowed although there are exceptions for certain types like pineapples. 

Related: Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees Guide

Food

Many short flights will not offer a meal service and may only supply snacks so it’s a good idea to pack food for the flight.

In other cases, there may be a more extensive menu selection for longer flights. You may want to call ahead of time to clarify if your child will have access to free food on the flight.

Related: Can You Bring Food on a Plane?

Entertainment

It is also a good idea to give your child some form of entertainment. Popular items include tablets, books, and other toys to keep them occupied.

If they are flying first class between the mainland and Hawaii, they will be issued a tablet that they can use to watch movies and play games on. Some economy cabins like the A330 will have seatback TVs.

Inform the child properly

Do whatever you can to get your child comfortable and knowledgeable about traveling alone. Let them know that they should only speak to Hawaiian Airlines agents if they have any questions or need any help.

Also, make it clear that they should never leave the airport or even the gate area unless they are accompanied by a Hawaiian Airlines employee with a badge.

How to book unaccompanied minors on Hawaiian Airlines

When I called Hawaiian Airlines I was told that I could book an unaccompanied minor ticket online.

However, when I tried to book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor I was not allowed to proceed and got a message that said:

“If you are booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor or child under the age of 13, please contact our Reservations Department at 1-800-367-5320.”

Therefore, I think you may have to call that number to make a booking for your unaccompanied minor.

International unaccompanied minor rules

Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor rules are a little bit different for international flights.

They state that children under the age of 12 traveling on an international flight are not allowed to travel alone.

If traveling with a companion, minors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a companion who is at least 18 years old. Note that the domestic age requirement is only 15 years old.

Final word

Hawaiian Airlines has a pretty clear-cut policy for unaccompanied minors. Compared to other airlines, they have a pretty flexible and reasonable policy when it comes to things like the age limits, route restrictions, etc. Their fees are also in line with other major airlines.

British Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy Explained [2023]

If you want to send your child or a minor on a flight alone on British Airways, your booking experience might be quite different from many other airlines, especially those located in the US.

To help with some of the confusion, we’ve created a guide that will help you understand how British Airways treats unaccompanied minors and what you can expect.

So keep reading below for everything you need to know!

What is the British Airways unaccompanied minor policy?

British Airways does not have an unaccompanied minor service although they do allow children 14 years or older to fly alone.

If the child is 14 or 15 years old and traveling alone a parental/guardian consent form must be completed before travel.

Despite being one of the most popular airlines in the world, British Airways ended its unaccompanied minor service in 2016.

The program was called “Skyflyer Solo” and ended as a result of budget cuts and also reduced popularity of the program.

Reportedly, there was a big drop in the unaccompanied minors that used to fly between ex-pat hotspots like Hong Kong, Kenya, and the Caribbean.

The drop of the unaccompanied minor service appears to be unrelated to the legal issues British Airways dealt with related to sex discrimination.

Basically, British Airways would not allow men to sit next to unaccompanied minors which resulted in some legal issues until they ended the practice in 2010.

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What are the British Airways unaccompanied minor fees?

Since British Airways does not provide an unaccompanied minor service they do not require any fees.

If you would like you can look into the Meet and Assist program available at London Heathrow.

Whether you are arriving, connecting, or departing, you can have a staff member help assist your minor at the airport from the beginning to the end of their airport journey. Prices may depend on the route but you can expect to pay around £125.00.

British Airways unaccompanied minor rules

Minimum age

If a child is under 14 years old, they cannot fly alone under any circumstances. British Airways is very clear about this and as far as I can tell there are no exceptions.

However, if a child under 14 is traveling with someone 16 years or older on the same itinerary they will be allowed to fly. In that situation, I don’t believe any paperwork is needed.

Paperwork

If a child is 14 years old or 15 years old and traveling alone they must have a completed parent/guardian consent form filled out in order for them to travel.

The consent form is pretty basic.

It requires you to fill out contact information and also requires you to provide a copy of a signed identification form such as a passport.

The form does speak to the issue of handling a delayed or canceled flight where your child will need overnight accommodation.

The key is to make sure that you or someone else is available to pick up the kids from the departing airport in that situation.

If not, then British Airways will contact the authorities and/or child protection authorities to provide advice or care which just does not sound like a great situation.

The form also grants permission for the minor to travel by taxi or stay in a hotel room unaccompanied if there is a travel disruption away from the point of departure/destination.

How to book a British Airways unaccompanied minor reservation

Unlike many airlines that allow you to book special bookings for children, you cannot do this with British Airways online.

If you need to make a booking for someone under the age of 16 who is traveling solo, you will need to contact British Airways to make the booking. 

International flights

Unlike in the US were many unaccompanied minors are simply flying around the country domestically, in the UK a lot of flights will be headed to international destinations.

Since there is no unaccompanied minor service, your child of 14 years or older will be flying as an adult. This means that he or she will have to learn how to navigate the airport and get through customs and immigration on their own.

For that reason, you want to make sure that your child is responsible and mature enough to get through those areas without major complications.

Encourage the child to ask questions from officials in the airport that have uniforms on or that are working information desks.

Some airports are extremely easy to get around in while others can be more confusing, even for adults.

In some cases, you may be able to print out a map and show your kid where to go but sometimes that is much easier to do on paper than it is in real life.

Try to book nonstop flights

One thing that you can do to make life easier for the minor is to book nonstop flights.

Nonstop flights are usually recommended for younger kids under the age of 18.

This is for two reasons.

First, dealing with connections can be stressful and difficult especially if there is a limited time window and the airport is particularly large or confusing to navigate.

Also, if there happens to be a delay and the kid is forced to stay overnight they would have to check into a hotel and many hotels have age limits on checking in.

This is especially true in the US.

They may not allow a kid under the age of 18 to check in and that could be a very difficult situation to put your child in.

Make sure to get signed permission forms

If the minor is traveling internationally including Europe, the minor may need an official document signed by their parents or legal guardian(s) providing them with permission to travel.

There are no universal EU rules on permission forms for minors. Instead, each EU country decides if it requires the child to have an official authorization. You can search for the country your minor is traveling to here to see the requirements.

Also, the UK has special rules for taking children abroad. You are required to obtain permission of everyone with parental responsibility for a child or from a court before taking the child abroad.

I would suggest that you read up on this resource so that you don’t get charged with child abduction by failing to get permission!

In addition, you can search country specific requirements for various travel documentation here.

British Airways recommendations

British Airways has some specific recommendations to help your young traveler. Many of these are pretty much common sense but I’ve added some additional insight.

If you really want to get deep into all of the tips for traveling with unaccompanied minors, then you should check out our guide.

Verify the travel documents

You’ll want to make sure that the child has any necessary travel documents such as a valid passport, any visas, and proof of return travel (as required).

If you think the minor might lose the passport or travel documents, consider attaching them to a minor’s neck lanyard or something similar.

You might also think about using something like Apple ID tags for the minor’s luggage so that things can be easily tracked if lost.

Bring the signed consent form

Make sure that the child has the signed British Airways consent form and a copy of the parent/guardian’s passport or other form of photographic identification showing a signature attached to the form.

Ideally, the parent/guardian would take the child through the check-in process and verify that the travel documents and consent forms are sufficient.

It’s also always recommended that the parent or guardian remain at the airport until the plane has taken off.

If you want to take your child to the gate but are not able to do that, one trick is to book a fully refundable flight.

As long as you cancel that in time you won’t be out any money but the ticket should give you access through airport security and allow you to drop the minor off at the gate for a proper goodbye.

Any required medication and/or health certificates

Even with airlines that have unaccompanied minor policies, they usually state that they do not administer medication to minors.

And since British Airways does not have an unaccompanied minor service, you need to ensure that your child is well aware of how to administer his or her own medication.

Also, if there are any health certificates needed related to any conditions, make sure the child has them in their possession so that they can show them to someone in the event of an emergency.

Charged devices

You want your child to have the ability to communicate with their parent or guardian and also the individual who will be picking them up at their destination.

Make sure that the child has a fully charged mobile device with sufficient credit and roaming activated if needed. If you’re worried about the device going dead, you have a couple of options.

You can try to book an aircraft that has power outlets although that may not always be feasible. And even if the aircraft does have outlets the outlet being used by the minor could be out of service.

Second, you can buy a battery juice pack that will allow the minor to charge his or her device while traveling.

Something else to consider is that it should not be hard to find a plane with Wi-Fi.

You can go through the steps to help your child know how to connect and if they have issues they can even ask a flight attendant who should be able to assist.

This could help you to remain in communication throughout the flight if you would like more peace of mind.

Credit card or cash

You never know what type of expenses a child might have unexpectedly. They may need to buy a phone charger, a taxi to a hotel, a hotel night, a prepaid phone that works, etc.

It’s a really good idea to send some cash or a credit card with your child and just explain to them the parameters of using it.

Related airlines

Flights operated by SUN-AIR or Comair have different age requirements for unaccompanied minors.

