Ultimate Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Travel Policy for U.S. Airlines

Booking flights for unaccompanied minors starts at age 5 and involves necessary paperwork and potential fees to ensure safety.

Traveling with children is a fun experience, but sending them off alone? Uh, not so much. Thankfully, most major U.S. airlines are here to the rescue with their unaccompanied minor travel policy. These policies ensure that your little one will be kept safe, entertained, and taken good care of on that trip. Let's see what you need to know to help your child travel as smoothly as possible.

Understanding the Unaccompanied Minor Travel Policy

👦What is an unaccompanied minor?

So, what exactly does it mean to be an unaccompanied minor? Starting at age 5, many airlines allow children to fly solo for a fee. This airline policy for minors traveling alone provides your child with extra supervision and support during their journey. Airlines assist them in boarding and exiting the plane. The staff also helps in case anything unexpected happens.

📑 What Documents Does a Child Need to Fly Within the U.S.?

For unaccompanied minor travel, fill out the unaccompanied minor form for your child and the required paperwork to meet minor flying requirements.

At check-in, the parents must present:

• A birth certificate/passport to confirm your child's age.
• A government-issued photo I.D. with the adult's current address.
• Contact number.
• The name, address, and phone number of the guardian picking up your child at their destination.

Many airlines offer unaccompanied minors flights to accommodate various travelers. Let's take a closer look at the specific policies of major airlines to give you a clear picture.

American Airlines

• Age Requirements: The American Airlines minor age to fly alone is 5-14, requiring unaccompanied minor service, while ages 15-17 can use it if requested.
• Fee: $150 each way (plus taxes), covering additional siblings on the same flight.
• Services: Early boarding, kids-only lounges, airport escort to the gate, and escort to the authorized adult upon landing.

Delta Airlines

• Age Requirements: The Delta Airlines minor policy allows children aged 5-7 to travel on non-stop flights, while those between 8-14 can fly on non-stop and connecting flights. The service is optional for ages 15-17.
• Fee: $150 each way for up to 4 children.
• Services: Features like a trackable wristband, Sky Zone lounges, and dedicated Delta staff are there to assist throughout the child's journey.

Southwest Airlines

• Age Requirements: Southwest Airlines allows unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 11 to fly solo on domestic flights. Those aged 12 and older can travel as young travelers at no extra cost.
• Fee: The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $100 for each child per way.
• Services: Children will receive an escort onto the plane, periodic check-ins, and assistance upon arrival.

United Airlines

• Age Requirements: United Airlines' age to fly alone as an unaccompanied minor is 5-14, while it's optional for those aged 15-17 traveling alone.
• Fee: The one-way fee for unaccompanied minor service is $150 for 1-2 children, $300 for 3-4 children, and $450 for 5-6 children.
• Services: Frequent flight attendants check-ons, complimentary snacks, and free kids' shows and movies via the United app.

Air Canada

• Age Requirements: Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for ages 8-11 and optional for ages 12-17.
• Fee: The Air Canada unaccompanied minor fee is $100-118/child each way, regardless of fare type.
• Services: Unaccompanied minors benefit from early boarding, assistance through security, in-flight meals, and non-alcoholic beverages, and are escorted upon arrival.

Alaska Airlines

• Age Requirements: Children aged 5-7 can travel on non-stop flights only, while ages 8-12 must avoid late connections or long layovers. This Junior Jetsetter service is optional for ages 13-17.
• Fee: The Alaska Airlines minor flight fee is $50 each way for non-stop/direct flights and $75 each way for connecting flights.
• Services: Kids receive a lanyard and wristband for easy identification, early boarding, a complimentary meal, and the option to pre-order their first meal for free.

Spirit Airlines

• Age Requirements: The Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor age allows kids aged 5-15 to travel as unaccompanied minors on direct domestic flights only. Children aged 15 and older are not mandated to use this service but can request it if needed.
• Fee: The Spirit minor fee is $150/child each way, in addition to the flight ticket price.
• Services: Pre-boarding, identification through the lanyard, and escorting to the designated guardian upon arrival.

JetBlue Airways

• Age Requirements: The JetBlue minimum age to fly alone is 5-13 years for non-stop flights. The service can be requested for those aged 14 and older.
• Fee: A fee of $150 per person each way is automatically added to the total price.
• Services: Early boarding and personal escorting by a JetBlue crew member to the parent/guardian in case of a gate return.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines no longer offers unaccompanied minor flights. Passengers aged 15 and older can travel alone. However, those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

WestJet

• Age Requirements: WestJet's unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children who have reached their 8th birthday and optional for ages 12 to 17.
• Fee: The airline fee for unaccompanied minors is $100 plus taxes per direction.
• Services: Flight attendants provide boarding assistance and help children exit the aircraft after all other passengers.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air does not offer an unaccompanied minor travel policy. If your child is between 2 and 14 years old, they need to travel with an adult who is at least 15. Kids aged 15 to 17 can fly alone, but not on flights with a weather warning.

