Airlines have dramatically varying policies and fees when it comes to children flying alone under the designation of an unaccompanied minor. There are all sorts of reasons why you may find yourself in a situation where your child needs to fly as an unaccompanied minor while you stay behind on the ground. They have one of the best Unaccompanied Minor Policy Of U.S. Airlines. These reasons may include travelling to their other parent’s house, visiting their grandparents, attending summer camp or a host of other very reasonable situations where a parent or guardian flying with them simply isn’t feasible.
In this travel guide prepared by Treknova, we will give you a round-up of the United States-based airlines policies and fees for unaccompanied minors.
Children Flying Without Parents/Guardians
There are airline policies out there to help you plan your unaccompanied minor’s adventure, but those policies are extremely varied from one airline to the next. If your child is 12 years old before the need arises for a solo flight, you may be shocked to find that some airlines won’t provide any unaccompanied minor services to children once they turn 12, even if you are willing to pay.
Airlines have various rules and policies and they can vary widely, but I’m not sure if I have seen an area of family travel that varies as dramatically as the rules for unaccompanied minors. Even within the United States, fees range from $50 to $150, some airlines don’t accept unaccompanied minors at all, some require the service until a child reaches 14 years old, while others will not offer it at all once a child reaches 12 years old. Some airlines let you connect on international itineraries to other airlines and some only permit non-stop domestic flights. The rules and fees for unaccompanied minors are truly all over the place.
There are some similarities among the airlines, such as the unaccompanied minor service costing extra (anywhere from $50 to $150 per child), and flying totally solo can’t be done in the U.S. until a child is at least 5 years old. But that still leaves a ton of variables about when kids can fly, where they can go, what happens if a teenager is also travelling and so on.
Unaccompanied Minor Policy Of U.S. Airlines and Fees Overview
If it’s your first time booking your child on a solo trip, it can be confusing trying to navigate all the different airline regulations, procedures and fees. Each airline is different, and it’s essential to be aware of the rules before you book. Sending children to fly by themselves by reserving unaccompanied minor flights is a significant milestone for kids and parents alike.
Here’s what you need to know about America’s leading airlines and their policies for unaccompanied minors.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines welcomes unaccompanied minors through its “Junior Jetsetters” program. There is a free mobile app called Fly for All know more about Alaska Airlines official site, which is specifically designed to educate and calm unaccompanied minors about their upcoming trip.
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
Alaska Airlines permits unaccompanied minors of certain ages on their flights.
- Children under the age of 8 years are not allowed to fly alone.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years are eligible to fly solo.
- Children aged 12 to 17 years can opt for unaccompanied minor service.
Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor fees
The fees vary depending on your age and destination. You do not have to pay unaccompanied minor fees if your children have the following status:
- MVP Gold
- MVP Gold 75K
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska Airlines has temporarily suspended meals and entertainment on flights. Also, parents are encouraged to provide their children with an empty water bottle that can be filled at the airport past security.
Routing rules
The rules are more strict for younger children. Kids aged between 5 and 7 years are limited to non-stop and direct flights only. While, children aged 8 to 12 years may fly on transfers and connecting flights, if operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, SkyWest Flight Series 3300-3499, PenAir or Ravn Alaska.
Regardless of the child’s age, there is no unaccompanied travel permitted overnight between 9 pm and 5 am. The airline also prefers not to book unaccompanied children on the last connecting flight of the day and also tries to prevent layovers of more than two hours. You will also need to provide guardian contact information, as well as an escort to the gate.
Identification requirements
To confirm your child’s identity, a birth certificate, passport or government-issued ID will need to be presented at Alaska Airlines check-in. Children will be given a lanyard and wristband for easy identification, and they will receive early boarding, as well.
Booking method
When booking unaccompanied minors, reservations cannot be made online. You will need to call their customer service centre at 1-800-252-7522.
You can also pay the unaccompanied minor fees online at a check-in kiosk or with a representative at a counter. If you plan on making a payment at a Mexican station, you will need to make payment using pesos or a debit or credit card. American dollars are not accepted. Know more about Alaska Airlines online reservation steps as well.
Other restrictions
There are some restrictions when unaccompanied children fly Alaska Airlines:
- Unaccompanied minors may not travel to or from Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN) between December 1 and April 1 each year.
- Book early, because Alaska Airlines limits the number of unaccompanied minors.