They allow young children between the ages of 5 to 11 years to travel without a parent or legal guardian provided you contact the airline in advance. So be sure to look into those airlines if you would like to book an unaccompanied minor service.

Also, American Airlines is a partner of British Airways and they do have an unaccompanied minor policy that you can read about here.

Final word

Unfortunately, British Airways does not provide a traditional unaccompanied minor service to help young kids through the airport.

Instead, they simply don’t allow any kids to fly alone unless they are at least 14 years old.

This means that you need to take extra care to make sure your child is mature enough to handle navigating through an airport and that you take all the precautions necessary to ensure that you will be able to communicate with them throughout the process.

Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (Fees) [2023]

Sending a little one unaccompanied off to another destination in another state or even country can feel like a daunting task. Many different types of unexpected challenges can come up and so you obviously want to do your best to make sure that the unaccompanied minor is in good hands.

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about the Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, including things like the fees. I’ll also show the different rules that apply to different ages and provide some tips for unaccompanied minors.

What is the Delta unaccompanied minor policy?

Delta Airlines requires children aged five through fourteen to be accompanied through the airport for an additional fee. If the child is four years or younger he or she must be accompanied by an adult (passenger aged 18 or older). 

Several rules and restrictions apply depending on the age of your child and potentially the location of their travel so keep reading below for more details.

What are the Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

The Delta unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 (plus tax) each way. The fee will be in US dollars but will be in Canadian dollars or in Euros when departing Canada or Europe. 

This fee will apply to travel within the US but also to international travel on both nonstop and connecting flights. And don’t forget that this fee is in addition to the ticketed fare (the cost of the ticket). 

This price is good for up to four children. So if there are four unaccompanied minors then you only have to pay the $150 service fee one time. So for example, if you had three children setting out on a one way flight the total that you would have to pay is $150 (plus tax).

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Delta Airlines A330-323.

Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor rules

Age restrictions

There are different restrictions that apply to children depending on their age. Keep in mind that their age is determined based on their age at that time of travel and not at the time of booking.

  • Four years and younger: If the child is four years and younger the child may not travel alone and must be accompanied by a passenger at least 18 years old.
  • 5 to 7 years: If the child is 5 to 7 years old they may travel on some nonstop flights only.
  • 8 to 14 years: If the child is 8 to 14 years old they may travel on some nonstop and on some connecting flights.
  • 15 to 17 years: Children who are ages 15 through 17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger but you can still pay for them to travel as an unaccompanied minor if that makes you feel more comfortable. 

Connecting flights

It is common for some airlines to have strict restrictions when it comes to allowing unaccompanied minors on connecting flights with different airlines. However, with Delta you are allowed to connect on Air France and KLM.

Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day and on redeye flights, which are flights between 9pm and 5am. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the qualifying connecting flight is not available then the following flights will still be allowed:

  • International flights
  • Domestic short-haul flights which are flights two hours or less that are nonstop
  • Flights to and from Alaska and Hawaii
  • Markets with only one connection when it is the last flight of the day

Medication

  • If your child needs any type of medicine administered to him or her Delta is not able to give them that medication. 

Want more details? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies

How to book an unaccompanied minor (phone number) 

If you want to book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor you should contact unaccompanied minor reservations at the following phone number: 800-325-8847. This is a dedicated phone number for unaccompanied minors.

Tip: At the time of booking the adult reservation, you will provide a four digit pin number that will be required to make any changes to that itinerary so don’t lose it.

Documents needed for unaccompanied minor check-in

If an unaccompanied minor arrives at the check-in counter alone, a Delta agent will not be permitted to complete check-in. A parent or guardian must always be present at the time of check-in for the process to begin.

At the time of check-in the adult with the unaccompanied minor must provide the following documents:

  • Photo ID (License, passport etc.)
  • Address that matches the ID
  • Contact phone number
  • The name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination

Once the agent has your information you will then be responsible for paying the unaccompanied minor fee. A Delta agent should also review the program rules with you. 

At the time of check in, you should receive a bracelet for your child to wear in-flight. This wristband will have a barcode that will be scanned at important points which will enable them to track where the minor is. In the future, this might be a more advanced feature that allows you to get more real-time data on where the child is.

You should also be issued an envelope for the child which will include all of the travel documents such as a boarding card, unaccompanied minor form, and additional travel documents like passports, baggage claims forms, etc.

When you arrive at the check-in gate you should check in with the gate agent for verification reasons. The parent or the designated company adult must remain at the gate until the flight has departed. And by departure they don’t mean simply leave the gate — they mean the airplane has physically taken off from the ground.

Connecting flights (Delta Sky Zones)

If the minor is connecting through another city, the minor will be assisted by a Delta or business partner employee.

If the child is connecting through certain cities, they might be able to take advantage of Delta Sky Zones. These offer special children only areas were they can use complimentary phones and take advantage of certain activities suited for kids like books, toys, and video games.

Here are the cities that offer Delta Sky Zones: 

  • Atlanta
  • Cincinnati
  • Detroit
  • New York (JFK)
  • Los Angeles
  • Memphis
  • Minneapolis
  • Salt Lake City
  • Seattle

Pick up

A valid ID must be presented with signature captured of the person meeting the child at the time of pickup. Delta will refuse to release the child to any person other than the individual named for pick up.

Delta asks that the parent or adult picking up the child to arrive to the destination airport two hours prior to the scheduled arrival in order to have enough time to get a gate pass. If for some reason the person changes who is designated to pick up the child, they should call Delta to provide new information. 

The parent or guardian picking up the child will also have to sign an acceptance of responsibility form. 

The flying process

When it is time for the aircraft to depart, a Delta Airlines employee should take your child on board before the general boarding begins.

This will help to give enough time to introduce the child to the flight attendants and crew and also for the child to take their seat and get familiar with the aircraft and some of its features such as where the lavatory is.

You will not be allowed to board the aircraft with your child and instead will have to say your goodbyes from the terminal area. And remember, you need to stay in the area until the plane takes off just in case the plane does end up returning back to the terminal gate.

Country specific regulations

A lot of foreign countries have specific rules about children under the age of 18 flying alone. You can read more about these requirements here but below is a breakdown of some of the more common restrictions that you might encounter:

Mexico

Any passenger under 18 traveling alone to/from Mexico must have a notarized letter with authorization from a parent and translated in Spanish, otherwise they will be refused entry. 

South Africa

Passengers traveling with minors will be required to present additional documentation in order to enter or depart South Africa.

Italy

Unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are traveling internationally will have to have additional documents.

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Unaccompanied minor flying tips

Here are some tips to take into consideration to help an unaccompanied minor have a great flight.

Baggage

Try to keep carry-on baggage at a minimum so that nothing gets lost. It is a good idea to attach ID and contact information on the outside or even the inside of their baggage. 

Food

Many flights will not offer a meal service and may only supply snacks so it’s a good idea to pack food for the flight. In other cases, you may want to give the child a sum of money to spend in case they get hungry, and some parents even give their child their credit card or debit card.

Entertainment

It is also a good idea to give your child some form of entertainment. Popular items include tablets, books, and other toys to keep them occupied.

Inform the child properly

Do whatever you can to get your child comfortable and knowledgeable about traveling alone. Let them know that they should only speak to Delta Airlines agents if they have any questions or need any help.

Also, make it clear that they should never leave the airport or even the gate area unless they are accompanied by a Delta Airlines employee with a badge.

Sitting in different cabins

If the child ages five through 14 is going to be sitting in a separate cabin from an adult aged 18 years or older, they must enroll in the unaccompanied minor program. 

Delta unaccompanied minor policy FAQ

What is the age requirement for Delta’s unaccompanied minor policy?

All children aged five through 14 will be subject to the unaccompanied minor policy.

Children four years or younger must be accompanied by an adult which is a passenger 18 years or older.

What are the unaccompanied minor fees?

The unaccompanied minor fees for Delta are $150 each way plus tax. This price is good for up to four children.

Note: If the flight is departing from Canada or Europe you will be charged in Canadian dollars or Euros.

How can I avoid the unaccompanied minor fees?

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a travel credit card with an airline credit. A good option for this is to utilize the $200 airline credit on the Amex Platinum.

Can an unaccompanied minor fly on connecting flights?

An unaccompanied minor can only fly on connecting flights if they are eight years or older.

There may be some restrictions on the connecting routes as well so be sure to look into those.

Can Delta administer my child medication?

No, Delta is unable to administer medication to your child.

How can I book an unaccompanied minor?

To make an unaccompanied minor booking, simply call the dedicated phone number at: 800-325-8847.

What documents do I need to check in for an unaccompanied minor?

The parent or guardian must be present at check-in and will need to provide a government issued ID and contact information that matches the ID.

Do I need to arrive early at the airport for an unaccompanied minor drop off?

Yes, it is recommended that you arrive a little bit early to the airport when dropping off an unaccompanied minor.

Do unaccompanied minors get lounge access?