Hawaiian Airlines

• Age Requirements: For airline tickets for minors, children aged 5 to 11 must travel with an adult, while those aged 12 to 17 can fly alone. Internationally, children 5-11 cannot travel alone, but 12-17 can travel with additional documentation.
• Fees: The fee for unaccompanied minors is $35 per segment for flights within Hawaii and $100 per segment for flights between North America and Hawaii.
• Services: Unaccompanied minors receive attentive boarding assistance, and a caring flight crew ensures their journey is safe and enjoyable.

Fond Tip: Sending more than one kid? Keep an eye on those fees! Some airlines charge per child, but a few let siblings fly together for one fee. Contact FondTravels at +1 (571) 389-6426 for info!

🔰What are the Rules for Unaccompanied Minors on U.S. Airlines?

The rules for unaccompanied minors differ slightly depending on the airlines, but common guidelines apply across the board. Here's a general overview of some key restrictions and the check-in process for unaccompanied minors.

🚫 Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minors

Many airlines have strict limitations on the types of flights allowed to unaccompanied minors. Here are some common flight restrictions that may apply:

• Connecting Itineraries: Many airlines, like Delta and Southwest, don’t allow connecting flights for unaccompanied minors, while others let older kids change planes. In some cases, connecting flights are only allowed through designated hub cities.
• Last Connecting Flight of the Day: The last connecting flight to a given destination is often restricted to avoid overnight stays if there are delays.
• Redeye Flights: Flights departing between 9 PM and 5 AM are often off-limits for kids traveling alone.
• Partner Airlines or Codeshares: If your child's flight includes another airline, even a codeshare, they may not accept unaccompanied minors. For instance, American Airlines doesn’t allow solo travel on flights with other airlines, including codeshare and one world partners.
• International Flights: Certain airlines do not allow unaccompanied minor flights on international routes, so it's always good to double-check the rules before planning.
• Specific Airports: Some airlines restrict unaccompanied minors from traveling to or from certain airports. For example, Alaska Airlines restricts flying to Sun Valley, Idaho, in winter because of potential weather issues.

🛂 Check-In Process for Unaccompanied Minors

The check-in process for unaccompanied minors is pretty standard across most airlines. Here's how it usually works:

• In-Person Check-In: You'll need to check in for your child at the airport in person to ensure all the paperwork is sorted and that they have received all identifying items, like a wristband or lanyard.
• Guardian Gate Pass: After check-in, you'll have to get a gate pass to accompany your child to the gate.
• Security Escort: Once you've got the gate pass, escort your child through security and stay with them at the gate till the plane takes off.
• Arrival Procedures: Whoever is picking up your child must undergo a similar process. They will show an I.D. and wait at the gate for the child's plane to land.

📞 How to Book a Flight for Unaccompanied Minors?

Most U.S. airlines require phone bookings for unaccompanied minors. For a smooth booking process, follow these easy steps with us:

• Step 1: Call FondTravels' friendly reservations team at +1 (571) 389-6426.
• Step 2: Provide your child's details, such as age, flight preferences, and travel dates.
• Step 3: Confirm the booking and receive a confirmation email with all the essential information.

Fond Tip: Booking during school breaks? Eek!
Act quickly! Many airlines like JetBlue limit the no. of unaccompanied minors, so secure your spot before it's gone!

🌟Tips for Unaccompanied Minor Travel

🔋 Charge All Devices

Charge up all devices before the journey. A favorite movie or fun game can turn nervousness into excitement during the flight.

📞 Emergency Contacts

Craft a mini contact card with important numbers for your child. This little lifesaver ensures your kid can reach out if they need help.

📍 Travel Sidekick AirTags

Slip an AirTag into your kid's bag for peace of mind. You'll be able to track their location and know they're on the right path.

🧳 Pack Light

Keep it simple with a small backpack! This makes it easier for your child to manage their belongings while avoiding the chaos of overhead bins.

📱 Track Flight

Keep tabs on the journey by tracking the flight in real time. Apps like FlightAware can help you stay updated on arrivals.

Closing Remarks on Unaccompanied Minor Travel Policy

While we can't stop the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with sending your little munchkin off alone, we hope our blog offers some comfort. Airlines' unaccompanied minor travel policy ensures your child travels safely and feels supported. Avoid overnight or late-night flights to ease your worries, as visibility and supervision are low. For booking assistance or guidance, feel free to call FondTravels at +1 (571) 389-6426. We're here to help!

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