- Alaska Airlines may not accept your child if Inclement weather or other factors may affect the flight.
- Alaska Airlines assumes no responsibility for the control or administration of your child’s medication.
American Airlines
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
American Airlines requires that you use the unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-14.
American Airlines unaccompanied minor fees
The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 plus tax each way. The fee also includes any siblings that will be using the same flight.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American Airlines has made certain temporary updates to their travel policies that may affect your trip. Among these, one includes limited service for food and drink service. However, children will still have access to early boarding and kids-only lounges with an included airport escort.
Routing rules
- Children cannot use the last flight of the day unless it’s the only available option.
- Children may not use unaccompanied service on other airlines, including codeshare and Oneworld flights.
- Unaccompanied minors may not use ground or co-terminal connections where they need to transfer to another airport.
Identification requirements
You will need to show a birth certificate or government-issued ID for domestic flights, while a valid passport is required for international flights. Parents and guardians that pick up and drop off their children will need to show a valid photo ID.
Booking method
You must book the unaccompanied minor service via phone by calling 1-800-433-7300 for 24/7 service. Here you can know more about American airlines manage booking as well.
Other restrictions
- You must arrive two hours before your flight.
- An unaccompanied minor form is required, in addition to any required immigration and Customs documents.
- The guardian must accompany the child to the gate for early boarding.
- American Airlines assumes no responsibility for the control or administration of your child’s medication.
Delta Air Lines
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
Delta Airlines permits unaccompanied minors of certain ages on their flights.
- Children under the age of 4 years are not allowed to fly alone.
- Children aged 5 to 14 years are eligible to fly solo.
- Children aged 15 to 17 years can opt for unaccompanied minor service.
Delta Air Lines unaccompanied minor fees
The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way per child.
Routing rules
There are some rules for unaccompanied minors to follow on Delta flights:
- Travel is limited to Delta and Delta Connection carriers with domestic and international itineraries.
- Connections are limited to Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, Air France and Air France-KLM flights.
- Unaccompanied minors may not fly on the last connecting flight of the day, and travel is greatly limited for overnight flights from 9 pm to 5 am.
Identification requirements
To receive the unaccompanied minor wristband, children will need to provide a government-issued ID for domestic flights and a passport for international flights. Guardians will need to show a photo ID for pickup. You may also be asked to provide the four-digit PIN assigned to you at booking.
Booking method
Unaccompanied minors must be booked via phone by calling their customer service centre at 1-800-325-8847.
Other restrictions
Guardians must remain at the airport until the flight departs.
Delta Sky Zone children’s lounge is a special feature located at specific airports.
Hawaiian Airlines
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
Hawaiian Airlines permits unaccompanied minors of certain ages on their flights.
- Children under the age of 5 years are not allowed to fly alone.
- Children aged 5 to 14 years are eligible to fly solo.
Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor fees
Hawaiian Airlines charges just one single fee for up to two children traveling together from the same family.
- If flying within Hawaii, the cost is $35 each way per child, and limited to maximum two children per fee.
- If flying between Continental U.S. and Hawaii, the cost is $100 each way per child, and limited to maximum two children per fee.
Routing rules
- Codeshare or connecting flights on another airline aren’t allowed, except for ‘Ohana by Hawaiian operated by Empire Airlines.
- Overnight flights between 9 pm and 5 am are not permitted for unaccompanied minors unless it is the only flight on the child’s itinerary. The flight must operate from Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Children may not connect using the last flight of the day.
- The airline tries to avoid connections last less than one hour or more than two hours.
- All connecting flights must also be Hawaiian Airline flights.
Identification requirements
Children may be asked to show a birth certificate on domestic flights, and a valid passport is required for international flights. Guardians will need to show proof of photo ID and provide contact information. You must also complete the Request for Unaccompanied Minor Form (HA 020).
Booking method
To make a reservation, call Hawaiian Airlines reservations at 1-800-367-5320.
Other restrictions
- Guardians must escort children to their gate and remain at the airport until the flight departs.
- If a flight or connection looks like it will be delayed, Hawaiian Airlines may rebook your child on a different flight or date.
JetBlue Airways
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
JetBlue offers its Unaccompanied Minors (UMNR) program for children between the ages of five and 14 who are flying alone.
Jet Blue unaccompanied minor fees
The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way per child.