Unaccompanied minors may be able to take advantage of lounges on connecting flights. These are known as “Delta Sky Zones.”

You may find these in the following cities:

Atlanta
Cincinnati
Detroit
New York (JFK)
Los Angeles
Memphis
Minneapolis
Salt Lake City
Seattle

What documents do I need to pick up an unaccompanied minor?

A parent or guardian must bring a valid ID and must have been on the form as the person responsible for picking up the child.

Do I need to arrive early at the airport when picking up the unaccompanied minor?

Delta asks the adult picking up the child to arrive to the destination airport two hours before the scheduled arrival in order to have enough time to obtain a gate pass.

Can an unaccompanied minor fly on international flights?

Unaccompanied minors may travel on some international flights but there are often additional requirements that they must comply with.

For example, Mexico requires a notarized letter with authorization from the parent (that is also translated in Spanish).

Final word

The Delta unaccompanied minor policy is pretty straightforward compared to other airline programs. The key is to be aware of any possible restrictions with routing and connections and to also do your best to prepare the minor for the travel experience. They should be in good hands with Delta so there probably is nothing to worry about but it always pays to be prepared.

Spirit Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide [2023]

Are you looking to fly a child on Spirit Airlines without an accompanying adult? If so, there are some special restrictions and rules that you need to know about and also some fees that you will have to pay. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor policy.

What is the Spirit unaccompanied minor policy?

Spirit Airlines requires children ages five through fourteen traveling without an accompanying passenger aged 15 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors (UMs). This age limit is similar to other airlines like Delta, though it differs from Southwest.

(I’ll get into all of the specific details you need to know below.)

Note:  Spirit Airlines’ competitor Frontier Airlines does not allow for unaccompanied minors. So if you are trying to go with a low-cost carrier, you won’t be able to fly with Frontier and will probably need to look at Spirit or other airlines like Southwest.

What are the Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

The Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 each way. $150 is not as cheap as Southwest (which is only $50) but it is in line the legacy carriers (which all charge $150).

Because Spirit is known for tacking on so many fees, I was a bit surprised to find that their fees are very reasonable for unaccompanied minors.

While the fees for unaccompanied minors are very reasonable, you should also be aware of how the baggage fees work for Spirit Airlines since they are a bit different from the legacy carriers.

For example, they charge for carry-on items and the prices for both carry-on and checked baggage increases as you approach your departure date so you need to be mindful about how much baggage you will need when booking online. If you would like to find out more about how these baggage fees work click here. 

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Spirit unaccompanied minor rules

Age requirements

4 Years and Younger

Children 4 years old and younger may not travel alone. Another guest at least 15 years of age must accompany them. It is pretty standard for airlines to prevent children four years old and younger from traveling alone and for good reason. That’s just a little bit too young to be making your way through an airport by yourself.

5-14 Years

Children 5-14 years old must travel as an unaccompanied minor when not traveling with an adult at least 15 years old. This is the typical age requirement for an unaccompanied minor.

15 Years and Older

Guests 15 years old and older are not required to have Unaccompanied Minor service, but they may be asked to present a picture ID or birth certificate to verify their age. This is important to note. If you have a child that is 15 years old or around that age and looks even younger they may be asked to supply a picture ID or birth certificate to verify their age.

It’s also worth noting that the unaccompanied minor service charge can be collected for guests that are 15 years or older if it is requested.

Acceptable routes

Minors are accepted only on direct flights which do not require a change of aircraft or flight number.  So you cannot send an unaccompanied minor on a connecting flight.

Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed on international flights. Do note that domestic flights include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Related: Spirit Airlines World Mastercard review

Spirit unaccompanied minor process

Booking reservations

When you book the reservation, make sure you select that a child is flying and supply the necessary birthday information. You can find out how to do that below.

Check-in

  • Be sure to check in at the gate at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
  • At check-in, an Unaccompanied Minor form must be completed at the airport by someone with photo identification before they can accept the child for travel.
  • This form will be inserted into the lanyard they provide that the Unaccompanied Minor must wear throughout the entire flight, and is needed for Spirit Airlines employees to identify Unaccompanied Minors.

Spirit recommends that you check in at the gate at least 60 minutes prior to departure but to be honest I think that is a little bit late.

You have to factor in that it will take a little bit of time to process the unaccompanied minor form and get the lanyard printed out and then you also have to think about checked baggage, security, and any unexpected security checks like SSSS that could slow you down.

So my advice would be to get to the check-in area at least 90 minutes prior to departure to be on the safer side.

Getting to the gate

The person dropping off the child at the airport should request a gate pass at the reservation counter, escort the child to the gate, and remain in the gate area with the unaccompanied minor until after the flight takes off.

Gate passes will only be issued to non-traveling individuals who present a government issued photo ID. So don’t forget that ID!

If you are dropping off an unaccompanied minor, your job does not stop at check-in. You are expected to obtain a gate pass that will allow you to get through security and on to the gate where the boarding will take place.

Boarding

Like most other airlines, Spirit allows unaccompanied minors to enter the plane during pre-boarding. These are the first passengers to board and so the boarding process is a little bit less stressful.

If the unaccompanied minor arrives late and does not make it in time for pre-boarding, they will be the last to be boarded. This just underscores the need to get to the airport early, especially if your child is not necessarily super comfortable with flying alone. 

Departure

The person dropping off the child must remain at the airport for 15 minutes after the flight takes off. It is a common requirement for the parent to remain at the gate for 15 minutes after departure just in case something happens and the plane has to return to the gate.

So if you are dropping off a child just give yourself enough time to escort them all the way through security to the gate and then an additional 15 minutes after departure. Keep in mind that delays can happen so try to be conservative with allocating yourself enough time for all of these steps.

Arrival

When the flight arrives at its final destination, the child will be escorted off the aircraft by a flight attendant and released to the person designated on the Unaccompanied Minor form or to a Spirit employee.

Remember that flights often arrive several minutes early so I would always advise you to arrive at the airport 30 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled landing time.

You can use different types of apps to track the flights, and I always recommend people to use FlightAware so that you would know exactly when the flight will land.

Snack and drink

Spirit Airlines will offer your child a snack and drink on board. While the airline will offer them a snack and drink, you know your kids appetite best so it would probably be a good idea to send them flying with some sort of snack pack that you know they will like.

You also want to think about what types of entertainment they will need to keep them busy on a plane.

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How to book a Spirit unaccompanied minor reservation

To make a reservation for an unaccompanied minor simply make a reservation online as you normally would. Be sure to select that a child is traveling on the flight and that will prompt you to input their birthdate information. You can see where to select that a child is traveling in the image below.

How to add an unaccompanied minor.

After you input your flight details and select to search flights you should see the following window pop up. Simply input the birthdate of the child in order to proceed.

Adding the age of an unaccompanied minor.

The next screen will tell you if your child is eligible to fly as an unaccompanied minor and will also break down the fees for you. Simply click on “Accept” to proceed with the reservation.

You should note that the price of the airfare will include the $150 unaccompanied minor service fee. By the way, if you want to save on airfare tickets you should consider looking into the $9 Fare Club. That club will help you save on airfare and also on baggage fees.

Unlike some other airlines like JetBlue, there is not a reserved area for unaccompanied minors so if you do not purchase a seat, the child will be given a seat at random.

You should also be aware of the cancellation and change fees for Spirit. Unlike an airline like Southwest Airlines, where you can make changes for free, you will have to pay fees to make changes on Spirit Airlines. Here are the change fees:

  • Regular tickets change fees are $90 for modifications made online or $100 for modifications made at the airport or over the phone. Same-day flight changes, aka standby for an earlier flight, will be $99.
  • Flex Flight tickets have no change fees for the first modification made online, but after the first modification, you will have the standard change fee of $90 for modifications made online or $100 made at the airport or over the phone.
  • Award ticket change fee is $110 for modifications. Modifications can only be done over the phone.

Spirit unaccompanied minor FAQ

What is the age requirement for the Spirit unaccompanied minor policy?

Children ages five through 14 traveling without an accompanying passenger 15 years or older must travel as unaccompanied minors.

How much are the Spirit unaccompanied minor fees?

The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way.

Is there a way to avoid the fees?

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a credit card with an airline credit such as the Amex Platinum Card.

Can unaccompanied minors fly on connecting flights?

No, unaccompanied minors are accepted only on direct flights which do not require a change of aircraft or flight number.

Can unaccompanied minors fly on international flights?

No, unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights.

Do I need to arrive at the airport early?

When dealing with unaccompanied minors it’s always a good idea to arrive at the airport extra early.

Arrive to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure to give you plenty of time to obtain your escort pass and get through security in time for pre-boarding.

If you are picking up an unaccompanied minor you should arrive at the airport 30 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled landing time.

Will the unaccompanied minor be offered food or drink?

Spirit Airlines will offer your child a snack and drink during the fight but will not provide a full meal.

Can you book an unaccompanied minor online?

