Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Ensure safe travel for children flying alone. Learn about age requirements, fees, procedures, and how to prepare your child for unaccompanied travel.
Understanding Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Unaccompanied minor services provide supervised travel for children flying alone, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the journey. These services are mandatory for certain age groups and optional for others.
Understanding age requirements, fees, and procedures helps ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for your child.
Age Requirements and Policies
Under 5 years
N/A
Not allowed to travel alone
5-11 years
$150-300
Unaccompanied minor service required
12-17 years
$150-300
Optional unaccompanied minor service
18+ years
N/A
Adult passenger
Required Documentation and Procedures
Parental Consent
Written consent from both parents or legal guardians
Consent forms and identification
Age Verification
Proof of child's age and identity
Birth certificate or passport
Contact Information
Emergency contact details for pickup person
Name, address, phone number, and ID
Flight Restrictions
Limited to non-stop flights only
Direct flight confirmation required
Benefits of Unaccompanied Minor Services
Supervision
Dedicated staff supervision throughout journey
Safety
Enhanced safety measures and monitoring
Peace of Mind
Parents can travel with confidence
Assistance
Help with boarding, meals, and connections
Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policies
| Airline | Age Range | Fees | Restrictions | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 5-17 years | $150-300 | Non-stop flights only | Special assistance line |
| Delta Air Lines | 5-17 years | $150-300 | Non-stop flights only | Special assistance line |
| United Airlines | 5-17 years | $150-300 | Non-stop flights only | Special assistance line |
| Southwest Airlines | 5-11 years | $50 | Non-stop flights only | Customer service |
| JetBlue Airways | 5-17 years | $150-300 | Non-stop flights only | Special assistance line |
Pro Tips for Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Book unaccompanied minor service when making reservation
Arrive at airport early for check-in and documentation
Ensure pickup person has valid ID and arrives on time
Pack essential items in child's carry-on bag
Provide child with emergency contact information
Consider the cost vs. benefit for your travel needs
Check airline-specific policies and restrictions
Prepare child for the travel experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a child travel alone?
Most airlines allow children 5-17 years old to travel alone, with mandatory unaccompanied minor services for ages 5-11 and optional services for ages 12-17. Children under 5 are not allowed to travel alone.
How much does unaccompanied minor service cost?
Unaccompanied minor service fees typically range from $150-300 per child, per flight segment. Some airlines may offer lower fees for certain routes or age groups. Check with your specific airline for current pricing.
What documentation is required?
Required documentation typically includes parental consent forms, proof of child's age and identity, emergency contact information, and identification for the pickup person. Check with your airline for specific requirements.
Can unaccompanied minors travel on connecting flights?
Most airlines restrict unaccompanied minor travel to non-stop flights only for safety reasons. Some airlines may allow connecting flights with additional supervision and fees. Check with your airline for specific policies.