Routing rules
All unaccompanied minors are restricted to non-stop flights. Connecting flights are not allowed.
Identification requirements
Children will need to show a valid photo ID for domestic flights and a valid passport for international flights. Parents and guardians will also need to show photo identification and provide appropriate contact information.
Booking method
You can book unaccompanied minors online or by calling JetBlue reservations at 800-538-2583.
The Unaccompanied Minor form must be completed online before travel, and you must supply three copies of the completed form when you arrive at the airport for your child’s departure.
Other restrictions
- JetBlue allows a maximum of three unaccompanied minors per flight.
- Guardians must remain at the airport until the aircraft has departed.
- Children may not book Mint or Even More Space seats.
Southwest Airlines
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
Southwest Airlines considers children ages 5-11 years as unaccompanied minors.
Southwest unaccompanied minor fees
The unaccompanied minor fee is $50 each way per child. Meal service is not provided, but pretzels are available in-flight.
Routing rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop or direct Southwest flights. No transfer or international flights are permitted.
Identification requirements
All unaccompanied minors need to show a birth certificate or another form of government identification that shows the child’s age. At check-in, your child will receive a special lanyard, and you will receive an escort pass to go to the gate. For parents or guardians who are picking up and dropping off, valid government-issued photo identification is required. An Unaccompanied Minor Information form is also required.
Booking method
You can book unaccompanied minors by calling Southwest reservations at 1-800-435-9792.
Other restrictions
- Guardians must remain at the airport until the flight has taken off.
- Southwest will not accept unaccompanied minors on flights that may get diverted or cancelled.
- Southwest does not offer a meal service so be sure to send your child with food or snacks.
Spirit Airlines
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
Spirit Airlines permits unaccompanied minors of certain ages on their flights.
- Children under the age of 4 years are not allowed to fly alone.
- Children aged 5 to 14 years are eligible to fly solo.
- Children aged 15 to 17 years can opt for unaccompanied minor service.
Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor fees
Spirit charges an unaccompanied minor fee of $100 each way per child. This fee also includes for snack and beverage served in-flight.
Routing rules
Unaccompanied minors may only travel on direct Spirit flights. Transfers and international flights are not permitted. However, unaccompanied minors may travel on flights to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Identification requirements
Both you and your child will need to provide a valid photo ID. An unaccompanied minor form is required, and the contact provided there must be the same as the person who picks up the minor at the airport.
Booking method
You can book your unaccompanied minor by calling their customer service centre at 855-728-3555.
Other restrictions
- You must check in a minimum of one hour before departure.
- Parents/guardians must remain at the gate for 15 minutes after the flight has taken off.
United Airlines
Age restriction for unaccompanied children
United Airlines permits unaccompanied minors of certain ages on their flights.
- Children under the age of 5 years are not allowed to fly alone.
- Children aged 5 to 14 years are eligible to fly solo.
- Children aged 15 to 17 years can opt for unaccompanied minor service.
United unaccompanied minor fees
United allows up to six children to travel alone, billed in pairs. A free snack is also included on flights that offer food service.
Routing rules
Unaccompanied minors may only travel on non-stop flights operated by United Airlines or United Express. Connecting flights are not allowed, nor are codeshare flights or any other flights operated by different carriers.
Identification requirements
Children will need to provide a passport for international flights. Otherwise, a photo ID is sufficient for check-in. Parents and guardians will also need to show a valid photo ID to pick up and drop off the minor.
Booking method
United Airlines lets you book unaccompanied minors online. You can also book by phone if you call 1-800-864-8331, but there is a $25 fee for phone reservations.
Other restrictions
- If your child’s flight is delayed or cancelled, United Airlines will make alternate arrangements.
- You may accompany your child to the gate for domestic flights, but United will assign a uniformed representative to escort your child if it is an international flight.
- Guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight has taken off.
Conclusion
Being a parent/guardian, sending your child to fly on an airline carrier as an unaccompanied minor can also be an exciting experience. However, it is important to also ensure that your child is mature enough to handle the responsibility of this solo trip.
Keep in mind that each airline has different age limits, restrictions, and fees. Therefore, it is always best to check the airline’s most current policies before booking your child’s travel. While you are at it, also, do not forget to sign your child up for the airline’s frequent flyer program. It is never too early to get a head start on earning bonus miles and points for future travels.