Yes, you can book an unaccompanied minor online with Spirit Airlines. Just be sure to select that a child is traveling and you will be prompted to input the birthdate if necessary.

Final word

Spirit has a pretty typical unaccompanied minor service fee and policy. The $150 fee is standard and the age requirements are roughly similar to other airlines.

One major thing to remember is that unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights and also not allowed on connecting flights. If you are trying to fly a young person by themselves to an international destination or need connecting flights, other airlines will allow you to do that.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide: (Fees & Rules) [2023]

The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is a bit different from some of the major airlines like Delta, American, etc.

For one, it’s cheaper to fly with children on Southwest than it is with those other big carriers but there are also differences with the age limits required and also with the routing allowed.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the unaccompanied minor policy for Southwest, including things like fees and all the rules. I’ll also walk you through the entire experience so you’ll know what to expect and then finally offer some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.

What is the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy?

Southwest Airlines requires children ages five through 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors (UMs).

Children aged 12 or older cannot travel as unaccompanied minors and must travel independently though there is “young traveler” policy for kids aged 12 through 17 (more on that below). 

Note: This is different from some other major airlines that set the upper age unaccompanied minor limit at 14, such as Delta and American.

What are the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

Southwest Airlines charges $50 each way (or $100 roundtrip) for the unaccompanied minor fee. This is in addition to the airfare per child. So if the airfare costs $120 and you’re flying an unaccompanied minor roundtrip, the total cost would be $220. 

This fee is much lower than what the legacy carriers charge. Both Delta and American, for example, charge $150 each way, so you can save a couple of hundred dollars by going with Southwest on a roundtrip ticket. 

Diagram showing Southwest unaccompanied minor fees
Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fees.

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How to book a Southwest unaccompanied minor reservation 

There are three different ways you can make a booking for an unaccompanied minor. 

  • Book online at southwest.com
  • Call Southwest at 1-800-435-9792
  • Make the reservation at the Southwest ticket counter at the airport

When you enter the child’s birth date online, you will need to indicate whether the child will be traveling with someone over the age of 12.  If not, then you will be required to fill out the unaccompanied minor travel document and pay the fee. 

If you are using Rapid Rewards (points) to make your booking, you can still book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor. 

When you’re ready to make your reservation, you’ll need the following information: 

  • The child’s full name
  • Your relationship to the child
  • The child’s address
  • Telephone number(s), including area code
  • The child’s date of birth
  • Information about both the parent/guardian dropping off and the one picking him/her up
  • Contact information for an alternate designee at the child’s destination
Southwest Airlines has a generous unaccompanied minor policy.

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor form (PDF)

Here is the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor form. As you can see, you’ll need the information for the parent/guardian dropping off the child as well as the parent/guardian picking up the child. In addition, you’ll need to name an alternate to pick up the child just in case something comes up. 

Dropping off at the airport 

Give yourself plenty of time 

One mistake that many people make when dealing with unaccompanied minors is that they don’t plan properly and allow enough time for them to make it through the airport. When you’re dealing with an unaccompanied minor, you’re going to need to find time to: 

  • Park the car
  • Obtain your escort pass
  • Get the child’s UM lanyard
  • Get through security
  • Check in at the gate
  • Arrive in time for pre-boarding

So be sure to arrive earlier than you usually would if it were just a normal flight. Your goal will be to arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight’s scheduled departure time.

Once you arrive, you’ll need to stop at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. This is where you’ll receive a UM lanyard for the child and you (the parent or guardian) will obtain an escort pass. You must get the escort pass to take them through security. 

At check-in, you will need to show the following documents: 

  • A copy of the child’s itinerary
  • Proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, etc.)
  • Your valid, government-issued ID (required to get an escort pass)

Once you have your escort pass and make your way to the gate, you’ll want to check in with a Southwest Airlines Employee at the gate and let them know that you are dropping off a UM. This will help them inform you about pre-boarding but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure that you child boards the plane at the right time. Read more about how the Southwest boarding process works here. 

Must be accompanied until the plane departs

A parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. This is a key thing to remember because many people assume that they don’t need to stick around after escorting the minor to the gate.

The reason you need to stick around is that the plane could come back to the gate even after it has left the gate and the airlines want to make sure that someone will be around to look after the minor in that scenario. 

After the plane has departed be sure to call the parent/guardian picking up the child to let them know that the flight has departed.

In the air 

Flight attendants aren’t babysitters 

A Southwest flight attendant will keep tabs on the child during the flight but will not continuously monitor the child throughout the flight. Make sure your child is aware of this and consider their maturity level before deciding to let them fly alone. 

The lanyard 

The child is required to wear the UM lanyard around their neck at all times during the flight so make sure that they are aware of this. 

It’s important that while the child is flying, there are parents or guardians who can be reached via phone in the event there is a change to the plane’s path due to unexpected circumstances. See below about downloading an app to keep you informed of the flight during the entire process (highly recommended).  

Once the flight is over, the child will be escorted to the gate where they can be picked up by the parent or guardian.

Pick-up 

The person picking up the child will need to check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to obtain an escort pass that will allow them to go through the security checkpoint and they must show a valid, government-issued ID. 

Parents and guardians picking up an Unaccompanied Minor should arrive at the gate 45 minutes prior to scheduled arrival. Many times planes can arrive very early which is why they want you to arrive so early. The parent or guardian will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up. 

It’s important to note that Southwest will not release an Unaccompanied Minor to anyone other than the designated parent or guardian. If something comes up and you need to change who the designated parent or guardian is make sure that you talk to someone at the ticket counter before the child’s arrival.

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Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor rules

International destinations

Something that’s very important to note is that Southwest does not provide unaccompanied minor service to and from international destinations. Southwest serves a number of international destinations, so you’ll want to make sure to keep your unaccompanied minor requests to domestic routes. 

If traveling to Hawaii you’ll probably need to fill out the Plants and Animals Declaration Form at the departure gate prior to boarding the aircraft.

Routing restrictions 

Unaccompanied minors are only allowed to travel on nonstop or same-plane service flights. These are flights that might make a stop or two but they do not require passengers to change planes or flight number.

This is different from other legacy carriers that allow connections (depending on routes and age), so if you need more flexible routing you might want to look into other airlines like American or Delta.

Tips 

Pack snacks 

Southwest does not offer a meal service though they do provide very light snacks on flights. If you think your minor will have an appetite, consider packing food with them to take through the airport (see what foods are allowed through TSA here) or you might just want to purchase something for them at a store within the airport once you get through security.  

Pack entertainment 

Southwest doesn’t have the best in-flight entertainment (IFE) and so you’ll want to pack something to keep your child occupied. Tablets are probably the go-to but other things like toys or coloring books could also be handy. 

Charge up those devices

Southwest does not have power outlets on board so make sure that your devices are sufficiently charged before you arrive at the airport. 

Get an app to monitor the flight

I suggest that you download an app like FlightAware that allows you to monitor the progress of your child’s flight. 

Pets 

Pets are not allowed to fly with unaccompanied minors. 

Refunds 

It is possible to get refunded for the unaccompanied minor charges. If you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled you can get refunded for the charges. Also, if the child is joined by an accompanying passenger age 12 or older they would no longer be an unaccompanied minor and the charges could be refunded. In all cases, contact Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit the airport ticket counter to process your refund.

Liability 

Be aware of the liability language that you are agreeing to which states: 

THE PURCHASER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND FULLY RELEASE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FOR ANY AND ALL INJURY OR DAMAGES TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS CAUSED BY OR INCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN UNACCOMPANIED MINOR’S ACTIONS, INCLUDING INJURIES TO THE UNACCOMPANIED MINOR CAUSED BY HIS OR HER OWN NEGLIGENCE.

So basically if your child has a penchant to get out of control, you could be held liable for his or her actions. This is just yet another reason you want to make sure you child is mature enough to travel alone. 

If you are interested in finding out more tips check out the ultimate guide to unaccompanied minors here.

Young travelers 

Southwest Airlines has a “young traveler” policy for kids ages: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. This only applies for domestic flights. 

Southwest states that a young traveler “must be of sufficient maturity and capability to travel alone—this includes, but is not limited to, checking in, passing through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage.”

So the child will need to be relatively self-sufficient and not overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to navigate a busy airport. Following the same procedures outlined above, you can obtain an escort pass to accompany the child through the security checkpoint through to the gate and also to pick them up at the gate. 

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor FAQ

What is the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor age limit?

All children ages five through 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger 12 or older must travel as unaccompanied minors.

How much are the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

You will have to pay $50 each way for the unaccompanied minor fees.

How can I avoid the fees?

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a credit card with an airline credit such as the Amex Platinum Card.

Can an unaccompanied minor fly on international flights?

No, an unaccompanied minor cannot fly on Southwest international flights.

How can I book an unaccompanied minor reservation?

You can make an unaccompanied minor reservation online, at the ticket counter at the airport, or by calling Southwest at 1-800-435-9792.

What form do I have to fill out?

You will need to fill out the unaccompanied minor information form.

This is a simple form that just requires you to input contact information for the parent or guardian dropping off the child and the parent or guardian picking them up.

Keep in mind that all contact information must match to a government issued ID for the adults involved in picking up and dropping off the child.

Do I need to arrive early at the airport?

If you are dropping off an unaccompanied minor you will want to arrive early to make sure you have enough time to obtain your escort pass, get through security, and arrive in time for pre-boarding.

Do unaccompanied minors get priority boarding?

Yes, unaccompanied minor passengers may be board during pre-boarding. It’s a good idea to notify the agent at the gate that the unaccompanied minor will be pre-boarding.

Can an unaccompanied minor travel on a connecting flight?

Unaccompanied minors can only travel on nonstop or same plane service flights.

If a flight requires a connecting flight (where the passenger hops on board a different plane) that is not allowed for an unaccompanied minor.

Final word 

The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is a bit different from the major airlines. It’s not as expensive and it’s also not as strict on the age limits. But it’s also not as flexible when it comes to connecting flights and international travel.  

Cover photo by Tom Hart via Flickr.

JetBlue Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide (Forms & Fees) [2023]

The JetBlue unaccompanied minor policy is pretty standard but there are some importance differences compared to some of the major airlines like Delta, American, etc. So you’ll definitely want to read this article and find out about those. 

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the unaccompanied minor policy for JetBlue including things like fees, forms, and all the rules. I’ll also walk you through the entire experience so you’ll know what to expect and then finally offer some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.

What is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor policy?

JetBlue requires children ages five through thirteen traveling without an accompanying passenger aged 14 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors (UMs). 

This age limit is the same as other airlines like Delta, though it differs from Southwest. I’ll get into all of the specific details you need to know below.

What are the JetBlue unaccompanied minor fees?

The JetBlue unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 each way for both domestic and international flights. This can be booked and paid online when making a reservation on jetblue.com. $150 is not as cheap as Southwest (which is only $50) but it is on par with the legacy carriers (which charge $150). 

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JetBlue unaccompanied minor rules

Age requirements 

As stated, you must pay the unaccompanied minor fee for children traveling alone between the ages of five and 13. A child who has already reached their 14th birthday and is traveling alone is not considered an unaccompanied minor. But that doesn’t mean that your minor still can’t get special assistance. If you would like to request special assistance for your minor, you can call: 1-800-JETBLUE. 

If a minor has already turned 14 by the date of the flight, that minor may accompany another minor between the ages of 2 and 13 and the younger minor may be escorted without the unaccompanied minor status.

Unaccompanied minors may not travel with an infant between the ages of three days and two years or a child between the ages of 2 and 4 years.

Nonstop flights 

JetBlue only allows unaccompanied minors on nonstop flights. There are no exceptions, so you cannot book connecting flights. Also, unlike Southwest, JetBlue does not allow unaccompanied minors on direct flights (flight that makes a stop but do not change aircraft). So JetBlue is one of the least friendly when it comes to booking connections for unaccompanied minors.

JetBlue also does not provide any escort for unaccompanied minors to flights connecting with other airlines.

Limit of three unaccompanied minors

JetBlue limits the number of unaccompanied minors booked on each flight to a total of three. Thus, the maximum number of unaccompanied minors that you could send out would be three. 

Seating 

Unaccompanied minors will always be seated in seats “ABC” on the last row of the aircraft. This is different from other airlines that don’t alway have a specific spot on the plane where children will sit. Due to the proximity to the lavatory (which is located in the back of the plane) this is a perfect place for younger kids to sit to prevent accidents. 

Want more details? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies

How to book a JetBlue unaccompanied minor reservation 

When you attempt to proceed to book a flight on JetBlue.com for a child with no adult you will see the following pop-up screen, notifying you of all of the unaccompanied minor requirements. 

As you proceed through the booking, you will then see the unaccompanied minor fee added in to your total. 

JetBlue unaccompanied minor form (PDF)

Here is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor form. As you can see, you’ll need the information for the parent/guardian dropping off the child as well as the parent/guardian picking up the child. Be sure to enter the name as it appears on the photo ID of the person dropping off and picking up the child.

JetBlue requires you to fill out and print three copies of this form when you arrive at the airport. 

I would be sure to review the fine print in the disclaimer at the bottom of the form just so you know what you could potentially be held liable for. 

I authorize JetBlue to take whatever actions its employees and agents consider appropriate to ensure the Child safe custody, up to and including returning the Child to the airport of departure. I also agree to indemnify and hold harmless JetBlue from and against all claims resulting from taking such action and to reimburse JetBlue for any reasonable costs incurred therefrom. I confirm that the Child has all necessary travel documents, as well as sufficient funds to pay any immigration/transit fees or taxes, required by the applicable laws of each country to which the Child is traveling

Also, while you can list medication conditions and allergies, ” JetBlue crewmembers do not administer any medication.” 

Dropping off at the airport 

Give yourself plenty of time 

One mistake that many people make when dealing with unaccompanied minors is that they don’t plan properly and fail to allocate sufficient time to make it through the airport. When you’re dealing with an unaccompanied minor, you’re going to need to find time to: 

  • Park the car
  • Obtain your escort pass
  • Submit documents 
  • Get through security
  • Check in at the gate
  • Arrive in time for pre-boarding

So be sure to arrive earlier than you usually would if it were just a normal flight. Your goal will be to arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight’s scheduled departure time.

At the time of check-in the adult with the unaccompanied minor must provide the following documents:

  • Photo ID (License, passport etc.)
  • Contact phone number and address 
  • The name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination

Note that if you are given a gate pass, it is still TSA’s decision as to whether a young child may pass through security with the adult, so it’s not 100% guaranteed. Also, not all airports issue gate passes, especially when trying to get one for an international arrival. Check the unaccompanied minor section under the specific airport the unaccompanied minor is traveling from to determine if a gate pass may be issued.

International routes 

For some international destinations, you’ll need to provide additional documentation for the minor when departing. For example, you might be required to submit a notarized letter that spells out specific information like: 

  • Parent’s names
  • Child’s Name
  • Name of anyone traveling with the child
  • Notarized signature of the absent parent (s)
  • Travel Dates
  • Destinations
  • Airline
  • Brief summary of reason for traveling

Or you might need to supply a copy of their birth certificate and a copy of their parent’s or legal guardian’s ID. Thus, it’s a good idea to contact the nearest embassy or consulate to get the latest info on these special requirements. You can also click here to see requirements for many of these countries.

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Must be accompanied until the plane departs

A parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. This is a key thing to remember because many people assume that they don’t need to stick around after escorting the minor to the gate which is a big mistake. 

The reason you need to stick around is that the plane could come back to the gate even after it has left the gate and the airlines want to make sure that someone will be around to look after the minor in that scenario. 

After the plane has departed be sure to call the parent/guardian picking up the child to let them know that the flight has departed.

In the air 

A JetBlue flight attendant will keep tabs on the child during the flight but they do not continuously monitor them (they aren’t babysitters). Therefore, you want to make sure that your child is okay with being left along for a little before deciding to to let them fly alone. 

The goods news is that JetBlue has in-flight entertainment which should keep them busy, though I would recommend to give them a small back pack with toys, a tablet, etc., which will help occupy your child. Note: JetBlue accepts no responsibility for the content viewed by your child.

Snacks are always a good thing, too, though JetBlue does provide in-flight food (for a cost). 

Pick-up 

The person picking up the minor will need to check in at the JetBlue ticket counter to obtain an escort pass so they can get through security. This person must be at least 18 and they must show a valid, government-issued ID. 

JetBlue states that parents and guardians picking up an unaccompanied minor should arrive at the gate 30 minutes prior to scheduled arrival but I would recommend 45 minutes to be on the safe side. 

Many times planes can arrive very early which is why they want you to arrive so early. The parent or guardian will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up. 

JetBlue will not release an Unaccompanied Minor to anyone other than the designated parent or guardian listed on the form. If something unexpected comes up and that guardian can’t make it to the pick-up, you need to call JetBlue ASAP to modify the form. 

JetBlue unaccompanied minor FAQ

What is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor age requirement?

Children ages five through 13 must travel with a passenger aged 14 years or older or they will have to travel as an unaccompanied minor.

How much is the JetBlue unaccompanied minor fee?

The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 each way.

How can I avoid the fees?

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a credit card with an airline credit such as the Amex Platinum Card.

Can an unaccompanied minor fly on connecting flights?

JetBlue does not allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

Where does an unaccompanied minor sit?

Unaccompanied minors are always seated in the last row of the aircraft.

Can I book an unaccompanied minor online?

Yes, you can book a flight for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue by going through the online booking process.

Do I need to arrive early at the airport?

It’s generally a good idea to arrive at the airport about 30 minutes early when dropping off an unaccompanied minor.

This will give you plenty of time to obtain your escort pass and make your way to the gate after getting through security.

Do unaccompanied minors get to board early?

Yes, unaccompanied minors get to board with pre-boarding.

Can unaccompanied minors fly on international routes?

Yes, unaccompanied minors may fly on international routes but they may need to submit additional documentation.

Final word 

Overall, the JetBlue unaccompanied minor policy is pretty straightforward. It has very similar age requirements compared to other airlines and the unaccompanied minor fees are in the middle of the pack. I like that they have three designated seats in the back of the plane (near the lavatory) but they do impose strict rules on connections so that’s a bit of a bummer. 

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide [2023]

United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is standard, but it does have differences compared to JetBlue and Southwest. So, you’ll want to compare and contrast this program with other programs for both price and benefits added for the unaccompanied minor service.

In this article, I’ll discuss everything you will need to know about the United unaccompanied minor policy. I will be covering things like fees, booking, and all the rules. I’ll then walk you through the entire experience of what the unaccompanied minor and you should expect.

What is the United unaccompanied minor policy?

United requires children between the ages of five to 14 years old traveling without an adult (someone at least the age of 18) to use United’s unaccompanied minor service.

The United unaccompanied minor service allows the unaccompanied minor to always be watched over by dedicated ground staff and the onboard flight attendants. The service starts at the point of check-in and lasts until the unaccompanied minor is picked up by an adult like a legal guardian or parent.

I’ll get into all of the specific details you need to know below.

What are the United unaccompanied minor fees?

The fee structure for United unaccompanied minors is not per child, but per child pair. The fees for United unaccompanied minors are as follows for both domestic and international flights:

  • 1 to 2 total children traveling: $150 each way
  • 3 to 4 total children traveling: $300 each way
  • 5 to 6 total children traveling: $450 each way

If the unaccompanied minor(s) had roundtrip tickets, it would be double. So, two children traveling on a roundtrip itinerary will pay a total of $300 instead of the $150 on a one-way itinerary.

In comparison to Southwest, an unaccompanied minor will only be $50 each way.

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United unaccompanied minor rules

Age requirement

An unaccompanied minor defined by United would have to be between the ages of five and 14 years old. So, a passenger that is five years old flying without an adult at least 18 years old, would be considered an unaccompanied minor. The same goes for a 14 year old traveling alone without an adult at least 18 years old. 

Travelers that are between the ages of 15 and 17 years of age can travel alone, but cannot be a guardian to a traveler that is 14 years of age or younger. However, anyone at least 18 can accompany a traveler between the ages of five and 14 as they will not need United’s unaccompanied minor service. 

Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with anyone that is four years old or younger as they will need a parent, legal guardian, or someone who is at least 18 years old. 

Also, passengers aged 15 to 17 can travel as unaccompanied minors similar to other airlines like Delta.

Nonstop

Unaccompanied minors can only fly nonstop on either United or United Express flights. Plus, unaccompanied minors cannot fly any codeshare flights and other flights operated by United’s partner airlines. You should also note, when comparing to Southwest, United does not allow unaccompanied minors on direct flights (a flight that makes a stop but does not change aircraft).

United will also not provide any escort for an unaccompanied minor to flights connecting with any other airlines. 

Seating

Unaccompanied minors cannot make a prior seat selection as United wants full control over the unaccompanied minor’s seat selection. You will only know where the unaccompanied minor will be seated 48 to 72 hours after you finish booking.  

Children and adults traveling together on separate reservations

Sometimes the child and adult are on the same flight, but separate reservations. If that’s the case, the child under 14 years old will not need to have United’s unaccompanied minor service. All the adult has to do is call up United Customer Service at +1-800-864-8331 to link the separate reservations. 

Want more details? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies

How to book a United unaccompanied minor reservation

Making a United unaccompanied minor booking is pretty easy and it doesn’t require you to call. (If you wish to call, there will be a $25 call center service fee.)

When inputting your flight details and number of passengers, you can see many different options for passenger’s age. Select how many passengers in the right age bracket and then press search. 

When you select “search”, you will be brought to the next page which will display United’s unaccompanied minor information. It will then also want you to verify the age of the passenger(s). If the age of the passenger(s) is between five and 14 years old, there will be an unaccompanied minor service fee applied relating to the number of passengers that are unaccompanied minors. 

Once you select your flight(s), the total will reflect the unaccompanied minor service fee.

When you are proceeding with the passenger and payment information, you will need to add two adults picking up the unaccompanied minor at both the departure and arrival airports. 

If the drop-off or pick-up adult changes, you will have to contact United Customer Service to change the relevant details for the unaccompanied minor. 

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Dropping off an unaccompanied minor at the airport

Give yourself plenty of time

United suggests adding 30 minutes to their suggested check-in and airport processing times. That means, if you normally arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure, add another 30 minutes for an unaccompanied minor. The adult dropping off the unaccompanied minor has to factor in the time for:

  • Parking the car
  • Checking in at counters
  • Submitting documents and verify documents
  • Obtaining escort wristbands
  • Getting through security
  • Arriving in time for pre-boarding

At the time of check-in the adult with the unaccompanied minor must provide the following documents:

  • Photo ID (License, passport, etc.)
  • Contact phone number and address 
  • The name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination

Note that if you are given a gate pass, it is still TSA’s decision as to whether a young child may pass through security with the adult, so it’s not 100% guaranteed. Also, not all airports issue gate passes, especially when trying to get one for an international arrival. Check the unaccompanied minor section under the specific airport the unaccompanied minor is traveling from to determine if a gate pass may be issued.

International flights

For international flights departing outside of the US, an adult cannot escort the unaccompanied minor to the gate. In this case, a uniformed United representative will meet you and the unaccompanied minor at the check-in counter. Then the representative will also escort the unaccompanied minor through security and customs all the way to the gate.

For some international destinations, you’ll need to provide additional documentation for the minor when departing. For example, you might be required to submit a notarized letter that spells out specific information like: 

  • Parent’s names
  • Child’s Name
  • Name of anyone traveling with the child
  • Notarized signature of the absent parent (s)
  • Travel Dates
  • Destinations
  • Airline
  • A brief summary of the reason for traveling

Or you might need to supply a copy of their birth certificate and a copy of their parent’s or legal guardian’s ID. Thus, it’s a good idea to contact the nearest embassy or consulate to get the latest info on these special requirements. 

Boarding

In most cases, the adult will accompany the unaccompanied minor all the way to the gate. The adults are expected to remain at the gate or at the airport until the flight departs.

Flight attendants on the flight will personally greet the unaccompanied minor during the pre-boarding process.

The flight attendants will also try to make the flight interesting and as unintimidating as possible.

They will take the unaccompanied minor to their seat and help with carry-on items, brief the unaccompanied minor about the safety features of that particular aircraft, point out the lavatories, and might even invite the unaccompanied minor to the flight deck to meet the pilots (depending on the amount of time they have).

In the air

The great thing about the United unaccompanied minor program is the fact that the unaccompanied minor is allowed to have one free food item during the flight from the inflight menu. This means, one free premium food option from the menu is available for the unaccompanied minor to choose from the flight. 

During the flight, a flight attendant will keep tabs on the child during the flight but they do not continuously monitor them (they aren’t babysitters). Therefore, you want to make sure that your child is okay with being left alone for a little before deciding to let them fly alone. 

The goods news is that United has in-flight entertainment which should keep them busy, though I would recommend to give them a small backpack with toys, a tablet, etc., which will help occupy your child. Note: United accepts no responsibility for the content viewed by your child.

Pick-up

The person picking up the minor will need to check-in at the United ticket counter to obtain an escort pass so they can get through security. This person must be at least 18 and they must show a valid, government-issued ID. 

United suggests that parents or guardians picking up an unaccompanied minor should arrive at the gate 30 minutes prior to scheduled arrival but I would recommend 45 minutes to be on the safe side. 

Many times planes can arrive very early which is why they want you to arrive so early. The parent or guardian will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up. 

United will not release an Unaccompanied Minor to anyone other than the designated parent or guardian listed on the form. If something unexpected comes up and that guardian can’t make it to the pick-up, you need to call United ASAP to modify the form. 

International flights 

Unaccompanied minors cannot be greeted at the gate for an international flight that is arriving in the United States. Therefore, the adult must wait outside of the baggage claim in the arrival hall. This means the unaccompanied minor will be escorted by a uniformed United employee directly from the plane to the adult.

United unaccompanied minor FAQ

What is the age requirement for a United unaccompanied minor?

United requires children ages 5 to 14 years old to travel as an unaccompanied minor if they are not accompanied by someone who is at least 18.

How much are the United unaccompanied minor fees?

For 1 to 2 total children, the fees are $150 each way. For 3 to 4 total children, the fees are $300 each way. And for 5 to 6 total children, the fees are $450 each way.

How can I avoid the fees?

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a credit card with an airline credit such as the Amex Platinum Card.

Can unaccompanied minors fly on connecting flights?

Unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop flights.

Can an unaccompanied minor select his or her seat?

No, United will select a seat for the unaccompanied minor and you will know about seat selection 48 to 72 hours after you finish booking.

Can I book an unaccompanied minor online?

Yes, you can book a flight for an unaccompanied minor online and also pay for the unaccompanied minor fee(s) as well.

What information is needed to book an unaccompanied minor ticket?

You will need to provide the contact information for the individual dropping off the child and picking them up. Make sure that the individuals have a government-issued ID with information that matches their contact information.

Do I need to arrive early at the airport?

United Airlines recommends that you add approximately 30 minutes to the suggested check-in times.

If you are picking up the child you should also arrive extra early to ensure that you have enough time to obtain your escort pass and get through security. Many times flights arrive extra early so you should be prepared for that scenario.

Can I escort the unaccompanied minor on an international flight?

For international flights departing outside the US, and adults cannot escort the unaccompanied minor all the way to the gate.

Can an unaccompanied minor fly on an international flight?

Yes, but keep in mind that additional documentation is often needed for an unaccompanied minor to fly internationally.

Do unaccompanied minors get to board extra early?

Yes, unaccompanied minors can board during pre-boarding which is the first group to enter the plane.

Final word

United doesn’t have the cheapest unaccompanied minor service fees, but the program does try to offer unaccompanied minors a unique experience when flying alone. On top of that, the program tries to make it straightforward with the online booking process where you can fill out everything and not have to worry about anything else. 

Compared to other airlines, United does have similar age requirements and policies, but not allowing connections might make it hard for unaccompanied minors to get around with only nonstop options.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (Fees & Forms) [2023]

Sending your child unaccompanied through an airport to another destination can seem like a pretty daunting task. There are a lot of things that can come up and present challenges for your minor and you obviously want to make sure that they are in good hands.

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about the American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, including things like the fees and forms. I’ll also show the different rules that apply to different ages and provide some tips for unaccompanied minors.

What is the American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy?

American Airlines has an unaccompanied minor policy that requires children aged five through fourteen to be accompanied through the airport for an additional fee. 

However, there are several limitations and restrictions that apply depending on the age of your child and potentially the location of their travel so be sure to keep reading below for more details.

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What are the American Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 plus tax each way. So a round trip will cost you $300 in service fees plus the remaining tax (plus the amount of your airline ticket).

If there are two or more unaccompanied minors from the same family then you only have to pay the $150 service fee one time. So for example, if you had three children setting out on a one way flight the total that you would have to pay is $150 (plus tax).

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American Airlines unaccompanied minor rules

Age restrictions

Your child may only be eligible for the unaccompanied minor service on certain routes depending on its age. Basically, your child will have to be at least eight years old in order to travel on the connecting routes through certain airports. Otherwise, your child will have to fly on nonstop for direct flights.

If there is a connecting flight, your child will be chaperoned through the terminal to make their connection.

Here are the current rules for different ages via AA.com.

Age rangeRestrictions
0-4Cannot travel alone.
5-7• Unaccompanied minor service required
• Gate escort and guardian contact required
• Nonstop flights only
8-14• Unaccompanied minor service required
• Gate escort and guardian contact required
• Nonstop flights, or any connecting flight through Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), Dallas Forth Worth, TX (DFW), New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, CA (LAX), Miami, FL (MIA), Chicago, IL (ORD), Philadelphia, PA (PHL) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
15-17• Unaccompanied minor service optional, service fee still applies
• Gate escort and guardian contact required
• Nonstop flights, or any connecting flight through Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), Dallas Forth Worth, TX (DFW), New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, CA (LAX), Miami, FL (MIA), Chicago, IL (ORD), Philadelphia, PA (PHL) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

Note: Children 2-14 years old can travel as an “accompanied minor” with someone 16 years or older. 

Want more details? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies

Other restrictions

American Airlines won’t accept unaccompanied minors when their itineraries include:

  • A connection to/from another airline, including codeshare and oneworld® partners
  • Ground/co-terminal connections (unaccompanied minors under 15 years, can’t use ground transportation alone)
  • The last flight of the day from the final connection city, unless it’s the only scheduled flight offered
  • Overnight connecting flights, unless it’s the only scheduled flight offered

How the process works

Unaccompanied minor form

You will need to fill out the unaccompanied minor form whenever you arrive at check-in at the airport. This is a pretty basic form and if you want to get an idea of what it looks like you can click here.

I would not print out that specific form and fill it out because the form that you need to fill out at the airport might be different or updated. However taking a glance at that form should give you an idea of what you’ll need to know when filling out the form at the airport and give you a sense of what terms and conditions you’re agreeing to. 

Basically the form requires you to identify the individual who may be picking up your minor at the final destination. You also will likely be agreeing that American Airlines has the authority to take “appropriate” measures to ensure the minor’s custody in the event that the individual identified to pick up the child does not arrive. 

Something that you need to note is that the form must remain with the child throughout the entire flight.

Documents

You will also need to bring documents to provide proof of age. This could be in the form of something like a birth certificate or passport. These documents might also be required for TSA, so keep them handy.

Get a security pass

In order to escort your minor all the way to the gate you will need to get a security pass. So be sure to bring your government issued ID in order to obtain this pass. The parent or designated adult will be expected to remain at the gate in order to supervise the child until the time of departure.

It is recommended that you arrive early at the airport in order to ensure that you have enough time to get this pass and to fill out all necessary paperwork.

Pick up

When picking up a minor at the destination the adult needs to be sure to pick up a security pass so they will need to have the government issued ID on them when they arrive at the airport. They will then be allowed to access the gate where the flight will be arriving.

It’s a very good idea to arrive extra early because many flights do arrive extra early and you want to make sure that you are there at the gate when they exit. If you would like to monitor the flight to see exactly when it is scheduled to arrive you should check out the website or app like Flight Aware.

International travel

If your minor is traveling internationally you might not be able to accompany them through security into the gate. And in that case an American Airlines representative will accompany them and supervise them until the flight departs.

Also, anyone under 18 traveling internationally without both parents may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

Tips for unaccompanied minors

If your minor is flying unaccompanied for the first time then you should probably consider some of these additional tips.

Introduce them to the airport

It can make the child feel much more comfortable if you take a pre-visit to the airport just to familiarize them with the airport and some of the agents working there. Let them see what the agents look like so that your minor can easily identify them and ask for help whenever their trip comes up.

Inform the gate agent

If this is your minor’s first ever flight be sure to inform the gate agent about that so that they can take extra protective measures to ensure the safety and comfort of your minor. This is especially the case if you think that your child will be emotional/scared during the flight.

It also can be a good idea to write detailed notes for the flight attendants so that they are aware of any restrictions you have regarding diet or certain things you think they should be aware about regarding your child.

Keep them entertained

It’s a good idea to have your minor pack some things that will keep them entertained so that they do not get very bored on the flight. The flight attendants are not able or required to devote 100% of their attention during the flight to keeping your child occupied, entertained, etc. 

Tablets are obviously a great choice here but you may also think about things like books, coloring books, toys, etc. If your child will have electronics on them be sure to give them some headphones so that they are not distracting or annoying other passengers.

Keep them fed

It is suggested that you pack some extra food and snacks for your child. If you are wondering what types of food and snacks you can bring to the airport and onto the plane click here for more about that.

If your child is getting ready to go on a longer flight consider eating a nice meal with them at the airport prior to departure. If you suspect that they might want to order something from the in-flight menu, you may have to lend them your credit card just so that they have some way of paying for the food since many airlines do not accept cash.

Minimize the carry-ons

It is a good idea to limit your minor to only one carry-on bag so that they do not risk forgetting the additional bag.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor FAQ

What is the age requirement for the American Airlines has unaccompanied minor policy?

Children aged five through 14 are subject to the unaccompanied minor policy.

How much is the unaccompanied minor fee?

The fee is $150 plus tax each way.

If there are two or more unaccompanied minors from the same family, you only have to pay the $150 fee one time.

How can I avoid the fee?

You can use airline credits to avoid the fee with some credit cards such as the Amex Gold Card. 

Can an unaccompanied minor make connections on flights?

An unaccompanied minor will have to be at least eight years old to fly on connecting flights and only certain connections are permitted.

What forms do I need to fill out?

Whenever you arrive to check in at the airport, you will be required to fill out a basic form in order to proceed with the unaccompanied minor process.

This form will ask for contact information for the adult dropping off the child and the adult picking up the child.

You will also need to bring your government-issued ID and you might need to supply proof of age with something like a birth certificate or passport.

Can I accompany the child on international flights?

On international flights, you may not be able to accompany the child all the way to the gate. Instead, an American Airlines representative will supervise them.

Do unaccompanied minors get priority boarding?

Unaccompanied minors should be able to board the plane during pre-boarding which is the very first group to board.

When you arrive at the gate be sure to inquire with the gate agent to ensure that you can partake in pre-boarding.

Do I need to arrive early at the airport?

It’s recommended to arrive about 30 minutes earlier to the airport than usual to ensure that you have enough time to process the unaccompanied minor forms.

If you are picking up an unaccompanied minor, you should also arrive earlier than the expected arrival time because flights often arrive earlier than scheduled.

What if I am connecting on a different airline?

American Airlines will not accept unaccompanied minors when the itineraries involve connecting on a different airline (even if it is a codeshare or oneworld partner).

Final word

Sending your unaccompanied minor through the airport into their destination does not have to be a very stressful experience.

But you definitely need to know about the different policy restrictions and rules for doing so and also try to make an extra effort to make your minor as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Cover photo by LoadedAaron.

Air Canada Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Pretty Great, Eh? [2023]

Are you trying to figure out exactly what the rules are for Air Canada’s unaccompanied minor policy?

Don’t want to find yourself in a kerfuffle?

Below, we’ll break down the policy in very simple terms and tell you everything you need to know so that you’ll be prepared to drop off your unaccompanied minor with confidence.

Air Canada unaccompanied minor policy summary

Air Canada requires children aged 8 to 11 who are traveling alone to use Air Canada’s unaccompanied minor service. The unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop flights and each segment requires a fee of $100 CAD.

In addition:

  • Any child under 12 must be accompanied by someone 16 years of age or older, unless they qualify as an unaccompanied minor.
  • Children under the age of 8 cannot use the unaccompanied minor service and must be accompanied by a passenger age 16 or older.
  • Children aged 12 through 17 can utilize the unaccompanied minor service but are not required to do so.

That’s a very high-level look at the policy but let’s take a closer look at some of the important details you don’t want to miss.

Air Canada unaccompanied minor policy fees

Air Canada charges a fee of $100 CAD ($118.00 USD) for each segment, per child.

So if a child is flying from Toronto to Vancouver on a round-trip the total fees would be $200 CAD. If two children were on that flight the total fees would be $400 CAD.

This fee applies no matter what type of class is flown (economy, business class, first class, etc.)

These fees are pretty reasonable and on the lower side when compared to legacy carriers in the US.

It’s worth noting that this fee does include the price of a meal on certain flights but more on the below.

Want extra tips on flying with an unaccompanied minor? Read: Unaccompanied Minor Policy Ultimate Guide

Air Canada check in

Unaccompanied minor policy rules

Eligible airlines

You can only purchase the unaccompanied minor service if your minor is flying on a non-stop flight operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge or a non-stop Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz.

Age restrictions

No child under the age of eight can travel as an unaccompanied minor. Instead, they must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.

Children aged eight through 11 must use the unaccompanied minor service if they are traveling alone.

If a child is 12 through 17 they have the option of utilizing the unaccompanied minor service but it is not required.

Compared to US airlines, the age limit is a little high for Air Canada. For example, many US airlines allow kids aged five through eight to fly as an unaccompanied minor.

Connecting flights

Air Canada does not allow unaccompanied minors to fly on routes that include a connecting flight. So any time an unaccompanied minor is traveling they must be on a nonstop flight.

This is one of the stricter policies but a lot of airlines don’t want to risk something happening on the connection. For example, the kid could get lost in the airport.

Another worry is that in the event of delays or cancellations, connections just make things that much more difficult to resolve.

So be sure to start your flight search by filtering for nonstop flights.

Seats

Air Canada likes to seat unaccompanied minors in one of the back 3 rows of the plane, and this should be confirmed during the booking process.

Although flight attendants are not full-time babysitters having all of the kids sitting together just makes things simpler for them. Plus, they are near the washroom(s).

Medical conditions

Air Canada will not allow children to travel unaccompanied if they are:

  • blind or deaf
  • severely allergic to peanuts/peanut products or has other severe allergies
  • severely allergic to cats and dogs
  • has a medical (physical or psychological) condition (including but not limited to allergies) that requires any special care, or the administration of medication during the flight
  • likely to react negatively to air travel without a responsible adult known to him/her

If your child has any other type of medical condition they will not be able to travel as an unaccompanied minor unless they have prior medical approval.

To see what type of documents you will need for medical approval just contact the Air Canada Medical Assistance desk.

Medical conditions with unaccompanied minors are always tricky. If your child has a serious medical condition, I would be really cautious about utilizing the unaccompanied minor service.

Even the most qualified flight attendant could make a mistake or not know how to handle the unique health situation of your child.

No pets

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to bring pets with them into the cabin. Sorry, Fido.

Air Canada plane

Check-in

When you arrive at the airport you will head to the Air Canada check-in counter.

First, you need to supply documentation for the child.

For a flight within Canada, this can be a birth certificate, health card, passport or other government-issued identification.

(You need to bring original documents since they don’t trust photocopies.)

If there is an international flight, including flights to the US, the child must have a passport.

After providing identity documents, you will then fill out the “Request for Carriage” form.

This is basically the standard unaccompanied minor form and is going to require:

  • Your child’s identification and flight number,
  • The name(s) and contact information (including phone number and address) of the person(s) who will meet your child at his/her destination
  • The authorizing signature of your child’s parent or guardian.

The agent will give your child an Unaccompanied Minor lanyard (hang-tag) so they may be easily identified by airport staff.

The staff will also have a UM envelope that will stay with an Air Canada agent.

This serves as a holder for the child’s passport and airline ticket along with other things like documents needed for immigration/customs.

Depending on the airport and the route, you may be given a “gate pass” which will allow you to escort unaccompanied minors all the way to the gate.

On international flights, this is not possible.

When you can’t accompany the child through security, and Air Canada agent will accompany them.

The unaccompanied minor will be able to take advantage of preboarding which will allow him or her to board in VIP style, before any of the main groups.

If you are the responsible adult for the unaccompanied minor you are required to not leave the airport until the flight takes off.

Note this is different from the flight leaving the gate.

Air Canada does not want you leaving until the flight actually leaves the ground because sometimes the flight has to return to the gate due to unforeseen issues.

By having you remain at the gate, the child will always have someone to take care of them in the event of a delay or cancellation.

Tip: If you are not able to go to the gate and watch the flight depart, you can use a flight tracking software or the airline’s app to monitor the status of the flight.

Toronto Canada

The flying experience

It’s always a good idea to pack some snacks with your child but they may also be able to chow down on some free snacks courtesy of Air Canada.

If your child age 8 to 17 is traveling as an unaccompanied minor on a flight offering only Air Canada Bistro service, the price of a meal or hot snack is included in the $100 fee.

Keep in mind that complimentary meal service will be provided for all passengers traveling in:

Air Canada provides free nonalcoholic beverages on flights so your unaccompanied minor will be able to get something to drink without any additional cost.

Pick up

Whenever your unaccompanied minor touches down at their destination, the In-flight Service Director will assist your child and give them over to an airport agent who will then escort them to arrivals where they can meet up with the individual listed on the UM envelope.

That individual will then be asked to provide photo identification and sign the UM envelope and then the process will be done.

If you have someone that can get a gate pass and meet your child at the gate that may be able to be done at some airports so contact Air Canada to see if that will be possible.

Also, remember that a lot of flights arrive early. It’s best to get to the airport extra early when picking up an unaccompanied minor, especially if you are trying to get a gate pass.

If something comes up and the assigned individual cannot be there to pick up the unaccompanied minor, contact Air Canada as soon as you can to work something out.

How to book unaccompanied minors on Air Canada

If you want to book an unaccompanied minor ticket, you need to contact Air Canada Reservations or your travel agent.

Just let them know that you have a child or children traveling alone and provide them with the details they need and they will be able to issue the ticket.

Unaccompanied minor flying tips

Baggage

Try to keep carry-on baggage at a minimum so that nothing gets lost.

It is a good idea to attach ID and contact information on the outside or even the inside of their baggage.

Entertainment

Give your child some form of entertainment.

Popular items include tablets, books, and other toys to keep them occupied.

If they have a movie they love with a time length that is at least the duration of the flight time consider getting your kid to watch that. They could be glued to that the entire flight.

Remember, not all planes have seatback TVs and your kid might be more comfortable using something they are used to like a tablet.

Also, be sure that all the devices are properly charged because some planes may not have USB or power outlets and if they do they may not always be working.

Prepare the child properly

Do whatever you can to get your child comfortable and knowledgeable about traveling alone.

For example, let them know:

  • The plane might shake a little bit but that is perfectly normal and okay
  • They should keep their seatbelt on at all times
  • The washroom is called a lavatory and is located in the back of the plane
  • You use a special button to flush the lavatory and it’s kind of loud
  • It’s not okay to kick the seat in front of them…

Also be realistic.

Some children just are not quite ready to fly alone and it might be better to work out a different flying situation if possible.

Final word

Air Canada has higher age limits than many other US airlines and is a little bit strict with connecting flights but otherwise they have a pretty standard unaccompanied minor policy.

The fees are a little bit on the lower side which is nice, especially considering the fees include free snacks and even meals sometimes.

Cover Photo by: Brussels Airport

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